CBSE Class 12 Question Paper 2026 Solution English Elective

FOR CBSE CLASS 12 EXAM PREPARATION

CBSE Class 12 2026
Question Paper
Solution · English
Elective
EXAM YEAR TYPE SUBJECT

CBSE Class 12 2026 Question Paper Solution English Elective

Notes · Sample Papers · Previous Year Papers · Mock Tests

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Strictly Confidential
(For Internal and Restricted use only)
Senior Secondary School Examination, 2026 (XII)
SUBJECT NAME : English Elective (Q.P. CODE 001 / 28)

General Instructions: -
1 The CBSE has decided to introduce On Screen Marking (OSM) for the evaluation of
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Class XII answer Book with the 2026 Examination.
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2
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You are aware
co that ofevaluation is the most important process in the actual and
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correct assessment the candidates. A small mistake in evaluation may lead to

and steaching profession. To avoid mistakes, it is requested that before starting gl
problems which may affect the future of the candidates, education system a
g la you must read and understand the spot evaluation guidelines carefully. a
evaluation,
3 a “Evaluation policy is a confidential policy as it is related to the confidentiality
of the examinations conducted, evaluation done and several other aspects.
Its leakage to public in any manner could lead to derailment of the
examination system and affect the life and future of millions of candidates.
Sharing this policy/document to anyone, publishing in any magazine and
printing in Newspaper/Website, etc. may invite action under various rules of
the Board and IPC.”
4 Evaluation is to be done as per instructions provided in the Marking Scheme. It
should not be done according to one’s own interpretation or any other
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consideration. Marking Scheme should be strictly adhered to and religiously

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followed. However, while evaluating, answers which are based on latest
information or knowledge and/or are innovative, they may be assessed for
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their correctness otherwise and due marks be awarded to them. In Class-XII,
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while evaluating two competency-based questions, please try to understand

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given answer and even if reply is not from marking scheme but correct
competency is enumerated by the candidate, due marks should be awarded.
5 The Marking scheme carries only suggested value points for the answers.
These are in the nature of Guidelines only and do not constitute the complete
answer. The students can have their own expression and if the expression is
correct, the due marks should be awarded accordingly.
6 The Head-Examiner must go through the first five answer books evaluated by each
evaluator on the first day, to ensure that evaluation has been carried out as per the
instructions given in the Marking Scheme. If there is any variation, the same should
be zero after deliberation and discussion. The remaining answer books meant for
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evaluation shall be given only after ensuring that there is no significant variation in
m the marking of individual evaluators.
c. o 7 Evaluators will mark ( √ ) wherever answer is correct. For wrong answer CROSS ‘X’
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las impression that answer is correct and no marks are awarded. This is most
common mistake which evaluators are committing.
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ag 8 If a question has parts, please award marks on the right-hand side for each part in
the OSM Portal. Marks awarded for different parts of the question will be totaled up
by the OSM System.
9 If a question does not have any parts, marks must be awarded in the left-hand
margin in the OSM Portal. This may also be followed strictly.

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10 No marks to be deducted for the cumulative effect of an error. It should be
penalized only once.
11 A full scale of marks (example 0 to 80/70/60/50/40/30 marks as given
in Question Paper) has to be used. Please do not hesitate to award full marks if the
answer deserves it.
12 Every examiner has to necessarily do evaluation work for full working hours i.e., 8
hours every day and evaluate 20 answer books per day in main subjects and 25
answer books per day in other subjects (Details are given in Spot Guidelines).This
is in view of the reduced syllabus and number of questions in question paper.
13 Ensure that you do not make the following common types of errors committed by
the Examiner in the past :-
● Answers marked as correct, but marks not awarded. (Ensure that the right tick
mark is correctly and clearly indicated. It should merely be a line. Same is with
the X for incorrect answer.)
● Half or a part of answer marked correct and the rest as wrong, but no marks
awarded.
14 While evaluating the answer books if the answer is found to be totally incorrect, it
should be marked as cross (X) and awarded zero (0) Marks.
15 The Examiners should acquaint themselves with the guidelines given in the
“Guidelines for Spot Evaluation” before starting the actual evaluation.
16 The candidates are entitled to obtain photocopy of the Answer Book on request on
payment of the prescribed processing fee. All Examiners/Additional Head
Examiners/Head Examiners are once again reminded that they must ensure that
evaluation is carried out strictly as per value points for each answer as given in the
Marking Scheme.
17 If a candidate attempts both alternatives/options in a question where only one
option / alternative is required to be attempted, the Evaluator shall award
marks in both the options. The system will take the higher of two scores and
disregard the other response.
18 In a question having two options/alternatives, if a candidate has attempted
only one, then the evaluator shall mark “NA” (Not attempted) against the
option that has not been attempted by the candidate.

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a MARKING SCHEMEag

ENGLISH ELECTIVE (Subject Code-001)
(PAPER CODE : 28) (26-04-001N)

Q.No. EXPECTED OUTCOMES / VALUE POINTS Marks

SECTION A
Reading
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(20 Marks)
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1. c. o given below:
Read the passage 12x1=12 m
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Based on m a
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understanding of the passage, answer any TWELVE out
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of the fifteen
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(i) (A) He visited the pine knoll every year at the end of the rains.
(D) foliage
(iii) (A) happy and nostalgic
(iv) (D) blue magpie and the cicadas
(v) (A) Both Statements 1 and 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the reason
for Statement 1.
(vi) (C) without giving it a thought
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(vii) (C) the grass cutter had damaged the stem
(viii) (B) personification
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(ix) (D) peace and inspiration
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(x) cottage / the town / bazaarg/ ridge / high mountains / twisting road /
a
great river / little stream / path / village / valley / range of hills /
distant plains / Prem Singh / garden / Hill of Fairies / mattresses
(any other relevant point)

(xi) grassy, pine-topped slope / tall ferns / bushes festooned with
flowering convolvulus / steep hill to the pine slope / a puff of wind /
½+½
long-tailed blue magpie flew noisily / cicadas were suddenly silent / Step 1-e.g.1 (½ mark)
trees bowed gently in the breeze, beckoned the author nearer / Step 1-e.g.2 (½ mark)
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cherry’s smooth and polished trunk / the oak’s rough, gnarled trunk
m full of experience / the wind had bent oak’s upper branches

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a (xiii) Prem Singh had the habit of looking up at the sky.
(xiv) False
(xv) he had no other job / he was helpless

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2. Based on your understanding of the poem, answer any FOUR out of the
five questions given below:
4x1=4
(i) (D) melancholy
(ii) (C) enduring
(iii) (A) sturdy and dilapidated
(iv) loneliness in death / misery / separation / pain
(any other relevant point)
(v) reminder of the earlier house / death and burial / the puppy
(any other relevant point)

3. Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any FOUR out of 4x1=4
the five questions given below:

(i) (A) vital
(ii) AI detects traffic violations / alerts authorities / improves traffic flow /
fewer delays and accidents / alerts drivers about congested routes and
road hazards
(any other relevant point)
(iii) False
(iv) e-challan systems / mobile apps / GPS / surveillance cameras /
Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)
(any other relevant point)
(v) Mobile apps / e-challans / GPS / surveillance cameras / saves time /
saves lives / safer, smarter roads
(any other relevant point)

SECTION B
Grammar and Writing
(28 Marks)

4. Transform the following sentences according to the instructions given 8x1=8
against each one. Attempt any EIGHT out of the ten questions that follow:

(a) Hardly had the police arrived at the spot, the protesters ran helter- skelter.
OR
Hardly had the police arrived at the spot when the protesters ran helter-
skelter.
(b) The worst hit people in the floods are the slum dwellers.
(c) No sooner had she started reading than she fell asleep.
(d) If he doesn’t get a uniform, he won’t join the team.
(e) Unless you study hard, you will fail.
OR
You will fail unless you study hard.

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a (f) He is too proud to ask for help. ag
(g) Never have I seen such a beautiful painting before.

(h) He asked if / whether I had seen his car keys.

(i) She wants to become a musician as well as a skilled writer.

(j) The Principal informed that Saturday would be a working day.
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each:
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a g Analytical Essay

Impact of Digital Divide in India

Step 1 : Format – 1 mark
Step 2 : Content – 2 marks
Step 3 : Expression – 2 marks
Value points :

IMPACTS
- inequal access to internet / digital infrastructure m
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economic constraints
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- gender and social disparities s e
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- lack of digital literacy
(any two points)
SUGGESTIONS
- expanding broadband connectivity / affordability
- govt. and private sector collaboration
- digital literacy programmes
- govt. policies / access to resources
(any two points)
(any other relevant point)
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m .co Essay
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s e The Importance of Planned Urbanization
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a Step 2 : Content – 2 marks
Step 3 : Expression – 2 marks
Value points :
- ensuring minimum percentage of forest cover
- urbanisation with efficient use of resources and infrastructure
- sustainable development

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- creating awareness
- curbing human encroachment of animal territories
- enforcement of stricter laws
(any four points)
(any other relevant point)

(c) Essay

Bagless Days – Advantages and Challenges
Step 1 : Format – 1 mark
Step 2 : Content – 2 marks
Step 3 : Expression – 2 marks
Value points :
ADVANTAGES
- encourages creativity and curiosity
- student centric approach
- enjoyable learning experience
(any two points)

CHALLENGES
- operational challenges for schools with significant strength
- lack of trained instructors for skill-based learning
- time management within the curriculum
(any two points)
(any other relevant point)

(d) Article Writing

Role of Family and Friends

- by Anoop / Anvita
Step 1 : Format – 1 mark
Step 2 : Content – 2 marks
Step 3 : Expression – 2 marks

Value points :

- provide emotional and financial security and stability
- connect us to our roots and bridge generational gap
- encouragement and motivation for personal growth
- shared joy and reduced stress
- help shape our identity
- guidance and advice in tough times
(any four points)
(any other relevant point)

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a 6.
agwords each.
Attempt any ONE of the following questions in 120-150 1x5=5
(a) Report
Seminar on Water Bell System
-by Kanavi / Kanna
Step 1 : Format – 1 mark
(heading, name of the contributor,
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place / date)

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Step 3 : Expression – 2 marks
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Value points :
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-agevent, day, date, venue
- name of the spokesperson(s), audience
- sequence of events
- discussion on benefits of water bell system across the country
- health and well-being of students
- positive impact and wider acceptance

(any other relevant point)

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(b) Article Writing
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Role of Youth in Empowering the Nation
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- byline
ag Step 1 : Format – 1 mark
Step 2 : Content – 2 marks
Step 3 : Expression – 2 marks

Value points :
- youth – future of the country
- forming groups and communities
- spreading awareness
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- serving the old / homeless / upliftment of the underprivileged class
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- catalysts for change and innovation
- social reforms and change e m
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ag (any four points)
(any other relevant point)

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SECTION C
Literature and Fiction
(32 Marks)

7. (I) Attempt any ONE of the two extracts (a) and (b) given below : 6x1=6

(a) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :

(i) Her conviction about her dream associated with the danger to author’s life.
(ii) Rome
(iii) The author was convinced of her oracular power / the author was so
influenced by what Frau Frieda said to the author.
(iv) She knew that she could easily influence him / he was not daring / he was
someone who would not take risks / she was concerned about him.
(v) Frau Frieda had convinced him that a catastrophe would take place if he
stayed on / the author did not return out of fear of the unknown / he did
not wish to risk his life.
(vi) (D) certainty
OR
(b) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
(i) Gretl
(ii) Gretl suffered in silence due to the emotional burden of her past /
emotional distance in her marriage with Dr. Margolin / she endured the
loss of her brothers, including Hans.
(iii) Gretl’s face was flushed due to physical exertion / the emotional turmoil
she experienced in her marriage with Dr. Margolin.
(iv) Gretl insisted on doing all the housework herself to cope with the
emotional burden of her past / the emotional distance she experienced
from her husband / to feel a sense of control in her life.
(v) By scouring the oven everyday and forever polishing the windows of their
apartment on the sixteenth floor without a safety belt / doing all the
household chores herself.
(vi) (D) obsession

(II) Attempt any ONE of the two extracts (a) and (b) given below :

(a) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow : 6x1=6

(i) The poet admires / thinks highly of Shakespeare / shows reverance to
Shakespeare.
(ii) His reliques serve as a living monument.
(iii) A pyramid shaped tomb that points up towards the heavens or the stars.
(iv) The poet refers to the lifeless stones of the tomb / physical monuments /
pyramid as a pitiful tribute to Shakespeare’s name.
(v) through a legacy / literary works etched in the hearts and minds of
humanity for eternity
(vi) (C) unremarkable

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OR

(b) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :

(i) Pity has become a necessity because of poverty.
(ii) If all were happy there would be no mercy.
(iii) As long as people are afraid of each other / mutual fear exists / until
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selfish love increases.

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(iv) When selfish desires get out of control and neutralize peace, cruelty takes
control and entraps everyone.
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(v) Yes
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(vi) (C) deterrent
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(iii)

8. Answer any ONE of the following questions in 30-40 words : 1x2=2

Step 1-Content-1 mark 1

Step 2-Expression-1 mark (1+1)

(a) In the poem ‘A Lecture Upon the Shadow’, what does the metaphor
‘shadow’ represent ?
- ‘shadow’ represents the ups and downs in a relationship based on love
- depicts maturity m
- depicts understanding between the lovers
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(any one point)
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(b) How does Tagore address the issue
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‘Chandalika’ ?
a
- highlights a woman’s journey towards self-worth and empowerment
- realisation of her human dignity
- critiques gender inequality
- the play calls for emancipation of women
(any one point)
(b”)

9. Answer any ONE of the following questions in 40-50 words :
o m 1x3=3

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c. o Step 1- Content-2 marks

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Step 2- Expression-1 mark m (2+1)
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s (a) In ‘Kubla Khan’, what did the ancestral voices prophesy ?gl
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a - Kubla Khan became addicted to luxury and comfort
- his ancestors urged him to shake off his lethargic and luxurious life
- they told him to be ready for a life of adventure and wars
(any two points)

(b) Eveline had two letters in her lap while she sat by the window and
contemplated her future plans. What message did they contain ?

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- informing her father and brother about her decision to leave Dublin
- live with Frank in Buenos Aires
- she wanted to say ‘good bye’ to them
(any two points)

10. Answer any ONE of the following questions in 120-150 words : 1x5=5
Step 1- Content-3 marks
Step 2- Expression-2 marks (3+2)

(a) What is Bergman’s approach to film-making and how does he connect
with his audience?
- a film for him begins with something very vague
- film-making for Bergman is a way to explore and express his own
thoughts, feelings and observations
- being true to himself, he could easily connect with his audience / evoke
genuine emotional responses
- a film-maker should be truthful in his portrayal of himself and his
experiences
- cinematography is based on deception of the human eye
- when he shows a film, he is guilty of deceit
- he claims to be an imposter or a conjurer performing conjuring tricks
- the film apparatus is constructed to take advantage of certain human
weaknesses
- it could sway his audience, make them laugh, scream with fright, smile,
feel shocked, charmed, deeply moved or perhaps yawn with boredom
(any three points)

(b) What is the contrast between the vitality of the swans and the decline
of human life?
- the beauty of swans is immortal in contrast with the mortal human life
- everlasting nature of swans vs the fleeting human life
- process of ageing, resulting in decreased energy and loss of youth against
the youthful and energetic swans
- imagery-‘autumn’, ‘twilight’ reinforces the theme of decline and end of the
life cycle of humans while the swans remain unaffected
- often seen in pairs contrasting with the solitude or loss experienced by the
observer
(any three points)

11. Answer any ONE of the following questions in 30-40 words : 1x2=2

Step 1- Content-1 mark (1+1)
Step 2- Expression-1 mark
(a) In the novel ‘A Tiger for Malgudi’, why does the tiger say ‘crow is a
treacherous bird ?
- the crow always follows his movements
- creates enough din to reveal his kill
- makes it impossible for him to eat in peace

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- at times the crow is so mean that it sneaks up to peck at his food
(any one point)

(b) Why did Margayya refuse to part with his purse?
- he believed it was a lucky purse
- he had it for countless years and it gave him a sense of financial security
(any one point)
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12.
c. o of the following questions in 40-50 words :
Answer any ONE 1x3=3
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(2+1)

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(a) Why did the long-tailed, black-faced langur advise the tiger to take
great care to avoid going near a porcupine ?
- a strong bodied animal like a tiger should never run after every kind of
flesh indiscriminately
- one is certain to receive a stab of quills from the porcupine
- he would be compelled to retreat to his hiding place and starve for days
(any two points)
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(b) Why was Margayya’s house known as ‘Tooth Powder House’?
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Margayya’s mother used to make a sort of tooth powder with burnt almond
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shells, cinnamon barks and alum.
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- she distributed the tooth powder liberally to a big crowd of people

13. Answer any ONE of the following questions in 120-150 words : 1x5=5
Step 1 – Content 3 marks
Step 2 – Expression 2 marks (3+2)

(a) What was the jungle superstition about how the tiger came to have the
stripes and whom did he blame for it? Why did the tiger feel helpless
in tackling the situation?
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m .co the tiger offended some forest spirit once and his back was branded with
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hot coal

las - he believed it was a fabricated story by some jealous leopards
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ag Helplessness
- the leopard couple sang this fable and moved with lightning speed while
the tiger felt helpless / tiger realized he had to tolerate their existence

(b) Discuss the ‘House of Enlightenment’ and what it symbolizes for Balu.
- ‘House of Enlightenment’ – not a physical place but a metaphorical
concept
- the destination Balu wants to reach, in comparison to his mundane life

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- represents peace, clarity and understanding in contrast with his
materialistic goals
- symbol of his inner turmoil to reconcile his spiritual aspirations and his
duty as a son
(any three points)

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