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Introspective English
Prepare, Practise and Participate
Introspective English
Prepare, Practise and Participate
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Home to Heaven by Pearl S. Buck – Questions and Answers
About the Author
Pearl S. Buck was an American short story writer, poet, novelist, and playwright. She was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938 for her significant contributions.
About the Story
In the story Home to Heaven, Pearl S. Buck reflects on the importance of our cultural roots, including our mother tongue, personal preferences, and day-to-day life. As time passes, many of us aspire to a modern, sophisticated lifestyle, sometimes even pretending to have forgotten our heritage. We may speak foreign languages and embrace foreign customs. However, the story reminds us of the need to reconnect with our roots, speak our native language, and express our true emotions, ultimately leading to inner joy.
The themes of Home to Heaven include identity, culture, the artificial nature of modern lifestyles, and the challenges they pose. In the story, Phyllis and David Lin embark on a journey of self-discovery, realizing how they have adopted an artificial way of life. They reconnect with their culture, overcoming challenges to reclaim their true identities.
This fictional story is told from a third-person point of view.
The story’s central message encourages us not to forget our roots or our culture in the pursuit of a flashy modern life.
Characters in the Story:
Mr. Fang – A leading banker in Shanghai, Mr. Fang is Phyllis’s father and Doris Li’s lover. He has a penchant for expensive things.
Phyllis – The daughter of Mr. Fang, Phyllis is a schoolteacher who later develops feelings for David Lin.
Doris Li – Mr. Fang’s concubine, Doris Li follows an artificial lifestyle and pretends to have forgotten her native language after living in Paris.
David Lin – A young man who becomes interested in Phyllis.
Word Meanings:
gravely – seriously
concubine – mistress
barbarous – rude
amuse – entertain
desultorily – without interest or enthusiasm
pondered – thought
passionless – without emotion
approved – accepted
gloomily – sadly
seized – captured
Summary
David Lin, a young man, watches a dance in Mr. Fang’s lavish parlour in Shanghai, which is filled with expensive items and modern art. Mr. Fang is accompanied by Phyllis, his daughter, and Doris Li, his concubine. While Phyllis is tall, with a pale complexion and long, straight hair, Doris Li is an actress with a dramatic appearance. Doris Li speaks a mix of English and Chinese, pretending to have forgotten her native tongue after her time in Paris, which makes David dislike her. He finds Phyllis to be the most beautiful in the room.
David dances with several girls but feels a disconnection. When he dances with Phyllis, he notices her cold expression, which makes him question his feelings. Later, David realizes that Phyllis, like him, is uncomfortable with foreign customs. Both of them discover their shared dislike for modern ways of life and decide to reconnect with their roots. David proposes to Phyllis, and they agree to live according to their culture, free from foreign influences.
Multiple Choice Questions
What is the name of the wealthy man whose house the party takes place in?
a) Mr. Lin
b) Mr. Fang
c) Mr. Li
d) Mr. Fang’s friend
Answer: b) Mr. Fang
How does David Lin feel about Phyllis when he first sees her?
a) He is indifferent to her
b) He finds her very pretty
c) He feels disgusted by her appearance
d) He is unsure of his feelings
Answer: b) He finds her very pretty
What distinguishes Phyllis’ appearance from the other women at the party?
a) She wears a bright red dress
b) Her hair is straight, black, and long
c) She is very short and plump
d) She wears heavy makeup
Answer: b) Her hair is straight, black, and long
Why does David Lin avoid dancing with the actress?
a) He does not want to ruin his coat
b) He dislikes her behavior and frizzy hair
c) He feels uncomfortable with her
d) He is already dancing with someone else
Answer: b) He dislikes her behavior and frizzy hair
What does Mr. Fang say about Phyllis’ work?
a) She works in a prestigious company
b) She is lazy and does nothing
c) She works to amuse herself
d) She is the most successful of his children
Answer: c) She works to amuse herself
How does Phyllis respond when David asks her for a dance?
a) She refuses politely
b) She chooses to dance with someone else
c) She accepts with a smile
d) She does not respond
Answer: c) She accepts with a smile
What happens when David dances with Phyllis?
a) They have a passionate connection
b) David feels suspicious about her easy movements
c) David does not enjoy the dance
d) Phyllis refuses to dance properly
Answer: b) David feels suspicious about her easy movements
How does David feel about girls after the dance with Phyllis?
a) He becomes more interested in other girls
b) He still dislikes all girls, seeing them as the same
c) He becomes curious about Phyllis’ behavior
d) He decides to avoid all parties
Answer: b) He still dislikes all girls, seeing them as the same
What does David think of the modern technique used in his interactions with Phyllis?
a) He enjoys it and feels it brings them closer
b) He feels it is genuine and meaningful
c) He dislikes it, but continues using it
d) He is unaware of it and enjoys the process
Answer: c) He dislikes it, but continues using it
What is Phyllis’ revelation to David before she leaves?
a) She wants to marry him
b) She dislikes everything modern and foreign
c) She is not really interested in him
d) She dislikes dancing and kissing people
Answer: b) She dislikes everything modern and foreign
What does Phyllis say about her true feelings and actions?
a) She has enjoyed the modern life and dancing
b) She has been pretending to enjoy everything she did
c) She never wanted to dance or kiss anyone
d) She wanted to marry David from the start
Answer: b) She has been pretending to enjoy everything she did
How does David react when he realizes the truth about Phyllis?
a) He is angry at her for deceiving him
b) He understands why they were never close
c) He decides to forget about her completely
d) He accuses her of being dishonest
Answer: b) He understands why they were never close
What is Phyllis’ attitude towards modern life and behaviour?
a) She fully embraces it
b) She dislikes it and feels out of place
c) She enjoys it only when others are watching
d) She wants to live a traditional life
Answer: b) She dislikes it and feels out of place
What does Mr. Fang’s attitude towards his children reveal?
a) He is very proud of them
b) He is indifferent to their careers and behaviour
c) He is disappointed in them
d) He is only concerned with their social status
Answer: b) He is indifferent to their careers and behaviour
How does David Lin view Phyllis after their interaction?
a) He is completely fascinated by her
b) He feels a deep connection with her
c) He becomes frustrated and sees her as just another girl
d) He regrets not talking to her more
Answer: c) He becomes frustrated and sees her as just another girl
How does Phyllis’ behaviour contrast with David’s expectations?
a) She is more reserved than he anticipated
b) She is less interested in him than he thought
c) She is more forward and assertive than he expected
d) She is much more flirtatious than he imagined
Answer: c) She is more forward and assertive than he expected
What does David realize about Phyllis by the end of their encounter?
a) She is not as interesting as he first thought
b) She is more genuine than he gave her credit for
c) She hides her true feelings behind modern behaviors
d) She is actually very interested in him
Answer: c) She hides her true feelings behind modern behaviours
What does the party setting symbolize in the story?
a) A place of personal growth and reflection
b) The shallow nature of social interactions
c) A peaceful retreat away from the world
d) A place for deep and meaningful conversations
Answer: b) The shallow nature of social interactions
What does Phyllis reveal to David about her own feelings?
a) She genuinely enjoys modern parties and dances
b) She feels trapped in the modern expectations
c) She is looking for true love, but finds none
d) She does not care about dancing or kissing anyone
Answer: b) She feels trapped in the modern expectations
How does David view the other girls at the party?
a) He is indifferent to them and avoids them completely
b) He sees them as equally shallow and unremarkable
c) He becomes attracted to all of them
d) He admires their beauty and elegance
Answer: b) He sees them as equally shallow and unremarkable
What does the author suggest about modern relationships through David and Phyllis’ interaction?
a) Modern relationships are based on genuine emotions
b) They are often characterized by miscommunication and pretense
c) Traditional relationships are superior to modern ones
d) Relationships today are more honest and fulfilling
Answer: b) They are often characterized by miscommunication and pretense
Why does Phyllis choose not to be open about her true feelings?
a) She believes David is not the right person for her
b) She fears rejection and does not want to appear vulnerable
c) She is too shy to express herself clearly
d) She wants to protect her social status and image
Answer: b) She fears rejection and does not want to appear vulnerable
What is the significance of David’s reaction to Phyllis’ revelation?
a) It shows his emotional maturity and understanding of her
b) It highlights his anger at being deceived
c) It signifies his growing disillusionment with romantic relationships
d) It reflects his desire to get closer to Phyllis
Answer: c) It signifies his growing disillusionment with romantic relationships
What does Phyllis’ behaviour reveal about her character?
a) She is completely confident in her actions
b) She feels conflicted between tradition and modernity
c) She seeks out attention and approval from everyone around her
d) She is unsure about her feelings for David and others
Answer: b) She feels conflicted between tradition and modernity
How does the interaction between David and Phyllis contribute to the overall theme of the story?
a) It explores the difference between love and infatuation
b) It shows the impact of societal expectations on personal relationships
c) It illustrates the benefits of modernity over tradition
d) It reveals the joy of spontaneity in modern relationships
Answer: b) It shows the impact of societal expectations on personal relationships
Short Answer Type Questions
- What is Phyllis’ attitude toward modern life and social interactions?
Answer: Phyllis dislikes modern life and feels out of place in social settings like parties, as they do not align with her true feelings.
- How does David Lin feel about Phyllis at the start of the story?
Answer: David is intrigued by Phyllis and feels a sense of attraction towards her.
- Why does Phyllis behave in a reserved manner at the party?
Answer: Phyllis feels conflicted between the expectations of modern behavior and her own internal desires, leading her to act reserved.
- What does David realize about Phyllis by the end of the encounter?
Answer: David realizes that Phyllis is hiding her true feelings behind her modern, reserved behavior.
- How does the author depict the nature of modern relationships in the story?
Answer: The author portrays modern relationships as superficial and often marked by miscommunication and pretense.
- What does Phyllis reveal about her feelings toward modern parties?
Answer: Phyllis reveals that she feels trapped by the expectations of modern parties and does not enjoy them as much as she appears to.
- Why does David become frustrated with his interaction with Phyllis?
Answer: David becomes frustrated because he finds Phyllis’ behavior confusing, as it does not match the genuine connection he hoped for.
- What does the party setting symbolize in the story?
Answer: The party setting symbolizes the superficiality and emptiness of modern social interactions.
- How does David view the other girls at the party?
Answer: David views the other girls as shallow and unremarkable, much like Phyllis in his eyes by the end.
- What aspect of Phyllis’ character is emphasized throughout the story?
Answer: Phyllis is portrayed as a complex character who struggles with the conflict between societal expectations and her inner desires.
11.What does David notice about Phyllis’ behavior at the party?
Answer: David notices that Phyllis seems aloof and distant, which contrasts with her outward appearance and the lively atmosphere of the party.
12.What can be inferred about Phyllis’ personal life based on her behavior at the party?
Answer: It can be inferred that Phyllis may feel lonely or misunderstood, as her behavior suggests an inner conflict and discomfort with the superficiality of modern social life.
- How does Phyllis react when David tries to engage her in conversation?
Answer: Phyllis reacts with hesitation, which reflects her discomfort in social situations and her inability to express her true emotions.
- What role does social convention play in the interaction between David and Phyllis?
Answer: Social convention forces both David and Phyllis to hide their true feelings, making it difficult for them to connect on a deeper level.
- What is the significance of the setting in the story?
Answer: The setting, a modern party, symbolizes the superficial nature of social gatherings and contrasts with the characters’ inner complexities.
- How does Phyllis view the concept of love in the story?
Answer: Phyllis appears to be disillusioned with love, viewing it as something unattainable or at odds with the expectations of modern life.
- What is David’s internal conflict during the story?
Answer: David is torn between his attraction to Phyllis and his frustration with her behavior, which he perceives as a barrier to genuine connection.
- How does the author use irony in the story?
Answer: The author uses irony by presenting Phyllis as someone who outwardly fits into the modern social scene but internally struggles with the emptiness of such interactions.
- What does the story suggest about the impact of modernity on personal relationships?
Answer: The story suggests that modernity, with its emphasis on appearances and social norms, often leads to disconnection and emotional isolation in personal relationships.
Long Answer Type Questions
What way did David use to express his love for Phyllis at the beginning?
Ans: David used all the modern ways he could to express his love for Phyllis. He took her everywhere—to dance, to the theatre. He held her hand, seized her by the shoulders, and would have kissed her, using these gestures as techniques of love.
What did David realize about his love for Phyllis? What modern techniques did Phyllis not like?
Ans: David realized that he had never truly been close to Phyllis. All the foreign words he had used and the modern techniques he employed to show his love had actually pushed them further apart. He realized that he should have spoken Chinese, which was their native language, and followed their own culture instead of relying on Western customs.
Phyllis did not like dancing or eating foreign sweets. She did not like kissing either, as it made her feel ill to have anyone’s lips upon her face or hand.
Who was the prettiest girl in the room according to David Lin? How did she look?
Ans: According to David Lin, Phyllis was the prettiest girl in the room.
She resembled bamboo—tall, almost as tall as David, who wore a soft green long robe. She had not painted her face; her hair was long, straight, black, and curled, drawn back from her face into a firm knot on her neck.
Who was Doris Li? Why did David hate Doris Li?
Ans: Doris Li was Mr. Fang’s latest concubine and a young actress.
Doris Li had an artificial appearance. She moved her body dramatically, and her hair flared out from her too-pink, rounded face, which was painted and powdered. She pretended that she had forgotten how to speak her language because she had been in Paris for a long time. This pretentiousness and foreign affectations made David dislike her.
“This was how she truly was, this lovely natural creature.” How did David and Phyllis rediscover themselves at the end of the story? Or, what did Phyllis decide at the end of the story Home to Heaven?
Ans: The day before Phyllis left for school, she and David rediscovered each other while dancing together at the Casino. They shared how they both disliked the modern way of dancing, foreign words, foreign sweets, and the foreign customs they had been using to express their love. They discussed how these things had pushed them apart. They shared their real names, and Phyllis decided that they would speak their mother tongue, discard their foreign garments, and wear their traditional robes again. They would return to old, comfortable ways. Phyllis decided she would smoke a water pipe, avoid eating butter or any foreign foods, and their table would always be set with bowls and chopsticks. Phyllis would have a house with courts and no stairs, and they would have many children.
Why do you think Phyllis and David Lin were never near to each other?
Ans: Phyllis and David Lin were never truly close because their relationship was built on superficial and modern techniques of love. David’s use of foreign words and gestures, like dancing and kissing, pushed them apart instead of bringing them closer. They failed to communicate authentically and had little understanding of each other’s cultural values and personal preferences. The absence of genuine connection and reliance on Western customs instead of their native culture created a barrier that prevented closeness.
How does P. S. Buck show the need to go back to one’s roots in ‘Home to Heaven’?
Ans: In Home to Heaven, P. S. Buck emphasizes the importance of returning to one’s roots through Phyllis and David’s rediscovery of their cultural heritage. After engaging in foreign customs, they realize that their true selves can only be expressed in their native language and traditional ways. Phyllis decides to discard modern garments and embrace the familiar comforts of their old lifestyle, symbolizing a return to simplicity and cultural authenticity, which ultimately brings them closer.
Justify the title ‘Home to Heaven’.
Ans: The title Home to Heaven is symbolic of the journey back to simplicity, cultural heritage, and authenticity. The title reflects the sense of peace and fulfillment that Phyllis and David experience once they decide to abandon foreign influences and return to their roots. For Phyllis, it represents a place of comfort, stability, and happiness, where she can live according to traditional customs, free from the complexities and pretensions of modern life. Thus, “Home” becomes a metaphor for heavenly contentment.
“This was how she truly was, this lovely natural creature…” – How did David and Phyllis rediscover themselves at the end of the story Home to Heaven?
Ans: At the end of Home to Heaven, David and Phyllis rediscovered each other by reconnecting with their true cultural selves. Through their conversation and shared experiences, they both realized that the modern ways of expressing love and affection had driven them apart. They chose to speak their native language, embrace their traditional clothing, and return to familiar practices. This rediscovery allowed them to understand each other more deeply and led them to decide to live authentically according to their cultural values.
What was the manner of Old Fang’s dance at the end of the program? How were the two ladies accompanying Mr. Fang different from each other?
Ans: Old Fang’s dance at the end of the program was graceful and composed, embodying a traditional and dignified style. Unlike the modern, flamboyant performances of the other dancers, Old Fang’s movements reflected his deep connection to his cultural heritage. The two ladies accompanying Mr. Fang were very different in appearance and behavior. One lady was delicate and demure, embodying traditional values, while the other had a more artificial and exaggerated persona, reflecting Western influences.
Textual Grammar
a) Replace the underlined group verb with a suitable verb:
I will take off these foreign garments.
Ans: I will remove these foreign garments.
She was forever putting out her hand.
Ans: She was forever offering her hand.
b) Replace the underlined verb with a phrasal verb:
He seized his concubine and they were off.
Ans: He caught hold of his concubine and they were off.
I will never wear leather shoes again.
Ans: I will never put on leather shoes again.
She dropped her hand.
Ans: She brought down her hand.
If I refused, you might not come again.
Ans: If I turned down your offer, you might not come again.
The tea ended and people began to depart.
Ans: The tea ended and people began to take off.
Mr. Fang would not tolerate anything that was not rich and expensive.
Ans: Mr. Fang would not put up with anything that was not rich and expensive.
c) Change the voice:
He could hear her voice.
Ans: Her voice could be heard by him.
Her face was not painted.
Ans: Someone did not paint her face.
He shouted at the musicians.
Ans: The musicians were shouted at by him.
Do you truly like this?
Ans: Is this liked by you truly?
Play three more numbers.
Ans: Let three more numbers be played.
Words and touch only were pushing them apart.
Ans: They were being pushed apart by only words and touch.
He loved her more all the time.
Ans: She was loved by him more all the time.
d) Change to present perfect tense:
Mr. Fang was watching the young people dance.
Ans: Mr. Fang has watched the young people dance.
e) Do as directed:
Mr. Fang sat now watching the young people dance. (split into two simple sentences)
Ans: Mr. Fang sat. He watched the young people dance.
The tea ended and people began to go away. (Rewrite this sentence using gerund)
Ans: The tea ended with people beginning to go away.
He could not break away from this barrier of modern technique. (Change into a complex sentence using relative clause)
Ans: He could not break away from this barrier that was created by modern technique.
She looked like an actress. (Change into a complex sentence)
Ans: She looked like an actress who had been trained for the stage.
She does not make enough money for me to be proud of her. (Rewrite using Past Perfect Tense)
Ans: She did not make enough money for me to have been proud of her.
It’s good to get a good partner. (Rewrite using participle)
Ans: It’s good to have a good partner.
He could speak Jargon. (Change the voice)
Ans: Jargon could be spoken by him.
Did her face fall a little? (Change into an assertive sentence)
Ans: Her face did fall a little.
He loved dancing, bounding about the room like a huge balloon in his floating silk robes. (Rewrite this sentence using infinitive)
Ans: He loved dancing, to bound about the room like a huge balloon in his floating silk robes.
She came laughing. (Underline the participle)
Ans: She came laughing.
She said in a pleasant voice. (Split into two simple sentences)
Ans: She said. Her voice was pleasant.
He said, “Play three more numbers and you shall have a double tip!” (Change the narration)
Ans: He asked them to play three more numbers and said that they would receive a double tip.
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