Table of Contents

(Back Exercise Questions)

Book: The Joy of Reading (Orient Longman)


Short answer questions:

Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each.


Q1. Why does Gangu claim respect from others?

Ans. Gangu claims respect from others because he is a Brahmin, and he believes he is entitled to reverence and status due to his ancestry, just as others hold on to inherited wealth and status.


Q2. Why was Gomti turned out of the Widow’s Home?

Ans. Gomti was turned out of the Widows' Home because she has been married thrice but she left her husbands and returned. 


Q3. How did Gangu earn his living after he got married?

Ans. Gangu earned his living as a hawker after he got married. 


Q4. Name the mythological figures referred to in the description of Gangu’s joy at bringing the child before the narrator.

Ans. The mythological figures referred to in the description of Gangu’s joy at bringing the child before the narrator are “Nanda” and “Krishna”.


Q5. How long was Gangu married when the child was born?

Ans. Gangu had been married for six months when the child was born, which led the narrator to question the paternity of the child.


Long answer questions:

Answer the following questions in your own words in about 150 words each.


Q1. Describe Gangu’s personality prior to his marriage.

Ans. Before his marriage, Gangu was a man of pride and strict traditional values. He was very conscious of his status as a Brahmin, which made him believe he deserved respect and social superiority. All other servants of the narrator bowed to him. But Gangu never greeted him like this. He never touched any of the used utensils. He never prayed nor did he go for a bath in the river; and he was completely illiterate. Yet he expected all the respect due to a Brahmin. Gangu was a very loyal and dedicated worker who was highly efficient at his job. He was not one to indulge in gossip and often seemed aloof, which led the narrator to believe he was a simple, uncomplicated man. Gangu never went for fairs or shows. He was not even fond of bhang, which is a common addiction amongst people of his class. However, the narrator later discovers that beneath his placid exterior, Gangu harbored a complex inner world and a romantic and compassionate heart. Overall, Gangu was rigid, proud, and conservative, deeply rooted in the traditions of his caste and unwilling to consider other perspectives before his marriage.


Q2. How does Gangu try to convince the narrator about his marriage to Gomti?

Ans. Gangu tries to convince the narrator by defending Gomti's character and presenting his marriage as an act of love and moral courage. When the narrator expresses surprise and concern over his choice to marry a woman with a questionable past, Gangu explains that he does not believe the rumors surrounding her. He says that he trusts Gomti and is confident that she is a good woman, even if others think otherwise. Gangu also emphasizes that even a fallen woman deserves a chance at a respectable life, and by marrying her, he believes he is doing something right, both morally and spiritually. He shows a change in his attitude from being a strict, judgmental Brahmin to someone who believes in compassion, forgiveness, and personal experience over public opinion. His arguments reflect his emotional maturity and his willingness to challenge social norms for the sake of love and humanity.    


Q3. How does this story treat the question of morality?

Ans. The story challenges traditional notions of morality by showing that true morality lies in compassion, understanding, and personal integrity, rather than rigid social rules. The narrator, initially, judges Gangu and Gomti based on conventional social norms. He questions the morality of a man marrying a woman with a questionable past and the morality of Gomti's actions. However, as the story unfolds, the narrator's perspective changes. He realizes that Gangu's actions, which seem immoral on the surface, are actually motivated by love, compassion, and a deep sense of justice. It can also be seen in the beginning that characters like Gangu judge others based on caste, social status, and public reputation. But later on, these judgments are questioned.

Gangu's decision to marry Gomti, a woman rejected by society, forces both the narrator and the reader to think more deeply about what is right or wrong. The story shows that society often punishes individuals based on assumptions or gossip, without seeking the truth. Through Gangu’s transformation and his trust in Gomti, the story argues that morality should be guided by love, fairness, and personal experience, rather than social prejudice. It also highlights the hypocrisy of moral standards that allow men to recover from mistakes but permanently condemn women for theirs. In this way, the story advocates for a more human and compassionate moral view.


Q4. Attempt a character sketch of Gangu.

Ans. Gangu is a man of remarkable depth and integrity, characterized by a quiet dignity and a profound sense of self-respect. Initially, he appears to be a simple and loyal servant, with his Brahminical pride being his most prominent feature. He is hardworking, efficient, and distant from the gossip and squabbles of the other servants. However, his decision to marry Gomti, a woman with a much-questioned past, reveals a hidden layer of his personality. He is not just a servant; he is a romantic who believes in the power of true love and compassion. Gangu's actions are driven by a deep sense of justice and a desire to provide a respectable life for a woman who has been wronged by society. His character challenges the social conventions of his time, as he values human kindness and a loving heart over societal expectations and the approval of others. He is a testament to the idea that a person's worth is not determined by their social status or the opinions of others but by the goodness of their heart.