This page presents “The Cutting of My Long Hair” MCQs for Class 12 from the book Vistas. Perfect for quick Chapter review and checking your Chapter understanding. We have given answers and explanations also for better understanding. Read and enrich yourself.

MCQs of The Cutting of My Long Hair

1.Question: Why does Zitkala-Sa feel uncomfortable at the boarding school?
a) She doesn’t like snow.
b) She cannot understand the new environment.
c) She misses her mother.
d) She is hungry.
Answer: b) She cannot understand the new environment.
Reason: The noisy and strict environment is unfamiliar to her, making her feel out of place.

2.Question: What does long hair symbolise for Zitkala-Sa in her culture?
a) Wisdom and knowledge
b) Strength and bravery
c) Cowardice and weakness
d) Happiness and joy
Answer: b) Strength and bravery
Reason: In her culture, long hair represents courage and identity, and cutting it is a sign of mourning or cowardice.

3.Question: What action does Zitkala-Sa take to protect her hair?
a) She runs away.
b) She hides under a bed.
c) She confronts the authorities.
d) She pleads with them.
Answer: b) She hides under a bed.
Reason: Zitkala-Sa hides under a bed to resist having her hair cut and to protect her identity.

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4.Question: How does Zitkala-Sa feel when her hair is cut?
a) Empowered and free
b) Sad and disconnected
c) Indifferent and calm
d) Angry but relieved
Answer: b) Sad and disconnected
Reason: Losing her hair makes her feel like she has lost a part of her identity and culture.

5.Question: What do the authorities’ actions symbolise in the chapter?
a) Respect for diversity
b) Kindness towards children
c) Cultural oppression
d) Encouragement of individuality
Answer: c) Cultural oppression
Reason: The authorities force children to abandon their traditions, symbolising the suppression of native cultures.

6.Question: What lesson does Zitkala-Sa’s resistance teach us?
a) It is important to accept changes.
b) Standing up for beliefs is meaningful, even if you fail.
c) Resistance always leads to success.
d) Rules should never be questioned.
Answer: b) Standing up for beliefs is meaningful, even if you fail.
Reason: Zitkala-Sa’s courage shows that trying to protect one’s identity is valuable, even when the outcome is not favourable.

Also Read:

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7.Question: How might Zitkala-Sa’s actions inspire others?
a) By showing them that giving up is better
b) By encouraging them to value their identity
c) By teaching them to follow strict rules
d) By making them feel helpless
Answer: b) By encouraging them to value their identity
Reason: Zitkala-Sa’s bravery can inspire others to stand up for their culture and beliefs.

8.Question: Why does Zitkala-Sa feel watched during breakfast?
a) She sits down too early.
b) She drops her food.
c) She is too noisy.
d) She speaks out of turn.
Answer: a) She sits down too early.
Reason: Zitkala-Sa feels watched because she sits down before the bell rings, making her stand out.

9.Question: What does the chapter show about the clash between cultures?
a) Cultures can always mix peacefully.
b) One culture is always superior.
c) Forcing changes causes pain and loss.
d) Different cultures should avoid each other.
Answer: c) Forcing changes causes pain and loss.
Reason: The chapter highlights the emotional harm caused by forcing children to abandon their traditions.

10.Question: How might Zitkala-Sa’s story have been different if she had escaped?
a) She would have faced stricter rules.
b) She would have felt more confident.
c) She would have lost her courage.
d) She would have forgotten her culture.
Answer: b) She would have felt more confident.
Reason: Successfully protecting her hair might have made her feel stronger and more connected to her identity.

11.Question: Why does Zitkala-Sa describe herself as “a wooden puppet”?
a) She feels happy and playful.
b) She feels controlled and powerless.
c) She feels strong and brave.
d) She feels ignored and forgotten.
Answer: b) She feels controlled and powerless.
Reason: The phrase reflects her feeling of being forced to follow others’ rules without any freedom.

12.Question: What might the authorities have done differently to respect the children’s traditions?
a) Allowed them to keep their cultural practices
b) Punished them more strictly
c) Forced them to follow new rules faster
d) Ignored their feelings completely
Answer: a) Allowed them to keep their cultural practices
Reason: Respecting the children’s traditions would have avoided the pain and loss caused by forcing changes.

13.Question: How does Zitkala-Sa’s memory of her mother add to the story?
a) It shows her love for family and culture.
b) It shows her dislike for new rules.
c) It makes her forget her pain.
d) It explains why she left home.
Answer: a) It shows her love for family and culture.
Reason: Zitkala-Sa’s memories of her mother highlight her connection to her roots and the comfort she misses.

14.Question: How does the story in the chapter encourage empathy?
a) By showing the struggles of native children
b) By criticising all cultural traditions
c) By supporting strict authority
d) By ignoring feelings of identity
Answer: a) By showing the struggles of native children
Reason: The story helps readers understand the emotional pain of losing one’s identity and culture.

15.Question: What message does the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair leave about individuality?
a) Individuality should be suppressed.
b) Individuality is not important in society.
c) Individuality is worth protecting.
d) Individuality leads to conflict.
Answer: c) Individuality is worth protecting.
Reason: Zitkala-Sa’s resistance shows the importance of standing up for one’s identity and individuality.

16.Question: What might have been Zitkala-Sa’s reason for resisting the cutting of her hair?
a) She wanted to avoid punishment.
b) She believed in protecting her cultural identity.
c) She feared losing her friends.
d) She disliked the school’s rules.
Answer: b) She believed in protecting her cultural identity.
Reason: In her culture, long hair symbolises bravery, and losing it would mean losing a part of her identity.

17.Question: Why do you think the authorities wanted to cut the children’s hair?
a) To save time and effort in grooming
b) To erase their cultural identity
c) To prevent them from feeling superior
d) To follow school traditions
Answer: b) To erase their cultural identity
Reason: Cutting hair was a way to enforce integration and remove the cultural symbols of the children.

18.Question: What assumption can be made about Zitkala-Sa’s feelings towards her mother during her time at the boarding school?
a) She resented her mother for sending her away.
b) She missed her mother’s comfort and guidance.
c) She forgot about her mother completely.
d) She blamed her mother for her pain.
Answer: b) She missed her mother’s comfort and guidance.
Reason: Zitkala-Sa recalls how her mother used to comfort her and feels the absence of that care deeply.

19.Question: How might the other children have reacted to Zitkala-Sa’s resistance?
a) They might have felt encouraged to resist as well.
b) They might have ignored her actions.
c) They might have scolded her for disobeying.
d) They might have followed the authorities’ rules quietly.
Answer: a) They might have felt encouraged to resist as well.
Reason: Zitkala-Sa’s courage could inspire others to value their identity and stand up for their beliefs.

20.Question: Why do you think the authorities didn’t explain their rules to the children?
a) They didn’t think children would understand.
b) They believed their rules didn’t need justification.
c) They didn’t care about the children’s feelings.
d) They wanted to avoid resistance.
Answer: c) They didn’t care about the children’s feelings.
Reason: The authorities were focused on enforcing their rules, disregarding the emotions and identities of the children.

21.Question: What might have been Zitkala-Sa’s inner strength during her resistance?
a) Fear of punishment
b) Strong belief in her traditions
c) Support from her friends
d) Desire to leave the school
Answer: b) Strong belief in her traditions
Reason: Zitkala-Sa’s cultural pride and connection to her traditions gave her the courage to resist.

22.Question: What can we assume about the authorities’ view of native traditions?
a) They admired and respected them.
b) They thought they were unnecessary.
c) They were unaware of their significance.
d) They wanted to preserve them.
Answer: b) They thought they were unnecessary.
Reason: The authorities enforced changes that erased native traditions, showing a lack of respect for their significance.

23.Question: Why might Zitkala-Sa have felt even more determined after hearing Judewin’s warning?
a) She realised the importance of her cultural symbols.
b) She wanted to impress her friends.
c) She thought resisting would bring her freedom.
d) She feared being punished for not resisting.
Answer: a) She realised the importance of her cultural symbols.
Reason: Judewin’s warning reminded Zitkala-Sa of the cultural value of her long hair, strengthening her determination to protect it.

24.Question: What assumption can be made about the long-term impact of this experience on Zitkala-Sa?
a) She would forget about it quickly.
b) She would feel disconnected from her culture.
c) She would develop a strong will to fight oppression.
d) She would become friends with the authorities.
Answer: c) She would develop a strong will to fight oppression.
Reason: The pain of losing her cultural identity could inspire Zitkala-Sa to stand up against such oppression in the future.

25.Question: Why might Zitkala-Sa’s resistance be seen as significant, even though she couldn’t stop the authorities?
a) It showed her bravery and respect for her culture.
b) It stopped others from cutting their hair.
c) It changed the authorities’ behaviour.
d) It made her popular among the children.
Answer: a) It showed her bravery and respect for her culture.
Reason: Zitkala-Sa’s act of resistance demonstrated her strong connection to her identity and her refusal to give it up easily.

26.Question: What value does Zitkala-Sa demonstrate by hiding to protect her hair?
a) Patience
b) Bravery
c) Obedience
d) Forgiveness
Answer: b) Bravery
Reason: Zitkala-Sa shows bravery by resisting the authorities and standing up for her cultural identity despite knowing the risks.

27.Question: What lesson about diversity can we learn from the chapter The Cutting of My Long Hair?
a) Diversity is a source of conflict.
b) Diversity should be ignored.
c) Diversity needs to be respected and valued.
d) Diversity makes rules unnecessary.
Answer: c) Diversity needs to be respected and valued.
Reason: The story highlights the harm caused by disregarding cultural differences and forcing uniformity.

28.Question: How does the chapter teach us the importance of empathy?
a) By showing that strict rules solve problems.
b) By highlighting the pain of cultural loss.
c) By demonstrating that control is necessary.
d) By encouraging people to follow authority.
Answer: b) By highlighting the pain of cultural loss.
Reason: The story shows how the lack of empathy from the authorities caused emotional pain for Zitkala-Sa and others.

29.Question: What quality would have prevented the authorities from harming the children’s identity?
a) Determination
b) Respect
c) Pride
d) Efficiency
Answer: b) Respect
Reason: Respect for the children’s traditions and values could have avoided the loss of their identity and culture.

30.Question: What does Zitkala-Sa’s resistance teach us about protecting identity?
a) It is not worth protecting.
b) It is important even if the result is a failure.
c) It is only valuable when successful.
d) It is unnecessary in modern times.
Answer: b) It is important even if the result is a failure.
Reason: Zitkala-Sa’s actions show that trying to protect one’s identity matters, even if the outcome is not favourable.

31.Question: How does the chapter reflect the importance of individuality?
a) By showing that individuality creates problems.
b) By highlighting the loss of freedom in its absence.
c) By proving that uniformity is better.
d) By suggesting that individuality is overrated.
Answer: b) By highlighting the loss of freedom in its absence.
Reason: The forced changes on Zitkala-Sa show how losing individuality leads to feelings of helplessness and loss.

32.Question: What does the chapter teach about respecting children’s feelings?
a) Children’s feelings are not important.
b) Children’s emotions must be ignored for discipline.
c) Children’s feelings should be understood and respected.
d) Children’s emotions are always a sign of weakness.
Answer: c) Children’s feelings should be understood and respected.
Reason: The lack of understanding from the authorities caused unnecessary pain, highlighting the need to respect emotions.

33.Question: What value does Zitkala-Sa’s story emphasize about cultural traditions?
a) They are outdated and should be forgotten.
b) They are symbols of pride and identity.
c) They are only useful in specific situations.
d) They are less important than rules.
Answer: b) They are symbols of pride and identity.
Reason: The story shows how deeply Zitkala-Sa’s traditions are tied to her identity and self-respect.

34.Question: What is the primary lesson about power shown in the chapter?
a) Power should always be enforced.
b) Power must respect those it affects.
c) Power can only create fear.
d) Power is more important than values.
Answer: b) Power must respect those it affects.
Reason: The misuse of power by the authorities caused harm, showing the importance of using power responsibly and respectfully.

35.Question: How does the chapter inspire us to create a better world?
a) By following rules without question.
b) By promoting cultural harmony and mutual respect.
c) By focusing only on modern ideas.
d) By ignoring traditional practices.
Answer: b) By promoting cultural harmony and mutual respect.
Reason: The chapter teaches the value of respecting different cultures and identities to build a fair and understanding world.

36.Question: What might have been the reason the authorities enforced strict rules on the children?
a) To make them disciplined
b) To erase their cultural identity
c) To ensure better learning
d) To keep the children safe
Answer: b) To erase their cultural identity
Reason: The authorities wanted the children to abandon their traditions and adopt new customs, disregarding their cultural roots.

37.Question: How do you think Zitkala-Sa’s act of resistance impacted her emotionally?
a) It made her feel weak.
b) It strengthened her connection to her culture.
c) It made her indifferent.
d) It helped her forgive the authorities.
Answer: b) It strengthened her connection to her culture.
Reason: Zitkala-Sa’s resistance showed her determination to protect her identity, even in a difficult situation, deepening her cultural pride.

38.Question: What could the authorities have done differently to avoid the children’s suffering?
a) Allowed the children to keep their cultural practices
b) Enforced even stricter rules
c) Isolated the children further
d) Punished those who resisted
Answer: a) Allowed the children to keep their cultural practices
Reason: Respecting the children’s traditions could have created a more accepting and harmonious environment.

39.Question: Why does Zitkala-Sa compare herself to “a wooden puppet”?
a) She felt lifeless and controlled.
b) She admired the puppet’s freedom.
c) She felt like she was being ignored.
d) She thought it was a playful metaphor.
Answer: a) She felt lifeless and controlled.
Reason: The comparison highlights her helplessness and lack of freedom under the authorities’ strict control.

40.Question: What lesson can we learn from Zitkala-Sa’s reaction to the loss of her hair?
a) Identity and traditions are worth protecting.
b) Resistance is not important.
c) Rules should always be followed.
d) Hair has no connection to culture.
Answer: a) Identity and traditions are worth protecting.
Reason: Zitkala-Sa’s pain shows how deeply traditions are tied to identity and the importance of preserving them.

41.Question: How might Zitkala-Sa’s life have been different if she had accepted the changes quietly?
a) She would have been happier.
b) She would have felt disconnected from her identity.
c) She would have gained more freedom.
d) She would have been punished.
Answer: b) She would have felt disconnected from her identity.
Reason: Quietly accepting the changes would have caused her to lose touch with her cultural roots and traditions.

42.Question: Why do you think Judewin warned Zitkala-Sa about the plan to cut their hair?
a) She wanted to discourage resistance.
b) She cared for Zitkala-Sa and wanted to help her.
c) She was afraid of punishment.
d) She thought Zitkala-Sa would enjoy the change.
Answer: b) She cared for Zitkala-Sa and wanted to help her.
Reason: Judewin’s warning shows her concern for Zitkala-Sa’s feelings and her attempt to prepare her for the situation.

43.Question: What does Zitkala-Sa’s memory of her mother signify in the story?
a) Her longing for cultural guidance and comfort
b) Her desire to escape the boarding school
c) Her resentment towards her family
d) Her interest in adopting new traditions
Answer: a) Her longing for cultural guidance and comfort
Reason: Zitkala-Sa’s memory of her mother reflects her deep emotional connection to her culture and the care she misses.

44.Question: What might have been the impact of Zitkala-Sa’s resistance on the other children?
a) It might have encouraged them to follow rules.
b) It might have inspired them to value their identity.
c) It might have made them indifferent.
d) It might have isolated them further.
Answer: b) It might have inspired them to value their identity.
Reason: Zitkala-Sa’s courage could have motivated others to appreciate and protect their cultural traditions.

45.Question: How does the chapter highlight the importance of understanding others’ feelings?
a) By showing how rules create harmony
b) By demonstrating the harm caused by ignoring emotions
c) By encouraging strict discipline
d) By promoting uniformity in culture
Answer: b) By demonstrating the harm caused by ignoring emotions
Reason: The authorities’ lack of empathy led to emotional pain for the children, showing the need to respect and understand others’ feelings.