Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does Mr. Shamnath hope to gain by showcasing his mother to his boss?
What does Mr. Shamnath hope to gain by showcasing his mother to his boss?
- To impress his boss and potentially receive a promotion or advancement in his career. (correct)
- To fulfill a cultural obligation of showing respect to elders.
- To alleviate his mother's loneliness by introducing her to new people.
- A genuine connection between his family and his boss.
What is the primary reason Mr. Shamnath is concerned about his mother meeting his boss?
What is the primary reason Mr. Shamnath is concerned about his mother meeting his boss?
- He worries that his mother's rural background and lack of sophistication will negatively influence his boss's perception of him. (correct)
- He believes his mother will ask his boss for financial assistance.
- He fears his mother will reveal personal family secrets.
- He is concerned that his mother will express controversial political opinions.
Initially, why does Mr. Shamnath's wife suggest sending his mother to the neighbors for the night?
Initially, why does Mr. Shamnath's wife suggest sending his mother to the neighbors for the night?
- To give his mother a break from the commotion of the dinner preparation.
- To avoid any potential embarrassment or disruption his mother might cause during the important dinner. (correct)
- To allow his mother to visit her friends without interruption.
- To ensure his mother has a comfortable and quiet place to sleep.
Why is Mr. Shamnath so insistent that his mother make a phulkari for his boss?
Why is Mr. Shamnath so insistent that his mother make a phulkari for his boss?
How does the mother's emotional state change from the beginning of the evening to the end, and what causes this shift?
How does the mother's emotional state change from the beginning of the evening to the end, and what causes this shift?
What does Mr. Shamnath's meticulous planning for the evening reveal about his character and his aspirations?
What does Mr. Shamnath's meticulous planning for the evening reveal about his character and his aspirations?
What is the significance of the mother singing a wedding song at the request of Mr. Shamnath's boss?
What is the significance of the mother singing a wedding song at the request of Mr. Shamnath's boss?
How does Mr. Shamnath react when his mother initially hesitates to make the phulkari for his boss?
How does Mr. Shamnath react when his mother initially hesitates to make the phulkari for his boss?
What motivates the mother to ultimately agree to make the phulkari despite her failing eyesight?
What motivates the mother to ultimately agree to make the phulkari despite her failing eyesight?
What is the underlying theme of the story in "The Boss Came to Dinner"?
What is the underlying theme of the story in "The Boss Came to Dinner"?
Flashcards
Mr. Shamnath
Mr. Shamnath
The main character, hosting a dinner for his boss.
Phulkari
Phulkari
A traditional embroidered cloth from Punjab.
Kameez and Salwar
Kameez and Salwar
Traditional Indian garment worn by the mother.
Namaste
Namaste
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Dopatta
Dopatta
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Shamnath's Motivation
Shamnath's Motivation
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Mother's Sacrifice
Mother's Sacrifice
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Cultural Context
Cultural Context
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Study Notes
Story Overview
- "The Boss Came to Dinner" is a short story by Bhisham Sahni, included in his collection published in 1972.
- Sahni is known for writing about simple, ordinary characters and their lives with psychological depth.
Characters
- Mr. Shamnath is hosting his boss for dinner and is meticulous about the preparations.
- Shamnath's wife is busy helping with the arrangements.
- Shamnath's mother lives with them and is a source of anxiety for Shamnath due to her perceived oddities.
- The Boss is visiting for dinner with the other guests, is American, enjoys himself
Plot Points
- Shamnath and his wife frantically prepare for the boss's visit, trying to create a good impression.
- A major concern arises about what to do with Shamnath's mother during the party.
- They initially consider sending her to a neighbor's house but decide against it.
- Shamnath instructs his mother to stay in her room and not to fall asleep because she snores loudly.
- He also dictates what she should wear.
- Shamnath is very particular about every detail of the house and his mother's appearance.
- During the party, Shamnath's mother accidentally dozes off in the verandah and is discovered by the guests.
- The boss greets and converses with her, and asks her to sing a song.
- The mother sings a wedding song.
- The boss asks about what things women make themselves, and Shamnath remembers his monther makes phulkaris.
- Shamnath asks his mother to make phulkari, an embroidered cloth, for the boss.
- After the guests leave, Shamnath is overjoyed because the boss was pleased with his mother.
- In the end, the mother agrees to make the phulkari, despite her poor eyesight, to help her son's career.
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