The Child - Character and Plot Analysis

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the name of the Brahmin man in this story?

Gangu

What does the narrator do for a living?

The narrator is likely a wealthy man of good social standing, as he seems to be educated and has servants.

What is Gangu's character like? Describe him.

Gangu behaves like a Brahmin but he doesn't have the typical characteristics of one. He is proud, short-tempered, and doesn't socialize, unlike other Brahmins. He is also illiterate and expects to be served without doing any work himself.

Why doesn't the narrator like his servants to come to him unless asked?

He is afraid of being seen as weak and unable to handle small tasks himself. (D), He wants to maintain a sense of independence and self-confidence. (F) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gangu think he can't serve the narrator anymore?

Gangu is going to marry Gomti, who has been expelled from the Widows' Ashram for her scandalous behavior. The narrator views this as a risky proposition, as Gomti is known to be a troublemaker. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator mean by saying that Gangu is 'leaping for a piece of bread unmindful that the bread is old, dry and rotten'? Explain metaphor.

The narrator is comparing Gangu to someone desperate for any kind of sustenance, even if it is of poor quality. He believes that Gangu is marrying Gomti without considering the potential consequences and is blind to the fact that she might bring him only trouble. Signup and view all the answers

Gomti had left her husband three times in the past.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gangu argue that his marriage to Gomti will end happily?

Gangu believes that Gomti deserves love and a home where she is loved, even if they are not perfect. He thinks that Gomti's past behavior is due to misfortune and that they can build a happy life together. Signup and view all the answers

Gangu continues working as the narrator's servant even after his marriage to Gomti.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of work does Gangu do after his marriage to Gomti?

Gangu gets a job as a street vendor selling chaat. Signup and view all the answers

What is the narrator's initial reaction to the news of Gomti running away from Gangu?

The narrator feels a strange pleasure from hearing the news of Gomti running away. He had been envious of Gangu's happiness and was waiting for something bad to happen to him. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator do when he sees Gangu after Gomti runs away?

He expresses sympathy for Gangu but also criticizes him for his foolishness. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gangu say he never saw a trace of resentment on Gomti's face?

Gangu is still in love with Gomti. He believes that she treated him well and did not resent him in any way, despite his status. He is still blinded by his love for her. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator mean when he says, '…you are a good human being. I have always sung your praises before Gomti'?

The narrator is sarcastically praising Gangu's goodness. He is being ironic because he doesn't actually believe Gangu is a good human being. He is trying to emphasize Gangu's perceived flaws and contrast them with his own supposed goodness. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gangu say about Gomti's past behavior?

Gangu says that Gomti had been driven out of her previous homes and was forced to come to Lucknow, implying that her alleged misdeeds were caused by mistreatment and poverty. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the narrator come to realize that Gangu is indeed a good person? Briefly summarize.

The narrator is touched when Gangu reacts with pure joy after the birth of his child. He is surprised by the love and affection that Gangu expresses and realizes that Gangu’s devotion to his family and love for his child is proof of his good heart. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator mean when he says 'The arrow had hit the target? Explain.

The narrator had intended to criticize Gangu for his unusual situation, but Gangu’s reaction to the accusations makes the narrator understand the folly of his judgments. The arrow hitting the target symbolizes the truth being revealed. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator mean by saying, '…. This is the first time I hear that a baby can be born after six months of marriage?'

The narrator is being sarcastic because he knows the basic biological facts of gestation and thinks this is ridiculous. He is trying to make fun of Gangu's situation. Signup and view all the answers

How does Gangu react to the narrator's sarcastic comments about the baby's birth?

Gangu is not bothered by the narrator's sarcasm. He is simply happy and focused on the love he shares with Gomti. Signup and view all the answers

What is the final resolution of the story, what is the story implying?

The story ends with the narrator finally appreciating Gangu's goodness and acknowledging the reality and beauty of Gangu’s love. The story highlights personal prejudices and misunderstanding and suggests that true character often goes unrecognized. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Child - Study Notes

Character: Gangu is a Brahmin, behaving according to societal expectations. He is short-tempered and avoids interactions with lower-caste individuals. He is illiterate but expects reverence and service.
Character: The narrator is reserved and prefers to manage tasks independently. He dislikes requests for advances or complaints from servants.
Plot: Gangu, a Brahmin, expects servants to show respect but still performs favours for the narrator. The narrator observes Gangu's behaviour and interactions with the servants.
Plot: The narrator is displeased by Gangu's requests for advances and complaints about others. He disapproves of Gangu's interactions with Gomti Devi.
Plot: Gangu marries Gomti Devi, who was expelled from a widows' ashram. The narrator expresses surprise at this marriage and questions its propriety.
Plot: Gangu finds Gomti, who has been expelled from a widows' ashram, and brings her back to their village. He has a child with her despite societal disapproval.
Theme: Social expectations and customs are challenged by characters who defy ordinary behaviour. The story critiques rigid social hierarchies.
Theme: The narrative explores the complexities of individual choice and societal pressure in a specific cultural context.
Theme: The story subtly critiques societal norms and highlights the conflicts of individuals in the face of traditional expectations.
Setting: The narrative takes place in a specific environment and society where social customs and expectations significantly shape the characters' lives.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the key characters and plot developments in 'The Child'. This quiz focuses on Gangu's interactions, societal roles, and the narrative perspective of the narrator. Test your understanding of the character dynamics and thematic elements presented in the story.