Going Places is Chapter 8 in the NCERT Class 12 English Flamingo textbook. Written by A.R. Barton, this story focuses on the dreams, hopes and imagination of a teenage girl named Sophie. It beautifully explores the theme of adolescent fantasy and the gap between reality and dreams. Sophie, a working-class girl, dreams of becoming rich and famous, even though her real-life situation is very ordinary. Through her eyes, we also get to see how teenagers often blur the line between what’s real and what they want to believe. The story is simple in structure but carries a strong emotional message.
I decided to write about this chapter because many students find it relatable but confusing, especially when it comes to separating fact from fiction in Sophie’s imagination. As a former student, I remember how tricky it was to analyse what was real in the story. It’s important to understand this chapter deeply, because questions from it usually test both comprehension and emotional interpretation. Also, in board exams, this story often appears in long answer questions where examiners look for personal insight and clarity. So this article will help you with a summary, important points, and a free PDF link for easy revision.
Chapter Summary – Going Places by A.R. Barton
The story revolves around a young girl named Sophie, who lives in a small house with her family. She is full of dreams and always imagines a glamorous life for herself.
Main Characters
- Sophie – The protagonist, a teenager who often lives in her fantasy world.
- Jansie – Sophie’s practical best friend who doesn’t believe in unrealistic dreams.
- Geoff – Sophie’s elder brother. She admires him and thinks he knows about the outside world.
- Sophie’s father – A typical working-class man, grounded and realistic.
- Danny Casey – A young football star who Sophie imagines meeting.
Key Points of the Story
- The story begins with Sophie sharing her dream of owning a boutique or becoming an actress or a fashion designer.
- Jansie, her best friend, warns her to be practical and stop dreaming beyond their reality.
- Sophie’s hero is Danny Casey, a football player from Ireland. She tells Geoff that she met Casey, though it’s actually a lie she makes herself believe.
- She builds a whole story in her head about how Casey might meet her again near the canal.
- She waits there alone, hoping he’ll come, but he never does.
- In the end, Sophie realises it was just a dream, but she still holds on to the fantasy.
The story touches on the emotional world of teenagers and how imagination can sometimes become a form of escape.
Download PDF – NCERT Class 12 Flamingo Chapter 8
To prepare well and revise before your exam, it’s always helpful to have the official NCERT PDF with you. You can read the full chapter anytime on your phone or laptop.
