How Does the Poem Depict Emotional Sisterhood Among Women?
In “The Female of the Species”, Gauri Deshpande beautifully captures the emotional sisterhood
that exists among women, showing how they share a special bond based on understanding,
support, and empathy. The poem highlights that women often talk to each other because they
understand each other’s feelings in ways that others might not.
The poem shows that this sisterhood is a safe space where women can openly express their
joys, fears, struggles, and hopes. Unlike many other relationships, women find comfort and
acceptance in talking with other women, which helps them cope with life’s challenges. This
emotional sharing creates a strong sense of belonging and trust.
Deshpande also hints at the silent understanding between women. Even without many words,
women often recognize each other’s pain and struggles, which brings them closer emotionally.
This empathy strengthens their bond and allows them to support one another silently and
openly.
The poem also reflects how this emotional sisterhood helps women empower each other. By
sharing their experiences and feelings, women gain strength and courage to face societal
pressures and personal difficulties. This unity is a source of resilience, making women feel less
alone in their journey.
Overall, the poem presents emotional sisterhood as a lifeline for women, a relationship filled
with warmth, trust, and solidarity. It is a beautiful portrayal of how women uplift one another
through shared emotions and understanding.
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Why, According to the Poet, Do Women Talk to Other Women in “The Female of the
Species”?
In the poem “The Female of the Species” by Gauri Deshpande, the poet explores the unique
and special bond that exists among women. According to the poet, women talk to other women
because they share a deep understanding of each other’s experiences, emotions, and
struggles—something men often cannot fully grasp.
The poem suggests that women’s conversations go beyond just words; they express solidarity,
empathy, and emotional support. Women often discuss their personal feelings, challenges, and
joys with other women because they feel safer and more comfortable sharing their true selves.
This emotional closeness allows women to connect on a deeper level, offering comfort and
strength.
Deshpande highlights that women’s talks are not just about daily gossip but serve as a way to
create a sense of belonging and sisterhood. Women talk to other women to share their stories
and experiences, which helps them cope with societal pressures and personal hardships. This
solidarity helps them face challenges, including gender discrimination and expectations.
Moreover, the poet shows that women’s conversations often carry an unspoken understanding
and encouragement. It’s a way for women to empower each other and nurture their inner
strength.
In short, according to the poet, women talk to other women because they find in each other a
safe space for sharing, understanding, and support—a space where their voices are truly heard
and valued.
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What Do the Animals Symbolise in the Poem “In a Country Cottage”?
In “In a Country Cottage”, Nissim Ezekiel uses animals as powerful symbols to express the inner
emotions and unspoken tensions of a married couple living in isolation. Though the poem
seems simple at first, the presence and behaviour of animals carry deep symbolic meaning,
reflecting both the natural world and the human condition.
The animals in the poem—birds, insects, dogs, and other creatures—do not speak, yet their
presence fills the silence of the countryside. They symbolise the freedom, instinct, and raw truth
of life, in contrast to the emotionally cold and quiet relationship of the couple. While nature
continues with its natural rhythm—carefree, expressive, and lively—the human relationship
appears emotionally stiff and suppressed.
For example, the dogs howling at night may symbolise loneliness, fear, or hidden
sadness—emotions that the husband and wife might be feeling but are unable to express. The
birds chirping might represent the joy and communication that are missing in their marriage. In
this way, animals mirror what the couple lacks emotionally.
Moreover, the animals serve as a reminder that life goes on, regardless of human sadness or
silence. Nature continues its routine, unaffected by the emotional distance between the couple.
This could suggest that human struggles are small when compared to the larger rhythm of life.
Through this symbolic use of animals, Ezekiel highlights the emotional emptiness and
disconnection in the couple’s marriage. The animals become silent observers and even echoes
of what is going on in the hearts of the characters.
In conclusion, the animals in “In a Country Cottage” symbolise freedom, raw emotion, and truth,
standing in contrast to the emotional silence and routine of the married life portrayed in the
poem.
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How Does the Poet View the Futility of Human Expectations in the Poem “Life”?
In the poem “Life”, Purushottam Lal presents a deep and honest reflection on how human
expectations often lead to disappointment. The poet sees expectations as part of life’s journey,
but also shows that many of these hopes are never fulfilled, making them feel futile in the end.
Throughout the poem, the speaker questions the meaning of life and wonders whether all the
struggles, desires, and hopes people carry are even worth it. He suggests that human beings
are always expecting something—happiness, success, love, understanding—but rarely get what
they dream of. This gap between what we expect and what life gives us creates a sense of
emptiness and confusion.
The poet seems to say that while we go on chasing our dreams and setting goals, life moves on
without giving us clear answers. He reflects on how people waste their time worrying, planning,
and hoping, yet in the end, many of these expectations remain unmet. This shows how fragile
and uncertain life really is.
Despite this, the tone of the poem is not bitter or angry. Instead, it is calm, thoughtful, and
accepting. The poet does not blame life for not meeting expectations. Rather, he suggests that
perhaps the mistake lies in expecting too much from life in the first place. He urges readers to
accept life as it comes, with its mix of joys and sorrows, rather than always wanting it to be
perfect.
In conclusion, Purushottam Lal views human expectations as natural but often fruitless. Through
“Life”, he gently reminds us that letting go of expectations and living in the moment might be the
only way to truly understand life’s meaning.
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Attempt a critical appreciation of the poem Life by purshottam
The poem “Life” by Purushottam Lal is a thought-provoking and philosophical piece that reflects
on the meaning, struggles, and mystery of human life. Through simple language and deep
emotions, the poet presents life not as a grand or heroic journey, but as something quiet,
uncertain, and often confusing.
From the very beginning, the poem carries a tone of gentle sadness and reflection. The poet
does not romanticize life; instead, he sees it as something full of questions, pain, and longing.
There is a sense that the poet is still trying to understand life, even though he has lived much of
it. This gives the poem a universal appeal, as every reader can relate to this feeling of not fully
understanding the purpose of their existence.
The poet uses simple images and direct words to explore big ideas like suffering, love, and time.
He presents life as something we all go through, yet no one can fully explain. There is also a
feeling that life is fleeting, and before we find all the answers, it may already be over. This gives
the poem a melancholic and reflective tone, yet it’s never bitter. The poet seems to accept life as
it is, with all its ups and downs.
One of the strongest elements of the poem is its emotional honesty. The poet does not pretend
to be wise or to know all the answers. Instead, he embraces the mystery of life, making the
poem deeply moving and real.
In conclusion, “Life” by Purushottam Lal is a touching meditation on the human experience. It
teaches us that it’s okay not to have all the answers, and that sometimes, the beauty of life lies
in its very uncertainty.
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What is the poet's view of marital life as portrayed in poem "in a country cottage"? By
nissim Ezekiel
In Gitanjali XVIII, Rabindranath Tagore presents a deeply emotional and spiritual journey of the
speaker, moving from inner despair to peaceful divine surrender. The poem captures the soul’s
struggle with worldly burdens and its ultimate longing for divine union.
At the beginning of the poem, the speaker is weighed down by pain, fatigue, and worldly duties.
Though he feels the divine presence within him, he experiences a deep sense of
incompleteness. This shows the speaker’s spiritual despair—he is surrounded by life’s noise
and suffering, which makes it difficult for him to feel truly connected with God. His heart aches
with restless longing for divine love and clarity.
This despair, however, is not hopeless. It pushes the speaker to search inward. He realises that
God is not distant, but within his own heart. The tone begins to shift from sorrow to surrender, as
the speaker becomes more humble and prayerful. He doesn’t ask for rewards or blessings but
simply wishes to be accepted and remembered by his beloved—God.
The transition from despair to surrender is shown through the poet’s change in tone and
imagery. In the beginning, the speaker feels lost in the crowd of worldly troubles. But gradually,
he finds light in the idea of divine love. The act of surrender becomes the solution to his
suffering.
By the end, the speaker reaches a state of spiritual peace. His yearning is no longer painful but
calm and pure. He accepts that true joy comes from offering oneself completely to the divine.
This surrender brings emotional release, spiritual strength, and a deep sense of connection with
God.
Thus, Tagore beautifully portrays a soul’s journey from confusion and weariness to trust and
devotion, reminding us that divine love begins when we stop searching outside and start
surrendering within.
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Critically analyse the speaker's journey from despair to divine surrender
In Gitanjali XVIII, Rabindranath Tagore presents a deeply emotional and spiritual journey of the
speaker, moving from inner despair to peaceful divine surrender. The poem captures the soul’s
struggle with worldly burdens and its ultimate longing for divine union.
At the beginning of the poem, the speaker is weighed down by pain, fatigue, and worldly duties.
Though he feels the divine presence within him, he experiences a deep sense of
incompleteness. This shows the speaker’s spiritual despair—he is surrounded by life’s noise
and suffering, which makes it difficult for him to feel truly connected with God. His heart aches
with restless longing for divine love and clarity.
This despair, however, is not hopeless. It pushes the speaker to search inward. He realises that
God is not distant, but within his own heart. The tone begins to shift from sorrow to surrender, as
the speaker becomes more humble and prayerful. He doesn’t ask for rewards or blessings but
simply wishes to be accepted and remembered by his beloved—God.
The transition from despair to surrender is shown through the poet’s change in tone and
imagery. In the beginning, the speaker feels lost in the crowd of worldly troubles. But gradually,
he finds light in the idea of divine love. The act of surrender becomes the solution to his
suffering.
By the end, the speaker reaches a state of spiritual peace. His yearning is no longer painful but
calm and pure. He accepts that true joy comes from offering oneself completely to the divine.
This surrender brings emotional release, spiritual strength, and a deep sense of connection with
God.
Thus, Tagore beautifully portrays a soul’s journey from confusion and weariness to trust and
devotion, reminding us that divine love begins when we stop searching outside and start
surrendering within.
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Comment on the spiritual tone in the poem Gitanjali XVlll
Gitanjali XVIII by Rabindranath Tagore is filled with a deep spiritual tone that reflects the poet’s
longing for a closer connection with God, whom he addresses as ‘Love’ in the poem. The poet
does not speak to a human lover, but to the Divine Beloved, expressing a soul’s desire to unite
with the eternal.
The poem shows a strong sense of devotion, surrender, and spiritual yearning. The speaker
feels God's presence within his heart but longs to feel that presence more fully. This longing is
not physical or worldly, but purely spiritual. He wants to give himself completely to God, to be
filled with divine love and truth.
Tagore uses emotional and simple language to express the soul's journey toward the divine. He
mentions how he is surrounded by work, pain, and worldly duties, but still his heart searches for
God. This shows how even in daily life, the soul silently calls out for a spiritual connection.
The tone of the poem is gentle, humble, and full of faith. The poet doesn’t demand anything
from God. Instead, he prays to be accepted and loved, showing true surrender. He believes that
God lives in his heart, and his desire is to realise that fully. This shows the spiritual truth that
God is not far away, but within us.
The poem also reflects the idea that true love is divine—it is not about possession, but about
devotion and sacrifice. Tagore’s tone is that of a seeker, a believer who is trying to go beyond
material life and find peace in divine presence.
In conclusion, Gitanjali XVIII is a beautiful expression of spiritual love, where the poet’s soul
reaches out to God with faith, longing, and complete surrender. The tone is peaceful, deep, and
filled with divine emotion.
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Comment on the transformation of the theif's character in the theif story
Ruskin Bond’s short story “The Thief’s Story” is a touching tale about a young thief who goes
through a deep inner transformation. The story is not just about stealing, but about how love,
kindness, and trust can change a person’s heart. The transformation of the thief is the central
message of the story.
At the beginning, the thief, who calls himself Hari Singh, is only fifteen years old, but he is
experienced in cheating and stealing. He leads a dishonest life and has no guilt in tricking
people. He meets Arun, a kind-hearted writer, and plans to steal from him too. Arun trusts him
easily and gives him shelter and food, even though he doesn’t know much about him. This
unexpected kindness begins to touch the thief’s heart.
Though the thief learns how to cook and read under Arun’s guidance, he continues to think like
a thief. One night, he steals money from under Arun’s mattress and runs away. However, after
walking for some time, he starts to feel guilty. He realizes that Arun had trusted him without
asking questions and treated him like a younger brother. For the first time, he feels the pain of
betraying someone who was truly kind to him.
This moment becomes the turning point in the story. The thief returns quietly, puts the money
back, and decides not to steal again. The next morning, Arun smiles at him and says nothing
about the theft. He offers to teach him how to write full sentences, showing that he forgives him
silently.
This simple gesture of love and forgiveness leads to the thief’s complete transformation. He
decides to give up his dishonest ways and live a better life.
Thus, through the story of a young boy’s change of heart, Ruskin Bond shows us how trust,
patience, and compassion can reform even a criminal.
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How does premchand portrays the conflict between tradition and morality in the story the
child?
In “The Child”, Premchand powerfully presents the conflict between tradition and morality
through a touching and emotional narrative. The story revolves around a group of pilgrims and a
widow who joins them with her illegitimate child, which becomes the center of the moral and
traditional tension in the plot.
Traditionally, in Indian society, a woman who gives birth to a child outside of marriage is seen as
impure and dishonourable. This old mindset is shown clearly in the attitudes of the other
pilgrims. They consider the widow's presence a threat to their religious purity. The group
believes that taking a woman like her along would bring them misfortune, and they question the
child’s right to live, as he is born from what they see as a sin.
On the other hand, the story presents morality as a higher value—the idea that compassion,
humanity, and kindness are more important than blind traditions. The real moral hero of the
story is the narrator, who struggles internally between what society expects and what his heart
tells him is right. In the end, he listens to his conscience and saves the child, proving that
morality should come before outdated customs.
Premchand also uses the character of the widow to show the injustice of tradition. She is
humiliated and isolated, even though she is a mother caring for her child with love and honesty.
Her pain and silent strength bring out the cruelty of traditional beliefs that judge people harshly
without understanding their situations.
Thus, Premchand uses this story to criticize rigid traditions and promote moral courage and
humanity. He encourages readers to question unjust customs and to stand up for what is right,
even if society disagrees.
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Discuss the central theme of the story "the child"
In the story "The Child" by P. Lal, the central theme revolves around the deep emotional bond
between a parent and child, and the sacrifices that parents are willing to make for the well-being
of their children. The story also explores the concept of innocence, the vulnerability of
childhood, and the impact of socio-economic conditions on human lives.
At the heart of the story is the suffering of a mother who is caught between her responsibility to
care for her child and the harsh realities of poverty. The story highlights the challenges faced by
parents, especially mothers, who are often forced to make difficult choices due to their financial
circumstances. The mother in the story has to come to terms with her inability to provide
everything she wishes for her child, which becomes a source of inner conflict.
The child’s innocence is evident throughout the narrative, as the child is unaware of the
struggles his mother faces. The child’s needs are simple, but the mother is unable to meet them
due to her financial limitations. Despite this, the mother does her best to shield the child from
the harshness of life and protect him from the painful truth about their situation.
The theme of sacrifice also plays a significant role in the story. The mother sacrifices her own
comfort, dreams, and even basic needs to ensure that her child has the best possible life. She
holds on to the hope that one day her child will have a better future, free from the struggles she
faces. This is a reflection of the unconditional love and sacrifice that is often seen in the
relationship between a mother and child.
The story also conveys a sense of hopelessness at times, as the mother cannot change her
circumstances, but there is also a sense of resilience. Despite her situation, she does not give
up on her child, symbolizing the strength that many parents find in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, “The Child” explores themes of parental sacrifice, love, and the challenges of
poverty. It highlights the emotional journey of a mother who is determined to protect her child,
even if it means enduring hardships herself.
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What led to Rama Rao think of suicide and how was he saved?
In R.K. Narayan’s short story Out of Business, the main character Rama Rao is a middle-class
man who faces a sudden downfall after losing his job. He works for a gramophone company, but
due to financial losses, the company shuts down, leaving him unemployed. This is the beginning
of his troubles.
Unable to find another job, Rama Rao struggles to support his family. He tries giving tuitions and
doing small tasks, but nothing provides steady income. As time passes, he becomes frustrated,
anxious, and mentally exhausted. He starts depending on crossword competitions in
newspapers, hoping to win prize money. It becomes his only hope and obsession. He borrows
money from his wife to buy newspapers and spends all his time solving puzzles.
One day, he feels sure he will win a big prize and even plans how to spend the money. But
when the result is announced and his name is not in the list, he is shocked and heartbroken.
This failure completely breaks him. He feels like a total failure as a husband and father. His
hopes crash, and he thinks he has no reason to live anymore.
Out of desperation, Rama Rao boards a train with the thought of committing suicide by jumping
in front of another train. However, while waiting, he loses track of time, and the train passes
before he can act. This accidental delay saves his life.
When he returns home, feeling hopeless, his wife tells him they received a money order from a
tenant living in their house in another town. This unexpected help brings financial relief and
emotional comfort. Rama Rao realizes how foolish and risky his actions were. He promises to
stop chasing crossword prizes and focus on reality.
Thus, his life is saved by a mix of chance and love—a missed moment and the timely support
from his family.
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Justify the title of "out of business"
The title “Out of Business” by R.K. Narayan is very appropriate and meaningful, as it clearly
reflects the central theme and situation of the story. The phrase “out of business” usually means
that a person has lost their job or their work has shut down, which is exactly what happens to
the main character, Rama Rao.
At the beginning of the story, Rama Rao works for a gramophone company and lives a
comfortable life with his family. However, due to economic difficulties, the company suddenly
closes, and he finds himself out of business. This unexpected loss of employment becomes the
turning point in his life and leads to a series of emotional and financial struggles.
Being out of work affects Rama Rao deeply. He tries to find other jobs, gives tuitions, and looks
for different ways to earn, but nothing works out. He then becomes obsessed with solving
crossword puzzles in the hope of winning prize money. This becomes his new "business"—not a
real job, but a desperate attempt to bring back stability to his life.
The title also reflects the mental and emotional state of Rama Rao. Not only is he financially
broken, but he also feels lost, defeated, and hopeless. His obsession with crossword
competitions shows how being out of work can affect a person's thinking and push them toward
unrealistic solutions.
Towards the end, when he fails to win a major prize and considers suicide, it shows how serious
his downfall has become. However, a money order from a tenant brings sudden relief, and he
realizes the foolishness of depending on luck. He decides to stop chasing crossword prizes and
to live more realistically.
Thus, the title “Out of Business” is fully justified as it captures both the literal and emotional
downfall of the main character and highlights the impact of unemployment on an ordinary man
How does Gauri Deshpande explore friendship and solidarity among women in ‘The
Female of the Species’?
In her poem "The Female of the Species", Gauri Deshpande beautifully explores the themes of
friendship, strength, and solidarity among women. She presents women not as weak or
dependent, but as emotionally strong individuals who support each other during difficult times.
The poem challenges the stereotype that women are delicate or overly emotional and instead
shows that they are practical, dependable, and deeply caring in their own way.
The poet uses real-life situations to highlight the silent yet powerful bond between women.
When one woman’s husband dies or leaves her, it is not the men but her women friends who
stand by her. They bring her tea, clean her house, help her with chores, and offer quiet
emotional support without making a fuss. This shows how women understand each other’s pain
without needing to ask too many questions. Their support is not loud or dramatic, but it is steady
and honest.
Deshpande shows that women are more emotionally mature and responsible in handling
problems. Even when they themselves are suffering—going through divorce, illness, or
betrayal—they still find time to help their fellow women. This reflects their deep sense of
solidarity and the unique emotional strength they carry.
Another strong point the poem makes is that men often fail to offer the same emotional support.
They may show pity or sympathy, but it is often distant or formal. In contrast, the bond between
women is based on shared experience, understanding, and empathy.
Through these observations, Gauri Deshpande celebrates the quiet power of female friendship.
She shows that even in a world that often undervalues women, they remain each other’s
strongest allies, standing firm like a rock during life's storms.
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Discuss how the poet P. Lal uses various images to describe different aspects of life.
In his poem "My Mad Friend", P. Lal uses rich and symbolic images to represent different
aspects of life. Through the behaviour and words of the “mad friend,” the poet gives us deep
insights into human emotions, thoughts, and experiences. The poem is not just about
madness—it is about how life is full of confusion, contradictions, dreams, and deeper meanings.
The mad friend in the poem uses strange and unusual actions to express how he sees life
differently from others. Each image he uses has a deeper meaning. For example, when he
scatters rags and tells the poet they are his roots, it shows how even broken or discarded things
can have emotional value or history. This reflects the idea that our past, no matter how messy,
shapes who we are.
The image of wrapping the sun in a bundle and throwing it into the well suggests how people
sometimes try to hide or ignore truth and clarity. The sun often symbolizes light, truth, and
knowledge—so throwing it into a well represents turning away from reality or trying to avoid
facing the facts of life.
When the mad friend collects broken glass and calls it “laughter”, the poet shows how pain and
joy are closely connected. Laughter can sometimes hide sadness or be a result of emotional
pain. Similarly, when he wears a torn shirt and calls it a new style, it suggests how people give
their own meanings to life and don’t always follow what society expects.
All these images reveal the different layers of human experience—pain, memory, truth,
imagination, and identity. P. Lal uses these strange and poetic pictures to show that life is not
always logical or perfect, but it is meaningful in its own unique way.
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Discuss Rama Rao’s change of fortune and how it impacted his behaviour in R. K.
Narayan’s ‘Out of Business’.
Discuss Rama Rao’s change of fortune and how it impacted his behaviour in R. K. Narayan’s
‘Out of Business’.
In R.K. Narayan’s short story Out of Business, Rama Rao is a middle-class man whose life
takes a sudden turn due to unexpected misfortune. At the beginning of the story, Rama Rao is
shown as a respectable and responsible man who works in a gramophone company. He earns
enough to support his small family and lives a peaceful, content life. However, his fortune
changes suddenly when the company he works for shuts down due to economic problems. This
leaves him unemployed and struggling to find work.
Rama Rao’s life becomes full of tension and worry. Despite trying various ways to earn
money—like giving tuition and looking for jobs—he fails to find a stable source of income. This
failure deeply affects his behaviour and mental state. He becomes withdrawn, stressed, and
obsessed with the idea of making quick money. Eventually, he starts spending his time reading
newspapers and depending on crossword competitions to earn some prize money.
His obsession grows so strong that he begins to spend all his time and money on these puzzles.
He ignores his family’s financial needs and even borrows money from his wife. When he comes
close to winning but fails due to a small mistake, he becomes mentally disturbed and feels
hopeless. He even considers suicide as a way to escape his situation.
However, when he fails to carry out the suicide attempt and returns home, he learns that his
wife has received a money order from a tenant living in their house in another town. This brings
relief and restores some financial stability. Rama Rao then realizes how foolish he had been and
decides to never depend on crossword puzzles again. His behaviour changes, and he becomes
more grounded and responsible once more.
This story shows how financial struggles can affect a person’s behaviour and thinking, and how
hope and support can bring them back on the right path.
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Who is the narrator of ‘The Thief’s Story’? Following him discuss the influence of Arun
on the ‘thief’ of the story.
The narrator of The Thief’s Story by Ruskin Bond is the thief himself, a young boy who changes
his name frequently to avoid being caught. In the story, he introduces himself as Hari Singh,
though this is not his real name. The first-person narration gives us a deep insight into his
thoughts, emotions, and transformation. Through his honest and simple narration, readers come
to understand that although he is a thief, he is not a hardened criminal. He is lonely, young, and
capable of change.
Hari Singh meets Arun, a kind-hearted and trusting young man, at a wrestling match and
decides to target him. Arun is different from the people Hari had robbed before. He is gentle,
patient, and treats Hari with kindness and respect. Even though Arun knows Hari is a thief, he
never humiliates him or hands him over to the police. Instead, he gives him food, shelter, and
even begins teaching him how to read and write.
This unconditional trust and affection begin to change the thief. When he steals a bundle of
money from Arun one night, he feels guilty and cannot enjoy the stolen wealth. For the first time
in his life, his conscience starts troubling him. He realizes that education and honest work can
give him a better future than stealing ever could. This inner conflict leads him to return the
stolen money and decide to give up his life of crime.
Thus, Arun’s influence on Hari Singh is powerful and deeply positive. Through kindness and
trust, Arun transforms the thief’s heart. The story beautifully shows that love and compassion
can change even the most misguided souls. Arun becomes the turning point in the narrator’s
life, helping him take his first step towards becoming a better person.
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Comment on the character of Shamnath in ‘The Boss Came to Dinner’. How is his
character contrasted with that of his mother?
Comment on the Character of Shamnath in ‘The Boss Came to Dinner’. How is his character
contrasted with that of his mother?
In Bhisham Sahni’s one-act play The Boss Came to Dinner, the character of Shamnath is
portrayed as a self-centred, status-conscious man who is embarrassed by his humble
background. He represents a section of society that is obsessed with wealth, image, and social
standing. Shamnath has worked his way up in life, but in doing so, he has become disrespectful
towards his roots and his own mother. His character is shaped by a desire for recognition in his
office and a promotion, which he thinks depends on impressing his boss at a dinner party.
Shamnath’s actions show his moral weakness. He hides his mother in a small room and lies to
his boss about her presence, just because he feels she may embarrass him with her simple,
traditional behaviour. He forgets all the sacrifices she made to raise him, including working hard
as a domestic worker so that he could be educated. Instead of being grateful, he insults her and
treats her like a burden. This shows how selfish and ungrateful he has become.
In strong contrast, his mother is a symbol of love, sacrifice, and dignity. She is a simple village
woman who values relationships and honesty more than appearances. Despite being treated
poorly by her own son, she behaves with patience and warmth. She is proud of Shamnath’s
success but is deeply hurt by his actions. However, she does not lash out or argue; instead, she
silently accepts the pain. Her behaviour reflects the deep emotional strength of a mother.
The contrast between Shamnath and his mother brings out the main theme of the play—how
modern individuals often lose their values in the pursuit of success. While Shamnath chases
status, his mother reminds us of the importance of love, family, and respect for one’s roots.