Class 12 English Supplementary Chapter 21 Broken Images Notes are prepared for the latest 2026-27 NCERT reprint. The PDF explains Girish Karnad's play through television, bilingualism, authorship, jealousy, Malini and Manjula's split self.
- Text coverage: Includes the studio setting, image dialogue, language debate and hidden authorship conflict.
- Exam-ready focus: Covers Manjula, Malini, public image, guilt, values and bilingual identity.
- Revision support: Tables and visual maps help students revise the play before school tests.
Student Feedback: In a Collegedunia revision poll of 11,680 students before the 2026 boards, students found Broken Images easier after separating the public language debate from the private authorship conflict.
In This Article
Broken Images Notes PDF Contents
The play follows Manjula Nayak after a television interview celebrates her English novel. Her screen image stays behind and questions the story she tells about language, fame and her sister Malini.
| Section | Main idea | Exam value |
|---|---|---|
| Studio setting | The modern screen turns a public interview into a private trial. | Use for stagecraft answers. |
| Language debate | Manjula defends writing in English after a career in Kannada. | Use for bilingualism answers. |
| Image dialogue | The screen-image exposes guilt, jealousy and the hidden authorship question. | Use for title and conscience answers. |
Image Dialogue Map in Broken Images
Manjula begins as a confident public speaker. The image turns the scene into a dialogue where every answer creates a sharper question. This is the play's main dramatic innovation.
- The image works like a visible conscience on the television screen.
- Manjula's language defence slowly gives way to family guilt.
- Malini remains absent, but controls the moral centre of the play.
Broken Images Chapter Explanation Video
Source: Magnet Brains
Broken Images Truth Cycle
The play moves from praise to exposure. Fame gives Manjula a polished public image, but the image on the screen forces her to face the broken parts of that identity.
| Stage | What happens | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Fame | Manjula is introduced as a global literary success. | The public image is built. |
| Denial | She explains language choice and sisterly care. | The defence begins. |
| Truth | The image exposes jealousy and hidden authorship. | The image breaks. |
Broken Images Important Questions
| Question | Answer cue |
|---|---|
| Why is the television studio important? | It makes public image visible and turns the screen into a questioning conscience. |
| How does the play handle bilingualism? | It shows Kannada and English as identity, market and honesty questions, not as a simple rivalry. |
| What is the role of Malini? | Malini is absent from the stage but central to guilt, authorship and Manjula's insecurity. |
| Why is the title Broken Images suitable? | It points to the screen image, Eliot's line and Manjula's divided self. |
Related Resources for Broken Images Class 12
| Resource | Use it for | Link |
|---|---|---|
| NCERT Solutions | Textbook questions and answers | Broken Images NCERT Solutions |
| NCERT Book PDF | Official chapter reading | Broken Images NCERT Book PDF |
| Handwritten Notes | Quick visual revision | Broken Images Handwritten Notes |
English Supplementary Notes for All Chapters
| Chapter | Notes |
|---|---|
| Chapter 17 | Why the Novel Matters Class 12 Notes |
| Chapter 18 | The Argumentative Indian Class 12 Notes |
| Chapter 19 | On Science Fiction Class 12 Notes |
| Chapter 20 | Chandalika Class 12 Notes |
| Chapter 21 | Broken Images Class 12 Notes |
Broken Images Class 12 Notes FAQs
Ques. What is Broken Images by Girish Karnad about?
Ans. Broken Images is about Manjula Nayak, a writer whose screen image questions her after a television speech. The play studies language, fame, guilt and authorship.
Ques. Why is the image important in Broken Images?
Ans. The image acts like Manjula's conscience. It questions her public story and exposes the private guilt linked with Malini and the English novel.
Ques. What is the role of Malini in Broken Images?
Ans. Malini is Manjula's sister and the hidden centre of the play. Her talent, suffering and possible authorship create the moral conflict.
Ques. What is the main theme of Broken Images?
Ans. The main theme is the split between public image and private truth. The play also explores bilingual identity, jealousy and academic honesty.







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