GROWING UP NOTES

GROWING UP BY JOYCE CARY

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1. The girls in the story are Jenny (twelve) and Kate (a year older). They appear sometimes as individuals, but also as a pair who act together. Write out all the characteristics of the sisters. Which of these characteristics do you identify yourself with?

Answer: Jenny and Kate share a strong bond and often support each other, especially during their playful and mischievous moments. Jenny, the younger sister, is more thoughtful and has recently developed a keen interest in reading, showing her growing independence and curiosity. Kate, who is a year older, displays responsibility and maturity, particularly when she steps up to help after their father’s minor injury. Both sisters have a sense of adventure and spontaneity, as seen in their playful ambush on their father and the imaginative games they create with Snort. They are affectionate, expressive, and free-spirited but also show respect and good manners, as reflected in their composed behavior during the tea ceremony.

2. Character sketch of Robert Quick.

Answer: Robert Quick is portrayed as a caring father who values a strong bond with his daughters but is somewhat reserved in showing affection. His work life appears demanding, making him look forward to joyful and relaxing moments with his family, such as being greeted by his daughters when he returns home. Quick takes pride in the wild garden, seeing it as a symbol of natural freedom, though it also reflects his and his wife’s lack of interest in gardening. Initially, he is surprised and slightly disappointed by his daughters’ lack of excitement at his arrival, showing his sensitive and thoughtful nature. When they suddenly ambush him, he feels helpless and vulnerable, afraid of hurting them while trying to defend himself. His response to their growing independence is a mix of sadness and pride, especially when he realizes, “She’s growing up—and so am I.”

3. Why did Robert had no means to defend himself when his daughters attacked him?

Answer: When the girls playfully attack Robert in their lively game, he feels powerless because he cannot use force to defend himself against his daughters. They are physically delicate, “as fragile as a bird’s legs,” making him careful not to hurt them by accident. His worry about harming them shows his love and protectiveness, which holds him back from resisting their rough play, even though he feels overwhelmed and surprised by their energy.

4. Analyse the statement: ‘She’s growing up—and so am I.’ Give your views with reference to the text.

Answer: The statement “She’s growing up—and so am I” shows Robert Quick realizing that his daughters are maturing and that he, too, must adjust to the changes in their relationship. As he watches Jenny and Kate move from childhood to adolescence, he notices shifts in their attitudes and interests, creating a slight distance between them. This phrase reflects Robert’s understanding that his daughters are becoming more independent, and he must adapt emotionally, letting go of his earlier, simpler views of fatherhood. It captures the bittersweet feeling of growth—both in his daughters and in himself—as he comes to terms with his evolving role in their lives.

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