Chapter 7 of the CBSE Class 12 English Textbook – Flamingo includes a prose titled “Going Places.” Going Places by A.R. Barton is a short story about Sophie, a teenage girl with a vivid imagination. She tells her brother Geoff that she met famous football player Danny Casey and even claims he asked her on a date. Geoff and their father doubt her story. Sophie tries to prove them wrong by meeting Danny, only to realize her fantasies are unrealistic.
Here, we provide a brief summary of the prose- Going Places.

CBSE Class 12 English Going Places Summary

The story begins with Sophie and her friend Jansie chatting as they walk home from school. Sophie shares her dream of opening a boutique and becoming a famous fashion designer like Mary Quant. Jansie, who is more practical, reminds Sophie that they are expected to work at the biscuit factory after school. She also points out that starting a boutique would require a significant amount of money. She also notes that working in a shop, which Sophie’s father wants her to do, won’t earn her enough money. Sophie then considers acting as an alternative since it offers better financial prospects.

Everyone in Sophie’s family is aware of her dreamy nature. At home, her younger brother Derek mocks her unrealistic dreams of making a lot of money. Sophie observes her mother’s crooked back, feeling a mix of compassion and pain over their family’s poverty. Her brother Geoff, an apprentice mechanic who commutes across the city daily, is quiet, which makes Sophie envious. She suspects he knows about places and things she doesn’t. Sophie tells Geoff that she encountered Danny Casey at the arcade. When Geoff doesn’t believe her, she gives a vivid description of Danny to make her story seem more believable.

Geoff mentions Danny Casey during dinner, and their father looks at Sophie with disdain, knowing she is likely fabricating another story. He dismisses the idea that she could meet a famous football player like Danny Casey. As their father and Geoff discuss football, Sophie interrupts, claiming that Danny said he would buy a shop. Her father warns her that fabricating stories could lead to serious trouble.

Later, Sophie makes Geoff promise not to tell anyone that Danny Casey asked to meet her. Geoff finds this hard to believe. To make her story more convincing, Sophie describes how she asked Danny for an autograph for Derek, but they had no pen or paper. Danny then supposedly invited Sophie to meet him the following week for the autograph. Geoff remains skeptical that the football player would show up.

Sophie attends a football match with her father and brothers, where Danny’s team wins. Sophie feels proud of his performance. The following week, she is surprised when Jansie asks her about the meeting with Danny, realizing that Geoff has shared this news with Jansie’s brother, Frank. Sophie is disappointed that Geoff revealed her secret. However, she learns from Jansie that Geoff had not mentioned the planned second meeting between Sophie and Danny.

Sophie goes to meet Danny by the canal, a spot from her childhood she considers ideal for a discreet meeting. As she waits, she fantasizes about the encounter, imagining Danny emerging from the shadows and her excited reaction. After some time, it becomes clear that Danny is not coming. Sophie feels worried and despondent, realizing she won’t be able to prove her story to Geoff or anyone else. As she walks home, she envisions Geoff’s disappointment upon learning Danny never showed up. She feels relieved to see her father’s cycle outside the pub, knowing she can avoid facing him for now.

On her way home, Sophie imagines Danny outside the Royce’s, visualizing herself asking for his autograph. She pictures Danny as being her height and describes him in detail based on her fantasies. In her imagination, Danny appears shy and awkward, displaying genuine innocence. The following Saturday, Sophie sees Danny again at the game, where he showcases his excellent sportsmanship.

Conclusion of Going Places

The conclusion of “Going Places,” shows the difference between Sophie’s dreams and reality. After eagerly waiting for Danny Casey at their arranged meeting spot, Sophie comes to the painful realization that he will not show up. Her daydreams about meeting the famous football player and impressing her brother and friends are shattered. Sophie feels anxious and disappointed, understanding that her imagination and the story she created were not based on reality. As she heads home, she reflects on how her brother and others would feel let down. The story ends with Sophie feeling a mix of embarrassment and sadness, highlighting how her fantasies do not match up with the real world.

We trust that this summary of the CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo Prose, “Going Places,” has provided you with a quick grasp of the chapter. Stay connected with GK Publications for the latest updates on CBSE and study materials. Explore sample papers and question papers from various years to enhance your preparation for the Board exams.

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