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EnglishClass 12Tomorrow

Tomorrow | Class 12 English Notes

By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 4 min read

Tomorrow – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Tomorrow from Class 12 English, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.

Introduction

The chapter 'Tomorrow' from the Class 12 English textbook is a poignant narrative that explores the emotional turmoil and the human aspect of war. It is a story that delves into the anticipation and anxiety experienced by a family awaiting news about their loved one who is a soldier. The narrative is set against the backdrop of war, highlighting the personal cost and the uncertainty that accompanies it. The story is written in a simple yet powerful style, emphasizing the universal theme of hope and despair. It begins with the mother and the narrator discussing the possibility of receiving news about the soldier, reflecting the tension and the fragile hope that sustains them. The chapter uses vivid imagery and emotional dialogues to bring out the depth of the characters' feelings. The mother’s hope is contrasted with the narrator’s cautious realism, creating a dynamic that captures the complexity of human emotions in times of crisis. The story also touches upon the theme of sacrifice, as the soldier’s duty to the nation places him in harm’s way, affecting his family profoundly. Through this narrative, the chapter invites readers to empathize with those who wait and worry, highlighting the often overlooked emotional battles fought on the home front during war. The language used is accessible, making it relatable to students, while also encouraging them to reflect on the broader implications of conflict and the value of peace.

📊 Diagram: No diagrams are present in this introductory section.

🧪 Activity: No specific activity is associated with this section.

🔗 Connection: This introduction sets the emotional tone and context for the story, leading into the detailed narrative of the mother and narrator’s conversation about the soldier’s fate.

Frequently asked questions

Understanding the Text 1. What is the consistency one finds in the old man’s madness? 2. How does Captain Hagberd prepare for Harry’s homecoming? 3. How did Bessie begin to share Hagberd’s insanity regarding his son? 4. What were Harry’s reasons for coming to meet old Hagberd? 5. Why does Harry’s return prove to be a disappointment for Bessie?

1. The old man’s madness is consistent in its hopeful and persistent belief in a better future despite his present despair. His madness is not chaotic but has an underlying pattern of hope and expectation.

2. Captain Hagberd prepares for Harry’s homecoming by staying alert and watchful, anticipating his arrival with hope and excitement. He is emotionally invested and ready to welcome him.

3. Bessie begins to share Hagberd’s insanity as she starts to believe in the hope and madness surrounding

Talking about the Text Discuss in small groups or pairs 1. ‘Every mental state, even madness, has its equilibrium based upon self-esteem. Its disturbance causes unhappiness’. 2. Joyce’s ‘Eveline’ and Conrad’s ‘Tomorrow’ are thematically similar.

1. This statement invites discussion on how mental states, including madness, maintain a balance linked to self-esteem. When this balance is disturbed, it leads to unhappiness. The discussion should explore examples from the story and real life.

2. Both Joyce’s ‘Eveline’ and Conrad’s ‘Tomorrow’ explore themes of hope, despair, and the human condition. Thematically, they deal with characters facing difficult choices and emotional turmoil, making them comparable.

Appreciation 1. Comment on the technique used by the author to unfold the story of Captain Hagberd’s past. 2. Identify instances in the story in which you find streaks of insanity in people other than Hagberd. What implications do they suggest?

1. The author uses a gradual unfolding technique, revealing Captain Hagberd’s past through dialogue, memories, and interactions with other characters. This method creates suspense and deepens the psychological portrayal.

2. Instances of insanity in other characters include Bessie’s emotional turmoil and the old man Carvil’s fiendish shouting. These suggest that madness is not isolated but affects the community, reflecting broader themes of despair and hope.

Language Work A. Figures of speech: Allusion TASK Pick out one or two other examples of allusion from the story and comment briefly on the comparison made.

Examples of allusion in the story include:

  • The comparison of Captain Hagberd to Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, suggesting his former power and current downfall.
  • References to the sea and shipwrecks allude to themes of loss and survival.

These allusions enrich the narrative by connecting characters and events to broader mythological and symbolic meanings.

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