An Overview of Important Questions Class 11 English Woven Words Chapter 5 Prose
FAQs on Important Questions Class 11 English Woven Words Chapter 5 Prose
1. What was Pappachi’s greatest regret as described in CBSE Class 11 English Chapter 5 Important Questions?
Pappachi’s greatest regret was that the moth specimen he discovered was not named after him. Despite his efforts as an entomologist, he felt deeply slighted by the scientific community, and this disappointment haunted him throughout his later life. (Important for 2–3 mark CBSE exams, 2025–26 pattern)
2. How did Pappachi’s moth discovery affect his relationship with his family? [HOTS, CBSE Important Questions]
The discovery and subsequent rejection of Pappachi’s moth resulted in persistent bitterness and resentment. His personal disappointment often manifested as erratic and harsh behaviour towards his wife and children, impacting the family’s emotional well-being. (Exam insight—Frequently asked as a high-order thinking question.)
3. Why did Mammachi continue making pickles and jams, and how was this significant in the story? (CBSE Class 11 English)
- Mammachi continued her business to seek recognition and independence, especially after receiving positive feedback from the community.
- This choice symbolized her resilience and the beginnings of female empowerment within the traditional family structure, a common marking point in 3–5 mark ‘important questions’ (CBSE 2025–26).
4. What ‘revenge’ did Pappachi take and what does it reveal about his character? (Frequently asked in board exams)
Pappachi’s ‘revenge’ was buying a Plymouth car and refusing to allow his family to ride in it, using it as a symbol of status from which he excluded them. This reveals his insecurity, ego, and tendency to assert control due to his own disappointments. (CBSE marking scheme: Connect character actions to thematic insight.)
5. What major change occurred in Pappachi’s behaviour after Chacko intervened during a family conflict? [Expected for HOTS/CBSE term questions]
After Chacko physically stopped Pappachi from beating Mammachi, Pappachi never touched her again. However, he totally withdrew emotionally and communicatively from Mammachi, severing all direct interaction for the rest of his life.
6. Explain how jealousy contributed to the tension between Pappachi and Mammachi. (CBSE Class 11 Important Questions)
Pappachi’s jealousy stemmed from Mammachi’s growing success and public praise as a pickle-maker. He felt threatened and diminished by her skills, which was unusual for his status and upbringing. This envy led him to suppress her prospects and denigrate her achievements, fueling repeated household conflicts. (Relevant for 3-mark and application-oriented questions.)
7. Why did Pappachi’s colleagues later acknowledge his moth specimen, and how did this impact him? (CBSE HOTS Important Question 2025–26)
Years after Pappachi’s retirement, lepidopterists recognized his moth as a new genus and species. However, by then, it was too late for him to receive credit. This deepened his lifelong sense of injustice, intensifying his bitterness and isolation within the family.
8. How is Pappachi’s moth used as a symbol in the chapter and what does it represent? (Frequently used for conceptual/factual integration in CBSE)
Pappachi’s moth acts as a symbol of unfulfilled ambition, bitterness, and the destructive cycle of disappointment. It represents not only Pappachi’s personal failures but also the suppression and emotional turmoil suffered by his family as a consequence. (Ideal for 5-mark long answer format, CBSE 2025–26)
9. What is the significance of Mammachi’s violin lessons, and why were they discontinued? (Frequently Expected, Board Exam)
- Mammachi’s lessons signified her hidden talents and aspiration for artistic growth.
- They stopped abruptly after her teacher praised her talent in front of Pappachi, which bruised his ego.
- This incident highlights Pappachi’s insecurity and aversion to sharing the spotlight, a key character trait for important CBSE questions.
10. How does ‘habit’ play a role in the characters’ reactions to violence in the story? (Higher-order question, trend in PAA/PASF)
The story notes that people adapt to repeated violence and humiliation over time, treating it as normal. This ‘habit of habit’ dulls sensitivity and enables the continuity of toxic traditions, making habit a powerful yet subtle theme underscored in examination schemas.
11. In what ways do power dynamics influence decision-making within Pappachi’s family? (CBSE HOTS, Class 11 English Important Questions)
- Patriarchy and seniority dominate decision-making, often silencing Mammachi’s opinions.
- Pappachi’s authority is rarely challenged, except by Chacko, whose intervention marks a turning point in family dynamics.
12. Why is Pappachi’s constant wearing of a three-piece suit significant in the context of the chapter? (Exam insight - Expected application)
Pappachi wearing a full suit in the oppressive heat reflects his desperate need to maintain status and dignity, even to the point of discomfort. It symbolizes his inability to adapt and his fixation on past glory. This detail is often tested as a symbol/application-type question (2025–26 pattern).
13. Describe one CBSE Class 11 expected exam trap or misconception students should avoid when answering important questions about Pappachi’s Moth.
Common exam trap: Students often misstate that Pappachi’s moth was always unrecognized. In fact, it was eventually acknowledged as a new species, but only after his retirement.
Tip: Always mention this timeline accurately in long-answer or HOTS questions as per the CBSE 2025–26 syllabus.
14. Mention two likely 3-mark question themes from ‘Pappachi’s Moth’ for CBSE 2025–26 important questions.
- Describe the effect of Pappachi’s temperament on his family life.
- Explain how social status and recognition are highlighted in the chapter.
15. What does Chacko’s intervention reveal about generational change in ‘Pappachi’s Moth’? (Frequent FUQ/CBSE mark-weighted)
Chacko’s decision to stop Pappachi from beating Mammachi signals a generational shift—one less tolerant of patriarchal authority and injustice, indicating evolving family values. This insight is often rewarded in CBSE HOTS and comparative analysis questions.






















