Q1. Who is the central figure in the poem?
Ans: The central figure is an old, poor, and helpless woman waiting to cross the street.
Q2. How is the old woman described?
Ans: She is described as old, ragged, grey, and bent with age.
Q3. What season is described in the poem?
Ans: The poem is set in winter after a snowfall.
Q4. Why was the street slippery?
Ans: The street was slippery because of recent snow.
Q5. What was the woman waiting for?
Ans: She was waiting for someone to help her cross the busy street.
Q6. How did the passersby treat her?
Ans: They ignored her and did not offer any help.
Q7. Who came out of school in the poem?
Ans: A group of boys came out of school happily.
Q8. Why were the boys happy?
Ans: They were happy because school was over and they enjoyed the snow.
Q9. What did the boys do when they saw the old woman?
Ans: They hurried past her without helping.
Q10. Why was the old woman afraid to cross alone?
Ans: She was weak and feared slipping or being hurt by horses and carriages.
Q11. Who finally helped the old woman?
Ans: A kind young boy helped her.
Q12. How did the boy help her?
Ans: He supported her by offering his arm and guided her across safely.
Q13. What did the boy feel after helping her?
Ans: He felt proud, happy, and content.
Q14. Why did the boy help the woman?
Ans: He helped because he thought of his own mother and hoped someone would help her too if needed.
Q15. What did the boy tell his friends?
Ans: He reminded them that the woman was “somebody’s mother.”
Q16. What did the woman do at night?
Ans: She prayed to God to bless the noble boy.
Q17. What did she pray for the boy?
Ans: She prayed for God’s kindness and blessings on him.
Q18. Who is called ‘somebody’s son’ in the poem?
Ans: The helpful boy is called ‘somebody’s son.’
Q19. What emotion does the poem mainly express?
Ans: It expresses kindness, compassion, and empathy.
Q20. Who wrote the poem?
Ans: The poem was written by Mary Dow Brine