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Class 12 Science (PCM)

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Tomorrow

Tomorrow

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Learning Objectives

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Learning Objectives

  • Analyze the themes of madness and self-esteem in the texts.
  • Discuss the narrative techniques used by Joseph Conrad in 'Tomorrow'.
  • Identify and interpret instances of allusion in the stories.
  • Examine the character development of Captain Hagberd and his relationship with Bessie.
  • Evaluate the implications of insanity as depicted in the characters' interactions.
  • Reflect on the significance of hope and disappointment in the context of the narratives.

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Revision Notes & Summary

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Chapter Notes on 'Tomorrow' by Joseph Conrad

Overview of Joseph Conrad

  • Born of Polish parents in the Russian Ukraine, 1857-1924.
  • Began a seafaring life in 1874; learned English at 21.
  • Became a British citizen in 1886.
  • Notable works include:
    • The Nigger of the Narcissus (1898)
    • Lord Jim (1900)
    • Nostromo (1904)
  • Known for evoking atmosphere through detail and using story within a story.

Characters

Captain Hagberd

  • A seaman who preferred the land over the sea.
  • Described as having a profound dislike for the sea, despite being a sailor.
  • Lives in a cottage in Colebrook, where he waits for his son Harry's return.
  • His madness revolves around the belief that his son will come back 'tomorrow'.

Bessie Carvil

  • A young woman who interacts with Captain Hagberd.
  • Shows signs of compassion towards Hagberd's madness.
  • Torn between her feelings for Harry and the reality of Hagberd's delusions.

Themes

  • Madness and Hope: Captain Hagberd's belief in his son's return symbolizes a deeper madness intertwined with hope.
  • Isolation: Characters experience a sense of isolation, both physically and emotionally.
  • Reality vs. Illusion: The struggle between what is real and what is imagined is central to the narrative.

Important Quotes

  • “Every mental state, even madness, has its equilibrium based upon self-esteem. Its disturbance causes unhappiness.”
  • “With his maritime rig, his weather-beaten face, his beard of Father Neptune, he resembled a deposed sea-god who had exchanged the trident for the spade.” (Allusion to Neptune)

Discussion Points

  1. Analyze the technique used by Conrad to unfold Captain Hagberd's past.
  2. Identify instances of insanity in characters other than Hagberd and their implications.
  3. Discuss Bessie's role in supporting Hagberd's delusions and her own emotional turmoil.

Language Work

Figures of Speech

  • Allusion: A casual or indirect reference to a famous historical or literary event or figure.
    • Example: Comparison of Hagberd to Neptune.

Pronunciation

  • Words change stress patterns based on grammatical function:
    • Verb: 'inform
    • Noun: information
    • Verb: 'hesitate
    • Noun: hesita'tion

Stop and Think Questions

  1. What does Bessie tell Harry about his father's plans for him?
  2. How does Captain Hagberd prepare for Harry's homecoming?
  3. Why does Harry's return prove to be a disappointment for Bessie?
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Practice Test – MCQs, True/False

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Multiple Choice Questions

A.

His desire to return to the sea

B.

His attempt to shield himself from reality

C.

His wealth and status

D.

His mourning for his lost son
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The canvas suit symbolizes Captain Hagberd's attempt to shield himself from reality and his fixation on the return of his son, as it represents a form of self-imposed isolation and detachment from the present.

A.

Isolation and madness

B.

Adventure and exploration

C.

Romantic love

D.

Political intrigue
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Joseph Conrad's 'Tomorrow' explores themes of isolation and madness, as seen through the character of Captain Hagberd and his delusions.

A.

He becomes more cheerful and sociable.

B.

He starts wearing a canvas suit and becomes more reclusive.

C.

He grows a long beard and becomes more talkative.

D.

He dresses more formally and becomes more outgoing.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Captain Hagberd starts wearing a canvas suit and becomes more reclusive.

A.

She openly mocks him.

B.

She supports him by half-believing it herself.

C.

She tries to convince him otherwise.

D.

She ignores his beliefs completely.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Bessie Carvil supports Captain Hagberd by half-believing in his son's return.

A.

By comparing Captain Hagberd to a sea-god

B.

By describing the sea as calm

C.

By referring to modern technology

D.

By mentioning a famous ship
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Conrad uses allusion by comparing Captain Hagberd to Neptune, the Roman god of the sea.

A.

To pursue a new business opportunity

B.

To escape his past life

C.

To wait for his son's return

D.

To retire in a peaceful town
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Captain Hagberd moved to Colebrook primarily to wait for his son's return, as he believed his son would come back to Colebrook.

A.

Metaphor

B.

Simile

C.

Allusion

D.

Hyperbole
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The comparison of Captain Hagberd to Neptune is an example of allusion.

A.

Allusion

B.

Metaphor

C.

Irony

D.

Symbolism
Correct Answer: D

Solution:

Conrad uses symbolism to represent Captain Hagberd's obsession with his son's return. The recurring mention of 'tomorrow' symbolizes his perpetual hope and fixation.

A.

Hopeful madness

B.

Logical reasoning

C.

Despair and regret

D.

Calm acceptance
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Captain Hagberd's mental state is characterized by 'hopeful madness,' as he clings to the belief that his son will return 'tomorrow.'

A.

He looked like a deposed sea-god.

B.

He appeared younger.

C.

He looked more like a businessman.

D.

He resembled a pirate.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Captain Hagberd, with his canvas suit, was compared to a deposed sea-god, resembling Neptune.
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True or False

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

An allusion is a figure of speech that makes a casual or indirect reference to a famous historical or literary event or figure, not a direct comparison.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Captain Hagberd's cottages were built very cheaply with ugly yellow bricks.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Joseph Conrad was indeed born in the Russian Ukraine and became a British citizen in 1886.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Captain Hagberd held the belief that his son would return 'tomorrow', despite the passage of time.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The excerpt describes Captain Hagberd as having a reputation for being a miser in the matter of living.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The excerpt states that Joseph Conrad began a seafaring life in 1874.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Captain Hagberd was known as a miser in the matter of living.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Joseph Conrad was indeed born in the Russian Ukraine and became a British citizen in 1886.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The news from Colebrook arrived the day after Captain Hagberd's wife's funeral.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Joseph Conrad was indeed born in the Russian Ukraine to Polish parents.
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