Chapter two
Breakdown of Chapter Two into Five Scenes
Scene 1: Market Road at Night
lull-
Jagan walks home at night, passing by the Krishna Dispensary, Truth Printing, and
other landmarks. He resists the urge to visit Nataraj, the printer, to check on his
book about Nature Cure and instead continues home, thinking about his son.
Main junction-
Scene 2: The Vagrant and Social Concerns
As Jagan walks past the vagrant sitting near a culvert, he reflects on the nation’s
social problems, particularly the habit of using dining leaves instead of plates. His
thoughts spiral into concerns about employment, national habits, and economic
structures.
Scene 3: The Statue of Lawley and Mali
Jagan reaches the statue of Sir Frederick Lawley, a landmark in Malgudi. He
discreetly looks for his son, Mali, among a group of young men. Spotting him in a
yellow shirt, Jagan feels a deep sense of pride and love but chooses not to
approach him.
Scene 4: Home and Reflection on the Universe
Jagan enters his house, follows his nightly routine, and steps outside to gaze at the
stars. He wonders about the cosmos, thinking about celestial bodies and recalling
his childhood knowledge of astronomy from his Boy Scout days.
Scene 5: Jagan’s Views on Health and Family Conflicts
Jagan’s belief in natural remedies is explored, particularly his opposition to
toothbrushes and modern medicine. His wife’s headache sparks a conflict, as she
demands aspirin while he insists on traditional cures. A past memory of Mali’s
fascination with pills worries him, hinting at Jagan’s concerns about his son’s
future.
Breakdown of Chapter Two into Five Scenes
1. Market Road at Night
Jagan walks home, observing his surroundings, including the Krishna Dispensary and
Truth Printing.
He resists the temptation to check on his book at the press.
He reminds himself to go home as his son, Mali, might be lonely.
2. The Vagrant and Social Concerns
Jagan notices a vagrant waiting for discarded dining leaves.
He contemplates the country's social issues, including traditional eating habits and
their economic consequences.
His thoughts expand into a broader reflection on national improvement.
3. The Statue of Lawley and Mali
Jagan reaches the statue of Sir Frederick Lawley, once marking the city’s
boundary.
He sees students gathered there, including his son Mali, who stands out to him.
Jagan admires Mali from a distance, feeling both pride and concern.
4. Home and Reflections on the Universe
Jagan enters his home and performs his nightly routine.
He steps outside, gazing at the stars, reflecting on astronomy and the possibility
of Heaven.
His limited knowledge of constellations does not hinder his sense of wonder.
5. Jagan’s Ideals vs. Family Life
Jagan recalls his father’s simple, disciplined life and traditional beliefs.
His strict natural remedies contrast with his wife’s desire for modern medicine.
He remembers a past argument over aspirin and an old conversation with a young
Mali about poison.
Five Context Quotations with Questions
1. "Must be home, the boy will be lonely. Not today."
(a) Who is speaking?
(b) Who is "the boy" being referred to?
(c) Why does the speaker decide not to stop at Truth Printing?
(d) What does this indicate about the speaker’s priorities?
2. "The remedy would be for our nation to change its habits, for people to eat off
plates and not use leaves for the purpose..."
(a) Who is thinking this?
(b) What social issue is being discussed?
(c) How does the speaker connect this issue to national progress?
(d) What does this tell us about the speaker’s mindset?
3. "Poor boy, poor boy, let him be."
(a) Who is saying this?
(b) Who is being talked about?
(c) Why does the speaker avoid directly approaching the person?
(d) What emotion does this line convey?
4. "You would sooner see me dead, I suppose."
(a) Who says this line?
(b) What is the context of the argument?
(c) What does this reveal about the relationship between the two characters?
(d) How does the other person react?
5. "Boy, don't you go near it; it is poison."
(a) Who is speaking?
(b) What is being referred to as poison?
(c) How does the child respond to this statement?
(d) What concern does the speaker have about the child?
Section B: Scene and Questions
"Regularly at five in the morning Jagan got up from bed, broke a twig from a
margosa tree in the back yard, chewed its tip, and brushed his teeth. He was
opposed to the use of a toothbrush. 'The bristles are made of the hair from the
pig's tail,' he declared. 'It's unthinkable that anyone should bite a pig's tail first
thing in the morning.'"
1. Who is Jagan, and what role does he play in The Vendor of Sweets?
2. What are Jagan’s reflections on traditional practices, as shown in this passage?
3. How does Jagan’s attitude toward health and hygiene reflect his personality?
4. What does Jagan’s belief about margosa reveal about his values?
5. How does this passage contribute to our understanding of Jagan’s character?
