Broken Images Class 12 English Kaleidoscope Chapter 2 CBSE Notes - 2025-26

About the Author: 

Girish Karnad (1938–2019) was an acclaimed Indian playwright, actor, and director renowned for his contributions to Kannada literature and Indian theatre. His work often explored themes of myth, history, and contemporary issues, reflecting deep cultural and philosophical insights. Karnad's plays, such as "Tughlaq," "Hayavadana," and "Naga-Mandala," have received critical acclaim for their innovative use of traditional narratives and their exploration of complex social issues.

In addition to his theatrical accomplishments, Karnad had a successful career in film and television, earning recognition for both his acting and directorial work. His profound influence on modern Indian theatre has left a lasting legacy in the world of literature and performing arts.

The Theme of English Broken Images Summary Class 12:

• In the play Broken Images, Girish Karnad explores the complexities of identity and self-perception through a narrative that delves into themes of duality and existential crisis. The play centres around a character who grapples with the notion of self and how it is influenced by external perceptions and internal conflicts. The central theme revolves around the fragmented nature of identity and how societal expectations and personal struggles contribute to the shaping of one's sense of self.

• Karnad employs the idea of broken images as a metaphor for the disjointed and multifaceted nature of identity. The play suggests that identity is not a singular, fixed entity but a mosaic of various roles, experiences, and perceptions that constantly shift and evolve. Through this exploration, Karnad highlights the internal and external forces that shape and sometimes distort our understanding of who we are. The play invites viewers to reflect on the fluidity of identity and the impact of societal and personal expectations on self-perception.

Chapter 2 English Class 12 Broken Images Summary:

• The central plot of the play involves a conversation between a linguist named Dr. Kamat and a historian named Dr. Gokhale. 

• The discussion begins with Dr. Kamat reflecting on an ancient mirror found at an archaeological site. This mirror is broken, and its fragmented images serve as a metaphor for the fragmented nature of human identity and perception.

• Dr. Kamat and Dr. Gokhale debate how the broken mirror represents the idea that people are not static or single-dimensional but are composed of various fragmented aspects that together form their complete identity. 

• The conversation explores how individuals perceive themselves how others perceive them, and how these perceptions influence their understanding of their own identity.

• The play highlights the idea that identity is not a fixed entity, but rather a series of shifting, broken images that come together to form a whole.

• It challenges the audience to think about how societal and personal perceptions shape one's sense of self, and how these perceptions can change over time.

Important Points for Chapter 2 Broken Images Class 12 Summary and Notes

• The play explores the fragmented nature of identity and self-perception, using the metaphor of broken images to illustrate how identity is influenced by external expectations and internal conflicts.

• The narrative focuses on the dual nature of identity, highlighting how individuals often present different facets of themselves depending on their environment and societal roles.

• The protagonist experiences a profound existential crisis, struggling with the disparity between their true self and the persona they project to the world.

• The play critiques how societal expectations and pressures shape and sometimes distort individual identity, leading to internal conflict and confusion.

• The play underscores the importance of self-reflection and introspection in understanding and reconciling one's fragmented self.

• The use of metaphors and symbolic imagery, such as broken mirrors and shattered images, reinforces the theme of fragmented identity.

• The play provides a deep psychological exploration of the protagonist's inner turmoil and the complexities of their self-concept.

Importance of English Class 12 Broken Images Summary and Notes

• Broken Images notes highlight key points and themes, allowing students to focus on critical aspects of the play, such as the exploration of identity and societal expectations.

• By breaking down complex concepts and themes into digestible points, the notes aid in better retention of important information.

• The summary and notes serve as a handy revision tool, enabling students to review and consolidate their understanding of the play before exams.

• By summarising key themes and characters, the notes help students prepare for potential exam questions and essay topics related to Broken Images.

• Complex themes and narrative structures are simplified, making it easier for students to analyse and discuss the play in their assignments and discussions.

• The notes offer talking points and themes that can be used in class discussions or group studies, facilitating a more engaging learning experience.

Tips for Learning English Chapter 2 Broken Images Class 12 Summary and Notes

• Focus on the central themes of the play, such as identity and self-perception. Relate these themes to the characters' actions and dialogue to deepen your understanding.

• Study the main characters and their roles in the play. Pay attention to their motivations, conflicts, and development throughout the story.

• Break down the play into its major scenes and events. Create summaries for each scene to help you recall important details and plot points.

• Identify and memorise significant quotes from the play that reflect its themes and character dynamics. This will help you in discussions and exam questions.

• Use mind maps to visually organise the themes, characters, and plot points of the play. This can make it easier to see connections and understand the overall structure.

• Regularly review your notes and summaries to reinforce your understanding. Frequent revision will help retain important information.

Conclusion

Broken Images Summary involves a comprehensive approach to understanding the play's themes, characters, and plot. By focusing on the central themes, analysing characters, and summarising key points, students can build a solid foundation for their studies. Regular review, effective use of mind maps, and engaging discussions enhance retention and comprehension. Students can also practise with questions and related study material available at Vedantu to further deepen understanding.

Important Study Materials for Class 12 English Chapter 2 Broken Images

Chapter-wise Revision Notes for Class 12 English (Kaleidoscope - Drama)

Chapter-wise Revision Notes - Class 12 English Poem Non Fiction : (Kaleidoscope)

Chapter-wise Revision Notes - Class 12 English Prose : (Kaleidoscope)

Chapter-wise Revision Notes - Class 12 English Poem: (Kaleidoscope)

Related Study Materials Links: CBSE Class 12 English