📝 Introduction:
If you're a Class 12 student under the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC) and looking for a complete, well-explained solution to Chapter 1 – “A Cup of Tea” from the Alternative English textbook Harmony: An Anthology of Prose & Poetry, then you’ve landed in the right place!
In this post, we’ve covered every type of question — from True/False, short questions, one-word answers, to detailed explanations and long answers — all based strictly on the AHSEC exam pattern. The story by Katherine Mansfield offers a powerful look at class differences, social hypocrisy, and personal insecurity — all through the lens of a simple gesture: offering a cup of tea.
Whether you're preparing for your boards, an internal exam, or just revising the chapter, this post will help you understand the story deeply, revise faster, and score confidently.
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Class 12 Alternative English Chapter 1 A Cup of Tea Question answer to each chapter is provided in the list so that you can easily browse through different chapters Assam Board HS Class 12 Alternative English Chapter 1 A Cup of Tea and select needs one.
Class 12 Alternative English Chapter 1 A Cup of Tea
Chapter: 1
PROSE
COMPREHENSION
A. State whether these sentences are True or False.
1. Miss Smith was a very rich girl.
Ans: False.
2. Rosemary was a very compassionate woman.
Ans: True.
3. Philip did not want Miss Smith to dine with them.
Ans: True.
4. Rosemary had been married for a couple of years.
Ans: True.
B. Answer these questions in one or two words.
1. Which Russian author influenced Katherine Mansfield?
Ans: Anton Chekhov.
2. In which street was Rosemary shopping when she met Miss Smith?
Ans: Curzon Street.
3. How many pounds did Rosemary give to Miss Smith?
Ans: Three pounds.
4. What is the cost of the enamel box that Rosemary wanted to buy?
Ans: Twenty eight guineas.
5. What is the name of the main character of ‘A Cup of Tea’?
Ans: Rosemary is the main character of ‘A Cup of Tea’.
C. Answer these questions in a few words each.
1. What are the names of the two women characters in the story ‘A Cup of Tea’?
Ans: Rosemary and Miss Smith are the two women characters in the story ‘A Cup of Tea’.
2. What kind of a relationship do Rosemary and Philip share in ‘A Cup of Tea’?
Ans: Rosemary and Philip are a married couple in ‘A Cup of Tea’.
3. How does Philip react towards Miss Smith?
Ans: He immediately understands the situation when he looks at the hat and coat lying on the floor. He wants to send Miss Smith out, as she belongs to a poor class.
4. Who was Miss Smith? Why did Rosemary send her back?
Ans: Miss Smith was a poor girl. Rosemary sent her back because she got jealous when Philip called her ‘pretty’ and ‘lovely’.
5. Why did Philip disapprove of Rosemary’s decision to keep Miss Smith with them?
Ans: Philip disapproves because Miss Smith is “astonishingly pretty” and that he is “bowled over” by her beauty.
D. Answer these questions briefly in your own words.
1. Write brief character sketch of Rosemary Fell.
Ans: Rosemary Fell is a complex character from the short story ‘The Garden Party’ by Katherine Mansfield. She is depicted as a young woman who is caught between the innocence of youth and the harsh realities of life. Rosemary is sensitive and introspective, often reflecting on her surroundings and the people in her life. Her character embodies a sense of privilege, as she comes from a well-to-do family, yet she is also aware of the social disparities that exist in her world. Throughout the story, Rosemary experiences a moment of awakening when confronted with the death of a working-class man, which challenges her previous notions of life and class. This moment of realization marks a significant turning point in her character, showcasing her growth and the development of her empathy towards others.
2. Describe Rosemary’s encounter with Miss Smith.
Ans: Rosemary’s encounter with Miss Smith occurs when she sees the young girl begging on the street. Overwhelmed by a sudden impulse of compassion, Rosemary invites Miss Smith to join her for tea. This unexpected act of kindness leads to a series of events that disrupt Rosemary’s life.
3. How does Katherine Mansfield explore the theme of ‘class difference’ in ‘A Cup of Tea’?
Ans: Katherine Mansfield explores the theme of ‘class difference through the contrasting lives Rosemary fell and Miss Smith. Rosemary’s life of wealth, luxury,and social privilege starkly contrasts with Miss Smith’s poverty and desperation. Rosemary’s action and motivation by a desire to display her generosity rather than genuine compassion, the Superficiality and hypocrisy of the upper class. The story critiques the way the wealthy perceive and treat the poor, exposing the deep social divide and the lack of true understanding and empathy between the classes.
4. Why did Rosemary take Miss Smith home?
Ans: Rosemary took Miss Smith home because she was struck by the romantic and novel-like nature of their encounter. She saw it as an adventure and an opportunity to demonstrate her generosity and kindness. Rosemary was motivated by a desire to slow down that rich people had hearts and that wonderful things could happen in life. Her intentions were more about fulfilling her own romanticized ideals and impressing her social circle rather than genuinely helping Miss Smith.
E. Answer these questions in detail.
1. Examine in detail the various themes explored by Katherine Mansfield in her story ‘A Cup of Tea’.
Ans: In “A Cup of Tea,” Katherine Mansfield explores several themes that shed light on the complexities of human nature and societal dynamics.
One prominent theme is the stark contrast between social classes. Mansfield delves into the divide between the privileged upper class, represented by Rosemary Fell, and the lower class, symbolized by Miss Smith. Through this exploration, Mansfield highlights the indifference and lack of understanding that often exist between people of different social statuses. The story exposes the superficiality and ignorance of the upper class towards the struggles faced by the lower class.
Another theme is the nature of compassion and its limitations. Mansfield examines the complex motivations behind acts of kindness. Rosemary’s initial impulse to help Miss Smith is driven by a genuine desire to alleviate suffering, but it is later revealed that her actions are also influenced by a need for excitement and self-gratification. Mansfield raises questions about the authenticity and boundaries of compassion, exploring whether it can truly bridge the gap between different social classes.
The theme of identity and self-perception is also prevalent in the story. Mansfield portrays Rosemary as a character who is defined by her social status and the material possessions that accompany it. However, her encounter with Miss Smith disrupts her carefully constructed identity and forces her to question her own values and priorities. Mansfield delves into the internal struggle faced by Rosemary as she grapples with her own sense of self-worth and the desire to be seen as a compassionate and generous person.
2. Comment on the significance of the title of the story ‘A Cup of Tea’.
Ans: The title “A Cup of Tea” carries symbolic significance throughout the story. On a surface level, it represents the initial act of kindness when Rosemary invites Miss Smith to join her for tea. The cup of tea becomes a catalyst for their encounter and sets the events of the story in motion.
However, the title also alludes to the idea of a fleeting moment of comfort and luxury. A cup of tea is often associated with a small indulgence, a temporary respite from the realities of life. In the story, Mansfield uses this symbolism to highlight the contrast between the privileged world of Rosemary, where a cup of tea is a commonplace luxury, and the harsh reality faced by Miss Smith, where even the simplest pleasures are scarce.
Furthermore, the title can be interpreted metaphorically, representing the desire for human connection and the search for warmth and empathy. It suggests that acts of kindness, like sharing a cup of tea, have the potential to bridge the gap between individuals from different walks of life.
Overall, the title “A Cup of Tea” encapsulates the central themes of class difference, compassion, and the fleeting nature of comfort, inviting readers to reflect on the deeper implications of a seemingly ordinary act.
🔚 Conclusion + Final Thoughts:
Katherine Mansfield’s "A Cup of Tea" is not just a short story—it's a sharp mirror that reflects the hypocrisy, class divide, and emotional conflicts that still echo in our society today. Through Rosemary’s momentary compassion and ultimate insecurity, Mansfield cleverly shows how appearances can be deceiving, and how true kindness isn’t measured by grand gestures but by sincere empathy.
So, dear readers, as you sip your next cup of tea, ask yourself:
☕ Are you truly kind? Or are you just playing the part of kindness?
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🧠 What to do next?
✅ If this post helped you understand the story, leave a comment below – it motivates us to create more meaningful content for Assam Board students!
💬 Share your own interpretation – Was Rosemary truly kind? Or was she just insecure and jealous?
🔁 Don’t forget to share this post with your classmates – Help someone else revise smarter!
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🌟 Motivational Words Just for You (From Vidya Unnati Academy):
> 📚 “Exams will come and go, but the knowledge you gain today builds the future you dream of tomorrow. Don’t just study to pass—study to understand. Because one day, you won’t need to impress the world... you’ll be leading it.” 💪✨
Keep learning. Keep growing.
💙 With love,
Vidya Unnati Academy
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