This module delves into the rich tapestry of prose and poetry presented in your Hornbill textbook. Each piece offers unique insights into human experience, diverse cultures, and profound ideas. As you engage with these texts, focus not only on understanding the plot or surface meaning but also on appreciating the author's craft, analyzing characters, identifying thematic concerns, and recognizing the literary devices employed. This deeper engagement will enhance your critical thinking and appreciation for literature.

"The Portrait of a Lady" is a poignant biographical sketch by Khushwant Singh, offering a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother. The narrative unfolds chronologically, tracing the evolving relationship between the author and his grandmother, set against the backdrop of changing times and environments.

The grandmother is the central figure, a personification of grace, dignity, and unwavering faith. She is a woman of deep religious conviction, finding solace and purpose in her prayers and acts of kindness, particularly towards animals. Her transition from the vibrant, active village life to the quiet, almost isolated city existence underscores her resilience and adaptability, yet also her steadfast adherence to her values. Her profound love for her grandson is expressed through her silent actions and constant prayers for his well-being.

● The Grandparent-Grandchild Bond: The story beautifully illustrates the profound and evolving bond between a grandson and his grandmother. It showcases their initial closeness, the subtle distancing due to changing circumstances, and the enduring love and respect that transcend these shifts.
● Changing Relationships: The narrative effectively portrays how relationships are impacted by time, education, and geographical shifts. The shared experiences in the village give way to separate lives in the city, leading to a silent emotional gap, yet the underlying affection remains.
● Rural vs. Urban Life: The contrast between the simple, religiously inclined, and community-oriented village life and the more complex, secular, and individualistic urban existence is a prominent theme. The grandmother's struggle to adapt to the city, particularly its educational system, highlights this dichotomy.
● Faith and Spirituality: The grandmother's deep devotion and continuous prayer life are central to her character. Her spirituality provides her strength, comfort, and a sense of purpose throughout her life.
● Acceptance and Resistance to Change: While the grandmother quietly accepts her changing circumstances, she subtly resists aspects of modernization, particularly in education, that conflict with her deeply held beliefs.

Khushwant Singh employs simple, direct prose, making the narrative accessible and deeply moving.
● Simile and Metaphor: The grandmother's appearance is described with vivid similes, such as "her silver locks were scattered untidily over her pale, puckered face" and "her lips constantly moved in an inaudible prayer." Her serene presence is likened to "the winter landscape in the mountains."
● Symbolism: The sparrows mourning her death symbolize nature's acknowledgment of her compassionate soul and her deep connection with all living beings.
● First-Person Narrative: The use of the first person ("I") creates an intimate and personal tone, allowing the reader to experience the story through the grandson's affectionate gaze.
● Foreshadowing: The grandmother's unusual celebration before her death subtly hints at her approaching end.
● Contrast: The stark contrast between village life and city life, and between traditional education and modern education, is used to highlight the changes in their relationship and values.