Question

Answer any four of the following in 30-40 words each:

(a) Why was the peddler amused at the idea of the world being a rattrap?
(b) Why did Gandhiji agree to a settlement of mere 25 percent?
(c) Aunt Jennifer's efforts to get rid of her fear proved to be futile. Comment.
(d) What does Stephen Spender want to be done for the children of the school in a slum?
(e) How did the ten-day-old baby (the future Tiger King) react to the prediction about his future made by the astrologers?
(f) Why was Dr. Sadao not sent abroad along with the troops?

Answer 1

(a) The peddler was amused by the whole world being a big rattrap. It had never existed for any other purpose than to set baits for people. It offered riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing, exactly as the rattrap offered cheese and pork. But as soon as anyone let himself be tempted to touch the bait, it closed in on him and then everything came to an end.

 

(b) For Gandhi, it was not the money but the principles that were of utmost importance. He believed that the very fact that the British landlords surrendered was of more significance than the percentage of refund. Therefore, although he had initially quoted a 50 percent refund, he later agreed to a settlement of 25 percent refund to the farmers.

 

(c) The trembling hands of Aunt Jennifer because of the weight of the 'wedding ring' shows that she still is a victim of male chauvinism. Even her death won't free her from her ordeal as she will still be wearing the ring that symbolizes her failed marriage.

 

(d) The poet wants the children to be taken out from the slums they are living in and venture into the outside world. He wants them to be taken where they not only get the opportunity to study from books and to play in the open field. The poet wants freedom for the slum children from the present confines.

(e) When the astrologers predicted that the child would become a great warrior and ruler, but would have to die one day, the ten-day-old baby (the future Tiger King) asked the astrologers to tell him the manner of his death. All the men present were astonished, as it was unnatural for a ten-day-old baby to speak.

(f) Dr. Sadao was not sent abroad with the troops because of two reasons: 1. He had perfected a discovery which would render wounds entirely clean. 2. The General might have needed some operation urgently and Dr. Sadao was the best doctor available for this need.