1. Who is Gangu, and how does he behave towards the narrator?
· Answer: Gangu is a servant or employee who is referred to as a Brahmin. He behaves with a sense of dignity and does not exhibit the usual deference shown by servants.
2. How does the narrator feel about Gangu's behavior compared to other servants?
· Answer: The narrator appreciates Gangu's self-respect and dignified behavior, noting that he does not expect the same level of reverence as other servants do.
3. Why does the narrator prefer to perform tasks by themselves rather than ask for assistance from their servants?
· Answer: The narrator values their independence and self-confidence and finds it more convenient to do tasks like pouring water, lighting lamps, etc., on their own.
4. How does Gangu approach the narrator with a request to be relieved from his duties?
· Answer: Gangu approaches the narrator in a polite and hesitant manner, expressing his desire to be relieved from his duties.
5. What surprising revelation does Gangu make to the narrator regarding his personal life?
· Answer: Gangu reveals that he wishes to marry a woman named Gomti Devi, who had been expelled from the Widows’ Ashram.
6. How does the narrator react to Gangu's request to be relieved from his duties?
· Answer: The narrator accepts Gangu's resignation, understanding that it might be best to part ways due to Gangu's personal circumstances.
7. What happens after Gangu marries Gomti Devi?
· Answer: Gangu starts a small business selling chaat to make a living for himself and his wife.
8. What happens when Gangu reunites with Gomti Devi after she runs away?
· Answer: Gangu joyfully reunites with Gomti Devi, who has given birth to a baby. He is overjoyed and expresses deep love and gratitude.
9. How does the narrator react to Gangu's situation with Gomti Devi and the baby?
· Answer: The narrator is deeply moved and expresses genuine affection and empathy towards Gangu and the newborn baby.
10. How does Gangu's story challenge the narrator's perception of himself as a "good human being"?
· Answer: Gangu's story reveals the narrator's own internal conflict and self-doubt, making them question their own goodness and showing them the true meaning of compassion and empathy.
11. How does Gangu express his unwavering love and acceptance for the child?
· Answer: Gangu embraces the child and speaks to him with great affection, showing his genuine love and acceptance.
12. Why does the narrator feel a sense of self-doubt and humility after hearing Gangu's story?
· Answer: The narrator realizes that their initial judgments were flawed, and they are moved by Gangu's unwavering love and acceptance for the child.
13. How does Gangu's attitude towards Gomti Devi and the baby challenge societal norms?
· Answer: Gangu's willingness to accept Gomti Devi and care for the child challenges societal norms related to marriage, family, and societal expectations.
14. What does the narrator mean by stating, "I'm good only from outside but very mean from inside"?
· Answer: The narrator acknowledges that they may project an outward appearance of goodness, but they recognize their own flaws and shortcomings on a deeper level.
15. How does Gangu's story serve as a lesson in empathy and compassion for the narrator?
· Answer: Gangu's unconditional love and acceptance for Gomti Devi and the child teach the narrator the true meaning of empathy, compassion, and human kindness.
16. How does the narrator's perception of Gangu change over the course of the story?
· Answer: The narrator's perception of Gangu evolves from initially viewing him as a servant to recognizing his deep capacity for love and acceptance.
17. What is the symbolic significance of the baby in the story?
· Answer: The baby symbolizes the purity of love and the potential for transformation and growth, even in the face of challenging circumstances.
18. How does Gangu's story challenge the narrator's preconceived notions about marriage and relationships?
· Answer: Gangu's willingness to marry Gomti Devi challenges the narrator's assumptions about what constitutes a valid and meaningful marriage.
19. How does Gangu's story highlight the importance of looking beyond appearances and societal expectations?
· Answer: Gangu's story emphasizes the need to see people for who they truly are, rather than making judgments based on external factors or societal norms.
20. What does Gangu's unwavering love and acceptance for Gomti Devi and the child teach the narrator about the true nature of humanity?
· Answer: Gangu's love teaches the narrator about the capacity for unconditional acceptance and compassion, ultimately revealing the deeper potential for goodness within humanity.
21. How does the narrator initially feel about Gomti Devi's return?
· Answer: The narrator initially feels a sense of satisfaction or even pleasure upon hearing that Gomti Devi has returned.
22. What is the narrator's reaction when Gangu shares the news of Gomti Devi's return?
· Answer: The narrator reacts with skepticism and mockery, implying that Gangu's decision to bring Gomti back was a mistake.
23. How does the narrator's perception of Gangu's situation change after hearing about Gangu's joy at reuniting with Gomti and the baby?
· Answer: The narrator experiences a shift in perspective and begins to see the depth of Gangu's love and happiness in his family situation.
24. What does the narrator mean when they say, "I had thought he would narrate the story of her infidelity"?
· Answer: The narrator had expected Gangu to share a story of Gomti's unfaithfulness, but Gangu's sincere love and dedication to his family surprise the narrator.
25. How does the narrator describe Gangu's demeanor after reuniting with Gomti and the baby?
· Answer: The narrator describes Gangu as exuding uncontrollable joy, with his face and eyes expressing gratitude and love.
26. What is the significance of the baby in the story's resolution?
· Answer: The baby symbolizes hope, new beginnings, and the transformative power of love and acceptance.
27. How does the narrator's opinion of Gangu evolve throughout the story?
· Answer: Initially skeptical and critical, the narrator's opinion of Gangu transforms as they witness his unwavering love and commitment to his family.
28. What lesson does the narrator learn from Gangu's story?
· Answer: The narrator learns the profound lesson of genuine love, acceptance, and the power of compassion in human relationships.
29. Why does the narrator express a sense of self-doubt and humility after hearing Gangu's story?
· Answer: The narrator realizes that their initial judgments were flawed and that they had underestimated Gangu's capacity for love and acceptance.
30. How does Gangu's story challenge conventional notions of marriage and family?
· Answer: Gangu's decision to marry Gomti Devi challenges societal norms and demonstrates that love and acceptance can transcend traditional expectations.
31. How does Gangu's attitude towards Gomti Devi demonstrate his unconditional love?
· Answer: Gangu's willingness to forgive and accept Gomti Devi, even after her departure, shows his unwavering love and commitment.
32. What is the narrator's initial reaction to Gangu's request to be relieved from his duties?
· Answer: The narrator accepts Gangu's request, understanding that it might be best to part ways due to Gangu's personal circumstances.
33. How does Gangu's story challenge the narrator's assumptions about love and relationships?
· Answer: Gangu's story challenges the narrator's preconceived notions about love, marriage, and the potential for transformation in human relationships.
34. What is the symbolic significance of the baby in the story's resolution?
· Answer: The baby symbolizes hope, new beginnings, and the transformative power of love and acceptance.
35. How does Gangu's story illustrate the resilience and strength of human spirit?
· Answer: Gangu's ability to find joy and contentment despite facing challenges demonstrates the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
36. How does the narrator's attitude towards Gangu change after hearing his story?
· Answer: The narrator's initial skepticism and criticism of Gangu's decisions evolve into admiration and respect for his unwavering love and commitment.
37. What lesson does the narrator learn from Gangu's experience with Gomti Devi?
· Answer: The narrator learns the profound lesson of genuine love, acceptance, and the power of compassion in human relationships.
38. How does Gangu's story challenge societal norms and expectations?
· Answer: Gangu's decision to marry Gomti Devi challenges traditional notions of marriage and family, highlighting the importance of love and acceptance.
39. What does the narrator mean by stating, "I’m good only from outside but very mean from inside"?
· Answer: The narrator acknowledges that they may project an outward appearance of goodness, but they recognize their own flaws and shortcomings on a deeper level.
40. How does Gangu's story demonstrate the potential for positive change in even the most challenging circumstances?
· Answer: Gangu's ability to find happiness and contentment despite facing difficulties shows that positive change is possible, even in the face of adversity.
41. How does Gangu's unwavering love for Gomti Devi and the baby challenge societal judgments and prejudices?
· Answer: Gangu's love challenges societal judgments by demonstrating that genuine love and acceptance can transcend societal norms and expectations.
42. What does the narrator mean by saying, "The veneer of goodness was gone today"?
· Answer: The narrator is acknowledging that their initial judgments and assumptions about themselves have been revealed as superficial and lacking depth.
43. How does Gangu's story serve as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships?
· Answer: Gangu's story shows that human relationships are multifaceted and can be filled with challenges, but also have the potential for deep love and connection.
44. What is the significance of the narrator embracing the baby with affection?
· Answer: The narrator's gesture of embracing the baby symbolizes a genuine expression of love and acceptance, demonstrating a transformation in their attitude.
45. How does Gangu's story challenge the narrator's preconceived notions about marriage and family?
· Answer: Gangu's willingness to marry Gomti Devi challenges the narrator's assumptions about what constitutes a valid and meaningful marriage.
46. What does Gangu's story teach the narrator about the power of unconditional love?
· Answer: Gangu's story teaches the narrator that unconditional love has the power to transform lives and bring about positive change.
47. How does Gangu's story emphasize the importance of empathy and understanding in human relationships?
· Answer: Gangu's story highlights that empathy and understanding are crucial in forming genuine connections and overcoming societal judgments.
48. What lesson does the narrator learn from Gangu's experience with Gomti Devi?
· Answer: The narrator learns that true love and acceptance have the power to bring joy and contentment, even in the face of challenging circumstances.
49. How does Gangu's story challenge conventional notions of marriage and family?
· Answer: Gangu's decision to marry Gomti Devi challenges societal norms and demonstrates that love and acceptance can transcend traditional expectations.
50. What does Gangu's story teach the narrator about the potential for positive change and growth in individuals?
· Answer: Gangu's story illustrates that individuals have the potential to grow and change, even in the face of difficult circumstances, through love and acceptance.