Understanding a Street Musician's Life

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What are the names of the two temples the author visited in Kathmandu?

Pashupatinath and Boudhanath

What does 'all this' refer to when the writer says, 'All this I wash down with Coca Cola'?

The writer refers to the street food he had in Kathmandu.

What does Vikram Seth compare to the quills of a porcupine?

Flutes

Name five kinds of flutes mentioned in the text.

Bansuri, Been, Shehnai, Murali, Venu Signup and view all the answers

What effect does flute music have on the narrator?

It makes it difficult for the narrator to tear themselves away from the square. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the narrator's observation of the flute player's sales approach.

The flute player makes sales in an offhanded way, as if it were incidental to his playing. Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrator connect different cultures through the sound of flutes?

The narrator believes that hearing any type of flute draws them into the commonality of all mankind. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about the bansuri in relation to the narrator's emotional response?

The narrator is surprised by the emotional impact of familiar bansuri phrases, which they had not noticed before. Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrator describe the association between flute music and the human voice?

The narrator sees flute music as closest to the human voice in its phrases and sentences. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of breath in flute music as described by the narrator.

The motive force of flute music is living breath, requiring pauses to breathe before continuing. Signup and view all the answers

What type of place is described as a safe haven in the text?

The Baudhnath Stupa Signup and view all the answers

What items does the narrator buy mindlessly at the safe haven?

A bar of marzipan, a corn-on-the-cob, love story comics, Reader’s Digest Signup and view all the answers

What drink does the narrator wash down the purchased items with?

Coca Cola and an orange drink Signup and view all the answers

What route does the narrator consider for travel, but decides against due to exhaustion and homesickness?

Bus and train to Patna, sail up the Ganges past Benaras to Allahabad, then up the Yamuna past Agra to Delhi Signup and view all the answers

What type of flutes are being sold by the flute seller in the square near the hotel?

Bamboo flutes: crossflutes and recorders Signup and view all the answers

How does the flute seller play the flute in the text?

Slowly, meditatively, without excessive display Signup and view all the answers

Understanding a Street Musician's Life

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