The Cookie Lady Summary and Explanation
ISC Class 12 English Chapter The Cookie Lady Summary, Theme, Explanation along with Difficult Word Meanings from English Prism Book
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ISC Class 12 English Chapter – The Cookie Lady
The Cookie Lady by Philip K. Dick is a short story about a young boy named Bubber, who is drawn into the home of an elderly woman, Mrs. Drew, because she promises him tasty cookies. At first, the story seems innocent. However, it soon reveals a darker side. Mrs. Drew is an old woman who uses Bubber’s energy to regain her youth. The story explores the themes of exploitation, temptation, and how desire can corrupt, all through a seemingly ordinary but unsettling meeting.
- The Cookie Lady Summary
- The Cookie Lady Summary in Hindi
- The Cookie Lady Theme
- The Cookie Lady Lesson Explanation
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The Cookie Lady Summary
The Cookie Lady tells the story of a young boy named Bubber Surle and his visits to an old woman, Mrs. Drew, who possesses a strange ability related to youth.
The story begins with Bubber heading to Mrs. Drew’s house, ignoring his friend Ernie’s teasing questions about his lady friend. The house is shabby and overgrown with dry weeds, but Bubber is drawn by the wonderful smell of warm cookies. Mrs. Drew, a very old lady, welcomes him in. She has just baked fresh cookies, which Bubber greedily eats with cold milk. After he finishes, Mrs. Drew asks him to stay and talk, and to read from his school books because her eyesight is poor. Bubber agrees, but only after confirming he can have the rest of the cookies.
As Bubber reads from his geography book, Mrs. Drew watches him intently. She has been alone for a long time and treasures his visits, which have been happening for over a month. While she listens and dozes, something miraculous begins to happen to her: her wrinkles fade, her body fills out, her gray hair thickens and darkens, and she grows younger, eventually becoming a dark-haired woman of about thirty. She feels a warmth and fullness she hasn’t felt in years. This transformation occurs almost every time Bubber visits, especially since she moved her chair closer to him.
However, as soon as Bubber stops reading and announces he has to leave, collecting the remaining cookies, the warmth leaves Mrs. Drew. She immediately feels tired and dry, and when she looks in the mirror, her old, withered self stares back. She whispers for him to come back, and Bubber listlessly agrees before leaving.
Upon arriving home, Bubber is met by his angry parents, May and Ralf Surle. They notice he is worn out and washed out after visiting Mrs. Drew. His father strictly forbids him from going back, saying there’s something strange about that old lady and that Bubber comes home too tired. May eventually allows him one last visit, to politely tell Mrs. Drew he cannot return.
On Wednesday, Bubber makes his final visit. Mrs. Drew is overjoyed, feeling so young again just by his presence. She bakes fresh cookies. Bubber notices the chair and lamp have been moved closer to the couch. When he tells her this is his last visit, Mrs. Drew stands rigid, terrified. She begs him to read. As he reads, she desperately reaches out and touches his arm, feeling his youngness flowing into her. This time, the transformation is complete and appears permanent. She becomes fully young, her skin firm, hair black, and body vibrant. She laughs with excitement, feeling full of life.
Meanwhile, Bubber fills his mouth and pockets with cookies. As he leaves, Mrs. Drew, now young, smiles and says goodbye, confident that she is young again and it will not go away. Bubber, however, trudges home slowly, his face fat and dull, a dead white. The wind is cold and pushes against him. He feels incredibly tired, his head aches, and his heart labors. He continues to feel weary and worn out. His parents wait anxiously for him, concerned by the howling wind. Finally, Ralf opens the door when they hear a tapping sound. Something gray and dry, like a bundle of weeds and rags, blows against his legs and drifts past him, carried by the wind. Ralf dismisses it as just the wind. The implication is that Mrs. Drew has completely drained Bubber of his youth, leaving only a lifeless shell.
Summary of the Lesson The Cookie Lady in Hindi
द कुकी लेडी बबर सुरले नामक एक युवा लड़के की कहानी बताती है और उसकी एक बूढ़ी औरत, श्रीमती ड्रू से मुलाकात की कहानी बताती है, जिसके पास युवाओं से संबंधित एक अजीब क्षमता है।
कहानी की शुरुआत बबर के श्रीमती ड्रू के घर जाने से होती है, जो अपनी महिला मित्र के बारे में अपने दोस्त एर्नी के चिढ़ाने वाले सवालों को नजरअंदाज करता है। घर जर्जर है और सूखे खरपतवारों से भरा हुआ है, लेकिन गर्म कुकीज़ की अद्भुत गंध से बब्बर आकर्षित होता है। श्रीमती ड्रू, एक बहुत बूढ़ी औरत, उसका स्वागत करती है। उसने अभी-अभी ताज़ा कुकीज़ बेक की हैं, जिन्हें बबर लालच में ठंडे दूध के साथ खाता है। अपनी बात पूरी करने के बाद, श्रीमती ड्रू उसे रुकने और बात करने के लिए कहती हैं, और अपनी स्कूली किताबों से पढ़ने के लिए कहती हैं क्योंकि उसकी दृष्टि खराब है। बबर सहमत होता है, लेकिन यह पुष्टि करने के बाद ही कि उसके पास बाकी कुकीज़ हो सकती हैं।
जैसे ही बबर अपनी भूगोल की किताब से पढ़ता है, श्रीमती ड्रू उसे ध्यान से देखती हैं। वह लंबे समय से अकेली हैं और उनकी यात्राओं को संजो कर रखती हैं, जो एक महीने से अधिक समय से हो रही हैं। जब वह सुनती है और सोती है, तो उसके साथ कुछ चमत्कारी होने लगता हैः उसकी झुर्रियाँ फीकी पड़ जाती हैं, उसका शरीर भर जाता है, उसके भूरे बाल मोटे और काले हो जाते हैं, और वह छोटी हो जाती है, अंततः लगभग तीस की एक काले बालों वाली महिला बन जाती है। वह एक गर्मजोशी और परिपूर्णता महसूस करती है जिसे उसने वर्षों से महसूस नहीं किया है। यह परिवर्तन लगभग हर बार होता है जब बबर आता है, विशेष रूप से जब से वह अपनी कुर्सी को उसके करीब ले जाती है।
हालाँकि, जैसे ही बबर पढ़ना बंद कर देता है और घोषणा करता है कि उसे शेष कुकीज़ इकट्ठा करते हुए जाना है, गर्मी श्रीमती ड्रू को छोड़ देती है। वह तुरंत थका हुआ और सूखा महसूस करती है, और जब वह दर्पण में देखती है, तो उसके बूढ़े, सूखे आत्म पीछे मुड़कर देखते हैं। वह उसे वापस आने के लिए फुसफुसाती है, और बबर जाने से पहले लापरवाही से सहमत हो जाता है।
घर पहुँचने पर, बबर के गुस्से में उसके माता-पिता, मे और राल्फ सुर्ले मिलते हैं। वे देखते हैं कि श्रीमती ड्रू से मिलने के बाद वह थका हुआ है और बह गया है। उसके पिता उसे वापस जाने से सख्ती से मना करते हैं, यह कहते हुए कि उस बूढ़ी औरत में कुछ अजीब है और बबर बहुत थका हुआ घर आता है। मई अंततः उसे एक अंतिम भेंट की अनुमति देता है, विनम्रता से श्रीमती ड्रू को यह बताने के लिए कि वह वापस नहीं आ सकता है।
बुधवार को, बबर अपनी अंतिम यात्रा करते हैं। श्रीमती ड्रू बहुत खुश हैं, उनकी उपस्थिति से फिर से बहुत छोटा महसूस कर रही हैं। वह ताज़ा कुकीज़ बनाती है। बब्बर ने देखा कि कुर्सी और दीपक को सोफे के करीब ले जाया गया है। जब वह उसे बताता है कि यह उसकी आखिरी यात्रा है, तो श्रीमती ड्रू कठोर, भयभीत खड़ी रहती हैं। वह उसे पढ़ने के लिए कहती है। जैसे ही वह पढ़ता है, वह बेताब होकर उसके हाथ को छूती है और महसूस करती है कि उसकी जवानी उसके अंदर बह रही है। इस बार, परिवर्तन पूरा हो गया है और स्थायी प्रतीत होता है। वह पूरी तरह से जवान हो जाती है, उसकी त्वचा दृढ़, बाल काले और शरीर जीवंत हो जाता है। वह उत्साह के साथ हंसती है, जीवन से भरा हुआ महसूस करती है।
इस बीच, बबर अपने मुंह और जेबों को कुकीज़ से भर देता है। जैसे ही वह जाता है, श्रीमती ड्रू, जो अब जवान हैं, मुस्कुराती हैं और अलविदा कहती हैं, इस विश्वास के साथ कि वह फिर से जवान हो गई हैं और यह दूर नहीं जाएगी। हालाँकि, बबर धीरे-धीरे घर की ओर बढ़ता है, उसका चेहरा मोटा और नीरस, एक मृत सफेद होता है। हवा ठंडी है और उसके खिलाफ धक्का देती है। वह अविश्वसनीय रूप से थका हुआ महसूस करता है, उसके सिर में दर्द होता है, और उसका दिल परिश्रम करता है। वह थका हुआ और थका हुआ महसूस करता रहता है। उसके माता-पिता हवा की गर्जना से चिंतित होकर उसका बेसब्री से इंतजार करते हैं। अंत में, राल्फ दरवाजा खोलता है जब उन्हें एक आहट की आवाज सुनाई देती है। कुछ धूसर और सूखा, खरपतवारों और कपड़ों के एक बंडल की तरह, उसके पैरों पर बहता है और हवा के साथ उसके पास से बह जाता है। राल्फ ने इसे सिर्फ हवा के रूप में खारिज कर दिया। इसका निहितार्थ यह है कि श्रीमती ड्रू ने अपनी युवावस्था के बबर को पूरी तरह से समाप्त कर दिया है, केवल एक निर्जीव कवच छोड़ दिया है।
Theme of the Lesson The Cookie Lady
The Exchange of Vitality and the Horrors of Aging
The most prominent theme is the literal transfer of life force or youth from one person to another, and the desperate, horrifying lengths to which one might go to reverse the aging process. Mrs. Drew, an extremely old and withered woman, discovers that by having Bubber near her, especially when he reads and she touches him, she can absorb his youth and vitality. Her physical transformation from a ‘dried-up old lady’ to a ‘dark-haired matron of perhaps thirty’ is central to the story. This theme delves into the human fear of aging, decay, and death, suggesting a dark, parasitic solution to mortality, where one person’s renewal comes at the ultimate cost of another’s life.
The Perils of Unchecked Desire and Exploitation
Both Mrs. Drew and Bubber are driven by powerful, unchecked desires. Bubber’s desire for cookies is innocent at first, but his greed for them blinds him to the increasingly obvious signs of his own decline. He is willing to endure the unsettling visits and his growing fatigue for the sake of the treats. Mrs. Drew’s desire for youth is equally intense and leads her to exploit an innocent child. She lures him with cookies, knowing the effect his presence has on her, and ultimately drains him completely. This theme warns about the dangers of singular, overwhelming cravings that can lead to exploitation and self-destruction, where immediate satisfaction (cookies for Bubber, youth for Mrs. Drew) overshadows any long-term consequences.
Loneliness, Connection, and the Price of Companionship
Mrs. Drew is depicted as a profoundly lonely old woman, isolated from society except for brief encounters with the mailman or store visits. Her initial act of calling Bubber over is a desperate attempt to find companionship. Bubber’s visits provide her with comfort and a sense of being young again just by his presence. However, this theme takes a dark turn as the connection becomes parasitic. The story suggests that for Mrs. Drew, the need for human connection, combined with her desire for youth, leads to a horrifying form of emotional and vital vampirism. The companionship she gains comes at the literal expense of Bubber’s life, highlighting a twisted and tragic price for alleviating loneliness.
The Deceptive Nature of Appearances and Parental Blindness
The story explores how easily reality can be misinterpreted or ignored. Mrs. Drew’s shabby exterior hides a monstrous secret. Bubber’s parents, May and Ralf Surle, repeatedly notice their son is worn out and tired after his visits, and Ralf even senses something strange about that old lady. Yet, they dismiss these warning signs, attributing Bubber’s condition to mere fatigue and Mrs. Drew’s influence on cookies. Their inability to see the horrific truth, even when it’s subtly presented to them, showcases parental ignorance and a superficial understanding of reality. The final image of Bubber as a bundle of weeds and rags dismissed as just the wind by his father is a chilling testament to how easily people can be blind to the most terrifying truths when they don’t look beyond the surface.
The Cookie Lady Lesson Explanation
Passage: “Where you going, Bubber?” Ernie Mill shouted from across the street, fixing papers for his route.
“No place,” Bubber Surle said.
“You going to see your lady friend?” Ernie laughed and laughed. “What do you go visit that old lady for? Let us in on it!”
Bubber went on. He turned the corner and went down Elm Street. Already, he could see the house, at the end of the street, set back a little on the lot. The front of the house was overgrown with weeds, old dry weeds that rustled and chattered in the wind. The house itself was a little gray box, shabby and unpainted, the porch steps sagging. There was an old weather-beaten rocking chair on the porch with a torn piece of cloth hanging over it.
Word Meanings
Fixing papers for his route: Arranging or preparing newspapers for delivery along a specific path or area.
Let us in on it: An idiom meaning to tell someone a secret or share information about something.
Overgrown: Covered or filled with too many plants.
weeds: unwanted plants that grow profusely in a garden.
rustled: sound made by moving dry leaves.
chattered: quick repeated noise
shabby: in a bad condition because of overuse.
Unpainted: Not having a fresh coat of paint; lacking paint.
sagging: bent down.
weather-beaten: damaged by the sun and wind (agents of weather).
porch: a small covered area at the entrance to a house.
Explanation of the above passage—Ernie Mill, who was getting his newspapers ready for delivery, called out to Bubber Surle from across the street, asking him where he was going. Bubber replied that he was going nowhere. Ernie then laughed loudly and asked if Bubber was going to see his lady friend, wondering why he visited the old woman and asking Bubber to share the secret. Bubber ignored him and continued on his way. He turned the corner and walked down Elm Street. From a distance, he could already see the house at the end of the street, which was set back a little on its land. The front of the house was covered with many weeds, old and dry ones that made soft, rustling and chattering sounds in the wind. The house itself was small, gray, and looked worn out because it hadn’t been painted. Its porch steps were sinking down. On the porch, there was an old rocking chair that looked damaged by the weather, with a torn piece of cloth hanging over it.
Passage: Bubber went up the walk. As he started up the rickety steps he took a deep breath. He could smell it, the wonderful warm smell, and his mouth began to water. His heart thudding with anticipation, Bubber turned the handle of the bell. The bell grated rustily on the other side of the door. There was silence for a time, then the sounds of someone stirring.
Mrs Drew opened the door. She was old, very old, a little dried-up old lady, like the weeds that grew along the front of the house. She smiled down at Bubber, holding the door wide for him to come in.
“You’re just in time,” she said. “Come on inside, Bernard. You’re just in time — they’re just now ready.”
Bubber went to the kitchen door and looked in. He could see them, resting on a big blue plate on top of the stove. Cookies, a plate of warm, fresh cookies right out of the oven. Cookies with nuts and raisins in them.
Word Meanings
rickety: likely to break, not strong.
thudding: here, feeling of having a fast- beating, fluttering or pounding heart.
anticipation: to realise beforehand something likely to happen.
grated: made a harsh sound.
rustily: here, working stiffly.
Stirring: Moving or beginning to move
Dried-up: Very thin and wrinkled, often due to old age or lack of moisture.
Cookies: small sweet cakes, either flat or slightly raised, made by baking.
Explanation of the above passage—Bubber walked up to the house. As he began to climb the shaky steps, he took a deep breath. He could smell a wonderful warm scent that made his mouth water. His heart was beating with excitement as he turned the handle of the doorbell. The bell made a harsh, old-sounding noise from inside the door. It was silent for a moment, and then sounds of someone moving could be heard. Mrs. Drew opened the door. She was a very old, small, and withered woman, similar to the dry weeds growing by her house. She smiled down at Bubber and held the door wide open so he could come in. She told him that he had arrived at the perfect time and that the cookies were just ready. Bubber then went to the kitchen door and looked inside. He saw the cookies resting on a large blue plate on top of the stove. They were warm, fresh cookies, just taken out of the oven, and they contained nuts and raisins.
Passage: “How do they look?” Mrs Drew said. She rustled past him, into the kitchen. “And maybe some cold milk, too. You like cold milk with them.” She got the milk pitcher from the window box on the back porch. Then she poured a glass of milk for him and set some of the cookies on a small plate. “Let’s go into the living room,” she said.
Bubber nodded. Mrs Drew carried the milk and the cookies in and set them on the arm of the couch. Then she sat down in her own chair, watching Bubber plop himself down by the plate and begin to help himself.
Bubber ate greedily, as usual, intent on the cookies, silent except for chewing sounds. Mrs Drew waited patiently, until the boy had finished, and his already ample sides bulged that much more. When Bubber was done with the plate he glanced toward the kitchen again, at the rest of the cookies on the stove.
Word Meanings
rustled: made a soft, light sound.
Pitcher: A container, usually with a handle and spout, used for holding and pouring liquids
Window box: A long, narrow container placed on an outside windowsill, often used for plants or for keeping things cool.
plop: to move suddenly with a sound like that of something dropping into water.
Greedily: In a way that shows excessive desire for food or possessions.
Intent: Fully focused or concentrated on something.
Ample: Enough or more than enough; large in size.
bulged: stuck out from the body
Glanced: Took a brief or hurried look.
Explanation of the above passage—Mrs. Drew asked Bubber how the cookies looked. She then moved quickly past him into the kitchen, suggesting that he might also like some cold milk with them, knowing he usually enjoyed it that way. She got the milk container from a box outside the window on the back porch. Then, she poured a glass of milk for him and placed some cookies on a small plate. She suggested they go into the living room. Bubber agreed by nodding his head. Mrs. Drew carried the milk and cookies and placed them on the armrest of the sofa. Then, she sat down in her own chair, watching Bubber settle heavily onto the couch by the plate and start to serve himself. Bubber ate very quickly and eagerly, as he always did. He was completely focused on the cookies and made no sound except for his chewing. Mrs. Drew waited patiently until the boy had finished eating, and his already large body looked even bigger. When Bubber was done with the plate, he looked towards the kitchen again, where the rest of the cookies were still on the stove.
Passage: “Wouldn’t you like to wait until later for the rest?” Mrs Drew said.
“All right,” Bubber agreed.
“How were they?”
“Fine.”
“That’s good.” She leaned back in her chair. “Well, what did you do in school today? How did it go?”
“All right.”
The little old lady watched the boy look restlessly around the room. “Bernard,” she said presently, “won’t you stay and talk to me for a while?” He had some books on his lap, some school books.
‘Why don’t you read to me from your books? You know, I don’t see too well anymore and it’s comfort to me to be read to,’
‘Can I have the rest of the cookies after?”
‘Of course.’
Bubber moved over towards her, to the end of the couch. He opened his books, World Geography, Principles of Arithmetic, Hoyte’s Speller.
‘Which do you want?’
She hesitated. ‘The Geography.’
Bubber opened the big blue book at random. PERU. “Peru is bounded on the north by Ecuador and Columbia, on the south by Chile, and on the east by Brazil and Bolivia. Peru is divided into three main sections. These are, first—“
Word Meanings
Restlessly: In a way that shows impatience or a lack of calm.
Presently: Soon; after a short time.
Lap: The flat area formed by the upper part of the thighs when sitting down.
Comfort: A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint; also, a feeling of emotional well-being.
Hesitated: Paused before saying or doing something, especially due to uncertainty.
At random: Without a definite plan, purpose, or pattern; by chance.
Bounded: Formed the boundary or limit of; surrounded on certain sides.
Divided: Separated into parts or sections.
Explanation of the above passage—Mrs. Drew asked Bubber if he would like to wait until later for the remaining cookies, and Bubber agreed. She then inquired about how the cookies were, and he replied that they were fine. Mrs. Drew, leaning back in her chair, then asked him about his school day and how it went. Bubber again responded simply, saying it was all right.The old lady observed the boy looking restlessly around the room. She then asked if he would stay and talk to her for a while, noticing he had some school books on his lap. She suggested he read to her from his books, explaining that her eyesight was poor and being read to brought her comfort. Bubber asked if he could have the rest of the cookies after reading, and Mrs. Drew readily agreed. Bubber then moved closer to her, to the end of the couch. He opened his school books, which included World Geography, Principles of Arithmetic, and Hoyte’s Speller. He asked her which book she wanted him to read from. After a moment of hesitation, she chose The Geography. Bubber opened the large blue book to a random page about PERU and began to read aloud, stating that Peru was bordered by Ecuador and Columbia to the north, Chile to the south, and Brazil and Bolivia to the east. He continued to read that Peru was divided into three main sections.
Passage
The little old lady watched him read, his fat cheeks wobbling as he read, holding his finger next to the line. She was silent, watching him, studying the boy intently as he read, drinking in each frown of concentration, every motion of his arms and hands. She relaxed, letting herself sink back in her chair. He was very close to her, only a little way off. There was only the table and lamp between them. How nice it was to have him come; he had been coming for over a month, now, ever since the day she had been sitting on her porch and seen him go by and thought to call to him, pointing to the cookies by her rocker.
Why had she done it? She did not know. She had been alone so long that she found herself saying strange things and doing strange things. She saw so few people, only when she went down to the store or the mailman came with her pension check. Or the garbage men.
The boy’s voice droned on. She was comfortable, peaceful and relaxed. The little old lady closed her eyes and folded her hands in her lap. And as she sat, dozing and listening, something began to happen. The little old lady was beginning to change, her gray wrinkles and lines dimming away. As she sat in the chair she was growing younger, the thin fragile body filling out with youth again. The gray hair thickened and darkened, color coming to the wispy strands. Her arms filled, too, the mottled flesh turning a rich hue as it had been once, many years before.
Word Meanings
wobbling: moving from side to side
Intently: With eager and focused attention.
frown: to contract the brows in displeasure or concentration.
Drinking in: Figurative expression meaning to absorb or take in something completely and eagerly, as if it were a liquid.
droned on: spoke for a long time in a dull and monotonous tone
Dozing: Lightly sleeping; napping.
Dimming away: Gradually becoming less clear or visible; fading.
fragile: a thing that can be easily broken.
Filling out: Becoming plumper or fuller.
Thickened: Became denser or grew in volume.
Darkened: Became darker in color.
wispy strands: frizzy short hair on top of head.
mottled: uneven coloured patches on the skin.
Explanation of the above passage—The old woman watched the boy as he read, observing his chubby cheeks move and his finger follow the words on the page. She remained quiet, intently studying him as he read, absorbing every serious expression and every movement of his arms and hands. She felt more relaxed and leaned back in her chair. The boy was very close to her, with only a small table and a lamp between them. She found it very pleasant to have him visit; he had been coming for over a month, ever since she had called out to him from her porch, pointing to the cookies near her rocking chair. She didn’t know why she had initially called him over. She had been living alone for such a long time that she found herself saying and doing unusual things. She rarely saw anyone, only when she went to the store, or when the mailman delivered her pension check, or when the garbage collectors came. The boy’s voice continued in a steady, low tone. The old woman felt comfortable, peaceful, and relaxed. She closed her eyes and rested her hands in her lap. As she sat, drifting off to sleep and listening, something unusual began to happen. The old woman started to change; her gray wrinkles and lines gradually faded away. While sitting in her chair, she was becoming younger, and her thin, delicate body was filling out with youthful plumpness again. Her gray hair became thicker and darker, and color returned to the fine, sparse strands. Her arms also filled out, and her spotted skin turned to a healthy, deep color, just as it had been many years ago.
Passage: Mrs Drew breathed deeply, not opening her eyes. She could feel something happening, but she did not know just what. Something was going on; she could feel it, and it was good. But what it was she did not exactly know. It had happened before, almost every time the boy came and sat by her. Especially of late, since she had moved her chair nearer to the couch. She took a deep breath. How good it felt, the warm fullness, a breath of warmth inside her cold body for the first time in years!
In her chair the little old lady had become a dark-haired matron of perhaps thirty, a woman with full cheeks and plump arms and legs. Her lips were red again, her neck even a little too fleshy, as it had been once in the long forgotten past.
Suddenly the reading stopped. Bubber put down his book and stood up. “I have to go,” he said.
“Can I take the rest of the cookies with me?”
She blinked, rousing herself. The boy was in the kitchen, filling his pockets with cookies. She nodded, dazed, still under the spell. The boy took the last cookies. He went across the living room to the door. Mrs Drew stood up. All at once the warmth left her. She felt tired, tired and very dry. She caught her breath, breathing quickly. She looked down at her hands. Wrinkled, thin.
Word Meanings
Matron: An older, respectable married woman, typically with a dignified or mature appearance.
Plump: Having a full, rounded shape; chubby.
Fleshy: Having a lot of flesh or soft tissue; full-bodied.
Rousing: Waking someone up or causing them to become active or alert.
blinked: opened and closed the eyes in quick succession.
dazed: confused.
Under the spell: Feeling as if one is influenced by a magical power or strong charm.
Warmth: A feeling of comfort, vitality, or life energy, rather than just heat.
Wrinkled: Having small folds or lines on the skin, often due to age.
Explanation of the above passage—Mrs. Drew took a deep breath with her eyes closed. She sensed that something was happening to her, and she felt it was good, though she wasn’t exactly sure what it was. This had occurred before, almost every time the boy came and sat close by her, especially lately since she had moved her chair nearer to the couch. She felt a wonderful, warm fullness inside her body, a sensation of warmth she hadn’t experienced in years. While sitting in her chair, the old lady had transformed into a woman of about thirty, with dark hair, full cheeks, and plump arms and legs. Her lips were red again, and her neck had become a little fleshy, just as it had been in her distant past. Suddenly, Bubber stopped reading, closed his book, and stood up. He told her that he had to leave and asked if he could take the remaining cookies with him. Mrs. Drew blinked, waking herself up. She saw that the boy was already in the kitchen, putting cookies into his pockets. Still feeling a bit confused, as if under a magical influence, she nodded her agreement. Bubber then took the last of the cookies and walked across the living room towards the door. As Mrs. Drew stood up, the warmth she had felt immediately left her. She felt very tired, exhausted, and extremely dry. She took quick, shallow breaths and looked down at her hands, which were now wrinkled and thin again.
Passage
“Oh!” she murmured. Tears blurred her eyes. It was gone, gone again as soon as he moved away. She tottered to the mirror above the mantel and looked at herself. Old faded eyes stared back, eyes deep-set in a withered face. Gone, all gone, as soon as the boy had left her side.
“I’ll see you later,” Bubber said.
“Please,” she whispered. “Please come back again. Will you come back?”
“Sure,” Bubber said listlessly. He pushed the door open “Good-bye.” He went down the steps.
In a moment she heard his shoes against the sidewalk. He was gone.
“Bubber, you come in here!” May Surle stood angrily on the porch. “You get in here and sit down at the table.”
“All right.” Bubber came slowly up on the porch, pushing inside the house. “What’s the matter with you?” She caught his arm. “Where you been? Are you sick?”
“I’m tired.” Bubber rubbed his forehead.
His father came through the living room with the newspapers, in his undershirt. “What’s the matter?” he said.
“Look at him,” May Surle said. “All worn out. What you been doing, Bubber?”
“He’s been visiting that old lady,” Ralf Surle said. “Can’t you tell? He’s always washed out after he’s been visiting her. What do you go there for, Bub? What goes on?”
“She gives him cookies,” May said. “You know how he is about things to eat. He’d do anything for a plate of cookies.”
“Bub,” his father said, “listen to me. I don’t want you hanging around that crazy old lady anymore.
Do you hear me? I don’t care how many cookies she gives you. You come home too tired! No more of that. You hear me?”
Word Meanings
Murmured: Said something in a low or soft voice.
Blurred: Made indistinct or hazy, hard to see clearly.
tottered: moved unsteadily due to weakness.
Mantel: The shelf or structure above a fireplace.
Deep-set: appearing to be sunk far back into the head.
Withered: Dried up and shrunken; looking old and shriveled.
listlessly: without energy and enthusiasm.
Rubbed his forehead: Moved his hand back and forth over his forehead, often as a sign of tiredness or discomfort.
Undershirt: A sleeveless shirt worn under other clothes.
Worn out: Extremely tired; exhausted.
Washed out: Appearing pale, weak, or exhausted.
Hanging around: Spending time idly or aimlessly in a particular place or with certain people.
Labored: Heartbeat done with difficulty; characterized by difficulty.
Muttered: Said something in a low or barely audible voice, especially from displeasure or discontent.
Explanation of the above passage— Mrs. Drew whispered in distress as tears filled her eyes. She felt her youth, which she had gained, was gone again as soon as the boy moved away from her. She walked unsteadily to the mirror above the fireplace and saw her reflection: old, dull eyes set deeply in a shrunken, old face. Her youth had vanished the moment the boy left her side. Bubber told her he would see her later. She quietly begged him to come back again and asked if he would return. Bubber replied unenthusiastically that he would. He then opened the door and said goodbye, walking down the steps. A moment later, she heard the sound of his shoes on the sidewalk, confirming he was gone. Meanwhile, Bubber’s mother, May Surle, stood angrily on their porch and called for Bubber to come inside and sit down at the table. Bubber slowly came onto the porch and entered the house. May grabbed his arm and asked him what was wrong and if he was sick. Bubber replied that he was tired and rubbed his forehead. His father, Ralf Surle, came through the living room with newspapers, wearing his undershirt, and asked what the matter was. May pointed at Bubber and said he looked completely exhausted. She asked him what he had been doing. Ralf commented that Bubber had been visiting that old lady, stating that Bubber was always drained after seeing her. He asked Bubber why he went there and what was happening. May added that Mrs. Drew gave him cookies, knowing how much Bubber loved food, saying he would do anything for them. Ralf then firmly told Bubber that he did not want him spending time with that old lady anymore, regardless of how many cookies she gave him, because he came home too tired. He told Bubber this was the end of it. Bubber looked down at the floor, leaning against the door, his heart beating with difficulty. He muttered that he had promised her he would come back.
Passage: Bubber looked down at the floor, leaning against the door. His heart beat heavily, labored. “I told her I’d come back,” he muttered.
“You can go once more,” May said, going into the dining room, “but only once more. Tell her you won’t be able to come back again, though. You make sure you tell her nice. Now go upstairs and get washed up.”
“After dinner better have him lie down,” Ralf said, looking up the stairs, watching Bubber climb slowly, his hand on the banister. He shook his head. “I don’t like it,” he murmured. “I don’t want him going there any more. There’s something strange about that old lady.”
“Well, it’ll be the last time,” May said.
Wednesday was warm and sunny. Bubber strode along, his hands in his pockets. He stopped in front of McVane’s drugstore for a minute, looking speculatively at the comic books. At the soda fountain a woman was drinking a big chocolate soda. The sight of it made Bubber’s mouth water. That settled it.
Word Meanings
Labored: Done with great effort and difficulty.
Muttered: Spoken in a low, unclear, and often unenthusiastic voice.
banister: the posts and rail at the side of a staircase.
Murmured: Said something in a low or soft voice.
Strode: Walked with long, decisive steps.
speculatively: inquisitively
Soda fountain: A counter often in a drugstore where soft drinks, ice cream, and sundaes are prepared and served.
Settled it: Made a decision or confirmed a plan definitively.
Explanation of the above passage—Bubber looked down at the floor, leaning against the door, his heart beating heavily and with difficulty. He mumbled that he had told Mrs. Drew he would come back. May, going into the dining room, told him he could go once more, but emphasized it would be the last time. She instructed him to tell Mrs. Drew nicely that he wouldn’t be able to return again, and then told him to go upstairs and wash up. Ralf, watching Bubber slowly climb the stairs, said that after dinner, Bubber should lie down. He shook his head, murmuring that he didn’t like it and didn’t want Bubber going there anymore, sensing “something strange about that old lady.” May agreed, saying it would be the last time.Wednesday was a warm and sunny day. Bubber walked along with his hands in his pockets. He paused briefly in front of McVane’s drugstore, thoughtfully looking at comic books. He saw a woman at the soda fountain drinking a large chocolate soda, and the sight made his mouth water. That sight convinced him to continue his walk.
Passage: He turned and continued on his way, even increasing his pace a little.
A few minutes later he came up on the gray sagging porch and rang the bell. Below him the weeds blew and rustled with the wind. It was almost four o’clock; he could not stay too long: But then, it was the last time anyhow.
The door opened. Mrs Drew’s wrinkled face broke into smiles. “Come in, Bernard. It’s good to see you standing there. It makes me feel so young again to have you come visit.”
He went inside, looking around.
“I’ll start the cookies. I didn’t know if you were coming.” She padded into the kitchen. “I’ll get them started right away. You sit down on the couch.”
Bubber went over and sat down. He noticed that the table and lamp were gone; the chair was right up next to the couch. He was looking at the chair in perplexity when Mrs Drew came rustling back into the room.
They’re in the oven. I had the batter all ready. Now!’ She sat down in the chair with a sigh.
‘Well, how did it go today? How was school?’
‘Fine.”
She nodded. How plump he was, the little boy, sitting just a little distance from her, his cheeks red and full! She could touch him, he was so close. Her aged heart thumped. Ah, to be young again. Youth was so much. It was everything. What did the world mean to the old?
Word Meanings
Sagging: Sinking or bending downwards in the middle, especially due to weight or weakness.
Rustled: Made a soft, dry, crackling sound, like leaves or paper rubbing together.
Padded: Walked quietly and softly, often with soft steps.
perplexity: the state of feeling confused and worried.
Rustling: Making soft, dry sounds as one moves, usually referring to clothing.
Batter: A mixture of flour, liquid, and other ingredients, used for baking like for cookies or cakes.
Aged heart thumped: An old person’s heart beat strongly and noticeably, often due to emotion or excitement.
Plump: Having a full, rounded shape; slightly fat in a pleasant way.
Explanation of the above passage—Bubber turned and walked faster on his way. A few minutes later, he reached the gray, sinking porch of a house and rang the doorbell. Below him, the weeds moved and made soft sounds in the wind. It was almost four o’clock, so he knew he couldn’t stay for too long, but he also knew this was his last visit anyway. The door opened, and Mrs. Drew’s wrinkled face showed a big smile. She welcomed Bernard (Bubber) inside, telling him it was good to see him and that his visit made her feel young again. Bubber went inside and looked around the room. Mrs. Drew told him she would start making cookies right away because she wasn’t sure if he would come. She walked softly into the kitchen, saying she would get them started immediately and that he should sit on the couch. Bubber went and sat down. He noticed that the small table and lamp were no longer there, and Mrs. Drew’s chair was now placed right next to the couch. He looked at the chair with confusion as Mrs. Drew came back into the room, making a soft rustling sound. She announced that the cookies were in the oven, explaining that she had already prepared the cookie dough. Then, she sat down in her chair with a sigh. She asked Bubber how his day went and how school was. He replied that it was fine. She nodded, observing how plump the little boy was, sitting very close to her with red, full cheeks. She thought about how close he was, close enough for her to touch him, and her old heart beat faster. She yearned to be young again, believing that youth was everything and that the world held little meaning for the elderly.
Passage: “Do you want to read to me, Bernard?” she asked presently. “I didn’t bring any books.”
“Oh.” She nodded. “Well, I have some books,” she said quickly. “I’ll get them.”
She got up, crossing to the bookcase. As she opened the doors, Bubber said, “Mrs Drew, my father says I can’t come here anymore. He says this is the last time. I thought I’d tell you.”
She stopped, standing rigid. Everything seemed to leap around her, the room twisting furiously.
She took a harsh, frightened breath. “Bernard, you’re — you’re not coming back?” “No, my father says not to.”
Word Meanings
Presently: Soon; after a short time.
Crossing to: Walking over to a certain place.
Rigid: Stiff and unmoving; unable to bend.
Twisting furiously: Spinning or turning around very rapidly and intensely, indicating a strong emotional reaction or disorientation.
Harsh: Rough, unpleasant, or severe.
Frightened breath: A sharp intake of air caused by fear or shock.
Explanation of the above passage— Mrs. Drew then asked Bernard if he wanted to read to her, but he replied that he had not brought any books. She acknowledged this and quickly offered to get some books for him, stating she had them. She got up and walked towards the bookcase. As she opened its doors, Bubber informed her that his father had told him he could not come to her house anymore and that this would be his last visit. He wanted her to know this. Hearing this, Mrs. Drew stopped abruptly and stood still, feeling as though the room was wildly spinning around her. She took a sharp, scared breath and asked Bernard if he truly was not coming back. He confirmed that his father had forbidden him to do so.
Passage: There was silence. The old lady took a book at random and came slowly back to her chair. After a while she passed the book to him, her hands trembling. The boy took it without expression, looking at its cover.
“Please, read, Bernard. Please.”
“All right.” He opened the book. “Where’ll I start?”
“Anywhere. Anywhere, Bernard.”
He began to read. It was something by Trollope; she only half heard the words. She put her hand to her forehead, the dry skin, brittle and thin, like old paper. She trembled with anguish. The last time?
Bubber read on, slowly, monotonously. Against the window a fly buzzed. Outside the sun began to set, the air turning cool. A few clouds came up, and the wind in the trees rushed furiously.
Word Meanings
at random: Without a particular plan or pattern; by chance.
trembling: Shaking uncontrollably, usually from fear, excitement, or weakness.
without expression: Showing no feeling or emotion on one’s face.
Trollope: Anthony Trollope, English novelist, belonging to the Victorian era.
brittle: Hard but easily broken; fragile.
anguish: Severe mental or physical pain or suffering.
monotonously: In a dull, unvarying, and repetitive tone or manner.
buzzed: Made a low, continuous humming sound, like an insect.
furiously: In an extremely angry or intense way; very forcefully or intensely.
Explanation of the above passage— After a period of quiet, the old lady randomly picked a book and slowly returned to her chair. After some time, she handed the book to the boy, her hands shaking. The boy took the book without showing any emotion, simply looking at its cover. She then pleaded with Bernard to read. He agreed and opened the book, asking where he should begin. She told him he could start anywhere. He began to read something written by Trollope, but she only partly heard the words. She placed her hand on her forehead, feeling her dry skin, which was fragile and thin like old paper. She shook with extreme distress, thinking if this was indeed the last time. Bubber continued to read slowly and in a dull, unchanging tone. A fly made a buzzing sound against the window. Outside, the sun started to go down, and the air became cool. A few clouds appeared, and the wind in the trees blew very strongly.
Passage: The old lady sat close by the boy, closer than ever, hearing him read, the sound of his voice, sensing him close by. Was this really the last time? Terror rose up in her heart and she pushed it back.
The last time! She gazed at him, the boy sitting so close to her. After a time she reached out her thin, dry hand. She took a deep breath. He would never be back. There would be no more times, no more. This was the last time he would sit there.
She touched his arm.
Bubber looked up. “What is it?” he murmured. “You don’t mind if I touch your arm, do you?”
“No, I guess not.” He went on reading. The old lady could feel the youngness of him, flowing between her fingers, through her arm. A pulsating vibrating youngness, so close to her. It had never been that close, where she could actually touch it. The feel of life made her dizzy, unsteady.
Word Meanings
Terror: Extreme fear.
Gazed: Looked steadily and intensely at something or someone.
Thin, dry hand: A hand that looks very slender, perhaps bony, and lacks moisture, often characteristic of old age.
pulsating: energetic, youthful.
Vibrating: Moving continuously and rapidly back and forth.
dizzy: sensation of being light-headed.
Unsteady: Not firm or stable; liable to fall or shake.
Explanation of the above passage— The old lady was sitting very close to the boy, closer than she ever had before. She listened to him read, heard the sound of his voice, and felt his presence nearby. She wondered if this was truly the last time he would visit. A strong fear grew in her heart, but she tried to push it away. She thought to herself that this is the last time. She stared at him, the boy sitting so near. After a while, she slowly reached out her thin, dry hand. She took a deep breath, knowing that he would never return. There would be no more visits, no more chances. This was the final time he would sit there. She then gently touched his arm. Bubber looked up and quietly asked what was wrong, and if she minded touching his arm. He replied that he did not mind and continued reading. The old lady could feel his youthfulness, like a flow of energy moving through her fingers and arm. It was a strong, throbbing youngness, very close to her. She had never been able to get that close to it before, where she could actually touch it. This feeling of life made her feel confused and unstable.
Passage: And presently it began to happen, as before. She closed her eyes, letting it move over her, filling her up, carried into her by the sound of the voice and the feel of the arm. The change, the flow, was coming over her, the warm, rising feeling. She was blooming again, filling with life, swelling into richness, as she had been, once, long ago.
She looked down at her arms. Rounded, they were, and the nails clear. Her hair. Black again, heavy and black against her neck. She touched her cheek. The wrinkles had gone, the skin pliant and soft.
Joy filled her, a growing bursting joy. She stared around her, at the room. She smiled, feeling her firm teeth and gums, red lips, strong white teeth. Suddenly she got to her feet, her body secure and confident. She turned a little, lithe, quick circle.
Word Meanings
blooming: looking attractively healthy and full of energy.
Swelling into richness: Becoming full and vibrant, gaining a healthy, lush quality.
Rounded: Having a full, curved shape, not thin or bony.
pliant: soft
Bursting joy: An intense feeling of happiness that feels as if it’s overflowing.
lithe: graceful
Quick circle: A swift, graceful turn or spin.
Explanation of the above passage— And then, as it had happened before, a change began. Mrs. Drew closed her eyes, letting a warm, rising feeling spread through her, filling her completely. It was as if this feeling was brought into her by the sound of Bubber’s voice and the touch on her arm. She felt herself becoming young again, full of life and beauty, just as she had been many years ago. She looked at her arms, and they were now full and rounded, with clear, healthy nails. Her hair, which had been gray, was now black again, thick against her neck. She touched her cheek and found that all the wrinkles were gone; her skin was smooth and soft. A great, overflowing joy filled her. She looked around the room, smiling, and felt her strong, healthy teeth and gums, her red lips, and firm white teeth. Suddenly, she stood up, feeling her body was strong and sure. She moved gracefully, turning quickly in a small circle, full of energy.
Passage: Bubber stopped reading. “Are the cookies ready?” he said.
“I’ll see.” Her voice was alive, deep with a quality that had dried out many years before. Now it was there again, her voice, throaty and sensual. She walked quickly to the kitchen and opened the oven.
She took out the cookies and put them on top of the stove. “All ready,” she called gaily. “Come and get them.”
Bubber came past her, his gaze fastened on the sight of the cookies. He did not even notice the woman by the door.
Mrs Drew hurried from the kitchen. She went into the bedroom, closing the door after her. Then she turned, gazing into the full-length mirror on the door. Young — she was young again, filled out with the sap of vigorous youth. She took a deep breath, her steady bosom swelling. Her eyes flashed, and she smiled. She spun, her skirts flying. Young and lovely. And this time it had not gone away.
Word Meanings
throaty: Deep and slightly rough, produced from the back of the throat.
sensual: Pleasing to the senses, especially in a way that is attractive or appealing.
gaily: In a cheerful or happy way.
gaze fastened: To look steadily and intently at something.
sap of vigorous youth: A metaphorical term referring to the vital fluid or energy that gives life and strength, indicating her renewed youthfulness.
vigorous: Strong, healthy, and full of energy.
steady bosom swelling: Her chest rising firmly and smoothly with each breath, indicating renewed vitality and youthfulness.
flashed: Shone brightly for a moment, often showing emotion.
spun: Turned around quickly on the spot.
skirts flying: Her skirt moving outward and upward as she spun, indicating energetic movement.
Explanation of the above passage— Bubber stopped reading and asked if the cookies were ready. Mrs. Drew replied that she would check, and her voice sounded lively and deep again, a quality it had lost many years ago. Now, her voice was full and pleasant. She quickly walked to the kitchen and opened the oven. She took out the cookies and placed them on the stove. Happily, she called out that they were all ready and invited Bubber to come and get them. Bubber walked past her, his eyes fixed only on the cookies. He didn’t even notice the woman standing by the door. Mrs. Drew then quickly went from the kitchen into the bedroom, closing the door behind her. She turned and looked at herself in the full-length mirror on the door. She saw that she was young again, filled with the energy of strong youth. She took a deep breath, and her chest rose steadily. Her eyes sparkled, and she smiled. She spun around, her skirts flying. She was young and beautiful. And this time, her youth had not disappeared.
Passage: She opened the door. Bubber had filled his mouth and his pockets. He was standing in the center of the living room, his face fat and dull, a dead white.
“What’s the matter?” Mrs Drew said.
“I’m going.”
“All right, Bernard. And thanks for coming to read to me.” She laid her hand on his shoulder.
“Perhaps I’ll see you again some time.”
“My father –”
“I know.” She laughed gaily, opening the door for him. Good-bye, Bernard. Good-bye.”
She watched him go slowly down the steps, one at a time. Then she closed the door and skipped back into the bedroom. She unfastened her dress and stepped out of it, the worn gray fabric suddenly distasteful to her. For a brief second she gazed at her full, rounded body, her hands on her hips.
Word Meanings
Dull: Not bright or clear; lacking liveliness or expression.
Dead white: Extremely pale; a lifeless, very pale white color.
Gaily: In a cheerful or lighthearted way; happily.
Skipped back: Moved quickly and lightly, as if hopping.
Unfastened: Opened or untied something that was closed or tied.
Distasteful: Unpleasant or disagreeable.
Gazed: Looked steadily and intently, especially in admiration, surprise, or thought.
Explanation of the above passage— After Mrs. Drew opened the door, she saw that Bubber had filled both his mouth and his pockets with cookies. He stood in the middle of the living room, his face looking heavy and expressionless, and very pale. Mrs. Drew asked him what was wrong. Bubber replied that he was leaving. Mrs. Drew told him it was all right and thanked him for coming to read to her, placing her hand on his shoulder. She then said that perhaps she would see him again someday. When Bubber began to mention his father, Mrs. Drew interrupted, saying she understood and then laughed happily as she opened the door for him, bidding him goodbye. She watched him descend the steps slowly, one by one. After he was gone, she closed the door and then happily and lightly went back into the bedroom. There, she unfastened her dress and stepped out of it, finding the old, gray fabric suddenly unpleasant to touch. For a brief moment, she looked at her plump, shapely body, with her hands on her hips.
Passage:She laughed with excitement, turning a little, her eyes bright. What a wonderful body, bursting with life. A swelling breast — she touched herself. The flesh was firm. There was so much, so many things to do! She gazed about her, breathing quickly. So many things! She started the water running in the bathtub and then went to tie her hair up.
The wind blew around him as he trudged home. It was late, the sun had set and the sky overhead was dark and cloudy. The wind that blew and nudged against him was cold, and it penetrated through his clothing, chilling him. The boy felt tired, his head ached, and he stopped every few minutes, rubbing his forehead and resting, his heart laboring. He left Elm Street and went up Pine Street. The wind screeched around him, pushing him from side to side. He shook his head, trying to clear it. How weary he was, how tired his arms and legs were. He felt the wind hammering at him, pushing and plucking at him.
Word Meanings
Bursting with life: Full of energy, vitality, and enthusiasm.
trudged: walked with heavy steps
Overhead: Directly above one’s head.
nudged: touched
Penetrated: Passed into or through something.
Chilling: Making someone feel cold.
Ached: Felt a continuous dull pain.
Laboring: Working hard; functioning with difficulty.
screeched: an unpleasant loud, high sound
Weary: Feeling or showing tiredness, especially as a result of excessive exertion or lack of sleep.
hammering: hitting
Plucking: Pulling or tugging at something.
Explanation of the above passage—Mrs. Drew laughed with great excitement, turning slightly, and her eyes were shining. She thought about what a wonderful body she now had, full of life. She noticed her chest was swelling and touched herself, feeling that her skin was firm. She felt there were so many things she could do! She looked around quickly, breathing fast, thinking of all the possibilities. She then started the water for a bath and went to tie up her hair. Meanwhile, the wind blew around Bubber as he walked slowly and heavily home. It was late, the sun had already set, and the sky above was dark and cloudy. The wind that blew against him and gently pushed him was cold, and it went through his clothes, making him feel very cold. The boy felt tired, his head hurt, and he stopped every few minutes, rubbing his forehead and resting, as his heart was working hard. He left Elm Street and walked up Pine Street. The wind made a loud, high-pitched noise around him, pushing him from side to side. He shook his head, trying to make it feel clearer. He felt extremely exhausted, and his arms and legs were very tired. He felt the wind hitting him hard, pushing and pulling at him.
Passage: He took a breath and went on, his head down. At the corner he stopped, holding on to a lamp-post. The sky was quite dark, the street lights were beginning to come on. At last he went on, walking as best he could.
“Where is that boy?” May Surle said, going out on the porch for the tenth time. Ralf flicked on the light and they stood together. “What an awful wind.”
The wind whistled and lashed at the porch. The two of them looked up and down the dark street, but they could see nothing but a few newspapers and trash being blown along.
“Let’s go inside,” Ralf said. “He sure is going to get a licking when he gets home.”
They sat down at the dinner table. Presently May put down her fork. “Listen! Do you hear something?”
Ralf listened.
Word Meanings
Lamp-post: A tall pole with a light fixture at the top, typically found on streets.
Flicked on: To turn on an electrical device with a quick, light movement.
Whistled and lashed: Made a high-pitched sound as it blew, and hit or beat against something forcefully.
licking: the punishment of being hit
Presently: Soon; after a short time.
Explanation of the above passage—Bubber continued walking with his head down, stopping at a lamp-post at the corner to rest. The sky was very dark, and the streetlights were beginning to turn on. He then continued his walk, moving as well as he could. Meanwhile, May Surle, his mother, went out onto the porch for the tenth time, wondering where Bubber was. Ralf, his father, turned on the light, and they stood together, remarking on the terrible wind. The wind blew strongly, making whistling sounds and hitting the porch. They looked up and down the dark street but could only see some newspapers and trash being carried by the wind. Ralf suggested they go inside, adding that Bubber would definitely get a punishment when he arrived home. They sat down at the dinner table. Soon, May put down her fork and asked Ralf if he could hear something. Ralf paused and listened.
Passage: Outside, against the front door, there was a faint sound, a tapping sound. He stood up. The wind howled outside, blowing the shades in the room upstairs.
‘I’ll go, see what it is,’ he said.
He went to the door and opened it. Something gray, something gray and dry was blowing up against the porch, carried by the wind. He stared at it, but he could not make it out.
A bundle of weeds, weeds and rags blown by the wind perhaps.
The bundle bounced against his legs. He watched it drift past him, against the wall of the house.
Then he closed the door again slowly.
“What was it?” May called.
“Just the wind,” Ralf Surle said.
Word Meanings
Faint: Not clear or strong
howled: the wind blew hard with lot of noise.
Shades: Window blinds or coverings.
Tapping: Making a light, quick knocking sound.
Make it out: To understand or identify something, often with difficulty.
Bundle: A collection of things wrapped or tied together.
Weeds: Wild plants growing where they are not wanted, often characterized by being dry or unruly.
Rags: Old, torn, or worn pieces of cloth.
Bounced: Moved up and down or back and forth after hitting a surface.
Drift past: To be carried slowly by air or water, moving beyond a certain point.
Explanation of the above passage—Outside, a quiet tapping sound could be heard against the front door. Ralf Surle stood up. Outside, the wind made a loud, wailing noise and caused the window blinds in the upstairs room to sway. Ralf said that he would go and see what it was. He went to the door and opened it. Something gray, something both gray and dry, was being blown by the wind and pushed against the porch. He looked at it closely, but he couldn’t understand what it was. He thought it might be a pile of weeds and old pieces of cloth blown by the wind. The pile gently hit his legs. He watched it float past him and rest against the house’s wall. Then, he slowly closed the door again. May asked what it had been. Ralf Surle replied that it was just the wind.
Conclusion
The Cookie Lady is a simple yet a dark short story by Philip K. Dick about a young boy named Bubber, who is drawn into the home of an elderly woman, Mrs. Drew, because she promises him tasty cookies. Mrs. Drew is an old woman who uses Bubber’s energy to regain her youth. The story explores the themes of exploitation, temptation, and how desire can corrupt, all through a seemingly ordinary but unsettling meeting. Students can take help from this post to understand the story and also learn the difficult word meanings to get a better grasp of The Cookie Lady. This post includes a summary of The Cookie Lady, which will help students of ISC class 12, Prism book to get a quick recap of the story.
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Prism Book Lesson Explanation
- Atith /Guest Summary, Explanation
- The Cookie Lady Summary, Explanation
- There Will Come Soft Rains Summary, Explanation
- Indigo Summary, Explanation
- The Medicine Bag Summary, Explanation
Prism Book Question Answers
- Atithi/Guest Question Answers
- The Cookie Lady Question Answers
- There Will Come Soft Rains Question Answers
- Indigo Question Answers
- The Medicine Bag Question Answers
Prism Book Character Sketch
- Atithi/Guest Character Sketch
- The Cookie Lady Character Sketch
- There Will Come Soft Rains Character Sketch
- Indigo Character Sketch
- The Medicine Bag Character Sketch
Rhapsody Book Poem Explanation
- Telephone Conversation Summary, Explanation
- Tithonus Summary, Explanation
- Beethoven Summary, Explanation
- Small Towns and the River Summary, Explanation
- Death be not Proud Summary, Explanation
Rhapsody Book Question Answers
- Telephone Conversation Question Answers
- Tithonus Question Answers
- Beethoven Question Answers
- Small Towns and the River Question Answers
- Death be not Proud Question Answers
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