The Portrait of a Lady Words Meaning and Summary
The Portrait of a Lady — Complete Story Summary
The story is about the relationship between the narrator, Khushwant Singh, and an old Parsi lady who lived in his neighborhood. The narrator often saw her sitting quietly near a window in her home. She was a very kind and gentle lady who lived alone.
One day, the narrator met her and they started talking. The lady told him about her life — she was a widow and had no children. Despite her loneliness, she was very generous and kind to everyone around her. She had a soft spot for children and animals.
The narrator decided to paint her portrait as a tribute to her kindness and simple, gentle nature. When the portrait was finished, the lady was very happy and proud of it. She kept the portrait in her house and showed it to her friends.
The story highlights the lady’s generous, kind-hearted nature and the warmth she brought to the narrator’s life. It also reflects the cultural and social values of the Parsi community.
Portrait means a painting, drawing, or photograph of a person, especially showing the face. It captures how the person looks or sometimes their personality.
In literature, the word “portrait” has a special meaning beyond just a painting or drawing.
Portrait Meaning in Literature:
A portrait in literature is a detailed description or representation of a person’s character, personality, or appearance through words. It can be a written "picture" that helps readers understand what the person is like—how they look, behave, and feel.
For example, in “The Portrait of a Lady” by Khushwant Singh, the “portrait” is not just a painting but also a way to show the lady’s kindness, generosity, and gentle nature through the story.
The Portrait of a Lady Words Meaning
Describing the Grandmother
Word/Phrase | Meaning |
Wrinkled | Having lines or folds in the skin, showing old age |
Stooped | Bent forward due to age or weakness |
Rosary | A string of beads used for counting prayers |
Serenity | The state of being calm, peaceful |
Silvery | Shiny gray-white, often describing old hair |
Bun | A hairstyle in which hair is pulled back into a round knot |
Beads | Small round objects, here part of the rosary |
Chanting | Repeating prayers or verses rhythmically |
Dignified | Calm, serious, and respectful in appearance or behavior |
Narrator's Early Life
Word/Phrase | Meaning |
Companion | A person who spends time with another |
Scriptures | Sacred religious texts |
Chapatis | Round, flat unleavened bread common in India |
Ritual | A repeated religious or traditional act |
Inseparable | Unable to be separated; very close |
Crisscross | Lines crossing each other (like wrinkles) |
Life in the City
Word/Phrase | Meaning |
Modern | Contemporary; of present times |
Western education | Education based on English and science subjects rather than traditional or religious teachings |
Disapproved | Thought something was wrong or inappropriate |
Alien | Strange; unfamiliar |
Seclusion | Being separated or isolated |
Silent prayer | Prayer done without speaking aloud |
Resigned | Quietly accepting something unpleasant |
Unspoken concern | Worry or care not expressed in words |
When He Goes Abroad
Word/Phrase | Meaning |
Abroad | In or to another country |
Forehead | The upper part of the face, between the eyes and hairline |
Kissed me goodbye | A gentle gesture of love when parting |
Departing | Leaving; going away |
Her Final Days
Word/Phrase | Meaning |
Celebration | A joyful event or activity |
Drum | A musical instrument played by beating |
Odd | Strange or unusual |
Ill | Sick; unwell |
Mild fever | Light or low-grade fever |
Last moments | Final moments before death |
Beads and prayer | Spiritual focus at the time of death |
After Her Death
Word/Phrase | Meaning |
Peaceful | Calm and without suffering |
Funeral | Ceremony held after someone dies |
Verandah | Roofed platform attached to the house, open on the sides |
Shroud | A cloth used to cover a dead body |
Mourning | Expressing sadness at someone's death |
Sparrows | Small brown-grey birds common in India |
Chirruped | The high-pitched sound made by small birds |
Scattered | Spread out over an area |
Untouched | Not affected or used |
Silently | Without sound or speech |
Symbolic | Representing something deeper in meaning |
Respectful farewell | A dignified goodbye, showing honor |
Words and Their Meanings
Word/Phrase | Meaning |
Portrait | A representation or description of someone (here, a verbal picture of the grandmother) |
Stooped | Bent forward, often due to age or weakness |
Rosary | A string of beads used for counting prayers in many religious traditions |
Revolting | Disgusting; shocking (used humorously to describe the idea of her once being young) |
Crisscross of wrinkles | A network of intersecting lines or creases on the skin, showing old age |
Monotonous | Dull and repetitive; lacking variety |
Bedtime stories | Stories told to children before they sleep |
Mantle of peace | A poetic expression meaning a peaceful appearance or calmness |
Seclusion | The state of being private and away from others |
Disapproved | Did not agree with or accept something |
Harlots | (Old-fashioned/harsh term) Prostitutes; used by the grandmother to express disapproval of music |
Beckoned | Signaled to come closer, usually with a hand gesture |
Pallor | Paleness of face, often due to illness or death |
Verandah | A roofed platform along the outside of a house |
Shroud | A cloth used to cover a dead body before burial |
Mourning | The act of showing sorrow after someone’s death |
Scattered | Spread over a wide area |
Unceremonious | Without formality or respect; abrupt or rude |
Milestone | A significant stage or event in life |
Phrases and Their Meanings
Phrase | Meaning in the Story |
“Turning the beads of her rosary” | Symbol of her religious devotion and constant prayer |
“Accepted her seclusion with resignation” | She quietly accepted being left alone as the narrator grew older |
“A veritable bedlam of chirrupings” | A very noisy situation, especially with sparrows chirping (before her death) |
“The thought was almost revolting” | The idea seemed unpleasant and unbelievable (that she was once young) |
“She looked like the winter landscape in the mountains” | A simile describing her white hair and clothes as calm and serene |
“Wrapped in the absolute serenity of prayer” | Completely peaceful and focused in her devotion |
“The sparrows mourned her in silence” | A symbolic moment showing how even birds were affected by her death |
Phrase | Interpretation / Implied Meaning |
She seemed just as old as before | Time had passed, but she looked unchanged — timeless in her age. |
We were very close | They shared a strong emotional bond. |
Our companionship faded | They grew apart emotionally and physically. |
She passed away | A gentle or respectful way to say "she died." |
Thousands of sparrows came | A symbolic event showing nature's respect or connection to her. |
Didn’t touch anything | Indicates mourning or sadness, possibly even reverence. |
Turned her rosary beads | She was engaged in deep prayer till her last breath. |
The Portrait of a Lady – Study Guide (Q&A Format)
About the Grandmother
Q1: How is the grandmother described in the story?
A: She is described as an old, short, slightly stooped woman, always dressed in white, with a peaceful and wrinkled face. She is deeply religious and always seen praying with a rosary.
Q2: What was the narrator’s relationship with his grandmother during childhood?
A: They were very close. She took care of him, got him ready for school, and accompanied him to the temple-school every day.
Change in Relationship
Q3: What changed after they moved to the city?
A: The narrator began to attend an English-medium school. The grandmother could no longer help him with studies and was unhappy with subjects like science and music, which she did not understand or approve of.
Q4: How did the grandmother react to his Western education?
A: She disapproved of it, especially the absence of religious teachings and the inclusion of music, which she associated with immoral people. However, she never complained openly.
✈️ Going Abroad and Her Death
Q5: How did she react when the narrator went abroad?
A: She remained calm and showed no emotion. She only kissed his forehead silently.
Q6: What did she do on the day the narrator returned from abroad?
A: She celebrated by singing prayers and beating a drum for hours. It was unusual for her but seemed like a personal celebration.
Q7: Describe her death.
A: She fell ill the next day, stopped speaking, and spent her last hours praying. She died peacefully while turning her rosary beads.
The Sparrows
Q8: What unusual thing happened after her death?
A: Thousands of sparrows gathered around her dead body silently. They did not chirp or eat anything and flew away quietly after her cremation. It seemed like they were mourning her.
Themes and Symbols
Q9: What are the main themes of the story?
A:
· Love and devotion
· Change vs. tradition
· Spirituality
· The bond between generations
Q10: What does the title "The Portrait of a Lady" signify?
A: It refers to a verbal portrait of the grandmother – a vivid, respectful description of her life, character, and influence on the narrator.
The Portrait of a Lady — Theme, Key Points, and Message
Main Themes
1. Love and Affection Across Generations
The deep, unconditional love between the narrator and his grandmother shows how family bonds transcend time and change.
2. Tradition vs. Modernity
The grandmother represents traditional Indian values, spirituality, and simplicity, while the narrator’s Western education symbolizes modernity and change.
3. Change and Constancy
Despite the changes in the narrator’s life, the grandmother remains unchanged in her beliefs and way of life, highlighting the contrast between the old and the new.
4. Death and Acceptance
The story treats death with dignity and calmness, emphasizing acceptance and the peaceful end of life.
5. Nostalgia and Memory
The narrator’s memories of his grandmother are tinged with nostalgia for a simpler time and deep emotional connection.
Key Points
· The narrator shares a close and affectionate relationship with his grandmother in childhood.
· The grandmother’s life is devoted to prayer, rituals, and spirituality.
· As the narrator grows older and embraces Western education, their relationship weakens.
· Despite physical separation and emotional distance, the grandmother silently prays for the narrator’s well-being.
· Upon return, the narrator finds her old but unchanged, symbolizing constancy.
· Her death is serene and dignified, surrounded by natural symbols like sparrows.
· The story is a tribute to her strength, faith, and unconditional love.
Message
· The story conveys the importance of respecting and cherishing our elders and the values they represent.
· It highlights the enduring power of love, even when relationships change or grow distant.
· It suggests that true strength lies in simplicity, faith, and acceptance.
· The story encourages readers to remember and honor the past while navigating change.
Character Sketch
Grandmother
· Appearance:
She is described as a short, stout woman, slightly stooped with age. Her face is deeply wrinkled, showing the passage of many years. She always wears white, symbolizing simplicity and mourning (widowhood).
· Personality:
The grandmother is deeply religious and spiritual. She spends much of her time praying and chanting with her rosary beads. Her life is simple, disciplined, and centered around tradition.
· Relationship with the Narrator:
She shares a close, affectionate bond with her grandson during his childhood. She is caring and protective, accompanying him to school and nurturing his early education in religious values.
· Values and Beliefs:
She firmly believes in Indian traditions and religious practices. She disapproves of Western education and modern changes but does not express anger; instead, she grows distant.
· Emotional Strength:
Despite her old age and eventual death, she faces life calmly and with dignity, accepting the inevitability of death with peace and prayer.
· Symbolism:
She represents the traditional Indian woman, embodying faith, love, and resilience. Her presence is a symbol of cultural and spiritual continuity.
Grandfather (Brief Sketch)
· Mentioned briefly:
The grandfather is referenced as having died many years ago, and the grandmother is a widow. The story doesn’t give many details about him.
· Implied Role:
His death left the grandmother alone, possibly shaping her life of solitude and devotion.
· Symbolism:
He symbolizes the past generation, whose absence has left the grandmother to carry on the family traditions alone.
Character Sketch of the Narrator
· Relationship with Grandmother:
The narrator shares a very close and affectionate bond with his grandmother during his childhood. He is her constant companion—she helps him get ready, accompanies him to school, and nurtures him with love and care.
· Curiosity and Growth:
As a child, he is curious and innocent, happily learning about religion and traditions from his grandmother. But as he grows older, his interests and lifestyle change, especially after he moves to an English-medium school.
· Modern Outlook:
The narrator represents modernity and Western influence. His education introduces him to new ideas, subjects, and ways of life that contrast with his grandmother’s traditional and spiritual world.
· Emotional Conflict:
He experiences a subtle emotional conflict—he respects and loves his grandmother but is also pulled away by new experiences and education. This creates a gentle emotional distance between them over time.
· Sense of Nostalgia and Respect:
Despite the distance, the narrator looks back fondly and nostalgically at his childhood relationship with his grandmother. On returning home after many years, he feels a renewed affection and respect for her enduring values and presence.
· Observer and Storyteller:
As the story’s narrator, he is reflective and observant, sharing his memories with warmth and a touch of sadness. He captures the dignity, strength, and simplicity of his grandmother through his eyes.
Lesson Plan: "The Portrait of a Lady" – Khushwant Singh
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
· Understand the plot, characters, and setting of the story.
· Analyze the themes and symbols, especially the idea of change and tradition.
· Explore the narrative voice and author's intent.
· Expand vocabulary and comprehension through textual discussion.
· Express opinions through speaking and writing exercises.
Duration
1–2 periods (40–45 minutes each)
Materials Needed
· Textbook or printed copy of the story
· Whiteboard/Blackboard and markers
· Projector (optional for showing photos/sparrows/music)
· Student notebooks
· Vocabulary list and worksheet (can be printed)
Lesson Structure
Part 1: Introduction (5–7 minutes)
· Ask:
“What do you imagine when you hear ‘the portrait of a lady’? A painting? A memory?”
(This activates prior knowledge.)
· Briefly introduce Khushwant Singh and his style — realistic, nostalgic, simple prose.
· Set the context: “This story is about the author's grandmother, a woman of deep faith and quiet strength, and how their relationship changes over time.”
Part 2: Reading & Discussion (20–25 minutes)
Read Aloud (or Silent Reading):
· Read key sections aloud, especially:
o Description of the grandmother
o City life and emotional distance
o Death and the sparrows
Guided Questions:
Ask these during or after reading:
1. How does the author describe his grandmother?
2. How did the narrator's education change their relationship?
3. Why did the grandmother dislike music?
4. What is the significance of the sparrows at the end?
5. How does the story balance emotional depth with simplicity?
Part 3: Vocabulary & Comprehension (10 minutes)
Activity:
Distribute a worksheet with:
· Matching vocabulary words to definitions
· Fill-in-the-blank sentences using story words
· Short comprehension questions
Part 4: Critical Thinking (Optional Writing Task – Homework or Classwork)
Choose one:
· Write a character sketch of the grandmother.
· Do you think the narrator regrets growing apart from his grandmother? Why/why not?
· Describe a memory you have with a grandparent or elder, in 150–200 words.
Part 5: Wrap-Up & Homework (3–5 minutes)
· Recap key themes: tradition vs. modernity, love, loss, and spirituality.
· Homework:
o Vocabulary revision
o One writing task (as above)
o Prepare for a short quiz next class
Assessment Ideas
· Vocabulary quiz
· Oral Q&A
· Written paragraph on themes or characters
· Group discussion (rubric-based)
Extension Activities
· Compare this story with a poem like “Photograph” by Shirley Toulson (if in same syllabus).
· Create a visual portrait of the grandmother using quotes.
· Reflective journal: “What lessons can we learn from elders?