Introduction
“Birth” is an excerpt from The Citadel that centers on Andrew Manson, a recent medical school graduate. It narrates how the young doctor successfully assisted Joe and Susan in bringing their child into the world, despite facing personal challenges with his girlfriend, Christine.
Birth Summary Class 11 English
Detailed Summary of the Text
The story begins with Andrew Manson walking home after an unpleasant encounter with his girlfriend, Christine. Around midnight, he finds Joe Morgan anxiously waiting outside his house. Joe and his wife, Susan, are expecting their first child. Joe, too nervous to go inside, asks Andrew to attend to Susan alone.
Inside, Andrew realizes the delivery will take some time. Susan’s mother, though wise, is tense and offers him tea. As he waits, Andrew reflects on his troubled relationship with Christine and ponders the struggles his friends also face in their relationships. Despite this, he believes marriage should be a source of peace and joy, leaving him conflicted.
Susan’s mother expresses concern about her daughter’s anxiety over the complicated delivery. When the child is finally born, Andrew is dismayed to find it lifeless. Torn between tending to the unconscious mother or the child, he prioritizes Susan. Administering medicines, he stabilizes her condition and then turns to the baby—a boy in perfect shape but unresponsive.
Recalling that the child’s lifeless state could be due to restricted oxygen, Andrew orders the nurse to bring hot and cold water. Though hesitant, she complies, and Andrew alternates dipping the baby in the water to stimulate a response. Despite his relentless efforts, the baby remains lifeless, and others lose hope. However, Andrew persists, and finally, the child takes its first breath, surprising everyone.
The nurse prays in relief, and Susan’s mother joins in with gratitude. Exhausted but fulfilled, Andrew leaves at dawn, informing Joe that both mother and child are safe. As he walks home, Andrew feels a profound sense of accomplishment, knowing he has achieved something truly meaningful.