CBSE Sure-Shot Questions Going Places, Class 12 English, will help you get a better score in the examination and a better understanding of the story written by A.R. Barton. The story revolves around fantasies and daydreams. In this chapter, Going Places, the author shares with us about the teenage period when kids are often fond of dreaming, which is far from reality. The author, Barton, explores the theme of adolescent fantasizing and hero worship. Children at the age of adolescence always desire to achieve the impossible, but with no plans, they ultimately fail.
CBSE Sure-Shot Questions Going Places Class 12 English: Summary
The protagonist of the tale is a young woman named Sophie, who comes from a lower-middle-class background. She wanted to start the top shop in the community. She is, however, short on resources. Danny Casey, a young football player, encourages Sophie. She has had so many dreams involving him that she thinks she has actually met him. Finally, her dreams are the cause of her disappointment.
“I’m going to have a boutique,” said Sophie, who belongs to a lower-middle-class family that struggles with finances. She had fantasies of opening a boutique, but her circumstances did not allow her to materialise her dreams. She belongs to a lower-middle-class family that struggles with finances. She always wish to become an actress and a fashion designer. On the other hand, Jansie, her friend, is more materialistic in her approach toward the future, as she believes that their finances are weak and, hence, they have to work in a biscuit factory. Though both are the same age, Jansie is more practical than Sophie.
Sophie has two brothers and resides in a modest home with her parents. She is not afraid to communicate her fantasies and aspirations. Her parents, who are much more mature than she is, do not give it much attention. They don’t buy into her delusions because they are already dealing with life’s harsh reality. Geoff, Sophie’s older brother, is tall, powerful, and attractive but yet reticent. Her older brother kind of fascinates her. This is the case because she gets envious of his silence and wonders what he is constantly contemplating.
We also discover that Sophie constantly fantasises about Danny Casey, a young Irish football player. She comes to like him after watching him play in several games. She invents tales about him since she always exists in a fantasy world. She gives her older brother, Geoff, a made-up tale about how they first met in the streets. Geoff, who is more sane, does not accept her account. He thinks it is extremely implausible that she merely happened to run across such a sensation in the street.
But because Sophie is so skilled at losing herself in a dream world, she begins to give lifelike details. Thus, even Geoff wishes that what she was saying is real after hearing these specifics. She also adds that Danny has assured her that they will see each other again. As a result, Sophie becomes so engrossed in the fantasy that she begins to take it seriously. She continues expecting Danny to show up, but sadly, he never does. She is therefore considering how Geoff will be disappointed if Danny doesn’t show up while she is on her way back. She yet continues to fantasise about him and is convinced that they will someday meet.
CBSE Sure-Shot Textual Questions Going Places Class 12 English
Think As You Read
Q.1. Where was it most likely that the two girls would find work after school?
Ans. The protagonist of the tale is a young woman named Sophie, who comes from a lower-middle-class background. She belongs to a lower-middle-class family that struggles with finances. Both Jansie and Sophie would soon pass the school and they might get work in the biscuit factory. “I’m going to have a boutique,” said Sophie, who belongs to a lower-middle-class family that struggles with finances.
Jansie, her friend, is more materialistic in her approach toward the future, as she believes that their finances are weak and, hence, they have to work in a biscuit factory. Though both are the same age, Jansie is more practical than Sophie.
Q. 2. What were the options that Sophie was dreaming of? Why does Jansie discourage her from having such dreams?
Ans. The protagonist of the tale is a young woman named Sophie, who wanted to open, “I’m going to have a boutique,” said Sophie, who belongs to a lower-middle-class family that struggles with finances. Jansie desired Sophie should be realistic and give up her utopian goals because they all required significant financial and professional resources.
She belongs to a lower-middle-class family that struggles with finances. She wants to become an actress and a fashion designer. On the other hand, Jansie, her friend, is more materialistic in her approach toward the future, as she believes that their finances are weak and, hence, they have to work in a biscuit factory. Though both are the same age, Jansie is more practical than Sophie.
Q. 3. Why did Sophie wriggle when Geoff told her father that she had met Danny Casey?
Ans. Sophie constantly fantasises about Danny Casey, a young Irish football player. She comes to like him after watching him play in several games. She invents tales about him since she always exists in a fantasy world. She gives her older brother, Geoff, a made-up tale about how they first met in the streets. Geoff, who is more sane, does not accept her account. He thinks it is extremely implausible that she merely happened to run across such a sensation in the street.
Q.4. Does Geoff believe what Sophie says about her meeting with Danny Casey?
Ans. But because Sophie is so skilled at losing herself in a dream world, she begins to give lifelike details. Thus, even Geoff wishes that what she was saying is real after hearing these specifics. She also adds that Danny has assured her that they will see each other again. As a result, Sophie becomes so engrossed in the fantasy that she begins to take it seriously.
She continues expecting Danny to show up, but sadly, he never does. She is therefore considering how Geoff will be disappointed if Danny doesn’t show up while she is on her way back. She yet continues to fantasise about him and is convinced that they will someday meet.
Q.5. Does her father believe her story?
Ans. No, Geoff does not accept Sophie’s account of her encounter with Danny Casey. He first exclaims, “It can’t be true,” as he turns to look around in shock. He says, “I don’t believe it,” once again. Then Sophie describes how Danny Casey arrived and stood next to her. How does he look, Geoff queries her. So, it would appear that he is not sure that Sophie and Danny Casey met.
Q.6. How does Sophie include her brother Geoff in her fantasy of her future?
Ans. Always the first to reveal her secrets, Geoff was. She then told him about her encounter with Danny Casey. He was also informed of her intention to see him the following week. She had suspicions regarding aspects of his life of which she was ignorant. She yearned to get to know them. She hoped that one day he would take her along. She imagined herself following Geoff there.
Q.7. Which country did Danny Casey play for?
Ans. Danny Casey played for Ireland
Q.8. Why didn’t Sophie want Jansie to know about her story with Danny?
Ans. Jansie showed a strong interest in topics that did not affect her. She was curious about the affairs of others. She would inform everyone in the neighbourhood. Sophie therefore didn’t want Jansie to be aware of her relationship with Danny. There’s also a chance that she’s just trying to outdo the other woman. When Sophie discovered that Geoff had told Jansie about her relationship with Danny, she was shocked.
Q.9. Did Sophie really meet Danny Casey? [CBSE 2014]
Ans. In reality, Sophie did not meet Danny Casey. She found the young Irish footballer to be quite fascinating. She pretended he was there. While she waited for Casey in the park, she was aware that he would not show up. It made her sad. Being sad was a heavy burden to bear. She was constantly engrossed in a fantasy universe where she pictured Casey encountering her.
Q.10. Which was the only occasion when she got to see Danny Casey in person?
Ans. Sophie’s sole encounter with Danny Casey was when the family went to see United play on Saturday. Derek, a young child, and Sophie fell close to the goal. Geoff ascended with his friends. United triumphed 2-0. Casey, her hero, scored the second goal. On the edge of the penalty area, she observed the Irish talent eluding two substantial defenders. From a distance of twelve yards, he defeated the reluctant goalkeeper. Sophie radiated pride. She was overjoyed.
Understanding the text
Q.1. Sophie and Jansie were class-mates and friends. What were the differences between them that show up in the story?
Ans. “I’m going to have a boutique,” said Sophie, who belongs to a lower-middle-class family that struggles with finances. She had fantasies of opening a boutique, but her circumstances did not allow her to materialise her dreams. She belongs to a lower-middle-class family that struggles with finances. She wants to become an actress and a fashion designer. On the other hand, Jansie, her friend, is more materialistic in her approach toward the future, as she believes that their finances are weak and, hence, they have to work in a biscuit factory. Though both are the same age, Jansie is more practical than Sophie.
Q.2. How would you describe the character and temperament of Sophie’s father?
Ans. Sophie’s father has a chubby face that looks sweaty and dirty. He doesn’t look like a gentle or refined man. Sophie is always scared of his aggressiveness. But he was a realist, and he rejects his daughter’s fantasy. He is fond of football. He hopes that young Casey will be as talented as Tom Finney. He hopes the young football player avoids all interruptions. Casey overhears him shouting directions from the playground. Sophie’s father yells in ecstasy and pride as the Irish brilliance beats the uneasy goalkeeper. He went to a bar to toast the win.
Q. 3. Why did Sophie like her brother Geoff more than any other person? From her perspective, what did he symbolise?
Ans. Sophie’s long-cherished fantasies and dreams are only heard by Geoff. Her father is overly pushy and bossy. He despises Sophie’s amazing tales. Derek also mocks her increasing fortune. Jansie, a fellow student, is “nosey” and shouldn’t be trusted with a secret. You can rely on Geoff to keep all of Sophie’s secrets to himself.
From her perspective, Geoff represents an older brother who has matured and travelled to locations she has never been. She hoped one day her brother would take her to such locations. He is sympathetic and warns her that Casey might have a string of girls by saying that. He forewarns her that he won’t appear again. In order to spare the young dreamer’s heart, he speaks softly.
Q. 4. What socio-economic background did Sophie belong to? What are the indicators of her family’s financial status?
Ans. “I’m going to have a boutique,” said Sophie, who belongs to a lower-middle-class family that struggles with finances. She had fantasies of opening a boutique, but her circumstances did not allow her to materialise her dreams. She belongs to a lower-middle-class family that struggles with finances. She wants to become an actress and a fashion designer. On the other hand, Jansie, her friend, is more materialistic in her approach toward the future, as she believes that their finances are weak and, hence, they have to work in a biscuit factory. Though both are the same age, Jansie is more practical than Sophie.
Talking about the text
Discuss in pairs.
1. Sophie’s dreams and disappointments are all in her mind.
2. It is natural for teenagers to have unrealistic dreams. What would you say are the benefits and disadvantages of such fantasising?
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Q1. What impression do you form of Sophie on reading the story ‘Going Places’?
OR
Sophie has her own dreams and disappointments, but they are all her creations—the creations of her own mind. Justify the statement.
Ans: Sophie is a young school girl. She dreams of big and beautiful things. Some of these are beyond her reach or her means. Her ambitions have no relation with the harsh realities of life. She thinks of having a boutique. She wants to have the most amazing shop this city has ever seen. Then she entertains the idea of being an actress There’s real money in that.’ Actresses do not work full time. So she would nm the boutique as a side business. If need be, she can be a fashion designer. She doesn’t realise that her family is not rich enough and her dreams can’t be fulfilled.
Sophie develops a romantic fascination for Danny Casey. He is a young Irish football player and the hero of her dreams. She indulges in hero worship. She tells a story that she met Casey. Her father calls it another of her “wild stories”. Even Geoff does not believe her. He tries to caution her. Casey is a celebrity. Many girls run after him. But Sophie ignores him.
She is an incurable dreamer. She has seen Casey only once, but all the time she thinks of him. She sits alone and waits for his arrival. She becomes sad and despondent when Casey does not come. She suffers because of her dreams. These dreams and disappointments are all the creations of her mind.
Q2. Compare and contrast Sophie and Jansie highlighting their temperament and aspirations.
Ans: Sophie and Jansie are class-fellows and friends. They belong to lower middle class families. Both of them are earmarked for biscuit factory. Jansie’s feet are firmly planted on the ground. But Sophie is totally blind to the harsh realities of life. She dreams of big and beautiful things. She wants to have a boutique. She thinks of becoming an actress as there is lot of money in this profession. If need be, she can also be a fashion designer. In short, she loves to be grand and sophisticated. All her dreams are beyond her reach and resources. Jansie advises her to be sensible, but she remains a romantic dreamer.
Sophie and Jansie differ in thinking and temperament. Sophie is lost in her dream world. She shares her secret with only one person. It is her elder brother Geoff. Jansie is ‘nose/. She takes interests in learning new things about others. She can spread the story in the whole neighbourhood. So, Sophie doesn’t want to share secrets with her.
Sophie is an incurable dreamer and escapist. She is a hero-worshipper. She adores the young Irish footballer Danny Casey. She develops a fascination for her. She becomes sad and helpless but she doesn’t become wiser. She remains a dreamer. Jansie is practical and realist. She has no such unrealistic dreams.
Q3. Describe the bond between Geoff and Sophie in spite of differences in their temperament and thinking.
Ans: Geoff was Sophie’s elder brother. He was three years out of school. He was an apprentice mechanic. He travelled to his work each day to the far side of the city. He was almost grown up now. He spoke very little. Sophie was jealous of Geoff’s silence. He was quiet
and didn’t make new Mends easily. He thought that Sophie was too young and immature. Geoff was mature enough to understand his limitations and those of his family. He never dreamt of big and beautiful things.
In spite of difference in their temperaments, there was a close bond between the two. Geoff was always the first to share Sophie’s secrets. He knew that Sophie’s story of meeting with Danny Casey was not true. Still he listened to her. Sophie confided in him. Her secret was something special just between them. It was not meant for nosey Jansie who would spread it in the whole neighbourhood. Geoff tried to persuade Sophie. He warned her that Danny Casey was a celebrity. He must have many girls like her running after him. Sophie told him that Casey would give her an autograph if she cared to meet him next week. Geoff did not believe “he’d ever show up.” Thus, he acted like an elder brother.
Geoff and Sophie share a common trait. It is their fascination for the Irish prodigy, Danny Casey. But they differ in their thinking. Like his father, Geoff wished Casey to be a great footballer one day. Sophie had romantic fascination for Casey. It was something else other than football.
Q4. Who was Danny Casey ? How was he adored by the family of Sophie, and specially by Sophie and her father ?
Ans: Danny Casey was an Irish Prodigy. He was a wonderboy of football. He had won the hearts of his countless fans. He played for United. Sophie’s family was obsessed with the Irish genius. Sophie’s father compared young Danny Casey to another great football player Tom Finney. He wished that Casey might be that good someday. He knew there were a lot of distractions for a youngster in the game those days. He wished that Casey would keep his head on his shoulders. Geoff remarked that he was with the best team in the country. He hoped that Casey would prove even a better player than Tom Finney. Geoff considered him the best. His father thought that he was too young for the first team. The fact was that with his exceptional ability he was playing for the first eleven.
On Saturday, Sophie’s family made their weekly pilgrimage to the stadium to watch United play their match. They watched their hero Danny Casey in action. He was running, going round the two big defenders. Then he was on the edge of the penalty area. Sophie’s father was screaming for him to pass. They saw him beating the hesitant goal keeper from a dozen yards. He scored the second goal. United won two-nil. Sophie glowed with pride. Geoff was ecstatic. Someone wished he were an Englishman. Little Derek declared that Ireland would win the world cup. Their father went to the pub to celebrate.
Sophie adored Danny Casey. She had a romantic fascination for the Irish prodigy. Her young heart throbbed for her hero. She imagined Casey coming to her. She would sit under an elm tree, waiting for Casey and dreaming of him. She realised that he would not come. This made her sad and dejected. Sophie became a victim of her own dreams and disappointments.
