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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.

Themes and Messages

The chapter 'Tomorrow' conveys several profound themes and messages that resonate beyond the immediate narrative. The foremost theme is the emotional cost of war, focusing on the families who endure the waiting and uncertainty. It highlights how war affects not only soldiers but also those at home, emphasizing the shared burden of conflict. Another central theme is hope — portrayed as a vital force that sustains individuals through hardship. The story illustrates how hope can provide strength and resilience, even in the darkest times. The theme of sacrifice is also present, acknowledging the soldier’s duty and the family’s emotional sacrifices. Additionally, the narrative explores the duality of human emotions, contrasting hope with fear, optimism with realism. The story encourages empathy by inviting readers to understand the psychological impact of war on ordinary people. It also underscores the importance of communication and connection in maintaining morale. The message of the story advocates for peace and the value of human life, reminding readers of the personal stories behind headlines and statistics. Through its simple yet powerful storytelling, 'Tomorrow' fosters a deeper appreciation of the human dimension of war and the enduring power of hope.

📊 Diagram: No diagrams are associated with this conceptual section.

🧪 Activity: No specific activity is included here.

🔗 Connection: This thematic understanding prepares students for the final summary and reflection on the chapter’s significance.

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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