Birth – Questions & Answers

Very Short Answer Questions (1–2 lines each)

1. Who is the main character of the story?
   Ans. Andrew Manson, a young doctor.
2. Where had Andrew recently qualified from?
   Ans. From a medical school in Cardiff.
3. Who was Andrew in love with?
   Ans. Christine, a school teacher.
4. Whose house did Andrew visit in the story?
   Ans. Joe Morgan’s house.
5. Why had Joe Morgan called the doctor?
   Ans. Because his wife was about to give birth after 20 years of marriage.
6. What difficulty arose during the delivery?
   Ans. The child was born lifeless, not breathing.
7. How did Andrew try to revive the child?
   Ans. By using hot and cold water alternately and performing artificial respiration.
8. What was the condition of Mrs. Morgan after delivery?
   Ans. She was weak but safe under the nurse’s care.
9. What was the outcome of Andrew’s efforts?
   Ans. The child finally started breathing and was saved.
10. What does the story celebrate?
    Ans. The dedication, perseverance, and humanity of doctors.

Short Answer Questions (30–50 words each)

1. What role did Andrew’s personal feelings play in the story?
   Ans. Andrew was disheartened by his troubled love life but still rose above his emotions to focus on saving Mrs. Morgan and her child. His sense of duty and compassion gave him the strength to act with determination.
2. Why was the case at the Morgans’ house significant?
   Ans. It was Mrs. Morgan’s first child after 20 years of marriage, making it a moment of great hope for the family. The difficult birth and the child’s lifeless state created a high-stakes situation for Andrew.
3. How did Andrew attempt to save the child?
   Ans. Andrew alternated between plunging the baby into hot and cold water and performing artificial respiration. His persistence and refusal to give up finally succeeded in reviving the child.
4. What qualities of Andrew are highlighted in this story?
   Ans. Andrew is shown as compassionate, determined, and selfless. Despite exhaustion, he worked tirelessly, guided only by his professional responsibility and human empathy, ultimately bringing life back to the child.
5. What is the central theme of “Birth”?
   Ans. The story highlights the nobility of the medical profession, showing how dedication and perseverance can save lives. It also reflects hope, resilience, and the emotional rewards of selfless service.

Long Answer Questions (120–150 words each)

1. Discuss how A.J. Cronin portrays the medical profession through Andrew’s character.
   Ans. A.J. Cronin’s “Birth” is a moving portrayal of a doctor’s responsibility and humanity. Andrew Manson is a young doctor who, despite personal troubles, dedicates himself fully to his patient. At the Morgans’ house, he faces a critical situation where both the mother and child’s lives are at risk. The child is born lifeless, yet Andrew refuses to give up. His scientific knowledge, coupled with his persistence and compassion, helps him revive the baby. Through Andrew, Cronin shows that medicine is not just about skill but also about patience, empathy, and the will to fight for life. The story glorifies doctors as unsung heroes who restore hope in the darkest hours.
2. How does “Birth” reflect the theme of hope and perseverance?
   Ans. The story demonstrates that even in the most hopeless circumstances, perseverance can lead to miracles. When the child is born without signs of life, Andrew does not surrender. He tirelessly applies resuscitation methods, despite his own fatigue. His continuous efforts finally bring the baby back to life, symbolising hope triumphing over despair. Mrs. Morgan, who had waited twenty years for a child, is blessed with motherhood. The story reassures that persistence and courage in the face of difficulty can change outcomes. Through Andrew’s struggle, Cronin conveys the message that where there is determination, there is always hope.