Somebody's Mother — Practice

Question 1

What is the central message of 'Somebody's Mother'?

Accepted Answer

✦ Answer: Every elderly stranger is someone's mother (or loved one) and deserves kindness and respect. Treat strangers as you would want your own loved ones to be treated.

Question 2

Why did the boy stop to help when other boys laughed and ran on?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Empathy.
  The boy could IMAGINE how the woman felt — afraid, vulnerable, struggling alone.

Step 2 — Recognition of universality.
  He thought: 'She's somebody's mother.' He realised she has loved ones who would want her helped.

Step 3 — Moral upbringing.
  His parents likely taught him to respect elders. Good values practised over time.

Step 4 — Courage to be different.
  Other boys laughed; he didn't follow the crowd. Required confidence to stop.

Step 5 — His character.
  Kind, respectful, brave, empathetic. The poem celebrates this character.

✦ Answer: The boy stopped because he had empathy (could imagine her feelings), recognised her humanity ('she's somebody's mother'), had good values from his upbringing, and had courage to act differently from peers. His character — kind, brave, respectful — defined his choice.

Practice — Somebody's Mother

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