Pre-Reading Task
Discussion:
Accepting a reward for something I haven’t done would be unfair and dishonest. Even if I intended to pass it on later, taking credit for someone else’s work—even temporarily—could harm trust and integrity. I believe it’s better to speak the truth and ensure that the person who really did the task gets recognised. Doing the right thing brings peace of mind and sets a good example for others too.
Word Meaning
Word | English Meaning | Hindi Meaning |
Predicament | A difficult or unpleasant situation. | एक कठिन और अप्रिय स्थिति। |
Snooty | Behaving in a way that shows you think you are better than other people. | घमंडी, दूसरों को तुच्छ समझने वाला। |
Obligatory | Required by law or rule; something that must be done. | अनिवार्य, जो करना जरूरी हो। |
Graceless | Lacking politeness or good manners. | बिना शिष्टाचार के, अशिष्ट। |
Canons | Accepted rules or standards. | सिद्धांत, स्वीकृत नियम। |
Seditious | Inciting or causing people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch. | विद्रोही, सरकारी अधिकारियों के खिलाफ उकसाने वाला। |
Naib-Tehsildar | An administrative officer in India, especially in revenue departments. | भारतीय प्रशासनिक अधिकारी जो राजस्व विभाग में कार्य करता है। |
Intervene | To get involved in a situation in order to change or improve it. | हस्तक्षेप करना, किसी स्थिति में बदलाव लाने के लिए शामिल होना। |
Dull | Lacking interest or excitement; boring. | उबाऊ, दिलचस्पी से रहित। |
Reprimand | To rebuke or scold someone, typically in a formal way. | डांटना, सख्ती से चेतावनी देना। |
Interfere | To get involved in a situation where one is not wanted or needed. | हस्तक्षेप करना, बिना किसी आवश्यकता के शामिल होना। |
Blemish | A small mark or flaw that spoils the appearance or quality of something. | धब्बा, कोई दोष या खराबी जो किसी वस्तु की सुंदरता या गुणवत्ता को खराब कर दे। |
Reprimanded | To have been officially rebuked or punished for wrongdoing. | सजा दी गई, किसी गलत काम के लिए आधिकारिक रूप से डांटा गया। |
Maligning | To speak about someone in a way that is harmful and intended to damage their reputation. | बदनाम करना, किसी की प्रतिष्ठा को नुकसान पहुँचाना। |
Blemish | A flaw or imperfection. | दोष, खराबी। |
Reprimand | To formally scold or rebuke someone for wrongdoing. | डांटना, सख्ती से चेतावनी देना। |
Severely | In a harsh or extreme manner. | कठोरता से, अत्यधिक तरीके से। |
Throng | To crowd together or gather in large numbers. | भीड़ लगाना, एकत्र होना। |
Discriminated | Treated unfairly or unequally. | भेदभाव करना, अन्यायपूर्ण तरीके से व्यवहार करना। |
Reprimanded | To have been officially rebuked or punished for wrongdoing. | सजा दी गई, किसी गलत काम के लिए आधिकारिक रूप से डाँटा गया। |
Summary in English: The Undeserved Reward
The story is about a writer’s encounter with a district officer, who is a learned man with expertise in history and coins. Although the writer admires him secretly, he feels that the district officer’s position creates a barrier between them. One day, the district officer invites the writer to meet him, which causes the writer to hesitate. He is advised by friends to avoid meeting him, as it could be misconstrued. However, the writer decides to visit him out of respect for good manners and to avoid unnecessary pride.
The meeting with the district officer goes well, but soon after, rumors spread that the writer is a close friend of the district officer and can help others gain favors. People approach the writer with requests for help, but he refuses to get involved, maintaining his integrity. Later, a childhood friend, Baldev Singh, visits him with a request regarding his son, who is falsely accused of being involved in a dacoity. Baldev asks the writer to intervene with the district officer to help his son.
Despite initial reluctance, the writer agrees to speak to the district officer about the case. To his surprise, the district officer acts promptly, reprimanding the police officer involved and ensuring that Baldev’s son is released without any charges. Baldev expresses his gratitude to the writer for saving his family. The writer, however, feels uncomfortable accepting any rewards for simply doing what he thought was the right thing.
Summary in Hindi:
यह कहानी एक लेखक की ज़िले के अधिकारी से मुलाकात के बारे में है, जो इतिहास और पुराने सिक्कों के विशेषज्ञ हैं। लेखक उन्हें गुप्त रूप से सराहता है, लेकिन उसे लगता है कि अधिकारी की स्थिति उनके बीच एक दीवार बना देती है। एक दिन, ज़िले के अधिकारी ने लेखक को मिलने का निमंत्रण दिया, जिससे लेखक असमंजस में पड़ गया। उसके दोस्तों ने उसे मिलने से बचने की सलाह दी, क्योंकि यह गलत समझा जा सकता था। हालाँकि, लेखक अच्छे व्यवहार और गर्व से बचने के लिए उनसे मिलने का निर्णय लेता है।
अधिकारी से मुलाकात अच्छे से होती है, लेकिन जल्द ही अफवाहें फैल जाती हैं कि लेखक अधिकारी का करीबी मित्र है और वह दूसरों की मदद कर सकता है। लोग लेखक से मदद की गुहार लगाने आते हैं, लेकिन वह किसी भी मामले में शामिल होने से इंकार कर देता है और अपनी ईमानदारी बनाए रखता है। बाद में, एक बचपन के दोस्त, बलदेव सिंह, लेखक के पास आते हैं और अपने बेटे के बारे में एक प्रार्थना करते हैं, जो एक डकैती में झूठे आरोपों का शिकार हुआ है। बलदेव लेखक से निवेदन करते हैं कि वह ज़िले के अधिकारी से इस मामले में हस्तक्षेप करें।
शुरुआत में हिचकिचाने के बावजूद, लेखक अधिकारी से इस मामले के बारे में बात करने का निर्णय लेते हैं। उन्हें हैरानी होती है कि अधिकारी तुरंत कार्रवाई करते हैं, पुलिस अधिकारी को फटकारते हैं और बलदेव के बेटे को बिना किसी आरोप के रिहा करवा देते हैं। बलदेव लेखक का आभार व्यक्त करते हैं कि उन्होंने उनके परिवार को बचाया। हालाँकि, लेखक किसी भी इनाम को स्वीकार करने में असहज महसूस करते हैं, क्योंकि उन्होंने केवल वही किया जो उन्हें सही लगा।
Understanding the Story
A. Write T for true or F for false statements.
- The narrator is a lawyer by profession.
Answer – F
- The district officer had a keen interest in history.
Answer – T
- The narrator and Baldev used to be classmates about ten years back.
Answer – T
- Baldev came to see the narrator because he was keen to revive an old friendship.
Answer – F
- The narrator requested the district officer to help his friend.
Answer – F
- Baldev was thankful to the narrator for saving his son.
Answer – T
B. Answer the following questions in about 30 words each.
- Why is the narrator a secret admirer of the district officer?
Answer – The narrator admires the district officer for his learning and research in history and old coins, despite his official duties, which the narrator finds remarkable.
- What did the Indian officer do when his father-in-law insisted on prolonging his daughter’s stay at his house?
Answer – The officer became enraged and issued summons for the arrest of his father-in-law, who later came to apologize and return his daughter.
- When the narrator was invited by the district officer to see him, his friends said that it was an insult to him. Why?
Answer – The narrator’s friends believed that an invitation from the district officer was an insult because it suggested the officer considered him inferior and might use his position to manipulate.
- Wiry was the narrator happy that the district officer had not come to his house himself instead of calling him?
Answer – The narrator was relieved because he lacked the means to entertain the district officer and feared the embarrassment of hosting someone of his stature in his humble home.
- ‘I considered this as downright mean and dishonest.’ What did the narrator consider to be mean and dishonest?
Answer – The narrator considered it mean and dishonest to take advantage of the situation by claiming connections with the district officer to gain favors from others.
- How did the narrator and Baldev become friends in their childhood?
Answer – The narrator helped Baldev with his studies when their teacher gave up on him, and through the narrator’s support, Baldev improved academically, forming a bond between them.
- Why had the police involved Baldev’s son in a false case of dacoity?
Answer – Baldev’s son was falsely implicated in the dacoity case because of previous quarrels with the police, and the police were looking for an opportunity to frame him.
C. Baldev presented many arguments before the narrator to speak to the district officer. State a few arguments and identify the one which you think to be the most convincing, giving reasons to justify your choice. (About 80-100 words).
Answer – Baldev presented several arguments to convince the narrator to speak to the district officer on his behalf. He mentioned how the district officer could help his son, who was wrongfully implicated in the dacoity case, and how he had always been grateful to the narrator for his help in the past. Baldev also argued that as the narrator had a good relationship with the officer, he would be able to intervene on his son’s behalf.
The most convincing argument was Baldev’s mention of the wrongful imprisonment of his son. This appealed to the narrator’s sense of justice and his responsibility to right an injustice, making it a strong reason to help.
HOTS
‘I feel sorry at the mentality of my countrymen,’ says the narrator. Why does the narrator feel sorry for it? Explain.
Answer – The narrator feels sorry for the mentality of his countrymen because they are often quick to give credit where it’s not due. The narrator did not deserve the honour or recognition he was given for saving Baldev’s son, yet people blindly accepted his version of events. This reflects the tendency of the people to overlook the truth or fail to question the motives and actions of others. The narrator is disheartened by how people fail to value integrity and truth, instead focusing on superficial appearances.
Life Skills
- ‘Every deserving action should be rewarded: likewise every reward should be well deserved.’ Does this statement always hold true in real life? Substantiate your answer with examples.
Answer – The statement “Every deserving action should be rewarded; likewise, every reward should be well-deserved” is not always true in real life. In some cases, deserving actions are not rewarded due to biases, corruption, or lack of recognition. For example, a diligent employee might be overlooked for a promotion in favour of someone with more connections or who excels in office politics, rather than merit. On the other hand, rewards may sometimes be given undeservedly, like in cases of favouritism or nepotism, where personal relationships are prioritized over actual performance.
- ‘One should listen to all but take one’s own decision guided by both intellect and conscience.’ Discuss.
Answer – The statement “One should listen to all but take one’s own decision guided by both intellect and conscience” emphasizes the importance of independent judgment. While it’s crucial to gather advice and perspectives from others, the final decision should come from one’s own rational thinking and inner moral compass. Relying solely on others’ opinions may lead to poor choices based on their biases or interests, not on what is best for oneself or for a situation. For example, a person might consult friends on a career choice but should ultimately decide based on their values, skills, and goals.
Values
- ‘I could not gather the courage to tell them that I had done nothing.’
Should the narrator have accepted the credit for saving Baldev’s son from imprisonment or should he have admitted openly that he had done nothing in the matter? Discuss in the class.
Answer – The narrator should have admitted openly that he had done nothing in the matter instead of accepting credit that wasn’t his. This would have been the honest thing to do, as acknowledging the truth would align with the narrator’s integrity. By doing so, the narrator would have shown respect for his own values and avoided taking credit for something he did not deserve. Accepting false credit would have further blurred the line between truth and lies, weakening his credibility.
- (i) ‘Where the teacher’s cane failed, my sympathetic approach yielded results.’ It was not uncommon to see children being subjected to corporal punishment earlier. Do you think it was relevant in those times?
Answer – Earlier, corporal punishment was seen as a method of disciplining children, but its relevance is questionable today. It often caused physical harm and emotional trauma, rather than instilling genuine discipline or respect. In the past, it might have been common due to a lack of understanding about child psychology and alternative methods of correction. Today, more compassionate approaches are considered more effective, like positive reinforcement, counselling, or constructive discipline.
- ii) Do you think capital punishment is justified?
Answer – Capital punishment is a controversial issue. Some believe it is justified as a means of deterring crime and providing justice for the most heinous acts. However, others argue that it is inhumane and irreversible, especially when there is a possibility of wrongful conviction. Modern societies often prefer life imprisonment over the death penalty, emphasizing rehabilitation over retribution. The moral and ethical concerns about the death penalty remain significant, and it is often seen as an outdated practice in democratic societies.
Writing Skills
- Baldev is extremely rejoiced at the help rendered by his old friend. On behalf of Baldev prepare a thanksgiving card for the narrator thanking
Answer – Thank You Card from Baldev
Dear Avinash,
I cannot find enough words to thank you for your incredible support and kindness. When my son was wrongfully accused, I was lost, but you stepped in and saved him from an unjust fate. Your help was invaluable, and I will forever be grateful for your timely intervention. Your friendship has always meant a lot to me, and now more than ever, I will cherish our bond. Thank you again for being there when it mattered most.
Warm regards,
Baldev
- You are the narrator. You are overcome with a feeling of guilt after Baldev and his son leave your house. Write a letter to Baldev expressing your guilt over accepting the honour that you did not deserve.
Answer – Dear Baldev,
I hope this letter finds you and your family well. I have been deeply overwhelmed with guilt ever since you left my house. I feel unworthy of the praise and honour I received for saving your son when, in reality, I did very little. The credit belongs entirely to you for your courage and your relentless fight for justice. I cannot bring myself to accept the recognition that was bestowed upon me. It was wrong to take credit for something I did not deserve. Please understand my feelings, and know that I only acted out of my respect for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Avinash
Additional Questions and Answer
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers
- What is the district officer’s area of research?
- a) Literature and poetry
- b) History and old coins
- c) Science and technology
- d) Geography and maps
Answer: b) History and old coins
- Why does the narrator admire the district officer?
- a) For his wealth
- b) For his research work
- c) For his official duties
- d) For his social status
Answer: b) For his research work
- What barrier prevents the narrator from meeting the district officer initially?
- a) His official position
- b) Lack of time
- c) Distance between them
- d) Language difference
Answer: a) His official position
- What does the narrator think about inviting government officials to public functions?
- a) He supports it
- b) He is against it
- c) He is neutral
- d) He is unsure
Answer: b) He is against it
- What reason did the narrator’s friends give for not meeting the district officer?
- a) It was an official matter
- b) It was a private interview and not obligatory
- c) The officer was rude
- d) The narrator was busy
Answer: b) It was a private interview and not obligatory
- What did one of the narrator’s friends call district officers?
- a) Friendly
- b) Snooty
- c) Helpful
- d) Humble
Answer: b) Snooty
- Why did the narrator decide to visit the district officer despite his friends’ advice?
- a) To gain favors
- b) To follow good manners
- c) To discuss official matters
- d) To impress his friends
Answer: b) To follow good manners
- What misconception did people have after the narrator met the district officer?
- a) He was a government official
- b) He was a great friend of the district officer
- c) He was against the government
- d) He was a wealthy man
Answer: b) He was a great friend of the district officer
- How many years had passed since the narrator last studied with Baldev?
- a) Thirty years
- b) Forty years
- c) Forty-five years
- d) Fifty years
Answer: c) Forty-five years
- What was Baldev’s opinion of the narrator’s role in his education?
- a) He had no impact
- b) He was a strict teacher
- c) He helped him improve
- d) He failed to teach him
Answer: c) He helped him improve
- What problem did Baldev’s son face?
- a) He lost his job
- b) He was arrested for dacoity
- c) He was ill
- d) He failed his exams
Answer: b) He was arrested for dacoity
- Who did Baldev say was friends with the Daroga Sahib?
- a) The district officer
- b) The deputy collector, Mr. Mohammad Khalil
- c) The narrator
- d) Baldev’s son
Answer: b) The deputy collector, Mr. Mohammad Khalil
- What did Baldev ask the narrator to do for his son?
- a) Visit the jail
- b) Speak to the district officer
- c) Pay a fine
- d) Hire a lawyer
Answer: b) Speak to the district officer
- What was the narrator’s initial intention regarding Baldev’s request?
- a) To fulfill it immediately
- b) To ignore it
- c) To discuss it with friends
- d) To visit the court
Answer: b) To ignore it
- What happened to Baldev’s son after the district officer’s intervention?
- a) He was sentenced
- b) He was released without a blemish
- c) He was fined
- d) He was transferred to another jail
Answer: b) He was released without a blemish
- What did the district officer do to the Daroga Sahib?
- a) Promoted him
- b) Reprimanded him
- c) Ignored him
- d) Transferred him
Answer: b) Reprimanded him
- What did Baldev and his son bring for the narrator?
- a) A letter of thanks
- b) A huge bundle of presents
- c) A new chair
- d) A tin of ghee
Answer: b) A huge bundle of presents
- How did the narrator feel about accepting the presents?
- a) He was delighted
- b) He felt guilty
- c) He was indifferent
- d) He was angry
Answer: b) He felt guilty
- What did the narrator lack in his house to entertain the district officer?
- a) A decent chair
- b) A table
- c) A carpet
- d) A lamp
Answer: a) A decent chair
- What did Baldev offer to send the narrator to improve his health?
- a) Medicine
- b) A couple of tins of ghee
- c) Fresh fruits
- d) A new diet plan
Answer: b) A couple of tins of ghee
Short Questions and Answers
- Question: What is the district officer’s area of research?
Answer: History and old coins.
- Question: Why does the narrator admire the district officer?
Answer: For his research work.
- Question: What prevents the narrator from meeting the district officer initially?
Answer: His official position.
- Question: What does the narrator think about inviting government officials to public functions?
Answer: He is against it.
- Question: Why did the narrator’s friends advise against meeting the district officer?
Answer: It was a private interview and not obligatory.
- Question: What did one friend call district officers?
Answer: Snooty.
- Question: Why did the narrator decide to visit the district officer?
Answer: To follow good manners.
- Question: What misconception arose after the narrator’s meeting with the district officer?
Answer: He was a great friend of the district officer.
- Question: How many years had passed since the narrator studied with Baldev?
Answer: Forty-five years.
- Question: What was Baldev’s opinion of the narrator’s role in his education?
Answer: He helped him improve.
- Question: What problem did Baldev’s son face?
Answer: He was arrested for dacoity.
- Question: Who was friends with the Daroga Sahib?
Answer: The deputy collector, Mr. Mohammad Khalil.
- Question: What did Baldev ask the narrator to do for his son?
Answer: Speak to the district officer.
- Question: What was the narrator’s initial intention regarding Baldev’s request?
Answer: To ignore it.
- Question: What happened to Baldev’s son after the district officer’s intervention?
Answer: He was released without a blemish.
- Question: What did the district officer do to the Daroga Sahib?
Answer: Reprimanded him.
- Question: What did Baldev and his son bring for the narrator?
Answer: A huge bundle of presents.
- Question: How did the narrator feel about accepting the presents?
Answer: He felt guilty.
- Question: What did the narrator lack in his house to entertain the district officer?
Answer: A decent chair.
- Question: What did Baldev offer to send the narrator for his health?
Answer: A couple of tins of ghee.
Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion) and Answers
- Question:
Assertion (A): The narrator was hesitant to meet the district officer initially.
Reason (R): He feared his actions would be misconstrued due to the officer’s position.
- a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- c) A is true, but R is false.
- d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The assertion is true as the narrator hesitates—“his being the district officer is… a barrier”—as the story notes. The reason explains this by stating his fear—“it would, as usual, be misconstrued”—as the story states, directly linking his hesitation to the potential misunderstanding due to the officer’s status, supporting the assertion.
- Question:
Assertion (A): The narrator decided to meet the district officer despite his friends’ advice.
Reason (R): He believed it was against good manners to refuse the officer’s request.
- a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- c) A is true, but R is false.
- d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The assertion is true as the narrator decided to meet the officer—“I decided to go”—despite advice, as the story notes. The reason explains this by stating his belief—“against all canons of good manners”—as the story states, directly linking his decision to his sense of propriety, supporting the assertion.
- Question:
Assertion (A): The narrator felt guilty about accepting Baldev’s presents.
Reason (R): He had not actually helped Baldev’s son but received credit for his release.
- a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- c) A is true, but R is false.
- d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The assertion is true as the narrator felt guilty—“I could not pick up the courage”—as the story notes. The reason explains this by stating he did nothing—“I had done nothing to deserve this reward”—as the story states, directly linking his guilt to the unearned credit for the son’s release, supporting the assertion.
- Question:
Assertion (A): Baldev believed the narrator could influence the district officer.
Reason (R): People thought the narrator was a great friend of the district officer.
- a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- c) A is true, but R is false.
- d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The assertion is true as Baldev believed the narrator’s influence—“no one but you can save him”—as the story notes. The reason explains this by stating the public perception—“he was a great friend of the district officer”—as the story states, directly linking Baldev’s belief to the misconception, supporting the assertion.
- Question:
Assertion (A): The narrator was reluctant to help Baldev with his son’s case.
Reason (R): He did not want to get involved in matters involving government officials.
- a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- c) A is true, but R is false.
- d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The assertion is true as the narrator was reluctant—“I had no intention… of keeping my promise”—as the story notes. The reason explains this by stating his aversion—“I do not like getting involved in such matters”—as the story states, directly linking his reluctance to his principles against involvement with officials, supporting the assertion.
Long Questions and Answers (60-70 words)
- Question: How does the narrator’s admiration for the district officer conflict with his views on government officials?
Answer: The narrator admires the district officer’s research—“I am a secret admirer”—as the story notes, but his views against officials—“I am… against inviting government officials”—create conflict, as the story states. This admiration makes him consider meeting the officer, while his principles cause hesitation, as “a barrier between us” shows, reflecting his internal struggle between personal respect and ideological opposition, as the story highlights.
- Question: Why does the narrator decide to meet the district officer despite his initial reluctance?
Answer: The narrator decides to meet the district officer despite reluctance because he values good manners—“against all canons of good manners”—as the story notes. He also considers the officer’s status—“a district officer is an important personage”—and his own humility, as the story states, outweighing his friends’ advice, as “I did not follow… my friends” indicates, reflecting his sense of propriety and respect, as the narrative reveals.
- Question: Discuss the moral dilemma faced by the narrator when Baldev requests his help for his son.
Answer: The narrator faces a moral dilemma when Baldev requests help—“no one but you can save him”—as the story notes, as he dislikes involving officials—“I do not like getting involved”—and plans to ignore it, as the story states. Yet, his friendship and Baldev’s desperation—“the whole family will be ruined”—pressure him, as the story highlights, creating a conflict between personal principles and loyalty, as the narrative explores.
- Question: How does the misconception about the narrator’s relationship with the district officer impact his social interactions?
Answer: The misconception that the narrator is a “great friend of the district officer,” as the story notes, leads people to seek his help—“many people came to me”—with issues like police grudges, as the story states. He refuses involvement—“such matters had nothing to do with me”—as the story highlights, showing how the rumour burdens him with unwanted expectations, straining his social interactions, as the narrative depicts.
- Question: Analyse the narrator’s feelings of guilt after receiving presents from Baldev and his son.
Answer: The narrator feels guilty after receiving presents—“I could not pick up the courage”—as the story notes, because he did nothing to deserve them—“I had done nothing”—as the story states. His initial plan to lie about helping—“I had no intention… of keeping my promise”—heightens this guilt, as the story highlights, reflecting his internal conflict over accepting unearned gratitude, as the narrative underscores, revealing his integrity.
- Question: How does the narrator’s past relationship with Baldev influence his response to Baldev’s request?
Answer: The narrator’s past as Baldev’s childhood teacher—“for teaching an ass like me the credit goes entirely to you”—creates a sense of obligation, as the story notes. This bond—“I have always considered you an elder brother”—pressures him to agree, as the story states, despite his reluctance, as “I was in a great fix” shows, highlighting how past ties influence his conflicted response, as the narrative reveals.
- Question: What does the story reveal about the social dynamics between writers and government officials in India?
Answer: The story reveals a hierarchical dynamic where writers are undervalued—“a writer is an ordinary individual”—while officials hold power, as “a district officer is an important personage,” as the story notes. The narrator’s hesitation—“it would… be misconstrued”—and the cultural norm of writers seeking favor—“writers go uninvited to coronations”—as the story states, highlight the disparity, reflecting a society where official status overshadows intellectual contributions, as the narrative depicts.
- Question: How does the narrator’s decision to meet the district officer reflect his views on courtesy and social hierarchy?
Answer: The narrator’s decision to meet the district officer reflects his courtesy—“against all canons of good manners”—and acceptance of social hierarchy—“a district officer is an important personage,” as the story notes. Despite his opposition to officials, as “I am… against inviting government officials” shows, he prioritizes politeness and acknowledges the officer’s status, as the story states, revealing his balance of personal principles with societal norms, as the narrative illustrates.