Class 8 English - UP
Poetry: Somebody's Mother
Somebody's Mother by Mary Dow Brine is an touching poem included in the Class 8 UP Board English curriculum. It tells the story of an old, ragged woman waiting anxiously to cross a busy, icy street. Though hurried and indifferent strangers pass her by, a young schoolboy eventually stops to help her safely across, explaining to his companions that she is somebody's mother and one day someone might do the same for his own mother. This chapter teaches crucial moral values like empathy, kindness, and respect for elders, which are frequently tested in board examinations through comprehension and central idea questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Empathy and Compassion
The poem highlights the importance of feeling for others and helping those who are vulnerable or in need, just like the schoolboy helped the old woman.
Respect for the Elderly
It teaches students to honor and assist elderly people, recognizing them as parents or loved ones of someone else.
Central Idea
Kindness shown to others eventually returns to us, and true nobility lies in helping people without expecting anything in return.
Poetic Device - Rhyme Scheme
The poem is written in rhyming couplets (AABB), making the verses musical, engaging, and easy to memorize for young learners.
Imagery
The poet uses vivid descriptions of the winter weather, the crowded street, and the frail old woman to create a clear mental picture for the reader.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the UP Board Class 8 English exams, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include short answer questions based on the old woman's plight, reference to context from specific stanzas, central idea writing, and vocabulary-based exercises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central idea of the poem 'Somebody's Mother'?
The central idea is that small acts of kindness and respect towards elderly people matter greatly, and treating others with love ensures our own loved ones will be cared for by strangers.
Why was the old woman hesitant to cross the street?
The old woman was old, weak, and ragged, and she was afraid of being trampled by the fast-moving horses and carriages on the busy, slippery street.
What did the boy say to his friends when they asked why he helped her?
The boy explained that she is somebody's mother, aged, poor, and slow, and some day his own mother, old and poor and grey, might need the help of a stranger.
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