Odisha State Board CHSE Odisha Class 12 Invitation to English 2 Solutions Non-Detailed Chapter 5 My Mother Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.
CHSE Odisha 12th Class English Solutions Non-Detailed Chapter 5 My Mother
CHSE Odisha Class 12 English Chapter 5 My Mother Text Book Questions and Answers
Unit – 1
Gist:
This unit begins with Chaplin’s description of his father; the latter liked to live in a state of isolation. He was not only an entertainer, but also a silent, thoughtful man with dark eyes. In his mother’s view, his father possessed a Napoleonic appearance. He was endowed with a grave and deep voice. Above all, he was a very good artist. In those days, he earned forty pounds a week. His addiction to drinking led to hic parent’s divorce. The writer refers to the entertainers of those times. They easily drank in those days, because all theatres sold alcohol. Some theatres earned greater profit in the bar than from the box office.
A number of stars earned handsomely because of their talent as well as their lavish spending on drinks. This destroyed many artists. The writer’s mother said that her husband was a die-hard drunkard, and therefore, died an early death at the age of thirty-seven. The mother’s attitude towards Chaplin’s father was blend of sympathy and sadness. He burst into a devastating temper at the time of drinking. When Chaplin was only one-year-old, his parents were divorced. A star as she was, she did not seek a maintenance. She looked after herself and her children without any difficulty. However, misfortune also could make her ask for relief. At last her theatrical engagement collapsed, when she suffered from prolonged inflammation of larynx as a result of slight cold.
ସାରମର୍ମ :
ଏହି ଭାଗର ଆରମ୍ଭରେ ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ ତାଙ୍କ ପିତାଙ୍କ କଥା ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରିଛନ୍ତି । ତାଙ୍କ ବାପା ଏକୁଟିଆ ରହିବାକୁ ଭଲ ପାଉଥିଲେ । ସେ କେବଳ ଜଣେ ଅଭିନେତା ନ ଥିଲେ, ବରଂ ଜଣେ ନୀରବ ଓ ଚିନ୍ତାଶୀଳ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି ଥିଲେ । ମା’ଙ୍କର ଦୃଷ୍ଟିରେ ତାଙ୍କ ବାପା ନୋପୋଲିୟନ୍ଙ୍କ ଭଳି ଦେଖା ଯାଉଥିଲେ । ତାଙ୍କର ସ୍ଵର ଥିଲା ଗୁରୁଗମ୍ଭୀର । ସେ ଜଣେ ସୁନ୍ଦର କଳାକାର ଥିଲେ । ସେତେବେଳେ ସେ ସପ୍ତାହକୁ ଚାଳିଶ ପାଉଣ୍ଡ ଆୟ କରୁଥିଲେ । ତାଙ୍କର ମଦନିଶା ତାଙ୍କ ପିତାମାତାଙ୍କର ବିବାହ ବିଚ୍ଛେଦର କାରଣ ହୋଇଥିଲା । ଲେଖକ ତତ୍କାଳୀନ ମନୋରଞ୍ଜନକାରୀଙ୍କ ଚରିତ୍ର ଚିତ୍ରଣ କରିଛନ୍ତି । ସେମା ନେ ପ୍ରାୟତଃ ମଦ୍ୟପାନ କରୁଥିଲେ । କାରଣ ସବୁ ଥୁଟର ମଦ ବିକ୍ରୟ କରୁଥିଲେ।
ନାଟକ ପ୍ରଦର୍ଶନ ଅପେକ୍ଷା ଥୁଟରଗୁଡ଼ିକ ମଦବିକ୍ରିରୁ ବେଶୀ ଟଙ୍କା ଉପାର୍ଜନ କରୁଥିଲେ । ପ୍ରତିଭା ଯୋଗୁଁ ଏବଂ ଥୁଟରର ମଦଶାଳାରେ ବେଶୀ ଟଙ୍କା ‘ଖର୍ଚ୍ଚ କରୁଥିବାରୁ ଅନେକ କଳାକାର ବହୁଳ ପରିମାଣରେ ଟଙ୍କା ପାଉଥିଲେ । ଏହା ଅନେକ କଳାକାରଙ୍କର ନଷ୍ଟର କାରଣ ଥିଲା । ମା’ ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ଙ୍କୁ କୁହିଛନ୍ତି ଯେ ତାଙ୍କ ବାପା ଭୟଙ୍କର ମଦ୍ୟପ ଥିଲେ ଏବଂ ସେଥିପାଇଁ ସେ ମାତ୍ର ୩୭ ବର୍ଷରେ ଅକାଳରେ ମରିଗଲେ । ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ଙ୍କର ବାପାଙ୍କ ପ୍ରତି ମା’ଙ୍କର ଦୃଷ୍ଟିଭଙ୍ଗୀ ଥିଲା ଦୁଃଖ ଓ ସହାନୁଭୂତିର ଏକ ମିଶ୍ରିତ ଭାବନା । ମଦ ପିଇବା ସମୟରେ ସେ ଭୟଙ୍କର କ୍ରୋଧୀ ହୋଇଯାଉଥିଲେ । ଯେତେବେଳ ଚାପଲିନ୍ଙ୍କୁ ମାତ୍ର ଏକ ବର୍ଷ, ସେତେବେଳେ ତାଙ୍କ ପିତାମାତାଙ୍କର ବିବାହ ବିଚ୍ଛେଦ ହୋଇଯାଇଥିଲା । ଯେହେତୁ ସେ ଏକ ତାରକା ଥିଲେ, ସେ ତାଙ୍କ ବାପାଙ୍କଠାରୁ ଭରଣପୋଷଣ ଖର୍ଚ୍ଚ ଦାବି କରି ନ ଥିଲେ । କେବଳ ବିପତ୍ତି ସମୟରେ ସେ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ ଲୋଡୁଥିଲେ । ସର୍ବଶେଷରେ ତାଙ୍କୁ ଥିଏଟରରେ କାମ ମିଳିବା କମିଗଲା, କାରଣ ସାମାନ୍ୟ ଥଣ୍ଡା ଯୋଗୁଁ ତାଙ୍କର କଣ୍ଠସ୍ଵର ବହୁ ସମୟ ଧରି ଖରାପ ହୋଇ ଯାଉଥିଲା ।
Glossary :
hardly : କ୍ବଚିତ୍
aware of : know (ଜାଣିବା)
vaudevillian: an entertainer who performs a dramatic or musical work for an audience ଅଭିନୟ କରନ୍ତି କିମ୍ବା ବାଦ୍ୟ
quiet: ଶାନ୍ତ
brooding: thoughtful (ଚିନ୍ତାଶୀଳ)
light : ହାଲୁକା
baritone: grave and deep (male voice) (ଗମ୍ଭୀର ସ୍ଵର)
artist: କଳାକାର
considerable: substantial (ପର୍ଯ୍ୟାପ୍ତ)
large: ପ୍ରଚୁର
Laryngitis: inflammation of the larynx (କଣ୍ଠରେ ସଂକ୍ରମଣ)
progressively worse : ଦ୍ରୁତ ଗତିରେ ଖରାପ
crack: ଫାଟ
ruined: ବରବାଦ
violent: ହିଂସାତ୍ମକ
tantrums: childish outburst of temper (ପିଲାଳିଆ ରାଗ)
frantic: ରୋମାଞ୍ଚକର
bitterness: ତିକ୍ତତା
drunkenness : ମଦ୍ୟାସକ୍ତ ଅବସ୍ଥା
ruefully: sadly (ଦୁଃଖରେ)
“You gutter’: କ୍ରୋଧରେ ମା’ Chaplin ଙ୍କୁ କୁହିଛି, ‘ତୁ ଦିନେ ତୋ ବାପାଙ୍କ ଭଳି ଦୁଃଖ ଭୋଗିବୁ ।’’
alimony: means of living (ଭରଣପୋଷଣ)
ill fortune: ଦୁର୍ଭାଗ୍ୟ
booing: a sound uttered to show dislike, scorn, or disappointment (ଘୃଣାବ୍ୟଞ୍ଜକ ସ୍ଵର)
impaired: weakened
fell off : କମିଗଲା
Think it out
Question 1.
What does Chaplin speak about his father?
Answer:
Chaplin states that his father liked to live in a state of isolation. He was an entertainer, a silent, thoughtful man with dark eyes. He learnt from his mother that his father looking like Napoleon, was endowed with a deep voice. He was a beautiful artist. He was addicted to drinking which eventually led to his death at the age of thirty-seven. He flew into a devastating temper at the time of drinking. He was legally seprated from his mother.
Question 2.
What account of the vaudevillians do you get from the text?
Answer:
From the text we learn that vandevillians were die-hard drunkards. They earned handsomely not only for their talent, but because of they spent most part of their earnings at the theatre bar. As a result, many artists were ruined by drinking.
Question 3.
What is the mother’s attitude towards Charlie’s father?
Answer:
The mother’s attitude towards Charlie’s father is a blend of sympathy and sadness. She never showed bitterness towards him.
Question 4.
Why did his mother’s theatrical engagements fall off?
Answer:
His mother’s voice lost her strength. A little cold caused an inflammation of her larynx. Her suffering continued for weeks. Nevertheless, she was compelled to go on working and therefore, her voice went from bad to worse. In the middle of singing the cracking in her voice or its sudden disappearance into a low sound drew laughter and shouting from the audience. Her health deteriorated. She grew nervous. As a result, mother’s theatrical engagements fell off.
Unit – II
The mother’s miserable vocal condition made Chaplin go to the stage at the age of five. She did not like him to live alone in rented rooms at night. Therefore, she brought him to the theatre. His mother entertained mostly soldiers who were indecent to the core. They made his mother and other performers objects of derision and laughter. Chaplin walks down the memory lane. While standing in the wings, he saw her voice crack and became almost inaudible. The audience laughed at her miserable condition. They sang and whistled aloud. The noise did not stop.
Then his mother was compelled to walk off the stage. When she left it, she was quite worried. Chaplin still remembers the stage manager grabbing him by the hand followed by a rational appeal to the audience and leaving him on the stage alone. He rose to the occasion. In the midst of the glare of footlights and smoking audience, he began to sing a famous song called Jack Jones. His song, though unfinished, evoked a tremendous positive response from the typical audience. They threw money to the stage in abundance. In short, the audience responded quite enthusiastically to his debut on the stage. Chaplin wanted to stop, pick the money and sing again and his words drew peals of laughter from the audience.
They learnt that he was ready to sing again. The stage manager handed over the money to his mother. Then Chaplin interacted with the audience, danced and sang many songs imitating one of his mother’s on Irish march. He repeated the chorus. He keenly imitated his mother’s cracking voice amidst the tumultuous cheer and laughter and money-throwing of the audience. When mother appeared on the stage to take him, her presence was greeted with roaring applause. That night marked Chaplin’s first performance on the stage. Mother never performed again. Mother’s voice never came to its former condition. When her career on the stage ended, his mother made her living by spending a little money she had saved and this had disappeared soon. And then she mortgaged jewellery and other small belongings. Nevertheless, she was hopeful about regaining her voice.
ସାରମର୍ମ :
ମା’ଙ୍କର ଦୟନୀୟ କଣ୍ଠସ୍ଵର ଅବସ୍ଥା ପାଞ୍ଚବର୍ଷ ବୟସର ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ଙ୍କୁ ମଞ୍ଚ ଉପରକୁ ଟାଣି ନେଇଥିଲା । ରାତିରେ ମା’ ତାଙ୍କୁ ଭଡ଼ାଘର କୋଠରି ଭିତରେ ଏକୁଟିଆ ଛାଡ଼ିବାକୁ ଚାହୁଁ ନ ଥିଲେ । ସେଥିପାଇଁ ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ଙ୍କୁ ତାଙ୍କ ସାଙ୍ଗରେ ଥ୍ଟରକୁ ଆଣୁଥିଲେ । ତାଙ୍କ ମା’ ପ୍ରାୟ ସୈନିକମାନଙ୍କର ମନୋରଞ୍ଜନ କରୁଥିଲେ । ଏହି ସୈନିକମାନେ ବହୁମାତ୍ରାରେ ଅସଭ୍ୟ ଥିଲେ । ଏକଦା ମଞ୍ଚର ଏକ କୋଣରେ ଛିଡ଼ା ହୋଇଥିବାବେଳେ ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ ଦେଖିଲେ ମା’ ଗୀତ ଗାଇବାବେଳେ ତାଙ୍କ ସ୍ଵର ଭାଙ୍ଗିପଡ଼ିଲା ଏବଂ ଅସ୍ପଷ୍ଟ ହୋଇଗଲା । ଶ୍ରୋତାମାନେ ତାଙ୍କ ମା’ଙ୍କର ଅସହାୟତାରେ ଥଟ୍ଟା କଲେ । ସେମାନେ ଗୀତ ଗାଇଲେ ଏବଂ ଉଚ୍ଚସ୍ୱରରେ ସିସିକାରୀ ମାରିଲେ ।
କୋଳାହଳ ବନ୍ଦ ହେଲା ନାହିଁ । ବାଧ୍ୟହୋଇ ମା’ ମଞ୍ଚ ଛାଡ଼ି ଚାଲିଆସିଲେ । ସେ ବ୍ୟସ୍ତ ବିବ୍ରତ ହୋଇପଡ଼ିଲେ । ପରିଚାଳକ ତାଙ୍କୁ ଜବରଦସ୍ତ ଟାଣି ଆଣି ମଞ୍ଚ ଉପରେ ଏକୁଟିଆ ଛାଡ଼ିଯିବାର ଦୃଶ୍ୟ ଏବେବି ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ଙ୍କର ସ୍ମୃତିରେ ରହିଛି । ସେ ଚମତ୍କାର ପ୍ରଦର୍ଶନ କଲେ । ଝଲସୁଥିବା ଆଲୋକ ଏବଂ ଧୂମ୍ରପାନ କରୁଥିବା ଶ୍ରୋତାମାନଙ୍କ ଉପସ୍ଥିତିରେ ସେ ଲୋକପ୍ରିୟ Jack Jones ଗୀତ ଗାଇଲେ । ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ଙ୍କର ମଞ୍ଚ ଉପରେ ଏହି ପ୍ରଥମ ପଦାର୍ପଣ ଶ୍ରୋତାମାନଙ୍କ ଉପରେ ଗଭୀର ପ୍ରଭାବ ପକାଇଲା । ସେମାନେ ମଞ୍ଚ ଉପରକୁ ଟଙ୍କା ଫୋପାଡ଼ିବାକୁ ଲାଗିଲେ ।
ପ୍ରଥମେ ଟଙ୍କା ଗୋଟାଇବେ ଏବଂ ପରେ ଗୀତ ଗାଇବେ ବୋଲି ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ ଘୋଷଣା କଲେ । ଏଥିରେ ଶ୍ରୋତୃମଣ୍ଡଳୀ ଖୁସି ହୋଇଗଲେ । ମଞ୍ଚ ପରିଚାଳକ ସବୁ ଟଙ୍କା ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ଙ୍କ ମା’ଙ୍କୁ ଦେଇଦେଲେ । ଏହାପରେ ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ ଶ୍ରୋତାମାନଙ୍କ ସହିତ ବାକ୍ୟାଳାପ କଲେ, ନାଚିଲେ ଏବଂ ଅନେକ ଗୀତ ଅନୁକରଣ କରି ଗାଇଲେ । ଏହା ମଧ୍ୟରେ ତାଙ୍କ ମା’ଙ୍କର Irish march ତାଙ୍କର ଭଗ୍ନ କଣ୍ଠସ୍ଟର ଅନୁକରଣ କରି ଗାଇବା ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କୁ ପ୍ରଭାବିତ କରିଥିଲା । ଶ୍ରୋତାମାନଙ୍କ ଉପରେ ଏହାର ପ୍ରଭାବ ତାଙ୍କୁ ଆଶ୍ଚର୍ଯ୍ୟାନ୍ବିତ କରିଥିଲା । ସେ ସେମାନଙ୍କର ହସ, ପ୍ରଫୁଲ୍ଲତା ଏବଂ ଟଙ୍କା ଫୋପଡ଼ା ଦେଖିଲେ । ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ଙ୍କୁ ନେବାପାଇଁ ମା’ ମଞ୍ଚକୁ ଆସିବାବେଳେ ଶ୍ରୋତାମାନେ ତାକୁ ଉଚ୍ଛସିତ ପ୍ରଶଂସାରେ ପୋତି ପକାଇଥିଲେ । ସେଇ ରାତି ଥିଲା ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ଙ୍କର ପ୍ରଥମ ମଞ୍ଚ ଅଭିନୟ । ମା’ଙ୍କର ତାହା ଶେଷ ଅଭିନୟ ଥିଲା । ମା’ ତାଙ୍କ ପୂର୍ବ ସ୍ବର ଫେରି ପାଇଲେ ନାହିଁ । ଆର୍ଥିକ ଅବସ୍ଥାରେ ଅବନତି ଘଟିଲା । କିଛି ଟଙ୍କା ସଞ୍ଚୟ କରିଥିବାରୁ ସେ ଜୀବନ ଧାରଣ କରିନେଲେ । କିନ୍ତୁ ଏହା ସରିଗଲା । ତା’ ପରେ ସେ ଗହଣା ଏବଂ ଅନ୍ୟ ଜିନିଷଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ବନ୍ଧକ ରଖିଲେ । ଆଶା କରିଥିଲେ ତାଙ୍କ ପୂର୍ବ ସ୍ଵର ଫେରିଆସିବ ।
Glossary :
Owing to: because of
vocal condition : କଣ୍ଠସ୍ଵର ଅବସ୍ଥା
Aldershot : a town in south central England
grubby: dirty (ଅପରିଷ୍କାର)
mean: small
Catering : satisfying
rowdy: noisy causing trouble
excuse: plea
deride: treat with scorn
ridicule: make fun of, laugh at (ଥଟ୍ଟା କରିବା)
terror: ଭୟ
falsetto: a false voice (କୃତ୍ରିମ ସ୍ୱର)
valueless: meaningless (ÅDIA)
quite : totally (ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଭାବରେ )
walk off: left (ପରିତ୍ୟାଗ କରିବା|ଛାଡ଼ି
upset: disappointed
letting : allowing (ଅନୁମତି ଦେବା)
turmoil : noise (କୋଳାହଳ)
glare : ତୀବ୍ର ଆଲୋକ
half way through : ଅଧା ଗୀତ ଗାଉଥିବା ସମୟରେ
a shower of money : ଟଙ୍କା ବୃଷ୍ଟି
poured: ଗଦା ହେଲା
pick up: collect (ଗୋଟାଇ ନେବା)
gather : ଏକାଠି କରିବା
Conveyed: ଜଣେଇ ଦିଆଗଲା
at home : comfortable (ସ୍ଵଚ୍ଛନ୍ଦ)
chorus: ମିଳିତ ସଙ୍ଗୀତ
impact: ପ୍ରଭାବ
evoked: generated (ଉତ୍ପନ୍ନ କଲା)
tremendous : ବହୁତ
applause: କରତାଳି
fate: ଭାଗ୍ୟ
destiny : fate (ଭାଗ୍ୟ)
heed: notice (ଧ୍ୟାନ ଦେବା )
pity: ଦୟା
justice: ନ୍ୟାୟ
dealt with: behaved ଦେଖାଇଲେ )
regained: ଫେରି ପାଇଲେ
vanished: ଅଦୃଶ୍ୟ ହୋଇଗଲା
pawned: mortgaged (ବନ୍ଧା ପକାଇଲେ)
Think it out
Question 1.
How and why did Charlie first go to the theatre?
Answer:
Mother usually went to the theatre at night. Therefore, she did not want Charlie to stay alone in rented rooms. Besides, her vocal condition was not in a good shape. These factors made Charlie first go to the theatre at the age of five.
Question 2.
Why did his mother walk off the stage?
Answer:
The writer remembers standing on the side of the stage when mother’s voice crecked and relapsed into a state of slow sound. To his utter confusion, she; evoked a ridiculous response from the audience. They started laughing, singing and whistling loudly. As a result, his mother walked off the stage.
Question 3.
How did Charlie make his debut on the stage?
Answer:
Her cracking voice and the audience’s contemptuous treatment to her made Charlie’s mother walk off the stage. Then she came into the wings and argued with the stage manager. But the stage manager, being influenced by the Charlie’s performance before his ‘mother’s friends begged her permission to let Charlie go on to the stage. Then amidst of loud uproar led Charlie by the hand. After appealing to the audience, she left Charlie on the stage alone. Then Charlie rose to the occasion.
Question 4.
How did the audience respond to his frist performance on the stage?
Answer:
At first Charlie sang a popular song called Jack Jones. It enthralled the audience. Money flowed to the stage. Chaplin’s announcement to gather the money first and then sing drew laughter from the audience. The stage manager gave the money to Chaplin’s mother; then Chaplin interacted with the audience, danced and imitated many songs including his mother’s Irish march. His perfect imitation of mother’s cracking voice profoundly impressed the audience. His first appearance on the stage evoked their laughter, lusty cheers and at last more money-throwing.
Question 5.
How did his mother make her living when her career on the stage ended?
Answer:
When her career on the stage ended, his mother made her living by spending a little money she had saved and mortgaging her jewellery and other small belongings.
Unit – III
Gist:
Chaplin and his mother had to undergo a lot of suffering when she gave up stage performance. All their belongings went down. Charlie’s mother turned to religion with a hope that she would get back her voice again. Her regular visit to Christ Church in the Westminister Bridge Road was a case in point. Every Sunday, Chaplin was an avid listener to Bach’s organic music. He, with painful impatience, lent his ears to Reverend EB. Meyer’s enthusiastic and dramatic voice that reverbrated the long central part of the church. His scintillating oration moved mother to tears.
Charlie remembers the Holy Communion on the hot summer’s day. The gathering in the church was treated to cool tasty grape-juice in silvery cups. Mother gently restrained him drink it excessively. The Reverend’s act of closing the Bible filled him with great relief. As a result, there would be no sermons but prayers and the final religious songs. Mother’s theatrical world became a thing of the past. They lived in a state of oppressive misery. Mother’s suffering knew no bounds.
She fell a victim to the social condition of the Victorian age where fabulous wealth and abject poverty were rolled into society and where poorclass women could not but do small works. Small, gracious, sensitive as she was, mother endured the hardships without any protest. Her employment as a nurse was of short duration. She made theatrical costumes. She was able to earn a little for her skilful needle-work and dress making for the members of the church.. In spite of her struggle, their life of hardship did not change.
ସାରମର୍ମ :
ଯେତେବେଳେ ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ଙ୍କ ମା’ ମଞ୍ଚ ଅଭିନୟ ଛାଡ଼ିଦେଲେ ତାଙ୍କ ମା’ ଓ ସେ ବହୁ କଷ୍ଟ ଭୋଗ କରିଥିଲେ । ତାଙ୍କ କଣ୍ଠକୁ ପୁନଶ୍ଚ ଫେରି ପାଇବା ଆଶାରେ ତାଙ୍କ ମା’ ଧର୍ମକୁ ଆଦରି ନେଲେ । ପ୍ରତିଦିନ ସେ ଗୀର୍ଜାକୁ ଯାଉଥିଲେ । ସମ୍ମାନନୀୟ ଧର୍ମଯାଜକଙ୍କର ଜୀବନ୍ତ ସ୍ବରରେ ଗୀର୍ଜାର ଲମ୍ବା ମଧ୍ୟଭାଗ ପ୍ରତିଧ୍ଵନିତ ହେଉଥିଲା
ବେଳେବେଳେ ତାଙ୍କର ଭାଷଣ ମା’ଙ୍କ ଆସ୍ରେ ଲୁହ ଭରି ଦେଇଥିଲା । ଗ୍ରୀଷ୍ମଦିନର ଏକ ପବିତ୍ର ସମାବେଶକୁ ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ ମନେ ପକାଇଛନ୍ତି ।ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କୁ ଥଣ୍ଡା ରୁପା କପ୍ରେ ସୁସ୍ଵାଦୁ ଅଙ୍ଗୁର ରସ ଦିଆଯାଇଥିଲା । ଯେତେବେଳେ ଧର୍ମଯାଜକ ବାଇବେଲ ବନ୍ଦ କରୁଥିଲେ ତାହା ଧର୍ମଶିକ୍ଷାର ଅନ୍ତକୁ ସୂଚାଇ ଦେଉଥିଲା । ଦିନ ଗଡ଼ି ଚାଲିଲା । ମା’ଙ୍କର ଥ୍ଟର ସମ୍ବନ୍ଧୀୟ ଦୁନିଆ ଅତୀତ ହୋଇଗଲା । ଅନ୍ୟ କ୍ଷେତ୍ରରେ ତାଙ୍କ ଅଭିଜ୍ଞତାର ଅଭାବ ନୂଆ କାମ ପାଇଁ ଏକ ପ୍ରତିବନ୍ଧକ ଥିଲା ।
ଅକୁହା କଷ୍ଟ ସତ୍ତ୍ବେ ସେ ସଂଗ୍ରାମ ଜାରି ରଖୁଥିଲେ । ଭିକ୍ଟେରିୟାନ ଯୁଗର ଦାରିଦ୍ର୍ୟ ପ୍ରପୀଡ଼ିତା ସ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଲୋକମାନଙ୍କୁ ଛୋଟ କାମ କରିବାକୁ ପଡୁଥିଲା । ବେଳେବେଳେ ସେ ଧାଈର ଭୂମିକା ଗ୍ରହଣ କରୁଥିଲେ । କିନ୍ତୁ ଏହା କ୍ଷଣସ୍ଥାୟୀ ଥିଲା । ଏଇସବୁ ଦୟନୀୟ ଅବସ୍ଥା ସତ୍ତ୍ବେ ମା’ ହତୋତ୍ସାହ ହୋଇଯାଇ ନଥିଲେ । ସେ ଛୁଞ୍ଚ୍ କାମରେ ନିପୁଣା ଥିଲେ । ଗୀର୍ଜାର ସଦସ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ ସେ ପୋଷାକ ତିଆରି କରୁଥିଲେ । ସଂଗ୍ରାମ ସତ୍ତ୍ବେ ସେମାନଙ୍କର ଦୁର୍ଦ୍ଦଶାର ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତନ ହେଲା ନାହିଁ ।
Glossary:
dwindling: going down
drabber: more miserable
turned to: looked to
shuffling: walking slowly and noisily without lifting one’s feet (ଘୋଷାରି ଚାଲିବା)
orations: speeches (ବକ୍ତୃତା)
appealing: touching the feelings (ଭାବନା ଉଦ୍ରେକକାରୀ )
occasionally : at times (ବେଳେବେଳେ)
delicious: ସ୍ୱାଦିଷ୍ଟ
congragation : gathering (ସମ୍ମଳନ)
relieved: ଆଶ୍ଵସ୍ତ ହେଲେ
sermon: a speech made by a priest (ପୂଜକଙ୍କ ଧର୍ମବାଣୀ)
hymn: religious song (ଧର୍ମସଂକ୍ରାନ୍ତୀୟ ସଙ୍ଗୀତ)
wretched: in a miserable state
interim: gap (ବ୍ୟବଧାନ)
travail: painful work
cheerless: dull
fervent: enthusiastic (ଉତ୍ସାହଜନକ)
echoing: ଇକୋ
nave: long central part of the church (ଚର୍ଚ୍ଚର ଦୀର୍ଘ)
twilight: ଗୋଧୂଳି ସମୟ
untutored: did not learn (ଶିଖ୍ ନ)
handicapped: (here) faced problem (ବାଧା ପାଇଲା)
Dainty: small and attractive in a delicate way
sensitive: likely to be upset easily (ସଚେତନ)
odds: obstacles (ପ୍ରତିବନ୍ଧକ)
Victorian era: ଭିକ୍ଟୋରିଆନ୍ ଯୁଗ
menial work : work considered of low status (ମର୍ଯ୍ୟାଦାହୀନ କାମ)
drudges: menial work like the job of an attendant
nevertheless: but still
resourceful: good at finding with effective ways to deal problems
costumes: ପୋଷାକ
But…..us: Chaplin says that mother’s income was not sufficient for their existence.
Think it out
Question 1.
Why did Charlie’s mother turn to religion?
Answer:
Chaplin and his mother had to undergo a lot of suffering when she gave up stage performance. All their belongings went down. Charlie’s mother turned to religion with a hope that she would get back her voice again.
Question 2.
How does Charlie remember the Holy Communion on one hot summer’s day?
Answer:
Charlie’s mind goes back to the Holy Communion on one hot summer’s day. The gathering was treated to tasty grape-juice contained in the cool silver cup. The Reverend’s act of closing the Bible marked the end of preaching religious teaching and the beginning of prayers and the final religious song.
Question 3.
Give an account of his mother’s suffering.
Answer:
With the disappearance of her theatrical world, mother along with Charlie lived amidst miserable conditions. Her lack of experience in any other field was an obstacle to find a job. Small, graceful and sensitive as she was, his mother struggled against unbelievably hostile conditions in a Victorian age when poor-class women were bound to resort to do low work. At times, mother joined the nursing work. She earned a little by making dresses for the members of the church. But it was not enough for their existence.
CHSE Odisha Class 12 English My Mother Important Questions and Answers
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers
Question 1.
Chaplin’s father was ____________.
(A) thoughtful
(B) silent
(C) a brilliant artist
(D) all of these
Answer:
(C) a brilliant artist
Question 2.
He was endowed with a __________ voice.
(A)soft
(B) harsh
(C) magical
(D) grave and deep
Answer:
(D) grave and deep
Question 3.
The vaudevillians during Chaplin’s time were –
(A) refined
(B) exceptionally brilliant artists
(C) quite sensitive
(D) addicted to drinking
Answer:
(D) addicted to drinking
Question 4.
A majority of stars were paid _____________ because they spent their money lavishly at the theatre bar.
(A) miserably
(B) weekly
(C) handsomely
(D) all of these
Answer:
(C) handsomely
Question 5.
Chaplin’s father died because of his –
(A) alcoholic habit
(B) addiction to drinking
(C) utter carelessness
(D) isolation from his family
Answer:
(A) alcoholic habit
Question 6.
When drinking, Chaplin’s father was in a ________mood.
(A) defensive
(B) frustrating
(C) violent
(D) sober
Answer:
(C) violent
Question 7.
Chaplin’s parents __________ in his infancy.
(A) divorced
(B) were fine
(C) were typical
(D) none of these
Answer:
(A) divorced
Question 8.
His mother was a ___________singer.
(A) non-descript
(B) moderate
(C) celebrated
(D) gifted
Answer:
(C) celebrated
Question 9.
The word ‘laryngitis’ means –
(A) weak
(B) inflammation of the larynx
(C) incurably weak
(D) long breaths
Answer:
(B) inflammation of the larynx
Question 10.
The cracking voice of Chaplin’s mother was met with ____________ responses from the audience.
(A) ridiculous
(B) sorrowful
(C) delirious
(D) gloomy
Answer:
(A) ridiculous
Question 11.
Chaplin made his ___________appearance on the stage, when he was five.
(A) brilliant
(B) first and last
(C) maiden
(D) none of these
Answer:
(C) maiden
Question 12.
The cracking voice of Chaplin’s mother met with the audeience’s _______.
(A) shock
(B) wrath
(C) derision
(D) all of these
Answer:
(C) derision
Question 13.
Mother led Chaplin to the stage amidst great _________.
(A) noise
(B) excitement
(C) pleasure
(D) uncertainty
Answer:
(A) noise
Question 14.
Jack Jones was a great ___________.
(A) comedy
(B) lyric
(C) elegy
(D) song
Answer:
(D) song
Question 15.
Chaplin’s first appearance on the stage was quite _________.
(A) encouraging
(B) hopeless
(C) contemptuous
(D) none of these
Answer:
(A) encouraging
Question 16.
Presence of Chaplin’s mother on the stage was __________.
(A) painful
(B) sorrowful
(C) electrifying
(D) all of these
Answer:
(C) electrifying
Question 17.
At last, fate ________on her.
(A) sailed
(B) showered
(C) frowned
(D) both (A) and (B)
Answer:
(C) frowned
Question 18.
In her moment of crisis, Chaplin’s mother resorted to –
(A) saying prayers
(B) religion
(C) the priest’s help
(D)none of these
Answer:
(B) religion
Question 19.
The sight of mother’s tear _________ Chaplin a little.
(A) shocked
(B) saddened
(C) vexed
(D) none of these
Answer:
(C) vexed
Question 20.
After going to church, mother’s relationship with her friends almost –
(A) snapped
(B) completely abated
(C) turned strange
(D) soured
Answer:
(A) snapped
Question 21.
The word ’travail’ means ___________.
(A) wandering
(B) tiredness
(C) tordy
(D) painful work
Answer:
(D) painful work
Question 22.
The Victorian age is marked by ___________and poverty.
(A) comfort
(B) sloth
(C) affluence
(D) none of these
Answer:
(C) affluence
Question 23.
Chaplin’s mother was short, __________and sensitive.
(A) fat
(B) weak
(C) pretty
(D) dainty
Answer:
(D) dainty
Question 24.
During Chaplin’s time, job such as, nursing was quite ______.
(A) popular
(B) infrequent
(C) prestigeous
(D) none of these
Answer:
(B) infrequent
Question 25.
Despite all odds, Chaplin’s mother was _________.
(A) fine
(B) tolerant
(C) happy
(D) all of these
Answer:
(B) tolerant
Introducing the Author :
Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin (1889-1977) is one of the greatest comedians of the silent movies. It is an record that Chaplin made his first stage appearance when he was five as a replacement for his mother. Till twenty he could hardly find an anchor and drifted until he came to the United States, after having made a name as a child actor. The rapidly growing film industry and the daring experiments of producers opened new vistas for Chaplin. He was soon recognised as ‘an original and indisputable laughgetter’, his fantastic apparel becoming a symbol of great comedy. Almost every picture in which he featured became famous. Among these are ‘The Floor Walker’, ‘The Count’, ‘The Immigrant’, ‘Easy Street’, ‘The Gold Rush’, ‘City Lights’, ‘Monsieur Verdoux’ and then ‘Lime Light’, his great hit. Bernard Shaw called Chaplin ‘the only genius developed by the motion pictures’, Chaplin produced ‘Lime Light’ at the age of sixty three, when it looked as if he had retired. But the film was hailed as ‘a kind of cinematic poem about humanity’, and Chaplin as one of the supreme geniuses of the film world and comedy.
About the Story :
‘‘My Mother”, an extract from Chaplin’s ‘My Autobiography’ deals with the nature of his father and mother. This article also presents Charlie’s first appearance on the stage and the sufferings he and his mother had experienced when the latter relinquished the stage. A superb touch of clarity characterised ‘‘My Mother”.
ବିଷୟ ସୂଚନା :
ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ଙ୍କର ‘My Autobiography’ରୁ ଉଦ୍ଧୃତ ହୋଇଥିବା “My Mother” ତାଙ୍କ ପିତାମାତାଙ୍କ ବିଷୟରେ ଆଲୋଚନା କରିଛି । ଏହି ବିଷୟଟି ମଞ୍ଚ ଉପରେ ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ଙ୍କର ପ୍ରଥମ ଅବିର୍ଭାବ ଏବଂ ତାଙ୍କ ମା’ଙ୍କର ମଞ୍ଚ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ ତ୍ୟାଗ କରିବା ପରେ ସେମାନେ ସମ୍ମୁଖୀନ ହୋଇଥିବା ଦୁର୍ଦ୍ଦଶା ଉପରେ ଆଲୋକପାତ କରିଛି । ସ୍ପଷ୍ଟ ଅଭିବ୍ୟକ୍ତି ହେଉଛି “My Mother” ଗଳ୍ପଟିର ବୈଶିଷ୍ଟ୍ୟ |
Summary :
Walking down the memory lane, Chaplin reminisces his father, who was an entertainer, a silent, a thoughtful man with dark eyes. He learnt from his mother that his father, looking like Napoleon, was endowed with a deep voice. He was a beautiful artist. Even in those days when jobs were scarce, he earned the substantial income of forty pounds a week. Mother also said that his father’s addiction to drinking was the; cause of their divorce. Chaplin throws light on the entertainers of the time. They were die-hard drunkards, because all theatres dealt in alcohol. Handsome salaries made a number of stars spend a lot at the theatre bar. As a result, many artists including Chaplin’s father invited ruin.
His father fell a prey to excessive alcohol at the age of thirty-seven. In a state of drunkenness, he showed a devastating temper. Chaplin’s mother’s attitude towards his father lacked objectivity. At times, it was a blend of sympathy and sadness. Chaplin states that his mother did not demand any means of living, despite his parents’ divorce. A star as she was, she did not face any problem in maintaining herself and her children. Only in times of crisis, she sought relief. She never resorted to legal steps. Chaplin refers to his mother’s voice growing worse. Just a little cold caused a prolonged inflammation of her larynx, but circumstances compelled her to go on singing. Her voice cracked and suddenly became inaudible in the middle of singing. She met with the scorn and laughter of the audience. It led to the deterioration of her health. She grew nervous.
As a result his mother’s theatrical engagements fell off and eventually came to a close. The writer states that his mother’s pathetic vocal condition paved the way for his debut on the stage, when he was five. She was entertaining mostly Soldiers at Aldershot. They were indecent. They did not mind making the performers objects of scorn and laughter. The writer remembers standing on the side of the stage when mother’s voice cracked and relapsed into a state of slow sound.
To his utter confusion, she evoked a ridiculous response from the audience. They started laughing, singing and whistling loudly. As a result, his mother left the stage. Instead of being cowed down by their sarcasm, the stage manager left him on the stage alone. Chaplin splendidly rose to the occasion. He sang a popular song called Jack Jones. The audience responded to his first performance on the stage in a manner that was incredible. Money flodded the stage. Chaplin’s announcement to gather the money first and then sing drew laughter from the audience.
The stage manager gave the money to Chaplin’s mother; the latter interacted with the audience, danced and imitated many songs including his mother’s Irish march one. His perfect imitation of mother’s cracking voice, vastly impressed the audience. Chaplin found himself in the midst of their cheerful response. They threw money to the stage. The spectacle of mother’s presence on the stage was electrifying. She drew lavish praise from the audience. That night marked his debut on the stage and mother’s last performance. , Fate, Chaplin states, governs human destiny. It knows no pity, no justice.
His mother fell a victim to cruel fate. She never got back her voice again. His mother made her living out of a little money, that she had saved and mortgaging the jewellery and other small possessions she had mortgaged. Everything was exhausted soon. She always hoped that she would regain her voice. But it was a futile hope. Chaplin and his mother had to undergo a lot of hardships when she gave up stage performance. She looked to religion, hoping that it would bring back her voice again. She became a frequent visitor to the church. The Reverend’s lively and dramatic voice reverberated the long central part of the church. At times his speeches moved her to tears.
The writer’s mind goes back to the holy gathering on one hot summer’s day. Each of them was treated to tasty grape-juice contained in the cool silver cup. The Reverend’s act of closing the Bible marked the end of preaching religious teaching and the beginning of prayers and the final religious song. Days rolled by. Mother’s theatrical world became a thing of the past. Her lack of experience in other field was an obstacle to find a new job. Small, graceful and sensitive woman as she was, Chaplin’s mother kept on struggling against untold hardships. She lived in a Victorian age, where poverty-stricken women resorted to low jobs. At times, she played the role of a nurse, but such employment was not always available. Besides, the work of nursing lasted for a short time. In spite of these adverse conditions, mother was capable of finding alternative sources for existence. She excelled in the art of needle-work. Dress-making for the members of the church was a case in point. But it was not enough for their livelihood.
ସାରାଂଶ :
ସ୍ମୃତିଚାରଣ କରି ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ ତାଙ୍କ ବାପାଙ୍କ କଥା ମନେ ପକାଇଛନ୍ତି । ତାଙ୍କ ବାପା ଥିଲେ ଜଣେ ମନୋରଞ୍ଜନକାରୀ, ନୀରବ ଏବଂ ଚିନ୍ତାଶୀଳ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି । ତାଙ୍କ ମା’ଙ୍କଠାରୁ ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ ଜାଣିଥିଲେ ଯେ ତାଙ୍କ ବାପା ନେପୋଲିୟନ୍ ଭଳି ଦେଖାଯାଉଥିଲେ ଓ ତାଙ୍କର ସ୍ଵର ଥିଲା ଗମ୍ଭୀର । ସେ ଜଣେ ସୁନ୍ଦର କଳାକାର ଥିଲେ । ସେଇ ସମୟର ଚାକିରିର ଘୋର ଅଭାବ ଥିଲା, ତଥାପି ତାଙ୍କ ବାପା ସପ୍ତାହରେ ଚାଳିଶ ପାଉଣ୍ଡ ଅର୍ଜନ କରୁଥିଲେ ।‘ତାଙ୍କ ବାପା ଥିଲେ ମଦ୍ୟପ ଏବଂ ତାହା ତାଙ୍କ ପିତାମାତାଙ୍କ ବିବାହ ବିଚ୍ଛେଦର କାରଣ ହୋଇଥିଲା ।
ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ ତତ୍କାଳୀନ ମନୋରଞ୍ଜନକାରୀମାନଙ୍କ ଉପରେ ଆଲୋକପାତ କରିଛନ୍ତି । ସେମାନେ ମଦ୍ୟପ ଥିଲେ କାରଣ ସବୁ ଥୁଟରଗୁଡ଼ିକ ମଦ ବ୍ୟବସାୟ କରୁଥିଲେ । ମୋଟା ଦରମା ପାଉଥିବା ଯୋଗୁଁ ଅନେକ ତାରକା ଥୁଟର ମଦଶାଳାରେ ବହୁତ ସମୟ କଟାଉଥିଲେ । ଫଳରେ ଚାପୁଲିନ୍ଙ୍କର ବାପା କିଭଳି ଅନେକ କଳାକାର ଧ୍ଵଂସକୁ ଡାକି ଆଣିଥିଲେ । ସଇଁତିରିଶ ବର୍ଷ ବୟସରେ ତାଙ୍କର ବାପା ଅତ୍ୟଧ୍ଵ ମଦ୍ୟପାନର ଶିକାର ହୋଇ ମୃତ୍ୟୁବରଣ କରିଥିଲେ । ମଦ୍ୟପାନ ଅବସ୍ଥାରେ ସେ ଭୟଙ୍କର କୋପ ଦେଖାଉଥିଲେ । ତାଙ୍କ ବାପାଙ୍କ ପ୍ରତି ମା’ଙ୍କର ଦୃଷ୍ଟିଭଙ୍ଗୀରେ ବିରୋଧଭାବ ନ ଥିଲା । ବେଳେବେଳେ ଏହା ଥିଲା ଦୁଃଖ ଓ ସହାନୁଭୂତିର ମିଶ୍ରଣ ଥିଲା ।
ବିବାହ ବିଚ୍ଛେଦ ସତ୍ତ୍ବେ ମା’ ତାଙ୍କ ବାପାଙ୍କଠାରୁ ଭରଣପୋଷଣ ଦାବି କରି ନ ଥିଲେ ବୋଲି ଚାପଲିନ୍ କହିଛନ୍ତି । ଜଣେ ତାରକା ହିସାବରେ ନିଜ ପିଲାମାନଙ୍କୁ ଚଳାଇବାରେ ସେ କୌଣସି ଅସୁବିଧାର ସମ୍ମୁଖୀନ ହୋଇ ନ ଥିଲେ । କେବଳ ଘଡ଼ିସନ୍ଧି ମୁହୂର୍ତ୍ତରେ ସେ ସାହାଯ୍ୟ ଚାହୁଁଥିଲେ । ତାଙ୍କ ମା’ଙ୍କର କଣ୍ଠସ୍ଵର ଧୀରେ ଧୀରେ ଖରାପ ହୋଇଯାଉଥିବା କଥା ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ କହିଛନ୍ତି । ସାମାନ୍ୟ ଥଣ୍ଡା ତାଙ୍କର କଣ୍ଠକୁ ବହୁଦିନ ଧରି ଆକ୍ରାନ୍ତ କରୁଥିଲା; କିନ୍ତୁ ପରିସ୍ଥିତିର ତାଡ଼ନାରେ ତାଙ୍କୁ ଗୀତ ଗାଇବାକୁ ପଡ଼ୁଥିଲା । ଗୀତ ଗାଇଲାବେଳେ ତାଙ୍କ ସ୍ଵର ଭାଙ୍ଗି ପଡୁଥିଲା ଏବଂ ଗୀତ ଗାଇବା ମଝିରେ ଅସ୍ପଷ୍ଟ ହୋଇଯାଉଥିଲା । ଯାହାଫଳରେ ସେ ଶ୍ରୋତାମାନଙ୍କର ଅଟ୍ଟହାସ୍ୟର ଶିକାର ହେଉଥିଲେ । ଫଳରେ ତାଙ୍କ ସ୍ଵାସ୍ଥ୍ୟର ଅବନତି ଘଟିଲା । ସେ ଭୀତତ୍ରସ୍ତା ହୋଇଗଲେ । ଫଳସ୍ବରୂପ ତାଙ୍କୁ ଥୁଟରରେ କାମ ମିଳିବା କମିଯିବାକୁ ଲାଗିଲା । ମା’ଙ୍କ କଣ୍ଠସ୍ୱରର ଅବସ୍ଥା ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ଙ୍କୁ ପ୍ରଥମ ଥର ପାଇଁ ମଞ୍ଚ ଉପରକୁ ଆସିବାକୁ ବାଧ୍ୟ କରିଥିଲା ।
ସେତେବେଳକୁ ତାଙ୍କ ବୟସ ଥିଲା ପାଞ୍ଚ ବର୍ଷ । ସେତେବେଳେ ତାଙ୍କ ମା’ ଆଲଡର୍ସଟ୍ରେ ଥିବା ସୈନ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କର ମନୋରଞ୍ଜନ କରାଉଥିଲେ । ଏଇ ସୈନିକମାନେ ଅଭଦ୍ର ଥିଲେ । ସେମାନେ ମନୋରଞ୍ଜନକାରୀମାନଙ୍କୁ ଅପମାନ ଏବଂ ଥଟ୍ଟା କରିବାକୁ ଭୁଲୁ ନଥିଲେ । ଏକଦା ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ ମଞ୍ଚର ଏକ କୋଣରେ ଛିଡ଼ା ହୋଇଥିଲେ । ଏହି ସମୟରେ ତାଙ୍କ ମା’ଙ୍କର କଣ୍ଠସ୍ଵର ଭାଙ୍ଗିପଡ଼ିଲା ଓ ସ୍ଵର ଅସ୍ପଷ୍ଟ ହୋଇଗଲା। ଶ୍ରୋତାମାନେ ତାଙ୍କୁ ଥଟ୍ଟା କରିଥିଲେ । ସେମାନେ ହସିବା, ଗୀତ ଗାଇବା ଏବଂ ସିଟି ବଜାଇବାରେ ଲାଗିପଡ଼ିଲେ । ତା’ପରେ ତାଙ୍କ ମା’ ମଞ୍ଚ ଛାଡ଼ି ଚାଲିଯାଇଥିଲେ । ସେମାନଙ୍କର ବିଦ୍ରୁପ ସାମ୍ନାରେ ମୁଣ୍ଡ ନ ଝୁଙ୍କାଇ ପରିଚାଳକ ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ଙ୍କୁ ଏକୁଟିଆ ମଞ୍ଚ ଉପରେ ଛାଡ଼ିଦେଲେ । ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ କିଛି କମ୍ ନ ଥିଲେ । ସେ ଲୋକପ୍ରିୟ ଗୀତ Jack Jones ଗାଇଥିଲେ ।
ତାଙ୍କର ପ୍ରଥମ ଅଭିନୟକୁ ଶ୍ରୋତାମାନେ ଅବିଶ୍ବସନୀୟ ଭାବେ ପସନ୍ଦ କଲେ । ସେମାନେ ମଞ୍ଚ ଉପରକୁ ଟଙ୍କା ଫୋପାଡ଼ିବାକୁ ଲାଗିଲେ । ପ୍ରଥମେ ଟଙ୍କା ଗୋଟାଇବେ ଏବଂ ପରେ ଗୀତ ଗାଇବେ ବୋଲି ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ ଘୋଷଣା କଲେ । ଏଥିରେ ଶ୍ରୋତୃମଣ୍ଡଳୀ ଖୁସି ହୋଇଗଲେ । ମଞ୍ଚ ପରିଚାଳକ ସବୁ ଟଙ୍କା ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ ମା’ଙ୍କୁ ଦେଇଦେଲେ । ଏହାପରେ ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ ଶ୍ରୋତାମାନଙ୍କ ସହିତ ବାକ୍ୟାଳାପ କଲେ, ନାଚିଲେ ଏବଂ ଅନେକ ଗୀତ ଅନୁକରଣ କରି ଗାଇଲେ । ଏହା ମଧ୍ୟରେ ତାଙ୍କ ମା’ଙ୍କର Irish march ଗୀତକୁ ତାଙ୍କର ଭଗ୍ନ କଣ୍ଠସ୍ଵର ଅନୁକରଣ କରି ଗାଇବା ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କୁ ପ୍ରଭାବିତ କରିଥିଲା । ସେମାନେ ମଞ୍ଚ ଉପରକୁ ଟଙ୍କା ଫୋପାଡ଼ିବାକୁ ଲାଗିଲେ । ମଞ୍ଚ ଉପରେ ତାଙ୍କ ମା’ଙ୍କର ଉପସ୍ଥିତିର ଦୃଶ୍ୟ ଚମତ୍କାର ଥିଲା । ଶ୍ରୋତାମାନେ ତାଙ୍କର ଭୂୟସୀ ପ୍ରଶଂସା କଲେ । ସେଇ ରାତି ପରଦା ଉପରେ ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ଙ୍କର ପ୍ରଥମ ଏବଂ ମା’ଙ୍କର ଶେଷ ଉପସ୍ଥିତିର ସାକ୍ଷୀ ଥିଲା ।
ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ କହିଛନ୍ତି ଯେ ଭାଗ୍ୟ ମଣିଷର ଗତିପଥ ନିର୍ଦ୍ଧାରଣ କରେ । ଏହା ପାଖରେ ଦୟା ବା ନ୍ୟାୟର ସ୍ଥାନ ନ ଥାଏ । ତାଙ୍କର ମା’ ନିଷ୍ଠୁର ଭାଗ୍ୟର ଶିକାର ହୋଇଗଲେ । ସେ ତାଙ୍କର ସ୍ଵର ଆଉ ଫେରିପାଇଲେ ନାହିଁ । ତାଙ୍କ ମା’ ସଞ୍ଚୟ କରିଥିବା ସ୍ଵଚ୍ଛ ଟଙ୍କା, ଗହଣା ଏବଂ ଅନ୍ୟ ଜିନିଷଗୁଡ଼ାକର ବନ୍ଧକ ରଖି ଜୀବିକା ନିର୍ବାହ କଲେ । ସବୁକିଛି ଅଳ୍ପଦିନ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ସରିଗଲା । ସେ ସବୁବେଳେ ଆଶା କରୁଥିଲେ ତାଙ୍କର କଣ୍ଠସ୍ଵର ଫେରିଆସିବ, କିନ୍ତୁ ଏହା ଥିଲା ଦୀ ଆଶା । ତାଙ୍କ ମା’ ମଞ୍ଚ ଛାଡ଼ିଲା ପରେ ଚାପ୍ଲିନ୍ ଏବଂ ସେ ବହୁତ ଅସୁବିଧାର ସମ୍ମୁଖୀନ ହୋଇଥିଲେ । ତାଙ୍କ କଣ୍ଠସ୍ବର ପୁନଶ୍ଚ ଫେରି ପାଇବା ଆଶାରେ ସେ ଧର୍ମର ଆଶ୍ରୟ ନେଇଥିଲେ । ସେ ପ୍ରତିଦିନ ଗୀର୍ଜାକୁ ଯାଉଥିଲେ । ସମ୍ମାନନୀୟ ଧର୍ମଯାଜକଙ୍କର ଜୀବନ୍ତ ଏବଂ ନାଟକୀୟ ସ୍ବରରେ ଗୀର୍ଜାର ଲମ୍ବା ମଧ୍ୟଭାଗ ପ୍ରତିଧ୍ଵନିତ ହେଉଥିଲା । ବେଳେବେଳେ ତାଙ୍କର ଭାଷଣ ମା’ଙ୍କ ଆସ୍ରେ ଲୁହ ଭରି ଦେଉଥିଲା । ଗ୍ରୀଷ୍ମଦିନର ଏକ ପବିତ୍ର ସମାବେଶକୁ ଲେଖକ ମନେ ପକାଇଛନ୍ତି । ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କୁ ଥଣ୍ଡା ରୁପ କମ୍ରେ ସୁସ୍ୱାଦୁ ଫାଙ୍ଗୁର ରସ ପିଇବାକୁ ଦିଆଯାଇଥିଲା । ଯେତେବେଳେ ଧର୍ମଯାଜକ ବାଇବେଲ ବନ୍ଦ କରୁଥିଲେ, ତାହା ଧର୍ମଶିକ୍ଷା ସମାପ୍ତି ଓ ଧର୍ମ ସଙ୍ଗୀତ ଆରମ୍ଭ ହେବାର ସୂଚନା ଦେଉଥିଲା ।
ଦିନ ଗଡ଼ି ଚାଲିଲା । ମା’ଙ୍କର ଥାଏଟର ସମ୍ବନ୍ଧୀୟ ଦୁନିଆ ଅତୀତ ହୋଇଗଲା । ଅନ୍ୟ କ୍ଷେତ୍ରରେ ତାଙ୍କ ଅଭିଜ୍ଞତାର ଅଭାବ ନୂଆ କାମ ମିଳିବାପାଇଁ ଏକ ପ୍ରତିବନ୍ଧକ ଥିଲା । ଅବ୍ୟକ୍ତ ବେଦନା ସତ୍ତ୍ଵେ ତାଙ୍କ ମା’ ସଂଗ୍ରାମ ଜାରି ରଖିଲେ । ଭିକ୍ଟୋରିଆ ଯୁଗର ଦାରିଦ୍ର୍ୟ ପ୍ରପୀଡ଼ିତା ସ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଲୋକମାନଙ୍କୁ ଛୋଟ କାମ କରିବାକୁ ପଡୁଥିଲା । ବେଳେବେଳେ ସେ ଧାଈର ଭୂମିକା ଗ୍ରହଣ କରୁଥିଲେ । କିନ୍ତୁ ଏହା କ୍ଷଣସ୍ଥାୟୀ ଥିଲା । ଏଇସବୁ ଦୟନୀୟ ଅବସ୍ଥା ସତ୍ତ୍ବେ ମା’ ହତୋତ୍ସାହ ହୋଇ ଯାଇନଥିଲେ । ସେ ଛୁଞ୍ଚ୍ କାମରେ ନିପୁଣା ଥିଲେ । ଗୀର୍ଜାର ସଦସ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ ସେ ପୋଷାକ ତିଆରି କରୁଥିଲେ । କିନ୍ତୁ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ଭରଣପୋଷଣ ପାଇଁ ଏହା ଯଥେଷ୍ଟ ନଥିଲା ।