One Centimetre Class 12 Important Questions: CBSE English Short Stories (Kaleidoscope) Chapter 5

1. Describe Tao Ying’s character and her approach to raising her son.

Answer: Tao Ying is portrayed as a hardworking, principled, and determined mother who values righteousness over materialistic gains. She works as a blue-collar employee in a bakery and tries to save money wherever possible, but she never compromises when it comes to setting a good example for her son. She believes in raising Xiao Ye as a cultured and morally upright individual. Her actions throughout the story, such as buying tickets when travelling with Xiao Ye and pursuing justice over the height discrepancy at the temple gate, reflect her dedication to teaching him the values of honesty, integrity, and perseverance.

2. What significance does the title One Centimetre hold in the story?

Answer: The title One Centimetre symbolises the fine line between perception and reality. The discrepancy in Xiao Ye’s height is more than just a physical measurement; it represents larger issues of societal expectations, human error, and the pursuit of truth. Tao Ying’s persistence over a seemingly trivial matter reflects her determination to uphold her dignity and principles, which she deems vital in shaping her son’s character. The story suggests that even a small margin of error or judgment can have profound implications on people’s lives and their sense of justice.

3. How does Tao Ying’s reaction to the temple staff’s visit reflect her principles?

Answer: When the temple staff visit Tao Ying’s house to acknowledge their mistake, they offer compensation in the form of money or free tickets. However, Tao Ying refuses both, emphasising that her struggle was never about personal gain. Her ultimate goal was to highlight the injustice and ensure that her son witnessed the importance of standing up for what is right. Tao Ying’s refusal demonstrates her commitment to principles over material rewards and her desire to set a moral precedent for Xiao Ye.

4. What role does Xiao Ye play in the story, and how does his presence shape Tao Ying’s decisions?

Answer: Xiao Ye, Tao Ying’s young son, acts as a moral compass for his mother. Tao Ying’s actions throughout the story are motivated by her desire to set a good example for him. She buys tickets when travelling with him, fights against the temple’s unfair treatment, and forgives the guard in the end—all to instil values of honesty, fairness, and compassion in Xiao Ye. His presence constantly reminds Tao Ying of her responsibility as a parent to guide him toward becoming a virtuous individual.

5. Discuss the themes of justice and dignity in One Centimetre.

Answer: Justice and dignity are central themes in the story. Tao Ying’s sense of self-respect drives her to address the perceived injustice at the temple gate, where her son was wrongly judged to be taller than the allowed height for free entry. By fighting against this, she seeks to reclaim her dignity and uphold the principle of fairness. Her actions highlight the importance of standing up for one’s rights and the value of integrity, especially in setting an example for the next generation.

6. How does the story reflect societal attitudes toward fairness and accuracy?

Answer: The story critiques societal tendencies to overlook fairness and accuracy for convenience or profit. The shopkeeper’s admission that her machines are calibrated to show people taller or lighter reflects the preference for flattering results over truthful ones. Similarly, the temple’s initial response to Tao Ying’s complaint suggests a lack of attention to detail and fairness. Tao Ying’s persistence highlights the need to challenge these attitudes and prioritise truth and justice in everyday interactions.

7. Explain the significance of Tao Ying forgiving the temple guard in the end.

Answer: Tao Ying’s decision to forgive the guard reflects her understanding of compassion and her desire to set a noble example for her son. Instead of seeking retribution, she prioritises teaching Xiao Ye the importance of mercy and the ability to move past grievances. This act of forgiveness reinforces the story’s message that moral victories are more meaningful than material gains or punitive actions.

8. How does Bi Shu-Min use the incident at the temple to highlight Tao Ying’s struggles as a working-class mother?

Answer:The incident at the temple underscores the challenges Tao Ying faces as a working-class mother trying to balance her financial limitations with her moral responsibilities. Her initial excitement about the complimentary ticket reflects her resourcefulness, while her refusal to accept compensation showcases her principles. The story uses this incident to highlight her resilience, dignity, and commitment to raising her son with values, despite societal and economic pressures.

9. How does Tao Ying’s determination reflect broader societal lessons?

Answer: Tao Ying’s persistence teaches the importance of standing up for one’s rights and maintaining personal integrity, even in seemingly minor situations. Her actions encourage readers to value principles over material rewards and to prioritise truth and fairness in their dealings. The story advocates for resilience and moral courage as essential traits in addressing societal flaws.

10. How does the story portray the importance of parental influence on children?

Answer: The story highlights that parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s values and behaviours. Tao Ying’s actions are guided by her responsibility to set a good example for Xiao Ye. By choosing to act with honesty, determination, and compassion, she instils in her son the importance of these values, emphasising the profound impact of parental influence on a child’s moral development.

11. What does the shopkeeper’s admission about her measuring devices signify?

Answer: The shopkeeper’s admission that her machines are calibrated to show people taller or lighter than they are highlights a societal tendency to favour pleasing, false narratives over uncomfortable truths. It reflects the widespread desire for validation and perfection, even at the cost of accuracy. This moment emphasises how easily people are swayed by illusion rather than reality and how systems can be manipulated to cater to these desires.

12. How does the Buddha Temple incident serve as a turning point in the story?

Answer: The temple incident acts as the narrative’s turning point, bringing Tao Ying’s moral determination and resilience to the forefront. It challenges her principles, forcing her to stand up for her dignity and her son’s right to fair treatment. The confrontation at the gate not only reveals societal flaws but also sets Tao Ying on a journey to instil values in her son through her actions.

13. Discuss the role of societal norms and expectations in the story.

Answer: Societal norms and expectations are depicted as flawed and inconsistent in the story. From the shopkeeper’s deceptive calibration to the temple guard’s rigid enforcement of the height limit, the narrative critiques the superficiality and lack of empathy in societal systems. Tao Ying’s refusal to accept injustice represents a challenge to these norms, emphasising the importance of integrity over conformity.

14. How does Tao Ying balance her financial struggles with her moral values?

Answer: Despite her financial constraints, Tao Ying prioritises teaching moral values to her son. For instance, she buys tickets when travelling with Xiao Ye, even though she avoids doing so when alone. Her decision to fight the temple’s unfair treatment, without seeking monetary compensation, further illustrates her commitment to principles over material benefits, showcasing her resilience as a mother.

15. What does Tao Ying’s refusal to accept compensation reveal about her character?

Answer: Tao Ying’s refusal to accept monetary compensation or free tickets reflects her commitment to higher ideals. She is not motivated by financial gain but by the desire to uphold fairness and teach her son the importance of standing for what is right. Her actions underscore her integrity, self-respect, and focus on setting a positive example for Xiao Ye.

16. How does the story critique materialism and superficiality in society?

Answer: The story critiques materialism through the shopkeeper’s calibrated machines, which cater to people’s vanity, and the temple staff’s offer of compensation to resolve the matter superficially. Tao Ying’s insistence on addressing the real issue, rather than accepting these shallow solutions, challenges the societal tendency to prioritise appearance and material rewards over genuine fairness and integrity.

17. What lessons can be learned from Tao Ying’s approach to dealing with injustice?

Answer: Tao Ying teaches that persistence and a focus on principles can overcome adversity. Her refusal to settle for monetary compensation or punitive actions emphasises the value of integrity and fairness. By forgiving the guard, she also demonstrates the importance of compassion, highlighting that true justice lies in setting moral examples rather than seeking revenge.

18. Compare and contrast the attitudes of the temple staff and Tao Ying toward resolving the issue.

Answer: The temple staff initially approached the issue with indifference, offering monetary compensation or free tickets as a quick resolution. Tao Ying, however, views the incident as a matter of principle. Her approach is rooted in integrity and a desire to teach her son values, whereas the staff’s actions reflect a bureaucratic and superficial mindset aimed at avoiding conflict.

19. How does Tao Ying’s profession as a bakery worker add depth to her character?

Answer: Tao Ying’s blue-collar profession emphasises her resilience and resourcefulness. Despite financial challenges, she prioritises her son’s moral upbringing and fights for justice. Her profession also highlights the struggles of working-class individuals who often face societal biases, making her determination and dignity even more admirable.

20. What is the significance of the measuring tape scene at home?

Answer: The measuring tape scene symbolises Tao Ying’s quest for truth amidst conflicting claims. Her realisation that Xiao Ye is indeed shorter than 110 cm strengthens her resolve to fight the injustice at the temple. The scene also reflects the importance of objective validation in a world prone to deception and manipulation.

21. Discuss the role of public humiliation in shaping Tao Ying’s actions.

Answer: Public humiliation at the temple gate became the catalyst for Tao Ying’s decision to seek justice. The guard’s dismissal of her explanation and the crowd’s judgment amplify her sense of indignation, driving her to take action. This moment reflects how external pressures can compel individuals to confront societal flaws and uphold their dignity.

22. How does the ending of the story reinforce its moral message?

Answer: The ending, where Tao Ying refuses compensation and forgives the guard, reinforces the story’s emphasis on integrity and compassion. Her actions demonstrate that true justice lies not in material rewards but in upholding one’s principles. This conclusion also highlights the importance of setting a moral example for the next generation.

23. Analyse the relationship between Tao Ying and Xiao Ye as depicted in the story.

Answer: The relationship between Tao Ying and Xiao Ye is characterised by love, care, and a strong sense of responsibility. Tao Ying’s every action is motivated by her desire to instil values in Xiao Ye. She strives to teach him honesty, fairness, and resilience, ensuring that he grows up to be a morally upright individual. Their bond reflects the pivotal role of parental influence in shaping a child’s character.

24. What does the story teach about forgiveness and moral courage?

Answer: The story emphasises that forgiveness and moral courage are essential virtues. Tao Ying’s decision to forgive the guard, despite the humiliation she endured, showcases her strength of character. By prioritising compassion over retribution, she sets an example for her son, teaching that true courage lies in upholding values rather than seeking revenge.

25. How does Bi Shu-Min use subtle humour and irony to address serious themes?

Answer: Bi Shu-Min employs subtle humour and irony, such as the shopkeeper’s calibrated machines and the bureaucratic response of the temple staff, to highlight the absurdity of societal attitudes. The title One Centimetre itself is ironic, as it represents how trivial issues can reveal deeper flaws in systems and human behaviour. This use of humour and irony adds layers to the narrative, making its serious themes more relatable and impactful.

Points to Remember From Class 12 English Short Stories Chapter 5: One Centimetre

• The central theme of the story revolves around the concepts of integrity, honesty, and moral uprightness. 

• Tao Ying’s actions throughout the story are motivated by her desire to teach her son valuable life lessons, especially about fairness, dignity, and standing up for what is right. 

• The title "One Centimetre" symbolises the small margin between reality and perception, which in the story refers to the discrepancy in Xiao Ye’s height. 

• The measuring of Xiao Ye's height acts as a metaphor for how society measures people based on rigid, sometimes inaccurate, standards. 

• Tao Ying believes in teaching her son through her actions rather than through mere words. 

• The story concludes with Tao Ying’s moral victory. By choosing not to accept material compensation, she reaffirms that true justice lies in maintaining one’s dignity and doing what is right, even when it is difficult.

• The story contrasts societal expectations with personal integrity. 

• Tao Ying’s actions challenge societal norms that prioritise superficial appearances and material gain over ethical behaviour and personal values.

Benefits of Important Questions for Class 12 English Kaleidoscope Chapter 5 Short Stories - One Centimetre

• The important questions help students gain a deep understanding of the core themes of the story, such as integrity, morality, societal norms, and the influence of parents on children. 

• Answering these questions encourages students to analyse the characters' motivations, societal issues, and moral dilemmas in the story. 

• By practising these important questions, students familiarise themselves with the types of questions that are likely to appear in the exam. This boosts confidence and prepares them to handle both long and short-answer questions effectively during the exam.

• These questions guide students in analysing the evolution of characters like Tao Ying and her son Xiao Ye. 

• Important questions often highlight the literary devices used by the author, such as symbolism, irony, and character development. 

• By answering important questions within a set timeframe, students can improve their time management skills. 

• Writing detailed answers to important questions enhances students' ability to express their thoughts clearly and coherently.

Conclusion

English (Kaleidoscope) Important Questions for Chapter 5: One Centimetre offered by Vedantu provides a comprehensive tool for Class 12 students to understand the nuances of Bi Shu-Min’s thought-provoking story. By working through these important questions, students can strengthen their understanding of key themes like morality, integrity, and societal expectations, as well as the complexities of human behaviour and parental influence. This FREE PDF download encourages critical thinking and deeper literary analysis, ensuring a well-rounded approach to the story.

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