NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English (Poorvi) Unit 2: Chapter 5 - Somebody's Mother

Chapter 5, "Somebody's Mother," is a poignant and timeless poem by Mary Dow Brine included in the NCERT Class 8 English textbook (Poorvi). The poem tells a touching story of an elderly woman, frail and ignored by a bustling crowd, and a young schoolboy whose small act of kindness restores faith in humanity. It explores themes of empathy, respect for the elderly, and the "Golden Rule"—treating others as you would want your own loved ones to be treated.

This chapter serves as a vital lesson in emotional intelligence for young readers. It encourages students to look beyond their own immediate social circles and recognize the vulnerability of others. By focusing on the "unseen" members of society, the poem inspires Class 8 students to practice everyday heroism through simple acts of compassion.

We provide comprehensive NCERT Solutions to help students analyze the poem's rhythmic structure, imagery, and moral core. These solutions are designed to help students articulate their thoughts clearly in exams while deepening their appreciation for English poetry.

1.0Download NCERT Solutions Class 8 English Chapter 5 - Somebody's Mother: Free PDF

In Class 8 English - Chapter 5, "Somebody's Mother," students learn about the ripple effect of kindness. Our NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English provide clear explanations and solved exercises to help you excel. Download the free PDF below.

2.0Class 8 English Chapter 5 - Somebody's Mother: Brief Explanation

The poem is set on a cold, winter day. An old woman, "ragged and gray" and "bent with the chill," stands at a busy crossing, afraid to take a step amidst the rushing carriages and horses. While many people pass her by without a second glance, a group of happy schoolboys comes along. One boy stops, notices her distress, and kindly offers his arm to help her cross the slippery road.

The climax of the poem occurs when the boy returns to his friends and explains his actions. He reminds them that she is "somebody's mother," and he hopes that someday, when his own mother is old and alone, some "noble boy" will lend her a hand. The poem concludes with the old woman praying for the "noble boy" who showed her kindness.

Important Lessons from This Chapter

• Empathy in Action: It is not enough to feel sorry for someone; true character is shown when you stop to help.
• The Cycle of Kindness: Helping someone else's mother creates a world where your own mother might be helped in the future.
• Respecting the Elderly: The poem highlights the dignity of the elderly and our responsibility to protect and assist them.
• Resisting Peer Pressure: The boy chooses to leave his group of laughing friends to do what is right, showing moral courage.

3.0NCERT Class 8 English Chapter 5 - Somebody's Mother: Detailed Solutions

Let us discuss

I Arrange the events of the poem in the correct order of occurrence. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

1. The boy returned to his friends, feeling proud of what he had done.
2. The old woman stood alone at the crossing, hesitant to move.
3. A group of schoolboys passed by, playing, and laughing.
4. The boy offered to help the old woman cross the street.
5. The woman prayed for the boy who helped her.
6. The children hurried past the old woman without offering help.
7. The woman placed her hand on the boy’s arm, and he guided her safely across the street.
8. The boy thought about his own mother and hoped someone would help her one day. Answer: 2 → 3 → 6 → 4 → 7 → 1 → 8 → 5

2. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct answer from the options given in the brackets.
3. 1. The central theme of the poem is . (kindness and empathy/ adventure and courage)
   2. The tone of the poem is . (humorous and playful/sympathetic and hopeful)
   3. The poem is written in couplets with lines in each stanza. (four/two)
   4. The structure of the poem gives a rhythmic flow that reflects both the .

(narrative and emotions/story’s pace and message)

5. The poem follows a rhyme scheme of . (AABB/ABAB) Answer:
6. 1. kindness and empathy
   2. sympathetic and hopeful
   3. two
      

4. story’s pace and message

5. AABB

III Pick examples from the poem for the following poetic devices.

Simile

Alliteration

Repetition Answer:

4. Came the boys like a flock of sheep
5. The woman was old and ragged and grey
6. So meek, so timid

3. Complete the following sentences appropriately explaining the imagery.
4. 1. The poem uses imagery to describe scenes of a bustling street. We know this by the phrase .
   2. The line ‘The street was wet with a recent snow’ suggests a cold and

weather, emphasising the woman’s helplessness.

Answer:

1. ‘Amid the throng of human beings who passed her by’.
2. slippery
3. Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason.

The poet repeats the phrase Somebody’s mother because it .

Answer: it reminds the readers that every elderly person is important and loved by someone, deserving kindness and respect.

5. Complete the analogy:

The old woman: vulnerable and neglected :: The young boy: . Answer: strong and beloved

Let us think and reflect

I Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.

1. The woman was old and ragged and grey

And bent with the chill of the Winter’s day.

The street was wet with a recent snow

And the woman’s feet were aged and slow.

1. What does the phrase ‘ragged and grey’ refer to ?
2. 1. The woman’s emotional state that day.
   2. The woman’s old and worn-out appearance.
   3. The weather conditions of the particular day.
   4. The colour of the street and the surroundings. Answer: B. The woman’s old and worn-out appearance.
2. Complete the following sentence with a suitable reason:

The woman was ‘bent’ with the chill of the Winter’s day because she was .

Answer: weak due to old age and the cold weather.

3. Identify the fact and opinion from the following sentences:
4. 1. The street was wet with recent snow.
   2. The woman was too weak to cross the street on her own. Answer: A – Fact B – Opinion
4. Why do you think the woman’s feet were described as ‘aged and slow’?

Answer: The woman’s feet were described so because she was old, weak, and unsteady

due to her physical condition and the cold.

2. He guided the trembling feet along, Proud that his own were firm and strong. Then back again to his friends he went, His young heart happy and well content.
3. What does the contrast between the ‘trembling feet’ of the old woman and the ‘firm and strong’ feet of the boy emphasise?

Answer: It emphasises the difference between the weakness of old age and the strength of youth.

2. Fill in the blank given below by selecting the correct option from the brackets.

• The poem tells us that the boy was ‘proud’ that his feet were strong.
• This tells us that the boy was . (arrogant about being strong/grateful for his ability to help)

Answer: grateful for his ability to help

3. What is the boy most likely to tell his friends on getting back?
4. 1. I’m so glad I could help her.
   2. I’m worried about her safety.
   3. I’m surprised she forgot to thank me.
   4. I’m thankful for all your support.

Answer: A. I’m so glad I could help her.

4. Rectify the false sentence given below.

The young boy’s actions were driven by a logical decision.

Answer: The young boy’s actions were driven by empathy and kindness.

II Answer the following questions.

1. What might be the old woman’s fears as she waited for a long time at the crossing?

Answer: She could be afraid of falling on the slippery road or getting hit by carriages and horses.

2. How does the poet show the helplessness of the old woman? Support your answer with evidence from the poem.

Answer: The poet shows the helplessness of the old woman by describing her as timid, meek, and afraid to stir, standing alone and uncared for.

3. Why does the boy decide to help the old woman? What does this tell us about him?

Answer: The boy does so because he is kind-hearted and empathetic. It shows he values others’ needs and acts compassionately.

4. How was the boy’s approach towards the old woman different from that of the other boys in the group?

Answer: While the other boys ignored the old woman, he noticed her difficulty and chose to help, showing empathy.

5. Justify the appropriateness of the title of the poem.

Answer: The title of the poem is appropriate as it reminds us that every elderly person is the mother of someone like ours and deserves our respect and care.

6. What does the poem suggest about the role of empathy and humanity in society?

Answer: The poem suggests that small acts of kindness reflect the best of human nature and can have a deep, lasting impact.

4.0Key Features of the Poem and Solutions

• Rhyme and Rhythm: The poem uses a simple AABB rhyme scheme that makes it easy to read and memorize. Our solutions explain how this rhythm contributes to the storytelling.
• Vivid Contrasts: The solutions highlight the contrast between the "old and gray" woman and the "gay and young" schoolboys to emphasize the theme of vulnerability.
• Focus on Dialogue: The boy’s explanation to his friends is a key part of the text; our solutions break down the logic and emotion behind his words.
• Moral Analysis: Detailed answers explain the significance of the title and how it changes the reader's perspective of the old woman from a "stranger" to "somebody's mother."
• Grammar & Literary Devices: Covers personification, alliteration, and imagery (e.g., "wet with the recent snow," "clatter of hoofs").
• Exam-Oriented Practice: Includes "Read and Reflect" questions that are commonly asked in internal assessments and terminal exams.