English Hornbill Notes for Chapter 1 A Photograph Class 11 - FREE PDF Download
"A Photograph" is the first chapter in the Class 11 English (Hornbill) textbook, explaining a poignant reflection on memories and the passage of time through a simple yet profound photograph. These notes provide an understanding of the poem, covering key themes, literary devices, and the poet’s intent. Ideal for quick revision and exam preparation, our FREE PDF download ensures you have all the essential points important for the exam point of view and excel in your studies. For more information and to get the notes, visit Class 11 English Revision Notes.
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Students can download these notes for FREE from Vedantu's website. These notes provide the best practice for scoring well in exams, as the whole content is compiled by Vedantu's Top experts. Check out the CBSE English Class 11 Syllabus to know about the latest updates.
FAQs on A Photograph Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 1 CBSE Notes - 2025-26
1. What is the central theme to remember for a quick revision of the poem 'A Photograph'?
The central theme for a quick revision is the transient nature of human life contrasted with the enduring power of memories captured in a photograph. The poem highlights how time passes, leading to loss, but memories, though sometimes painful, remain a significant link to the past.
2. How can the poem 'A Photograph' be broken down into three stages for a clear summary?
For a structured summary, you can view the poem in three stages:
- Stage 1: The Past (Before the Poet's Birth): This is the moment in the photograph, showing the poet's mother as a happy twelve-year-old girl on a beach holiday with her cousins.
- Stage 2: The Recent Past (The Poet's Memory): This covers the time, twenty or thirty years later, when the poet's mother would look at the photograph and laugh, recalling her childhood. This laughter is now a past memory for the poet.
- Stage 3: The Present (After the Mother's Death): The poet reflects on her mother, who has been dead for as many years as the girl in the photo lived. The photograph now brings a profound sense of silent loss.
3. What are the key poetic devices in 'A Photograph' to focus on during revision?
When revising, focus on these key literary devices:
- Transferred Epithet: The phrase "terribly transient feet" is a crucial example. It is not the feet that are transient, but the human life they belong to.
- Alliteration: Notice the repetition of consonant sounds in "stood still to smile" and "its silence silences", which adds emphasis and a quiet rhythm.
- Oxymoron: The term "laboured ease of loss" powerfully captures the contradictory feeling of trying to come to terms with a painful loss over a long time.
4. What is the core contrast a student should remember from 'A Photograph'?
The core contrast to remember is between the unchanging, eternal sea and the fleeting, mortal human life. The poem notes that the sea, which washed over the girls' feet, "appears to have changed less." This highlights the shortness of human existence when compared to the vastness of nature.
5. How does the concept of 'past' differ for the poet and her mother in the poem?
This is a key concept for deeper understanding. For the poet's mother, her past was the joyful sea holiday of her childhood. For the poet, her past is the memory of her mother's laughter as she looked at the photo. The poem shows that both are now lost to time, creating a shared experience of loss across generations.
6. What is the significance of the final line, "Its silence silences"?
This line is the emotional climax of the poem. The "silence" refers to the finality of death and the absence of the mother. This profound silence has a powerful effect on the poet, leaving her speechless and unable to articulate her grief. It summarises the deep sense of loss and resignation she feels.
7. Why is the photograph itself, referred to as "cardboard," a key symbol in the poem?
Referring to the photograph as "cardboard" is significant because it highlights the contrast between the fragile, simple object and the immense emotional weight it carries. The cardboard itself is insignificant, but it holds a priceless, frozen moment of joy and serves as the only tangible connection to a lost past and a deceased loved one.
8. How can a student use these revision notes on 'A Photograph' to prepare for exams?
These revision notes are designed for efficient exam preparation. By focusing on the three-stage structure, core themes of loss and memory, and key literary devices, you can quickly form well-structured answers. Understanding these key concepts allows you to move beyond a simple summary and provide the kind of in-depth analysis that scores well in CBSE Class 11 English exams for the 2025-26 session.
