Going
Places
By
A.R. Barton
Q:
Where was it most likely that the two girls would find work after school?
Ans.
It was most likely that Sophie and Jansie would find work in a biscuit factory
after school. This was a common expectation for girls of their socio-economic
background, as it was one of the few job opportunities available to them.
Q:
What were the options that Sophie was dreaming of? Why does Jansie discourage her
from having such dreams?
Ans.
Sophie dreamt of becoming a boutique owner, an actress, or even a fashion
designer. Jansie discourages her from having such dreams because she is more
practical and realistic. She understands that they come from a working-class
background and that such ambitions are unattainable for them due to their
financial constraints and lack of opportunities.
Q:
Why did Sophie wriggle when Geoff told her father that she had met Danny Casey?
Ans.
Sophie wriggled when Geoff told her father about meeting Danny Casey because
she knew her father would not believe her. She feared his mocking or
disbelieving reaction since her story was fabricated, and she was nervous about
being exposed.
Q:
Does Geoff believe what Sophie says about her meeting with Danny Casey?
Ans.
Geoff seems to be unsure about whether to believe Sophie or not. While he is skeptical,
he also wants to believe her because she is his sister. He is intrigued but
remains doubtful and non-committal.
Q:
Does her father believe her story?
Ans.
No, Sophie’s father does not believe her story about meeting Danny Casey. He dismisses
it outright, thinking she is making it up. He is more realistic and grounded,
understanding that such a meeting is improbable.
Q:
How does Sophie include her brother Geoff in her fantasy of her future?
Ans.
Sophie includes her brother Geoff in her fantasy by imagining that he would
take her to all the wonderful places he goes to on his motorcycle. She believes
that he would introduce her to people and places far removed from their
mundane, working-class life. Geoff, being older and more experienced,
represents a gateway to a more exciting life for her.
Q:
Which country did Danny Casey play for?
Ans.
Danny Casey was a football player who played for Ireland.
Q:
Why didn’t Sophie want Jansie to know about her story with Danny?
Ans.
Sophie did not want Jansie to know about her story with Danny Casey because she
knew Jansie would spread it around the neighborhood. Sophie was aware that her
story was made up, and she did not want it to be scrutinized or doubted by others.
Q:
Did Sophie really meet Danny Casey?
Ans.
It was likely that Sophie did not actually meet Danny Casey. It was probably a
figment of her imagination, a part of her tendency to create stories and
daydreams that are far removed from her reality.
Q:
Which was the only occasion when she got to see Danny Casey in person?
Ans.
The only occasion when Sophie saw Danny Casey in person was when she went with
her family to watch a football match in which he played. However, she only saw
him from a distance, like all other spectators.
Q:
Sophie and Jansie were classmates and friends. What were the differences
between them that show up in the story?
Ans.
Sophie is a dreamer with a vivid imagination and unrealistic aspirations. She often
talks about things that are unlikely to happen and fantasizes about a glamorous
life. On the other hand, Jansie is practical, grounded, and realistic. She
understands their social and economic limitations and discourages Sophie from
daydreaming.
Q:
How would you describe the character and temperament of Sophie’s father?
Ans.
Sophie’s father is portrayed as a typical working-class man who is practical, gruff,
and realistic. He does not entertain fantasies and is blunt in his skepticism
of Sophie’s stories. His rough demeanor and straightforward nature contrast sharply
with Sophie’s imaginative and dreamy disposition.
Q:
Why did Sophie like her brother Geoff more than any other person? From her
perspective, what did he symbolize?
Ans.
Sophie liked her brother Geoff because he was quiet and reserved, which made
him seem mysterious to her. She believed he had access to a world beyond their
mundane lives. To Sophie, Geoff symbolizes adventure and escape from their everyday
existence. She often fantasized about sharing his experiences.
Q:
What socio-economic background did Sophie belong to? What are the indicators of
her family’s financial status?
Ans.
Sophie belonged to a lower-middle-class, working-class background. The indicators
of her family’s financial status include the expectation that she would work in
a biscuit factory after school, her father’s rough manner, and the fact that
they live in a modest home. The family’s discussions about money and the
practical nature of Jansie also reflect their socioeconomic constraints.
Q:
Sophie’s dreams and disappointments are all in her mind. Discuss.
Ans.
Sophie lives in a world of her own making. She fantasizes about a glamorous
life far removed from her reality. Her dreams, such as becoming an actress or
meeting Danny Casey, are born out of her desire to escape the mundane. However,
these fantasies lead to disappointment when faced with the reality that they
are unattainable. Her daydreams are a means of coping with her dull existence,
but they also set her up for inevitable letdowns.
Q:
It is natural for teenagers to have unrealistic dreams. What would you say are
the benefits and disadvantages of such fantasizing?
Ans.
1.
Benefits:
Ø Fantasizing can
serve as a motivational tool, encouraging teenagers to aspire to greater things
and set goals for their future.
Ø It allows for
creative thinking and helps them explore possibilities beyond their immediate
environment.
Ø It can provide
comfort and escape from the difficulties of daily life.
2. Disadvantages:
Ø If these dreams
are too unrealistic, they can lead to disappointment and a sense of failure.
Ø Teenagers may
become detached from reality and not focus on achievable goals.
Ø It can prevent
them from appreciating their current life and the small, achievable steps they
can take to improve it.
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