THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY — NOTES
1. Summary
“The Portrait of a Lady” is an autobiographical account by Khushwant Singh. It describes the emotional
bond between the author and his grandmother. She was deeply religious, kind, and lived a simple life.
When they lived in the village, she took care of him. In the city, their closeness reduced. After the
author returned from abroad, she welcomed him lovingly. She died peacefully, praying. Sparrows
gathered to mourn her death. The story highlights love, tradition, spirituality, and change.
2. Character Sketch: Grandmother
- Old, slightly bent, wore white clothes.
- Peaceful, wrinkled face.
- Deeply religious; prayed constantly.
- Loving, kind, caring.
- Accepted modern changes silently.
- Loved feeding sparrows.
- Symbol of purity and unconditional love.
3. Themes
- Unconditional Love
- Tradition vs Modernity
- Spirituality
- Change & Distance
- Peaceful Death
4. Important Q&A;
Q1. Describe the author’s grandmother.
Ans: She was old, calm, wrinkled, wore white clothes, and was deeply religious. She spent her time
praying and caring for the author.
Q2. How did their relationship change in the city?
1. Summary
“The Portrait of a Lady” is an autobiographical account by Khushwant Singh. It describes the emotional
bond between the author and his grandmother. She was deeply religious, kind, and lived a simple life.
When they lived in the village, she took care of him. In the city, their closeness reduced. After the
author returned from abroad, she welcomed him lovingly. She died peacefully, praying. Sparrows
gathered to mourn her death. The story highlights love, tradition, spirituality, and change.
2. Character Sketch: Grandmother
- Old, slightly bent, wore white clothes.
- Peaceful, wrinkled face.
- Deeply religious; prayed constantly.
- Loving, kind, caring.
- Accepted modern changes silently.
- Loved feeding sparrows.
- Symbol of purity and unconditional love.
3. Themes
- Unconditional Love
- Tradition vs Modernity
- Spirituality
- Change & Distance
- Peaceful Death
4. Important Q&A;
Q1. Describe the author’s grandmother.
Ans: She was old, calm, wrinkled, wore white clothes, and was deeply religious. She spent her time
praying and caring for the author.
Q2. How did their relationship change in the city?
