Memories of Childhood Class 12 Summary | Zitkala-Sa & Bama | Vistas Chapter 6

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Memories of Childhood Class 12 Summary | Zitkala-Sa & Bama | Vistas Chapter 6

Meet the Writers

  • Zitkala-Sa: she was a famous Native American writer and activist. She spent her life fighting for the rights of her people and protecting their culture from being destroyed by Western schools.

  • Bama: A famous Tamil Dalit writer. She is a pioneer in Dalit literature and uses her writing to speak out against the unfair treatment of people based on their caste in India.

Part 1: The Cutting of My Long Hair (by Zitkala-Sa)

This story takes place at the Carlisle Indian School. It shows how the school tried to force Native American children to act and look like white Americans.

  • The Noisy First Day: It was a cold, snowy winter day. Zitkala-Sa was annoyed by the loud bells and the constant "clatter" of noises. She felt her soul was being crushed by the strict rules.

  • The Dining Room Ordeal: Zitkala-Sa explains the confusing "Eating Formula."

    • First Bell: Everyone pulled their chairs out from under the table. Zitkala-Sa sat down, but realized everyone else was still standing.

    • Second Bell: Everyone finally sat down.

    • Third Bell: Everyone picked up their knives and forks and started eating.

      Zitkala-Sa felt so small and embarrassed that she wanted to cry.

  • The Secret Plan: Her friend Judewin overheard the teachers talking about cutting their hair. In Zitkala-Sa's culture, short hair was only for cowards or people whose family members had died (mourners).

  • The Forced Haircut: Zitkala-Sa hid in a dark room under a bed. She could hear everyone, including Judewin, searching for her. When she was found, she was dragged downstairs and tied to a chair. Even though she kicked and screamed, they cut off her thick braids. From that moment on, she felt like a "wooden puppet" controlled by others.

Part 2: We Too Are Human Beings (by Bama)

Bama tells a story from when she was in the third grade. It shows how an innocent child realizes that the world is divided by unfair rules.

  • Watching the World: Bama loved watching the market. She saw monkeys performing, political parties giving speeches, and street doctors selling medicine. She also loved the "threshing floor," where people separated grain from plants.

  • The Threshing Floor Scene: She saw a rich landlord sitting on a piece of cloth, watching her community members work.

  • The Elder’s Packet: She saw an old man from her community carrying a small bag of vadais (snacks). He was holding the bag by a string, making sure his fingers didn't touch the paper. He bowed low to the landlord and handed it over.

  • The Lesson from Annan: When Bama's brother, Annan, told her it was because they were "untouchables," her laughter turned into anger. She learned that upper-caste people believed even a touch would "pollute" them.

  • The Final Push: Annan, who was a university student, told her a story about being asked his name and street just so people could figure out his caste. He gave her a powerful message: "Education is the only way out." Because he told her to study, Bama worked so hard that she stood first in her class, and many people eventually became her friends.

Comparison Table: Two Stories of Fighting Back

FeatureZitkala-SaBama
ThemeLoss of Culture and Identity.Fighting the Evil of Untouchability.
The ResistanceShe hid and fought physically.She studied and fought with her mind.
Major SymbolThe long hair (Braids).The snack packet on a string.
OutcomeShe lost her spirit that day.She gained respect through education.

Conclusion: The Lesson

Both stories show that while society tries to break the spirit of children, they can still find ways to survive. Zitkala-Sa survived by writing about her pain, and Bama survived by becoming a top student. They both prove that "We too are human beings" and deserve to be treated with dignity.


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