Uncover the Ultimate Guide: NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 3, Should Wizard Hit Mommy?

Discover the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 3 - Should Wizard Hit Mommy? Through the link provided, you can easily access a host of materials to support your studies. It is noteworthy that this chapter contains questions on page number 48, which we have listed for your convenience.

To begin with, Question 1 requires students to understand Jo’s character - a four-year-old with an inquisitive mind, who finds solace in her father's storytelling. Jo's enchantment in the world of fantasy and adventure is palpable, especially as her curiosity and eagerness are aroused. She processes her emotions quite distinctly, just like an explorer following a river’s course, ever determined to find the truth. She demands attention to detail and, when necessary, brings her father back on track when he deviates from the storyline. This demonstrates her genuineness - a young girl who seeks to understand, rather than just blindly follow the stories she is told.

As a highly participative listener, Jo would dive into the depths of the story, imagining how the characters looked and felt, while paying close attention to even the minutest of details. If the story does not align with her expectations, she would push back, fighting to ensure that it is on the right track. Despite being just a little girl, she is already exhibiting the traits that would mold her personality in the future.

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Q2: What potential direction could the story take?

Answer:

From Jo's viewpoint, the story should have had a happy outcome where Roger Skunk finally got rid of his malodorous stench and could play with the other children. However, Jack had a different perspective, and his own emotions and memories influenced the narrative. He saw the story as an opportunity to reflect on his own childhood and his relationship with his mother. Thus, he added a sense of realism to the story that was not there before, and the ending became more nuanced. Instead of a simple fairy tale ending, the story reflected the complexities of real life, where ideal solutions are not always achievable.

Q3: What was Jo's dilemma?

Answer:

For Jo, the story represented a simpler world where children could play together without the complexities of adult issues. She empathized with Roger Skunk and his desire to make friends. She could not understand why anyone would want to compromise the happiness of a child. She saw the skunk's mother as a hindrance to Roger's happiness, and she couldn't comprehend why she would oppose him. Jo was still young and believed that the world should be fair and just. She struggled with the concept of adults and authority figures making decisions that didn't align with what she believed was right.

Insightful Reading: Solution to Questions on Page 55

Q1: What is the ethical issue that arises in the story?

Answer:

The story explored moral issues that depend on one's level of emotional maturity. Jo's idealistic view contrasts with Jack's perspective, which reflects his life experience. The story highlights the difference between the innocence of childhood and the complexities of adulthood. The baby skunk in the story learns that by smelling of roses, he can be accepted by others. Jo values the importance of friendship and believes that it is worth more than anything else. However, Jack wants to teach his daughter the importance of parental authority and the concept of doing what's best for the child, even if it might mean compromising their happiness. Therefore, the ethical dilemma in the story centers around whether blindly following parents' directives is always the best course of action.

Q2: What was Jo's preferred ending of the story, and why?

Answer:

Jo was unsatisfied with the original ending of the story and urged her father to retell it the following day, with changes that she deemed acceptable. Jo believed that both Roger Skunk and the wizard were right in the story, and she objected to the ending where the skunk's mother hit the wizard without any consequences. She wanted the story to end with the wizard punishing the mother skunk by attacking her with his magic wand and chopping off her arms forcefully. Jo's preference for a violent ending reflected her inability to accept that sometimes adults make decisions that may not be fair or just. She wanted to see Roger Skunk win, without any compromises.

Q3: Why does Jack insist that it was only the wizard who was hit and not the mother?

Answer:

There were three reasons why Jack was adamant that only the wizard was hit and not the mother. Firstly, when Jo brought up the issue, Jack had already finished narrating the story. To change his ending meant going against the concept that parents always know best. Secondly, Jack wanted Jo to understand the importance of respecting authority figures, especially elders. He believed that a young child should learn the importance of obedience and trust. Thirdly, Jack's emotional connection to the story meant that he couldn't imagine his own mother being hit by anyone. His personal experience made him believe that his mother knew what was best for him, and that children should follow their parents' directives.

Q4: Why does Jack find himself in a bind?

Answer: As the story of Roger Skunk unfolds, Jo expresses her impatience and dissatisfaction with the story's ending as told by her father, Jack. Jo insisted that the wizard should have struck the skunk's mother hard. However, Jack knew that this was ethically and morally wrong and contradicted the principles of respect that he had taught his daughter from an early age. Despite this, Jo's insistence left Jack torn between two perspectives, and he struggled to convey his belief that mothers are never wrong.

Q5: What is your opinion on the two possible endings to the Roger Skunk story?

Answer: Both endings seem irrational, considering Jo's tender age. It is crucial to note that young children gain knowledge and form beliefs based on what they hear, see and experience. Jack’s proposed ending enables Jo to internalize an inappropriate lesson that the elders are always right, regardless of the ethical implications. This conclusion also portrays the skunk’s mom attacking the wizard for no reason, sending a message that it is acceptable to use aggression on others who are not at fault. On the other hand, a conclusion according to Jo's point of view will eliminate the idea of respecting elders and encourage children to adopt an attitude of violence towards older individuals.

A prudent and balanced ending would entail the skunk's mother understanding her error or not engaging in violence at all.

Q6: Why do adults have a different perspective on life than children?

Answer: Children's speech, actions, and reactions are natural and not influenced by external factors. They tend to speak their minds based on what they perceive as ethically right without much thought. In contrast, adults are expected to think through their words and actions and consider the impact they have on society. Culture and social norms often govern their thinking and decision-making processes.

In this context, Jo voices her opinion based on her perception of the story. However, Jack's adult perspective prompts him to consider the consequences of adopting Jo's proposed ending, given the societal expectations and norms he has come to accept over time.