English

Chapter: Ranga's marriage


1. Comment on the influence of English - the language and the way of life on Indian life as reflected in the story . What is the narrator's attitude to English ?

Ans. The narrator has brought out the influence of English language and the way of life in the story. As the title reflects, it is not ' Ranga's Vivaha ' but " Ranga's Marriage " because Ranga had taken higher education from Bengaluru and he could talk in English. Ranga's home - coming was a great event. The narrator showed how people anticipated his return and the excitement on knowing that Ranga now knew English, " a priceless commodity". They all wanted to see if there has been any change in Ranga after studying English. Although there was no change in Ranga's personality, yet Ranga was influenced by the English way of life in the matter of marriage. 

2 Astrologers ' perceptions are based more on hearsay and conjecture than what they learn from the study of the stars. Comment with reference to the story . 

Ans. The story throws light upon how Shastri predicted what was going on in Ranga's mind. He did it using 2 sheets of paper, some cowries and a book of Palmyra leaves in the form of paraphernalia. He even releaved that Ranga has some girl on his mind whose name is related to something that belonged to the ocean. All this made Ranga believe in the power of Astrology. While in reality, it was our narrator Shyama, who tutored Shastri to say all this to 'Ranga'. Shastri made it seem like no big deal when Ranga left Shyama called it his 'marvellous shastra' . He said he could have guessed it with his numbers even if Shyama had not staged it for him. Hence , the story proves that astrologers ' perceptions are based more hearsay and conjecture than what they learn from the study of the stars . 

3. Indian society has moved a long way from the way the marriage is arranged in the story . Discuss . 

Ans. It is true that Indian society has moved a long way from the way the marriage is arranged in the story. Earlier, there was no concept of love marriage. Only arranged marriages used to take place like the one in the story. Ranga's marriage was arranged by his uncle. Nowadays, bride and groom meet unlike decades ago, when even their consent was not considered important. Our society has come a long way since then, especially when it comes to the rights of females. Earlier, bride's family used to be pressurized for dowry which has been illegalised now. It is now against the law to marry if the girl is less than 18 and the boy is less than 21 years of age. 

4. What kind of a person do you think the narrator is ? 

Ans. The narrator is a man of land as he introduces his village with great enthusiasm. He believes in maintaining the authenticity of his culture. He is a man with good judgen of character. He is funny and sometimes he is clever. He seems to be a man with best intentions at heart . 

5. How does the narrator describe the two productions of Hosahalli ? 

Ans. ( i ) The sourness of the mango bite gets the eater straight to the brahmarandhra that is the soft part in the child's head . 

( ii ) The flowers of the creepers are a feast to behold and one can serve it afternoon meal to the whole family on two leaves . 

6. What made Ranga decide that he should get married now ? 

Ans. Ranga did not want to get married at an early age as he wanted to find the right girl. He wanted a partner that was mature enough to understand him and his talks. He wanted to marry someone who he admired and was against marrying very young girls. Ranga decides to get married after having a glimpse of Ratna.