---
type: "Chapter"
knowledge_type: "chapter"
entity_type: "chapter"
id: "69c3b4d42ebbef49cfccd716"
title: "Somebody’s Mother"
board: "CBSE"
curriculum: "CBSE"
class: "Class 8"
subject: "English"
book: "Poorvi"
chapter: "Somebody’s Mother"
chapter_slug: "somebodys-mother"
canonical_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-8-english-poorvi-somebodys-mother"
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source: "Edzy"
version: 1
last_updated: "2026-06-20"
---

# Somebody’s Mother

The poem "Somebody’s Mother" by Mary Dow Brine explores the themes of kindness and empathy through the interaction between a young boy and an elderly woman. It depicts the societal neglect of the elderly and emphasizes the significance of humanity and compassion towards others.

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## Knowledge Snapshot

| Field | Details |
| :--- | :--- |
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Poorvi |
| Chapter | Somebody’s Mother |
| Pages | 70-81 |

---

## Chapter Summary

### Short Summary
In the poem, an elderly woman waits alone at a crossing, ignored by passersby, until a young boy offers to help her cross the street. This act of kindness leads him to reflect on his own mother and the importance of caring for others.

### Detailed Summary
The poem begins by describing an old, ragged, and bent woman standing at a wet street crossing on a chilly winter day. Despite being surrounded by a throng of children playing as school lets out, none offer her assistance. Carefully observing the scene, a young boy stands out from the group; he gently approaches the woman and asks if she needs help crossing the street. When they reach the other side safely, the boy feels proud of his strength in helping her and reflects on the connection between the woman and all mothers. The poem concludes with the woman praying for the boy's kindness, solidifying the message of compassion and empathy in society.

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## Topic-Wise Explanation

### Introduction to the Poem
The poem introduces a scene of neglect experienced by an elderly woman and sets the emotional tone for themes of kindness and humanity.

### Description of the Elderly Woman
The poem vividly depicts the elderly woman as old, ragged, and bent, symbolizing vulnerability and societal neglect.

### The Boy's Kindness
A young boy stands out by offering to help the old woman, showcasing an admirable act of kindness and empathy in contrast to his peers.

### Themes of Kindness and Empathy
The central theme revolves around the importance of kindness and the responsibility individuals have towards one another, especially towards the elderly.

### Imagery and Poetic Devices
The poet utilizes imagery to enhance the emotional depth, using descriptive language to paint scenes of neglect and compassion, along with poetic devices like simile and repetition to emphasize key ideas.

### Reflection on Society
The poem prompts reflection on societal values and the treatment of vulnerable individuals, urging readers to consider their responsibilities towards those in need.

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## Character Analysis

### The Boy
The boy is characterized by his kindness and empathy, as he recognizes the elderly woman's need for assistance and takes the initiative to help her, contrasting with the other boys who ignore her.

### The Elderly Woman
The woman represents the frailty and neglect faced by the elderly in society, serving as a reminder of the need for compassion towards all individuals, especially those who are vulnerable.

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## Core Ideas

| Idea | Explanation |
| :--- | :--- |
| Kindness | The poem illustrates the importance of being kind to others, especially to those who are vulnerable and in need of help. |
| Empathy | It emphasizes the need for empathy in societal interactions, encouraging individuals to connect on a human level beyond superficial appearances. |

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## Key Concepts

| Concept | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Vulnerability | The state of being open to physical or emotional harm or attack, as demonstrated by the elderly woman in the poem. |
| Compassion | A deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering, motivating the young boy's actions. |

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## Important Points for Revision

* The central theme of the poem is kindness and empathy.
* The tone of the poem is sympathetic and hopeful.
* The poem is structured in couplets, with two lines in each stanza.
* The rhyme scheme of the poem is AABB.
* Imagery is used to depict the hardship faced by the elderly woman.
* The contrast between the boy and the other children highlights the importance of individual kindness.
* The repeated phrase 'somebody's mother' emphasizes that all elderly individuals were once someone's child.
* The boy's reflection on his own mother adds depth to the theme of empathy.
* The poem calls for individual responsibility towards caring for the elderly.

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## Vocabulary and Glossary

| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Ragged | Torn and worn-out; shabby in appearance, indicating poverty and neglect. |

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## Practice Questions

### Short Answer Questions
1. What does the boy offer the elderly woman?
2. Why do the other children ignore the woman?
3. How does the woman respond to the boy's offer for help?
4. What does the repetition of the phrase 'somebody's mother' signify?
5. Describe the setting of the poem.

### Long Answer Questions
1. Discuss the central theme of the poem and how it is conveyed through the characters' interactions.
2. Analyze the use of imagery in the poem and how it enhances the overall meaning.
3. Explain how the boy's actions can serve as a model for the behavior expected in society regarding treatment of the elderly.
4. Reflect on the emotional impact of the poem and its message about kindness and empathy.

---

## Related Concepts
* Empathy
* Kindness
* Elderly Vulnerability

---

## Source Attribution

| Field | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| Source | Edzy |
| Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter |
| Reference ID | 69c3b4d42ebbef49cfccd716 |
| Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-8-english-poorvi-somebodys-mother |
| Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-8-english-poorvi-somebodys-mother.md |