Under the Yoke - Summary
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Questions and Answers

What role did the schoolteacher primarily take on in the village aside from teaching?

  • Managing agricultural activities
  • Acting as a scribe for the villagers (correct)
  • Administering local government
  • Conducting village meetings

Why did the schoolmaster receive a variety of problems and grievances from the villagers?

  • He had a specialization in legal matters.
  • Villagers believed he was educated and wise. (correct)
  • He was traditionally respected as a leader.
  • He was the only one literate in the village.

What season is described as needing the fields to be cleared before sowing could begin?

  • Spring
  • Monsoon (correct)
  • Winter
  • Summer

What was the condition of the soil that farmers faced before they could begin sowing?

<p>It was soft and waterlogged. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main reasons the schoolteacher felt he could not withdraw from village life?

<p>There was a small number of farmers who needed him. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition had to be met before the farmers could begin sowing?

<p>The soil had to be flaky on top while moist underneath. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who visited the narrator during the sowing season?

<p>Shekhu (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Shekhu ask the narrator to help him with?

<p>Getting a bullock to sow his fields (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Ayubu's response to Shekhu's request?

<p>He expressed disbelief at the request. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Shekhu's appearance suggest about his lifestyle?

<p>He led a simple, labor-intensive life in farming. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which crops were mentioned as part of the sowing process?

<p>Bajra and gram (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Shekhu imply would happen if he could not find a bullock?

<p>He might not get to sow his fields. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Shekhu seek help from the narrator specifically?

<p>He believes the narrator has connections. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Shekhu's initial reaction after failing to find a bullock?

<p>He feels exhausted and despaired. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Shekhu's wife suggest to him regarding the bullock situation?

<p>She insists that they will find one eventually. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Shekhu perceive the schoolmaster's role?

<p>As someone who has no physical capabilities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Shekhu’s wife’s physical stature suggest about her character?

<p>She is strong and capable. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Shekhu mean when he says he might 'starve to death'?

<p>He is expressing a serious concern about their lack of food. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Shekhu's wife react to his despair?

<p>She challenges his attitude and remains positive. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'his eyes had the look of a lamp, which has nearly run out of oil' imply about Shekhu?

<p>He feels exhausted and dimmed by despair. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

A schoolmaster's role

A schoolmaster in a small village had multi-faceted responsibilities beyond teaching, including acting as a scribe, writing letters, and handling villagers' problems.

Unpredictable school schedule

The school in the village did not have a fixed timetable; students attended whenever they wanted, causing inconsistent workload for the schoolmaster.

Villagers' dependence on schoolmaster

Because of the schoolmaster's reputation for literacy and wisdom, villagers frequently sought guidance and resolution for various disputes and problems.

Pre-sowing field preparation

Farmers needed to clear overgrown fields before sowing, and wait for the correct amount of rainfall to make the soil suitable for planting.

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Soil conditions for sowing

The soil needed to be both soft and dry enough for farmers to work on it. Excessive water is a problem as well as dry ground.

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Ideal soil for sowing

The soil needs to be soft and flaky on top, with moisture underneath. This allows for easy sowing and seed germination.

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Sowing season

Farmers wait for the right weather conditions, typically after a dry spell, to sow their crops, such as bajra and gram.

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Importance of a bullock during sowing

Bullocks are essential for plowing the fields and preparing the land for sowing. They help farmers to sow their crops efficiently.

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Shekhu's problem

Shekhu, a farmer, needed a bullock to plow his land for sowing but didn't own one. He asked the schoolmaster for help, highlighting the reliance villagers have on the schoolmaster.

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Why is it hard to find a bullock during sowing?

During sowing season, those who own bullocks need them for their own fields, so they're unlikely to lend them out, making it difficult for farmers like Shekhu to find one.

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Schoolmaster's dilemma

Shekhu asks the schoolmaster to find him a bullock, but the schoolmaster is not a farmer and doesn't own a bullock himself.

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Ayubu's reaction to Shekhu's request

Ayubu, likely the schoolmaster's assistant, calls Shekhu's request absurd and mocks him for asking the schoolmaster to provide a bullock. He highlights that the schoolmaster has other responsibilities.

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Schoolmaster's role in village life

The villagers rely on the schoolmaster not just for education but also for help and guidance in daily life. This highlights the importance of the schoolmaster in this community.

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Schoolmaster's tasks

The schoolmaster in the village had responsibilities beyond teaching, including acting as a scribe, writing letters, and even assisting villagers with their problems.

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Shekhu's predicament

Shekhu, the schoolmaster, was struggling to find a bullock for plowing his field, which was crucial for planting crops.

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Wife's determination

Shekhu's wife, despite the difficult situation, was determined to find a solution to their problem and ensured her husband started working the field.

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Shekhu's anxiety

Shekhu was deeply worried about their lack of a bullock, believing it would mean they would starve or have to become migrant workers to survive.

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Sowing deadline

The story emphasizes the importance of the sowing season, as missing the window to plant crops would mean a year of hardship and potential famine.

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Wife's secret

Shekhu's wife's plan to resolve their bullock problem remained a secret. Shekhu was unaware of how she planned to find one.

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Shekhu's surprise

Shekhu was surprised to see his wife arriving at the field alone. This indicated that she had failed to find a bullock, which would mean their hardship was about to become a reality.

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Study Notes

Under the Yoke - Summary

  • The story is an excerpt from a novel, set in a rural village in Maharashtra.
  • The main character, the schoolmaster, has limited administrative duties due to the lack of a fixed school calendar, relying instead on student attendance.
  • The schoolmaster's role extends beyond teaching to include administrative tasks such as letter writing and handling village grievances.
  • His responsibilities expand to address villager's problems across a range of personal issues, including lost livestock and marital disputes.
  • Villagers turn to the schoolmaster for guidance due to the general belief in his wisdom and understanding of law.
  • The schoolmaster is often asked to help find a bullock for villagers to plough their fields.
  • Villagers are initially reluctant to lend their bullocks, preferring to tend to their own sowing schedules.
  • The story highlights the diverse responsibilities of village schoolteachers in a traditional rural community.
  • The schoolteacher and his wife work diligently to sow their two acre plot.
  • The villagers are astonished at his and his wife's dedication and effort.

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Description

This summary of 'Under the Yoke' explores the life of a schoolmaster in a rural village in Maharashtra. The schoolmaster's role encompasses teaching, administration, and serving as a mediator for village disputes. It showcases the multifaceted responsibilities of educators within traditional communities.

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