The Little Girl – Class 9 English (CBSE)
Summary, Themes, Character Sketches, Q&A, and Glossary
Table of Contents
Detailed Summary
“The Little Girl” by Katherine Mansfield tells the story of Kezia, a young girl who fears her strict father and struggles to communicate with him. Initially, she views him as an authoritative figure who constantly commands and scolds her. His towering presence, stern voice, and sharp gaze terrify her, causing her to stutter whenever she speaks to him.
One day, her grandmother suggests that Kezia prepare a birthday gift for her father. She sews a pin-cushion but unknowingly fills it with important papers containing her father’s speech. This angers her father, who punishes her harshly, leaving Kezia hurt and confused. She wonders why fathers exist if they only bring fear and discipline.
However, a turning point comes when Kezia’s mother is hospitalized. That night, after a nightmare, Kezia wakes up scared and calls out for her grandmother. Instead, her father comes to her, comforts her, and allows her to sleep beside him. For the first time, Kezia feels her father’s warmth and realizes that he, too, has a loving side hidden beneath his strictness. She understands that his harshness is not due to lack of love but because of his responsibilities and exhaustion.
The story beautifully portrays the transition of Kezia’s feelings for her father—from fear to love and understanding. It highlights that behind every strict parent lies a heart full of care and concern for their children.
Themes & Message
- Parent–Child Relationship: Misunderstandings often hide the love between parents and children.
- Fear vs Love: Discipline may create fear, but love brings trust and bonding.
- Empathy: The importance of understanding others’ struggles, even parents’ burdens.
- Growth of Understanding: Kezia’s journey reflects how children gradually recognize their parents’ sacrifices.
Character Sketches
- Kezia: A sensitive, innocent girl who initially fears her father but later realizes his love.
- Father: A strict, disciplined man whose love is hidden beneath authority and exhaustion.
- Mother: A passive figure who follows the father’s instructions without much interference.
- Grandmother: A source of comfort and love for Kezia, guiding her to connect with her father.
- The Macdonalds: Neighbors who represent a warm, playful father–child relationship, contrasting with Kezia’s family.
Important Q&A
Q1: Why was Kezia afraid of her father?
She feared his strictness, loud voice, and commanding presence, which made her nervous and stammer.
Q2: What mistake did Kezia make while preparing a gift for her father?
She tore up his important speech papers to fill a pin-cushion, which led to her punishment.
Q3: How did Kezia’s perception of her father change?
After he comforted her during a nightmare, she realized that he had a loving heart despite his strictness.
Glossary
- Stutter: To speak with involuntary pauses or repetition.
- Wretched: Very unhappy or unfortunate in state.
- Hue and cry: Loud protest or commotion.
- Nightmare: A frightening or unpleasant dream.
Source / Reference
NCERT Class 9 English – Beehive textbook, “The Little Girl” by Katherine Mansfield.