This page offers The Cutting of My Long Hair Short answer type question for Class 12 from the book Vistas. We’ve put together a bunch of Short answer type question based on assumption, creativity, extrapolation and critical thinking. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. So, practice to understand The Cutting of My Long Hair Short answer type question
The Cutting of My Long Hair Short Answer Type Question
1.Question: Why does Zitkala-Sa hide under the bed in the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa hides under the bed because she does not want her long hair to be cut. In her culture, long hair symbolises bravery and identity. Losing it would make her feel like she has lost her honour and connection to her traditions.
2.Question: What emotions does Zitkala-Sa feel when her hair is cut, as shown in the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa feels sad, angry, and helpless when her hair is cut. It is a painful experience for her as it takes away an important part of her identity. She also feels lonely because no one understands her feelings or tries to comfort her.
3. Question: How do the white authorities treat Zitkala-Sa and other children, as described in the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair? (40–50 words)
Answer: The white authorities treat Zitkala-Sa and the children unfairly. They force them to follow strict rules, ignore their traditions, and take away their cultural symbols like long hair. Their treatment shows a lack of respect for native identities and feelings.
4.Question: What does long hair symbolise for Zitkala-Sa, on the basis of your understanding of the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair? (40–50 words)
Answer: Long hair symbolises bravery and cultural pride for Zitkala-Sa. In her culture, only cowards have short hair. Losing her hair makes her feel like she has lost her identity and her connection to her people’s traditions.
Also Read:
- Memories of Childhood- Short & Detailed Summary
- The Cutting of My Long Hair Introduction
- The Cutting of My Long Hair Long Answer Type Question
- The Cutting of My Long Hair Value Points
- Justify the title The Cutting of My Long Hair
5.Question: What does Zitkala-Sa’s act of hiding under the bed tell us about her character, as suggested in the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa’s act of hiding shows her courage and determination to protect her identity. Even though she is young and alone, she tries to resist the unfair treatment. This reflects her strong will and her deep connection to her culture.
6.Question: How does Zitkala-Sa’s story highlight the clash between two cultures, as shown in the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa’s story shows how her native culture is disrespected by the white authorities. They force their rules on her, ignoring her traditions. This creates a clash between her cultural values and the strict rules imposed by the authorities.
7.Question: What can we learn from Zitkala-Sa’s courage in the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa’s courage teaches us to stand up for our beliefs and culture. Even though she could not stop her hair from being cut, her resistance shows the importance of protecting one’s identity. Her bravery inspires us to value our traditions.
8.Question: How would you feel if you were in Zitkala-Sa’s place, as described in the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair? (40–50 words)
Answer: I would feel helpless and sad, just like Zitkala-Sa. Losing something important to my culture would hurt deeply. I might also feel angry about the unfair treatment. Like her, I would try to resist, but being young and alone would make it very hard.
Also Read:
- The Cutting of My Long Hair Theme
- The Cutting of My Long Hair Question Answer
- The Cutting of My Long Hair Very Short answer Type Question
- The Cutting of My Long Hair Moral and Message
9.Question: What do the actions of the white authorities in the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair show about their attitude towards native cultures? (40–50 words)
Answer: The white authorities show disrespect for native cultures. They force children to unfollow their traditions and follow new rules. This shows they believe their culture is superior and want to erase other identities, ignoring the feelings of those they control.
10.Question: Why is Zitkala-Sa’s resistance important, even though she could not save her hair, as shown in the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa’s resistance is important because it shows her courage and love for her culture. Even though she could not stop the authorities, her attempt to protect her identity is inspiring. It teaches us to stand strong for what matters to us.
11.Question: What might have happened if Zitkala-Sa had managed to escape and save her hair, based on the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair? (40–50 words)
Answer: If Zitkala-Sa had escaped, she would have felt proud of protecting her cultural identity. However, she might have faced stricter rules or punishment. Her small victory could have inspired other children to resist unfair treatment and value their traditions.
12.Question: How does Zitkala-Sa’s story in the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair teach us the value of respecting diversity? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa’s story shows that forcing someone to unfollow their culture causes pain. It reminds us to respect each other’s traditions and accept differences. Respecting diversity helps create harmony and makes people feel valued for who they are.
13.Question: What role does fear play in the actions of Zitkala-Sa and the authorities, as described in the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa fears losing her identity, which drives her to hide. The authorities fear cultural differences and try to control the children by forcing them to abandon their traditions. Both actions are shaped by fear but lead to very different outcomes.
14.Question: What does the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair teach us about the importance of identity? (40–50 words)
Answer: The chapter shows that identity is closely linked to culture and traditions. Losing her hair makes Zitkala-Sa feel like she has lost a part of herself. This teaches us to value and protect our identity, even in challenging situations.
15.Question: Why do you think Zitkala-Sa remembers the incident in the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair so clearly? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa remembers this incident because it was a very painful experience. Losing her hair and being forced to stop her traditions deeply affected her. It was a moment that made her feel helpless and shaped her understanding of cultural oppression.
16.Question: How might Zitkala-Sa’s feelings about her culture have changed after this experience in the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa might have felt more connected to her culture after losing her hair. The pain of this experience could have made her realise how important her traditions were. She might have become more determined to protect her identity in the future.
17.Question: What do you think the other children at the school might have felt about their own identity after seeing Zitkala-Sa’s hair being cut? (40–50 words)
Answer: The other children might have felt scared and helpless, worrying about their own identity being taken away. Some might have admired Zitkala-Sa’s courage, while others might have felt too afraid to resist. This event could have made them feel even more disconnected from their culture.
18.Question: How do you think Zitkala-Sa’s mother would have reacted if she had known what happened? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa’s mother would likely have been heartbroken and angry. She might have felt helpless, knowing she could not protect her daughter. However, she would also have been proud of Zitkala-Sa’s bravery in trying to resist and protect their cultural traditions.
19.Question: What might have been the long-term impact of this experience on Zitkala-Sa’s relationship with the authorities? (40–50 words)
Answer: This experience might have caused Zitkala-Sa to distrust the authorities. She could have felt they only wanted to erase her identity. Over time, this might have made her more resistant to their rules and more determined to fight for her culture.
20.Question: How might this experience have shaped Zitkala-Sa’s future goals and actions? (40–50 words)
Answer: This experience might have inspired Zitkala-Sa to work for the rights of her people. She could have made it her goal to protect her culture and traditions. The pain she felt might have motivated her to fight against injustice and help others facing similar struggles.
21.Question: What do you think might have happened if the authorities had tried to understand Zitkala-Sa’s culture instead of forcing her to change? (40–50 words)
Answer: If the authorities had understood Zitkala-Sa’s culture, they might have treated her with respect. She could have kept her traditions, and the clash between the two cultures might have been avoided. This would have created a more positive environment for the children.
22.Question: How might Zitkala-Sa’s resistance have influenced the other children in the school? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa’s resistance might have inspired the other children to value their own identity. They could have felt encouraged to hold onto their traditions, even in small ways. Her courage might have given them hope and a sense of unity in their struggles.
23.Question: What could have happened if Zitkala-Sa had chosen not to resist and accepted the changes quietly? (40–50 words)
Answer: If Zitkala-Sa had not resisted, she might have felt more defeated and disconnected from her culture. Accepting the changes quietly could have made her feel like she had given up. However, her inner pain and longing for her identity would likely have remained.
24.Question: How might Zitkala-Sa’s story have been different if she had received support from someone at the school? (40–50 words)
Answer: If someone at the school had supported Zitkala-Sa, she might have felt less alone. This support could have helped her cope with the pain of losing her hair. It might also have given her more confidence to keep her cultural identity alive in other ways.
25. Question: What might Zitkala-Sa’s story teach us about the importance of standing up for others who are being oppressed? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa’s story teaches us that standing up for others is important. If someone had helped her, she might have felt stronger. Supporting others can bring hope and show that they are not alone in their struggles. It can inspire them to stay strong.
26.Question: How does Zitkala-Sa’s story in the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair teach us the value of respecting others’ identities? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa’s story shows that forcing someone to change their identity causes pain and loss. It teaches us to respect other people’s traditions and cultures. When we respect each other, we create a world where everyone feels valued and proud of who they are.
27.Question: What values should societies adopt to ensure no one feels oppressed, as shown in the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair? (40–50 words)
Answer: Societies should value respect and equality. Treating all cultures with fairness is important. Empathy can help understand others’ feelings. By promoting kindness and diversity, societies can create a space where everyone feels accepted and free to express their true identity.
28.Question: How can Zitkala-Sa’s resistance inspire us to stand up for our beliefs, even in tough situations? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa’s resistance shows that standing up for our beliefs is important, even if we don’t succeed. It reminds us to stay true to ourselves. Her courage inspires us to fight for what is right and protect our identity, even when it is difficult.
29.Question: What does the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair teach us about the importance of empathy in resolving cultural differences? (40–50 words)
Answer: The chapter teaches us that understanding others’ feelings can prevent pain. Empathy helps us see the value of different traditions. If the authorities had shown empathy, Zitkala-Sa might not have suffered. Empathy promotes harmony and allows cultures to coexist peacefully.
30.Question: How does Zitkala-Sa’s story encourage us to preserve our traditions and heritage in a changing world? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa’s story reminds us that our traditions are a part of who we are. Losing them can make us feel incomplete. Her courage shows the importance of holding onto our heritage. Preserving our culture keeps our identity alive, even in a changing world.
31.Question: How might Zitkala-Sa’s experience have changed her view of authority and power, as shown in the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa might have developed doubt towards authority after her experience. She would have seen how power was used to control and harm instead of protect. This could have made her realise the importance of standing up to unfair authority and valuing freedom.
32.Question: What do you think motivated Zitkala-Sa to resist, even when she knew she might fail? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa’s strong connection to her culture and identity likely motivated her. She believed in protecting her traditions, even if it seemed impossible. Her inner strength and pride in her heritage gave her the courage to resist, showing her determination to stay true to herself.
33.Question: How could Zitkala-Sa’s experience inspire future generations to protect their identity and culture? (40–50 words)
Answer: Zitkala-Sa’s courage can inspire others to stand strong for their identity. Her resistance shows that even small actions matter. Future generations can learn to value their traditions and fight against injustice, knowing that holding onto their heritage makes them stronger.
34.Question: What do you think is more painful for Zitkala-Sa: losing her hair or losing her freedom? Why? (40–50 words)
Answer: Losing her freedom might be more painful because it takes away her ability to make choices. Her hair symbolises her identity, but freedom is the base of her dignity. Losing both is painful, but the lack of freedom leaves her feeling powerless and disconnected.
35.Question: How might the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair change if the authorities had valued diversity instead of forcing their rules? (40–50 words)
Answer: If the authorities had valued diversity, Zitkala-Sa’s traditions would have been respected. She could have kept her hair and her identity. The environment might have been more supportive, allowing her to feel accepted. This could have created understanding and harmony between the two cultures.
36.Question: In the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair, Zitkala-Sa describes her hair being cut as “like a coward’s.” What figure of speech is used here, and what does it signify? (40–50 words)
Answer: The phrase “like a coward’s” is a simile. It compares short hair to cowardice in her culture. This signifies her feeling of shame and helplessness when her long hair is cut. It highlights how deeply her identity is connected to her hair.
37.Question: Zitkala-Sa says she was treated like “a wooden puppet.” What figure of speech is this, and how does it reflect her feelings? (40–50 words)
Answer: The phrase “like a wooden puppet” is a simile. It shows how Zitkala-Sa felt controlled and powerless, like a puppet with no freedom. This reflects her pain and anger at being forced to follow the rules of the authorities.
38.Question: The phrase “a bedlam within which I was securely tied” is used in the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair. What figure of speech is this, and how does it add to the meaning? (40–50 words)
Answer: This is a metaphor, comparing the noisy, chaotic environment to a prison that ties her down. It shows how Zitkala-Sa felt trapped and overwhelmed by the unfamiliar surroundings and harsh treatment, making her long for freedom and peace.
39.Question: Zitkala-Sa describes the sound of the bell as “crashing through the belfry.” What figure of speech is used here, and how does it help the reader imagine the scene? (40–50 words)
Answer: The phrase uses personification, giving the bell a human-like action of crashing. This creates a deep image of the loud, harsh sound invading her sensitive ears. It helps the reader feel her discomfort and highlights the unkindness of the new environment.
40.Question: In the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair, Zitkala-Sa describes herself as “one of many little animals driven by a herder.” What figure of speech is this, and what does it convey about her situation? (40–50 words)
Answer: This is a metaphor, comparing her to an animal controlled by a herder. It conveys how she feels dehumanised and powerless, treated as part of a group with no individuality. It reflects the loss of her freedom and identity under the authorities’ rules.