The story Birth by A.J. Cronin, included in NCERT Snapshots for Class 11, highlights the dedication and perseverance of a young doctor, Andrew Manson. It is both emotional and inspirational, showing how determination can turn despair into hope.
Below, we bring you Birth Class 11 Questions and Answers that will help you understand the chapter in depth and prepare effectively for exams. These carefully selected questions and answers of Birth Class 11 cover important characters, themes, and the central idea, making this a complete revision guide for students.
Class 11 Birth Question Answers (Short)
Q1. Who is the author of Birth?
The story is written by A.J. Cronin, a Scottish novelist and physician known for blending medical themes with human values.
Q2. Who was Dr. Andrew Manson?
Dr. Andrew Manson was a young doctor, recently practicing, who showed dedication and determination while saving both Mrs. Morgan and her stillborn child.
Q3. Who was Joe Morgan?
Joe Morgan was a middle-aged man who, after twenty years of marriage, was about to become a father for the first time.
Q4. Why was Joe Morgan waiting outside?
He was anxiously waiting for Dr. Andrew because his wife was in labor and the delivery was critical.
Q5. What impression do we get of Joe Morgan?
Joe Morgan is portrayed as anxious, caring, and deeply emotional about the birth of his first child.
Q6. What was Andrew’s view of marriage?
Andrew had a rather pessimistic view of marriage. From his medical experience, he had observed many unhappy couples, which disappointed him.
Q7. What condition was Mrs. Morgan in when Andrew arrived?
Mrs. Morgan was weak, in labor, and struggling during the delivery, requiring immediate medical attention.
Q8. Who helped Andrew during the delivery?
Andrew was assisted by a nurse and Mrs. Morgan’s mother, both of whom were present in the house.
Q9. What happened when the baby was born?
The baby was born still and appeared lifeless, causing grief and despair for the family.
Q10. What was Andrew’s first priority after the delivery?
Andrew first ensured that Mrs. Morgan’s health was stable before turning to the newborn.
Q11. How did Andrew try to revive the child?
Andrew used alternating hot and cold water baths and then applied artificial respiration to try and bring the child back to life.
Q12. How long did Andrew work on the child?
Andrew worked relentlessly for over half an hour, completely exhausted but determined not to give up.
Q13. What was the result of Andrew’s efforts?
Finally, the baby gasped, started breathing, and cried, showing that Andrew’s persistence had saved its life.
Q14. How did Andrew feel after reviving the baby?
Andrew felt a deep sense of satisfaction, pride, and relief. He realized that true happiness lies in fulfilling one’s duty.
Q15. How did the family react to the child’s revival?
The Morgan family, after waiting twenty years for this moment, was filled with immense joy and relief when the baby survived.
Q16. What qualities of Andrew stand out in the story?
Andrew is shown as compassionate, responsible, determined, and selfless. He is committed to his profession and patients.
Q17. What does the story highlight about the medical profession?
It highlights the nobility of the profession, where doctors carry the responsibility of saving lives and spreading hope.
Q18. Why is Birth considered inspirational?
It inspires readers by showing how persistence and dedication, even in hopeless situations, can create miracles.
Q19. What is the central idea of Birth?
The central idea is that patience, effort, and compassion can turn despair into hope and bring success even in the most difficult circumstances.
Q20. What message does the story convey?
The story conveys that selfless service, responsibility, and persistence are more valuable than personal comfort, and that true satisfaction lies in helping others.
Class 11 English: Birth Questions and Answers (Long)
Q1. Describe the circumstances under which Dr. Andrew Manson was called to the Morgan house.
Late at night, after a tiring day, Dr. Andrew Manson was returning home when Joe Morgan, a middle-aged man, met him. Joe and his wife had been married for twenty years but were childless until now. Joe anxiously requested Andrew to come immediately, as his wife was in labor and her condition was critical. At the house, Andrew found Mrs. Morgan weak and struggling.
The tension was high because the family had waited two decades for this child. Realizing the seriousness of the case, Andrew devoted himself completely, putting aside his own exhaustion. This set the stage for the difficult delivery and Andrew’s efforts to save both mother and child.
Q2. How does Andrew handle Mrs. Morgan’s delivery?
Andrew showed professionalism and compassion while handling Mrs. Morgan’s delivery. Assisted by a nurse and Mrs. Morgan’s mother, he monitored her condition carefully. The delivery was long and painful, and eventually, the child was born still, showing no signs of life. Andrew first focused on stabilizing Mrs. Morgan by ensuring her safety and health. His training and dedication guided his actions as he then turned to the baby. Instead of declaring it dead, Andrew attempted revival techniques. His methodical approach, sense of responsibility, and refusal to give up highlighted his skill and perseverance. His ability to balance the mother’s safety with his determination to save the newborn demonstrated his commitment to duty and humanity.
Q3. What were the challenges faced by Dr. Andrew in reviving the child?
The greatest challenge for Dr. Andrew was that the child was born still, showing no signs of life. He was already physically exhausted, having worked all day, and the situation seemed hopeless. Yet he could not accept failure. Andrew had limited resources in the Morgan house, but he used his medical training and presence of mind. He alternated hot and cold baths for the baby and applied artificial respiration techniques repeatedly. The process was tiring and time-consuming, lasting more than half an hour. Andrew was under immense pressure, knowing how important this child was to the Morgan family. Despite fatigue and despair, he kept working until the baby gasped and cried. His challenges underline the struggle of perseverance against all odds.
Q4. How does Andrew’s personal view of marriage contrast with the Morgan family’s situation?
Andrew had a pessimistic view of marriage because of his experiences as a doctor. He had often seen unhappy couples and strained relationships in his practice, which made him doubtful about the institution of marriage. In contrast, the Morgans represented hope and faith in family life. After twenty years of waiting, they eagerly anticipated their first child. Joe Morgan’s anxiety and Mrs. Morgan’s struggle showed how important this birth was to them. Despite his personal disappointment with marriage, Andrew was deeply moved by their faith and determination. This contrast emphasizes Andrew’s professionalism—though disillusioned privately, he remained committed to his duty as a doctor. The Morgan family’s happiness also reminded him that love and perseverance could triumph, countering his earlier cynicism.
Q5. What steps did Dr. Andrew take to revive the stillborn child?
When the baby was born still, Andrew first ensured Mrs. Morgan’s safety, stabilizing her condition. He then turned his full attention to the child. Remembering his medical training, he began revival techniques. He dipped the baby alternately in hot and cold water baths, hoping to stimulate breathing. He also applied the technique of artificial respiration repeatedly. The process was long and physically draining, yet Andrew refused to give up. For more than thirty minutes, he worked tirelessly, fighting despair. Finally, his efforts were rewarded when the baby began to gasp, breathe, and cry. Andrew’s persistence saved the child, turning despair into hope for the family. His steps highlight the power of skill, patience, and relentless determination.
Q6. What is the significance of the ending of the story?
The ending of Birth is highly significant as it transforms despair into joy. After a long and difficult process, Andrew finally succeeds in reviving the lifeless baby. The newborn’s first cry brings immense relief to the Morgan family, who had waited twenty years for this moment. The ending highlights the triumph of hope, perseverance, and medical skill over apparent failure. For Andrew, it is a deeply satisfying moment that restores his faith in his profession and in life. The ending also conveys that no situation is hopeless if met with determination and persistence. It leaves readers inspired with the idea that dedication and compassion can create miracles.
Q7. How does the story portray the nobility of the medical profession?
Birth portrays the medical profession as noble, selfless, and full of responsibility. Dr. Andrew, despite being exhausted and disillusioned, puts his patient’s needs above his own. He remains determined to save Mrs. Morgan and her child, even when the baby seems lifeless. His efforts, lasting over half an hour, reflect not only his medical skill but also his compassion and commitment to humanity. The story emphasizes that doctors carry the heavy responsibility of preserving life and hope. Andrew’s satisfaction after reviving the child shows that true reward lies not in wealth but in service. The story celebrates the values of dedication, perseverance, and selflessness, portraying medicine as one of the most honorable professions.
Q8. In what way is Birth an inspirational story?
Birth inspires readers by showing how determination, persistence, and compassion can turn despair into hope. The story demonstrates that even in seemingly hopeless situations, effort and perseverance can create miracles. Andrew’s refusal to give up on the stillborn baby reflects the value of commitment to one’s duty. His eventual success inspires faith in human effort and the nobility of selfless service. The Morgan family’s joy after twenty years of waiting emphasizes the rewards of patience and hope. The story motivates readers to approach challenges with courage and never give up, no matter how difficult the circumstances appear. It is both a tribute to the medical profession and a universal lesson in perseverance.
Q9. How does A.J. Cronin use his medical background to shape the story?
A.J. Cronin was a physician before becoming a writer, and his medical background is evident in Birth. He uses accurate details of medical techniques like alternating hot and cold water baths and artificial respiration. His understanding of the physical and emotional strain of doctors brings realism to Andrew’s struggle. Cronin also portrays the anxiety of patients’ families with sensitivity, showing his firsthand awareness of how much doctors are relied upon. The story balances scientific detail with human emotion, making it authentic and relatable. Cronin’s experience as a doctor helps him present medicine not just as science but as a profession of compassion and responsibility. His background shapes the story into an inspiring account of perseverance and hope.
Q10. What lessons can be learned from the story Birth?
The story teaches several important lessons. First, it shows that persistence and determination can turn failure into success. Andrew’s tireless effort to revive the child emphasizes the value of never giving up. Second, it highlights the nobility of the medical profession, where doctors must combine skill with compassion. Third, it reminds us of the importance of responsibility—Andrew’s dedication ensured both mother and child were saved. Fourth, the story underlines that true satisfaction lies in service to others, not in personal comfort. Finally, it teaches that hope should never be abandoned, as miracles can happen through effort and perseverance. These lessons make the story timeless and inspirational for readers.
More Important Resources for CBSE Exam:
| CBSE Board: All details | CBSE Class 11 Commerce Subjects |
| CBSE Full Form | CBSE Class 11 English Syllabus |
| All about CBSE Class 11th | Class 11th Hornbill Syllabus |
| CBSE Class 11 Economics Syllabus |
Character-Based Questions from Birth Chapter
Q1. Describe Dr. Andrew Manson’s character.
Andrew is young, dedicated, and compassionate. Though tired and pessimistic about marriage, he shows unwavering commitment to his duty. His determination to save Mrs. Morgan and her baby highlights his perseverance, professional skill, and humanity, making him the true hero of the story.
Q2. Who was Joe Morgan?
Joe Morgan was a middle-aged man who, after twenty years of marriage, was about to become a father for the first time. Anxious and emotional, he eagerly waited outside while Dr. Andrew attended to his wife’s delivery.
Q3. Give a brief character sketch of Mrs. Morgan.
Mrs. Morgan is shown as fragile and weak but deeply significant to her family. Her long struggle during labor reflects her patience and endurance. Her survival and the safe revival of her child bring immense relief to everyone.
Q4. Describe the role of the nurse in the story.
The nurse is supportive, reliable, and practical. She assists Andrew throughout the delivery, helping him manage the tense situation. Though a minor character, she represents the quiet, steady role of healthcare workers in saving lives.
Q5. How is Mrs. Morgan’s mother depicted in the story?
Mrs. Morgan’s mother is shown as caring and protective. She is present during the delivery, worried for her daughter’s safety, and supportive of Andrew’s efforts. She represents the emotional concern of the family in such critical moments.
Read the chapter-wise summaries of Class 11 English here:
Important Questions from Birth Chapter in Class 11 English
- Describe the circumstances under which Dr. Andrew Manson was called to the Morgan house.
- How did Andrew handle Mrs. Morgan’s delivery?
- Why was Joe Morgan waiting for Andrew late at night?
- What were Andrew’s views on marriage, and how do they contrast with the Morgans?
- What steps did Andrew take to revive the stillborn child?
- What challenges did Andrew face during the case, and how did he overcome them?
- Justify the title Birth.
- How does the story highlight the nobility of the medical profession?
- What is the central idea of the story Birth?
- In what way is Birth an inspirational story?
Short Summary of Birth Chapter
Birth by A.J. Cronin is an inspiring story about Dr. Andrew Manson, a young doctor who shows determination and responsibility in a critical situation. Late at night, he is called to attend Joe Morgan’s wife, who is about to deliver her first child after twenty years of marriage. The delivery is long and difficult, and when the baby is born, it appears still and lifeless.
Although exhausted, Andrew does not give up. First, he ensures that Mrs. Morgan is safe, and then he focuses on the child. Using methods like alternating hot and cold water baths and artificial respiration, he works tirelessly for more than half an hour. Finally, the baby begins to breathe and cry, bringing joy to the Morgan family.
The story highlights perseverance, duty, and the nobility of the medical profession, showing that true success lies in selfless service and persistence.
Read the complete Summary of Birth here.