Notes Chapter 2.2 “The Boy who Broke The Bank” Class 10 English Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – English Class 10

Author: Ruskin Bond

Key Characters:

1. Nathu: A sweeper at the Pipalnagar Bank, frustrated over not receiving his salary.
2. Sitaram: A washerman’s son who unknowingly spreads Nathu’s complaint further.
3. Mrs. Srivastava: A customer who exaggerates the complaint about the bank.
4. Mrs. Bhushan: A friend of Mrs. Srivastava who spreads the rumor further.
5. Kamal Kishore: A photographer who shares the rumor with others.
6. Deep Chand: A barber who unknowingly adds credibility to the rumor.
7. Ganpat: A beggar with unexpected savings who runs to the bank, causing further panic.
8. Seth Govind Ram: The absent owner of the bank, holidaying in Kashmir.

Summary of the Story:

1. Nathu’s Complaint:
   • The story begins with Nathu, the sweeper at Pipalnagar Bank, grumbling about not being paid his salary on time.
   • Sitaram, the washerman’s son, overhears his complaint and mentions it to Mrs. Srivastava.
2. The Rumor Spreads:
   • Mrs. Srivastava exaggerates Nathu’s complaint, telling Mrs. Bhushan that the bank cannot pay its employees.
   • Mrs. Bhushan adds her own assumptions, saying the bank is about to go bankrupt.
3. The Marketplace Panic:
   • The rumor spreads like wildfire through the marketplace, reaching Kamal Kishore, Deep Chand, and others.
   • Customers panic and rush to withdraw their money from the bank.
4. Ganpat’s Reaction:
   • Ganpat, a beggar with a crooked leg, surprises everyone by running to the bank to save his 1,000 rupees.
   • His reaction adds credibility to the rumor and intensifies the chaos.
5. The Manager’s Dilemma:
   • The bank manager tries to calm the angry crowd, explaining there is money but no immediate cash at hand.
   • People refuse to listen, demanding their money immediately.
6. The Chaos at the Bank:
   • The situation escalates as someone throws a brick through the bank’s plate glass window.
   • The bank is left in disarray, with broken windows and scattered garbage.
7. Nathu’s Surprise:
   • Nathu arrives the next morning to sweep the bank’s steps, unaware of his role in the chaos.
   • He is shocked to find the mess and wonders how the bank could collapse.

Themes:

1. The Power of Rumors:
   • A small complaint by Nathu spirals into a widespread panic, showing how misinformation can escalate quickly.
2. Human Behavior in Crisis:
   • The story highlights how fear and panic lead people to act irrationally, ignoring facts.
3. The Impact of Communication:
   • Careless or exaggerated communication can have far-reaching consequences, as shown by the chain of events.
4. Class and Society:
   • The story portrays a mix of characters from different social classes, showing how they react to the same situation differently.

Important Incidents:

1. Nathu’s Complaint:
   • Nathu’s frustration over his unpaid salary sparks the chain of events.
2. Spread of the Rumor:
   • Mrs. Srivastava and Mrs. Bhushan play key roles in amplifying the rumor.
3. Ganpat’s Reaction:
   • The beggar’s sudden urgency adds legitimacy to the rumor and spreads panic.
4. Crowd’s Reaction:
   • The crowd’s demand for immediate cash and their violent actions reflect mob mentality.
5. The Bank Manager’s Response:
   • Despite his efforts to calm the situation, the manager fails to control the crowd.

Key Vocabulary:

1. Grumbled: Complained in a low voice.
2. Exaggerate: To describe something as greater than it is.
3. Bankrupt: Unable to pay debts.
4. Harassed: Annoyed or troubled persistently.
5. Imminent: Likely to happen soon.
6. Frenzy: A state of wild excitement or panic.
7. Placate: To calm or pacify someone.
8. Hooligans: Trouble-making or violent people.

Moral of the Story:

• The story teaches the dangers of spreading rumors and the importance of verifying facts before believing or sharing information. It also highlights the irrational behavior of people in crises.

Key Quotes:

1. “Who would think a bank would hold up a poor man’s salary?”
   • Reflects Nathu’s frustration and the story’s trigger.
2. “The bird has flown!”
   • Suggests Seth Govind Ram’s absence and adds to the panic.
3. “Rumors are like forest fires; they spread rapidly and uncontrollably.”
   • Captures the essence of the story’s theme.