Short Questions with Answers
1. Who is the sage referred to in the story?
Answer : Mahatma Gandhi.
2. What is Kasturba Gandhi doing at the start of the scene?
Answer : She is applying a mud pack to Gandhi’s stomach.
3. Where does the story take place?
Answer : At the Sabarmati Ashram.
4. What does Gandhi say about foreign clothes?
Answer : They distance people from the masses.
5. Who is Mahadev Desai?
Answer : Gandhi’s secretary.
6. Why does Gandhi ask Azad to change his clothes?
Answer : To wear something more appropriate for the Indian climate.
7. What does Gandhi give to Azad to read?
Answer : Tolstoy’s Confession.
8. What are the three vows Azad must take?
Answer : No desire for women, no drinking, and cleaning latrines once a week.
9. What does Gandhi think of passion?
Answer : All passion ends in tragedy.
10. Why is Azad’s girlfriend in jail?
Answer : She was accused of helping in the Irish freedom movement.
11. Who inspired Gandhi’s principle of non-violence?
Answer : Tolstoy.
12. What does Gandhi say about Uka?
Answer : Uka learned weaving, cooks, and cleans latrines in the Ashram.
13. What punishment does Gandhi give to Acharya Gorkha?
Answer : To fast for a day and night for being rude.
14. What language does Azad write in?
Answer : English.
15. What does Gandhi advise Azad about language?
Answer : Write simply and truthfully.
16. Who does Azad compare himself to when wearing pyjamas?
Answer : T.S. Eliot’s Prufrock.
17. What does Gandhi say about Azad’s manuscript?
Answer : It uses unnecessarily complex words.
18. What is Gandhi’s daily routine?
Answer : Prayer, work, and meals on a strict schedule.
19. What is Gandhi’s reaction to Azad’s excuse for big words?
Answer : He advises simplicity and sincerity in writing.
20. Who is the only Punjabi novelist Gandhi mentions?
Answer : Nanak Singh.
21. What does Gandhi call untouchables?
Answer : Harijans, meaning “Children of God.”
22. Why does Gandhi tell Azad to avoid drinking liquor?
Answer : To focus on truth and clarity instead of intoxication.
23. What does Azad wish to learn from Uka?
Answer : The dignity of labor and skills like cooking and cleaning.
24. What does Gandhi think about Englishmen wearing suits in India?
Answer : He finds it impractical and unsuited for the hot climate.
25. What inspires Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence?
Answer : Tolstoy’s teachings and works on peace and spirituality.
Medium Questions with Answers
1. What is Gandhi’s view on foreign clothes?
Answer : Gandhi believes foreign clothes create a barrier between people and their roots. He realized this after returning from South Africa. He emphasizes that Indian clothing is better suited for the hot climate. His view promotes simplicity and connection with the masses.
2. Why does Gandhi emphasize the importance of routine?
Answer : Gandhi’s routine ensures discipline, simplicity, and productive use of time. It includes prayer, work, and communal activities, reflecting his philosophy of collective living. He believes routine is essential for personal growth. Discipline in daily life mirrors his ideals of self-reliance and order.
3. What are Gandhi’s thoughts on passion and love?
Answer : Gandhi views passion as a path to tragedy, advocating for control over desires. He advises Azad to separate admiration for courage from physical attraction. Gandhi’s emphasis is on spiritual love and restraint. This reflects his philosophy of self-discipline.
4. How does Gandhi react to Azad’s manuscript?
Answer : Gandhi critiques Azad’s use of big words, suggesting it distances readers. He advises writing truthfully and using simple language that reflects the lives of the poor. Gandhi believes authenticity is more impactful than complexity. This aligns with his broader belief in sincerity.
5. Why does Gandhi make Azad take three vows?
Answer : The vows symbolize Gandhi’s ideals of discipline and equality. No desire for women, no drinking, and cleaning latrines promote self-control and humility. They align with the Ashram’s principles of simple living. Gandhi uses them to test Azad’s commitment.
6. What does Gandhi say about Uka?
Answer : Uka, an untouchable, symbolizes dignity in labor and equality. He learned weaving and cooking and inspires others by cleaning latrines. Gandhi uses Uka’s example to teach Azad humility. Uka reflects Gandhi’s vision of an inclusive society.
7. Why is Acharya Gorkha punished by Gandhi?
Answer : Gorkha rudely turned visitors away, violating Ashram hospitality. Gandhi emphasizes politeness and respect, even for strangers. He punishes Gorkha by making him fast for a day and night. This reflects Gandhi’s method of moral correction.
8. What is Gandhi’s advice on writing?
Answer : Gandhi advises Azad to write simply and truthfully. He suggests reflecting the voices of the poor without using big words or artificial language. Gandhi believes sincerity in writing connects better with readers. His guidance aligns with his philosophy of honesty.
9. How does Azad compare to Uka?
Answer : While Uka exemplifies humility and service, Azad represents ambition and creativity. Gandhi encourages Azad to learn from Uka’s simplicity. This highlights Gandhi’s belief in the dignity of labor. Both characters reflect different paths to self-improvement.
10. Why does Gandhi reject Azad’s use of big words?
Answer : Gandhi feels big words create unnecessary complexity and fail to represent reality. He advises Azad to use the language of ordinary people. Gandhi’s focus is on truthful expression rather than literary techniques. This advice reflects his broader values of simplicity.
Long Questions with Answers
1. Describe the scene at the beginning of the play.
Answer : The story begins on the verandah of Gandhi’s cottage at Sabarmati Ashram. Gandhi is reclining while Kasturba applies a mud pack to his stomach. Nearby, assistants type, write, and proofread. The scene portrays a mix of simplicity and disciplined routine. Gandhi’s surroundings reflect his philosophy of collective living. It sets the stage for the visitor’s arrival and their engaging conversation.
2. What are the three vows, and why are they significant?
Answer : The three vows are: no desire for women, no drinking, and cleaning latrines weekly. They symbolize self-discipline, equality, and humility, central to Gandhi’s philosophy. By enforcing them, Gandhi ensures the Ashram’s principles are upheld. They test Azad’s commitment to simplicity and service. The vows embody Gandhi’s vision of a self-reliant, moral society.
3. How does Gandhi use humor during his interaction with Azad?
Answer : Gandhi humorously critiques Azad’s corduroy suit and compares him to a monkey. He lightly mocks Azad’s manuscript, calling it filled with “big big words.” Even when discussing serious topics, Gandhi maintains a light tone. His humor makes his lessons more relatable and engaging. It reflects his ability to mix wit with wisdom.
4. How does Gandhi emphasize the dignity of labor?
Answer : Gandhi highlights Uka’s contributions to the Ashram, from weaving to cleaning latrines. He insists that Azad must clean latrines to understand humility. Gandhi believes all work, regardless of status, has dignity. This teaching aims to break caste and class barriers. It underscores his philosophy of equality and self-reliance.
5. What is Gandhi’s philosophy on routine and discipline?
Answer : Gandhi’s daily routine is strict, involving prayer, work, and rest. He believes routine instills discipline and ensures productivity. Every Ashram activity reflects his values of simplicity and collective living. Discipline in routine aligns with his broader principles of self-control. Gandhi’s schedule is an example of integrating spiritual and practical life.
6. What is Gandhi’s critique of Azad’s writing style?
Answer : Gandhi finds Azad’s writing overly complex and artificial. He advises using simple, sincere language that mirrors the lives of the poor. Gandhi emphasizes authenticity over literary flourishes. He suggests translating the speech of Harijans literally. His critique reflects his belief in truthfulness and relevance in writing.
7. How does Gandhi view Azad’s girlfriend’s actions?
Answer : Gandhi admires her courage in the Irish freedom struggle but discourages physical desire. He separates her bravery from personal attachment. Gandhi uses her example to inspire Azad to work for India’s freedom. His advice focuses on controlling emotions for a greater cause. It aligns with his ideals of spiritual love and service.
8. What lessons does Gandhi impart to Azad?
Answer : Gandhi teaches Azad humility through the three vows and Uka’s example. He critiques Azad’s writing, urging simplicity and sincerity. Gandhi emphasizes discipline, self-control, and the dignity of labor. Through humor and wisdom, he inspires Azad to align his actions with moral values. These lessons reflect Gandhi’s philosophy of truth and equality.
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