BIRTH
A. SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1. Why was Andrew Manson deeply troubled when he reached Joe Morgan’s house?
Answer: Andrew was troubled because he had witnessed an unhappy marriage and was struggling with his own thoughts about love and relationships. His personal concerns made him mentally disturbed, but he remained focused on his professional duty.
2. What made the delivery of Joe Morgan’s child a difficult experience for Andrew?
Answer: The delivery was difficult because the mother was exhausted and the baby appeared to be stillborn. Andrew had to make quick decisions and manage both the mother’s condition and the newborn’s survival.
3. Why did Andrew initially focus on the mother rather than the baby?
Answer: Andrew realised that the mother was in a serious condition and needed immediate attention. He chose to stabilise her first, showing his ability to assess the situation and prioritise treatment during an emergency.
4. What does the apparent stillbirth reveal about the uncertainty of medical emergencies?
Answer: The apparent stillbirth shows that a patient's condition may not always be clear at first. It highlights the need for careful observation, patience and professional judgement before reaching a final conclusion.
5. How did Andrew discover that the baby might still be alive?
Answer: Andrew examined the baby carefully and noticed signs that gave him hope. Instead of accepting the initial appearance of death, he continued his efforts to revive the child.
6. Why did Andrew use both hot and cold water to revive the baby?
Answer: Andrew used hot and cold water as part of his attempt to stimulate the baby's body. He alternated between the two methods and continued working persistently to restore the child's breathing.
7. How does Andrew's treatment of the baby demonstrate his determination?
Answer: Andrew did not give up even when the baby showed no immediate response. He continued the revival process through repeated efforts, demonstrating determination, professional commitment and a strong desire to save the child's life.
8. Why is the baby's first cry a turning point in the story?
Answer: The baby's first cry changes the situation from apparent tragedy to joy. It confirms that Andrew's efforts have succeeded and brings relief to everyone waiting for the child's survival.
9. How does the story challenge the idea that professional success depends only on knowledge?
Answer: The story shows that medical knowledge must be supported by practical skill, quick decision-making, patience and determination. Andrew succeeds because he applies his knowledge actively instead of surrendering to an apparently hopeless situation.
10. What does Andrew mean when he says, “I've done something real at last”?
Answer: Andrew feels that he has finally accomplished something meaningful. By saving the baby, he experiences the satisfaction of making a real difference to human life, moving beyond his personal worries and doubts.
B. LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Q1. Compare Andrew Manson in Birth with the narrator in The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse. How do their actions reveal their values and understanding of responsibility?
Answer: Andrew Manson in Birth and the narrator in The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse face situations that test their values and sense of responsibility.
Andrew demonstrates professional responsibility when he refuses to give up on a seemingly lifeless baby. Through his medical knowledge, patience and persistent efforts, he saves the child. His actions show his commitment to his profession and the value he places on human life.
In contrast, the narrator in The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse, Aram, experiences a conflict between his desire for adventure and his family’s reputation for honesty. Although he enjoys riding the horse, he gradually recognises the moral difficulty of keeping something that does not belong to him. His family’s values influence his understanding of right and wrong.
While Andrew fulfils his professional duty through determined action, Aram learns to recognise the importance of honesty and responsibility. Both stories show that values become meaningful when individuals must make choices in challenging situations.
Q2. The title Birth has both literal and symbolic significance. Explain with reference to Andrew Manson’s experience.
Answer: The title Birth has both literal and symbolic significance. Literally, it refers to the birth of Joe and Susan Morgan’s child. However, the delivery becomes a crisis when the baby appears to be stillborn.
Andrew Manson refuses to accept defeat and makes determined efforts to revive the newborn. His persistence finally succeeds, and the baby begins to breathe. The child’s survival brings happiness to the family and transforms despair into hope.
Symbolically, the title also refers to Andrew’s professional and emotional renewal. Before the incident, he is troubled by personal doubts about love and marriage. Saving the baby gives him a sense of achievement and helps him understand the real purpose of his profession.
Thus, the story presents two forms of birth: the physical birth of a child and the renewed sense of purpose in a young doctor. The title captures the central ideas of hope, perseverance and the value of human life.
Q3. Imagine you are Andrew Manson. Write a diary entry expressing your feelings after successfully reviving the newborn baby and reflecting on the significance of the experience. (120–150 words)
Answer:
28 October 2026, Wednesday
Dear Diary,
What an unforgettable night! I arrived at Joe Morgan’s house with my mind troubled by personal worries, but the difficult childbirth demanded my complete attention. After ensuring the mother’s safety, I turned towards the newborn, who appeared lifeless. For a moment, the situation seemed hopeless, but I refused to give up.
I tried every possible method to revive the baby, using hot and cold water alternately. My hands continued their work even when success seemed uncertain. Finally, the baby began to breathe and cried. That little cry brought immense relief and happiness to everyone present.
Tonight, I have understood the true meaning of being a doctor. Medical knowledge alone is not enough; patience, determination and a deep commitment to human life are equally important. Saving this child has given me a sense of achievement that I had been missing.
Andrew Manson
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