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Class 12 Alternative English Chapter 4 The Martyr’s Corner
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The Martyr’s Corner
PROSE
TEXTUAL QUESTIONS ANSWERS
A. State whether these sentences are True or False.
1. Rama liked serving women.
Ans. False.
2. Rama lived in a lane behind the market.
Ans. True.
3. Soda bottles were used as missiles during the riot.
Ans. True.
4. Rama came in time to catch the cinema crowd coming out after the night show.
Ans. True.
B. Answer these Questions in one or two words.
1. What did Rama give free with every item?
Ans. Rama was a food vendor and he gave Chutney free with every item.
2. Whose arm searched for the perfect duck’s egg?
Ans. The Wrestler’s arm searched for the perfect duck’s egg.
3. Where did Rama sleep?
Ans. Rama slept in a pyol. A pyol is a raised platform just outside the main door to sit or lie down.
1. How much did four chapatis cost?
Ans. Four chapatis costs an anna.
5. Where did Rama work as a waiter?
Ans. Rama worked as a waiter in a restaurant.
C. Answer these Questions in a sentence or two.
1. At what time did Rama wake up every day?
Ans. Rama spends from three in the morning to eight in the evening preparing his goods for sale.
2. What did Rama sell?
Ans. Rama was a food vendor who used to sell snacks and beverages at his roadside stall. Rama’s stall displayed mouthwatering bandas, dosais, chappatis, chutney, duck eggs and freshening hot coffee allured everyone to come to him and satisfy their taste buds.
3. Who were Rama’s customers?
Ans. Rama’s customers were mainly the people who passed by his stall, including locals and tourists. His delicious food attracts passersby, especially cinema-goers. Rama’s customers included boot polish boys, jutka drivers, beggars, grass selling women and the cinema crowd coming out after the evening show.
| S.L. No. | CONTENTS |
| Chapter 1 | A Cup of Tea |
| Chapter 2 | The voyage |
| Chapter 3 | The Verger |
| Chapter 4 | The Martyr’s Corner |
| Chapter 5 | Bina Kutir |
| Chapter 6 | Ozymandius Of Egypt |
| Chapter 7 | Because I Could Not Stop For Death |
| Chapter 8 | Strange Meeting |
| Chapter 9 | The Solitude Of Alexander Selkirk |
| Chapter 10 | The Lake Isle Of Innisfree |
| Chapter 11 | Night Of The Scorpion |
4. Why did the riot break out?
Ans. The riot broke out due to a disagreement between two groups, leading to escalating tensions and eventual violence.
D. Answer these Questions briefly.
1. Why did Rama’s customers like him?
Ans. Rama’s customers liked him because he offered affordable prices for his goods, such as coffee for six pies and four chapatis for an anna. They also appreciated his generosity and the fact that he allowed them to pick and choose their items after proper scrutiny. Rama’s well displayed mouthwatering bandas, dosais, chappatis, chutney, duck eggs and freshening hot coffee allured everyone to come to him and satisfy their taste buds. Even a confirmed dyspeptic could not pass by without throwing a look at this tempting sight. Rama’s customers included boot polish boys, jutka drivers, beggars, grass selling women and the cinema crowd coming out after the evening show. The first half of the story talk about the success of the hardworking Rama who sold eatables on a stall at a corner near a cinema hall. He woke up the crack of dawn. He prepared food which he sold between 8 and 10 in the even. Every day he invested Five Rupees and made over Rupees Three Hundred a month which was a princely sum. His customers found his food very tasty even though Rama has no understanding of hygiene and sold near an open gutter without even covering his food. His customers clamoured for his food. He always sold what-ever he had made for the evening.
2. Briefly describe Rama’s attitude towards the boot-polish boys.
Ans. Initially distant, Rama developed a friendly and caring attitude towards the boot-polish boys, treating them as his own children. Rama ed a sympathetic and compassionate attitude towards the boot-polish boys. He felt sorry for their difficult lives and poverty, and he wished that customers would be more generous in paying them. The boot-polish boys were hungry but did not have enough money for a proper meal. They bought either dosai or chappati. He had a soft corner in his heart for these waifs. Rama feels for people particularly the young boys who polish shoes on the street. Rama was very meticulous and vigilant. He was always watchful and could very well tell that who was picking what from his tray. He always cared for the satisfaction of his customers and allowed them to examine their buy thoroughly. He was kind and always dealt leniently with the boot polish boys and let them enjoy their coffee by sticking to the glass as much as they wanted but he did not like the women clients because their shrill voices irritated him immensely.
Thus, Rama’s relationship with the boot-polish boys evolved from initial indifference to a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. Initially, Rama viewed the boys as a nuisance, considering them a hindrance to his business. However, as time went by, he started recognizing their hard work and determination. Rama began appreciating their presence and the value they added to his stall, as their polished shoes served as a testament to his boot- polishing skills. He even started offering them occasional treats as a gesture of gratitude. This evolving relationship fostered a sense of teamwork and cooperation between Rama and the boys, leading to a more harmonious and productive atmosphere around the stall.
3. Why did Rama have to move his stall two hundred yards away?
Ans. Rama, on account of some violence near the spot from where he sold his wares, could not longer sell from this old spot. As a result, he had to move his stall farther into the lane. As a result the moved out of sight of the customers from the cinema hall and auto-rickshaw drivers. This resulted in his business coming down so much that he had to windup his business. Later, when his savings ran out he had to work in Restaurant Kohinoor for Rupees Twenty a month. Thus, Rama had to move his stall two hundred yards away because a memorial was erected at his original spot where a leader had fallen during a violent incident. The spot became a holy place, and the municipality handed it over to the congregation for the memorial, forcing Rama to relocate.
4. What did Rama’s wife do upon his arrival at night?
Ans. Rama’s wife’s role as a pillar of emotional support played a crucial role in his business journey. Her unwavering encouragement and belief in Rama’s abilities helped him navigate the challenges he faced. During times of self- doubt and frustration, her reassuring presence reminded Rama of his skills and motivated him to persevere. Her understanding of the hardships of running a stall and her willingness to actively participate in the household affairs allowed Rama to focus on his business. This support system alleviated some of the emotional burden Rama carried, enabling him to dedicate his energy to the stall. Ultimately, Rama’s wife’s role as a source of emotional support provided him with the strength and resilience necessary to sustain his business for as long as he could. Upon Rama’s arrival at night, his wife would open the door of their home and take from him all his encumbrances. She would then retrieve the cloth bag hanging from his neck, which contained the day’s earnings. She would count the cash and separate the gains, putting them away in a little wooden box. It is thus noticeable that Rama’s wife is supportive of Rama. She acts as banker while he does the work. She saves the five rupees that Rama makes each day and the reader suspects that it is Rama’s wife’s intention that their life will improve through Rama’s actions. There will be some form of change for Rama and his wife. However, the change that occurs is not what either Rama or his wife expected. Later Rama’s wife took up stitching work to supplement the family income and support their livelihood.
E. Answer these Questions in detail.
1. Describe, in detail, how Rama’s business was finished.
Ans. Rama is an amateur snack seller loses his place of work because of a riot. Rama runs a makeshift snack corner between Market Road and the chemist’s shop lane. This place is directly in the path of the cinemagoers, so they and boot polish waifs or children frequent the snack sellers corner between 8:15 pm to 10:00 pm. R.K. Narayan using olfactory images describes the excellent snacks, primarily vegetarian, that Rama sells, which evokes in us sympathy for his cause. He earns a lot of money working for just two hours in the evening, earning ten rupees in an evening and three hundred rupees a month. According to the text, that is a sum that even graduates could not get in India in the post-Independence period. Reading the appetizing descriptions of R.K. Narayan, we feel one with the enterprising spirit of Rama. We in India like to frequent such snack sellers even today, especially those who do not know how to cook and need a cheap and readily available meal every day or at least once a day.
However, like most R.K. Narayan stories about South India, he focuses on specific relevant social issues that create unpredictable consequences in people’s lives. Where Rama is concerned, because of a riot and a death, the political issues led him to forsake his spot and shift to another place. However, Rama could not get his earlier cinemagoer customers, so his earnings were depleted. Apart from being a realistic fiction writer, R.K. Narayan is also a proficient writer of social issue fiction with a hint of satire in it. There is not much satire in this story apart from the self-assured behavior of Rama, thinking that his prosperity will last forever. Rama seems to be unaware that in India of R.K. Narayan’s time, anything could happen at any time. Rama’s spot became the memorial of a leader who was stabbed or killed in the riot, making a once excellent spot, though illegal, for selling snacks into a site for memorial stone and a place of pilgrimage.
The riots and political circumstances resulted in Rama losing his daily business which he had so tiresomely established through years of diligence and hard work. Further, we also notice the satire in the way R.K. Narayan mentions the way Rama used to carry his money safely in a cloth bag around his neck below his shirt. We also see the satire in how his wife used to take the cloth bag from around Rama’s neck and count the money greedily in haste, mentioning naively about the investments that had borne fruit. We also realize how simple and challenging their daily lives were, yet they prospered until the riots.
2. Do you think that Narayan has depicted many aspects of typical Indian way of life? Write a persuasive answer.
Ans. Yes, Narayan has indeed depicted many aspects of typical Indian way of life in his works. His writing provides a vivid portrayal of Indian culture, traditions, values, and social dynamics. Through his storytelling, he captures the essence of everyday life in India and presents it in a relatable and engaging manner. Narayan seems to be giving the reader an insight into life on the streets of India. Not only does Rama get to know each individual customer and their occupation but the reader is also given an insight into each character’s position on the street. One of the most striking things about this insight is the poverty that exists. None of the characters mentioned, particularly the boys who polish shoes, have much. Everybody appears to live hand to mouth. Which may be the point that Narayan is attempting to make. He may be deliberately highlighting the poverty that exists so as to show the reader that there are those who live in India’ who may not necessarily live comfortable lives. If anything people appear to be struggling on a daily basis. With no possibility of change in sight. It is as though a whole group of individuals live their life in paralysis. Doing the same thing every day with no change or prospects for the future. With the reader suspecting that those who live and work on the streets are forgotten and not part of society.
Narayan’s works often revolve around ordinary characters and their experiences, reflecting the lives of common people in India. He explores themes such as family relationships, societal norms, religion, and the struggles of individuals in the face of social and economic challenges. His stories delve into the complexities of Indian society.
including its caste system, customs, and the influence of tradition on people’s lives. Moreover, Narayan’s writing style incorporates humor, wit, and irony, which are integral aspects of Indian storytelling and conversation. He infuses his narratives with cultural references, local idioms, and colloquial language, capturing the nuances of Indian speech patterns and adding authenticity to his portrayal of Indian life. Narayan’s works have been celebrated for their universal appeal while remaining rooted in the Indian context. His stories provide valuable insights into the diverse aspects of Indian culture and offer readers a glimpse into the intricacies of everyday life in India. Overall, Narayan’s depiction of the typical Indian way of life is persuasive and comprehensive, making his works resonate with readers both within and outside of India.
Additional Questions
1. Give a brief analysis of the story ‘Martyr’s Corner’s.
Ans. The author persona R.K.Narayan’s ‘Martyr’s corner’ is an interesting yet saddening story,set in the imaginary locale called the Malgudi, the telltale sign of which are easily noticeable. Though the existence of this place is purely fictional yet critics have made innumerable attempts to pin point on the map of India for the exact existence of this town of South India. It is to be understood that Malgudi in Sarayu is a mere imagination similar to that of Hardy’s Wessex. In this story ‘The Martyr’s Corner’, R. K Narayan has wonderfully embedded the themes of diligence, dedication, compassion, poverty,struggle and resilience. Taken from his Malgudi days collection, the story is narrated in third person by an unnamed narrator. Although others think that Rama only works for an hour a day selling off his goods but the reality speaks the exact opposite. Rama spends from eight in the morning to ten at night preparing the goods and then selling them.
This shows that Rama is not just diligent and hard working but dedicated as well. There is a sense of canny and knows where to pitch the goods. He sits outside the cinema hall waiting for the potential customers. His compassion for others is also depicted as he feels for the young boy, who is half-starved, polish the shoes outside the cinema hall.He doesn’t like to see the customers swindle with the young boy. If anything Rama is a good natured man,kind to others, kind to his customers. Narayan tries to give an insight into life on street of India and the inseparable poverty that exists. The character mentioned in the story,none have much. Everyone appears to live hand to mouth. If anything people are struggling day in and day out.
The theme of corruption has also been dragged into by Narayan. Rama gives some goods to the passing policemen and occasional workers of health department, so that they don’t harass him and tell him to move on. On the other hand Rama’s wife is a supportive woman and acts as a perfect banker as she saved the five rupees that Rama makes each day but soon there life takes a rash turning to all odds. After a man gets gets killed at this spot where Rama pitched his stall due to some ensued quarrel. People collected enough money to set up a stone in memorial of there fallen leader. Rama’s sales go down as he was forced to move two hundred yards away out of sight of his previous customers. Rama takes home two Anna where he previously used to earn five rupees. Despite the fall in income Rama is able to adapt. He finds the job of waiter in a restaurant and begins to work there. This shows how resilient Rama actually is. Although his business has ended but still he is focused on the future and doesn’t allow his past to defeat him. Where some people give up Rama continues to move forward even if he no longer is his own boss.
2. Ventilate your views about the story Martyr’s Corner’.
Ans. The story ‘Martyr’s corner’ aptly reveals that life is like a book where you know not what lies on the next page. Today’s sunrise can even turn into the deadly darkness of tomorrow. The success of today cannot ensure that the tomorrow would remain equally bright. It even tells us that it is not always that what you sow is what you reap. Sufferings might befall on us due to the fault of others. Sarcastically the author’s naming the story ‘Martyr’s corner’ on one side portrays the sick mentality of the politicians who give more importance to the dead while ignoring the plight of the living. Although the place is named ‘Martyr’s corner’ in memoriam of the fallen leader but ultimately Rama stands as the true martyr.
3. What was Rama’s initial reaction to the relocation of his stall?
Ans. The opening of the new shop led to a decline in Rama’s customer base as they were attracted by lower prices Rama was Initially upset and frustrated by the relocation of his stall. Some customers moved away, while others found alternative options closer to their new homes, causing a gradual loss of Rama’s customer base.
Thus, the relocation of Rama’s stall proved detrimental to his business in the long run. The new location, two hundred yards away from its original spot, resulted in a significant loss of customers. The distance made it inconvenient for his regular patrons to visit the stall, leading to a decline in foot traffic and sales. Moreover, the new location lacked the familiarity and visibility of the previous spot, making it difficult for Rama to attract new customers. As a result, his business gradually declined, causing financial hardships and a sense of frustration for Rama.
4. Express your views about the story Martyr’s Corner’.
Ans. The story ‘Martyr’s corner’ aptly reveals that life is like a book where you know not what lies on the next page. Today’s sunrise can even turn into the deadly darkness of tomorrow. The success of today cannot ensure that the tomorrow would remain equally bright. It even tells us that it is not always that what you sow is what you reap. Sufferings might befall on us due to the fault of others. Sarcastically the author’s naming the story ‘Martyr’s corner’ on one side portrays the sick mentality of the politicians who give more importance to the dead while ignoring the plight of the living. Although the place is named ‘Martyr’s corner’ in memoriam of the fallen leader but ultimately Rama stands as the true martyr.
5. Justify the title “The Martyr’s Corner”.
Ans. Rama was a food vendor who used to sell his items at a fixed corner in the market place which happened to be very lucky for him. It drew all kinds of crowd to him very conveniently and he too was very popular amongst his customers. Rama was very hardworking and punctual. Daily at 8.15 in the evening he reached the place with a load of his stuff in a big tray on his head, a stool stuck in the crook of his arm, a lamp in another hand and a couple of legs to mount his tray. Rama’s well displayed mouthwatering bandas, dosais, chappatis, chutney, duck eggs and freshening hot coffee allured everyone to come to him and satisfy their taste buds. Even a confirmed dyspeptic could not pass by without throwing a look at this tempting sight. Rama’s customers included boot polish boys, jutka drivers, beggars, grass selling women and the cinema crowd coming out after the evening show.
The corner where Rama used to sell his stuff was easily accessible to all his customers and he was making a good profit of almost ten rupees everyday. It was interesting to see that all the copper coins his clients earned throughout the day by serving their customers ultimately came to Rama in the evening because it was there only where they could buy eatables at very reasonable and cheap rates. Rama and his wife were very happy about their growth because after sparing fixed amount for next day’s investment they were able to save some money for contingent expenses. On the other hand his fellowmen were a little bit jealous of him because for them he hardly worked for two hours and minted lots of money in this small span of time. They could hardly realize that to cater his customers for two hours in the evening Rama and his wife worked very hard throughout the day to prepare the base material. Rama was very meticulous and vigilant. He was always watchful and could very well tell that who was picking what from his tray. He always cared for the satisfaction of his customers and allowed them to examine their buy thoroughly. He was kind and always dealt leniently with the boot polish boys and let them enjoy their coffee by sticking to the glass as much as they wanted but he did not like the women clients because their shrill voices irritated him immensely. He served his customers very sincerely. After the end of the evening show at 10. 15having emptied all the food items of the tray Rama used to get back home very delighted and saturated.
Then he tucked a betel leaf with tobacco in his mouth and retired to bed to take some rest. But one day Rama got astounded when he was denied to sell his stuff from his favorite corner because someone was murdered there in the noon so a group of people were holding a meeting there to show their protest. They were agitated and demonstrated strongly. Very soon a fierce fighting got started killing many people and consequently leaving the spot totally devastated. Even after few days Rama was not allowed to sell his goods from there because the corner was declared a holy place and it was decided that a stone monument would be built in memory of the departed leader who was killed there by the police. Soon the spot was cordoned off, money was raised and a stone memorial was erected with an ornamental Fencing and flower pots encircling the spot and thus it became “The martyr’s corner’.
Rama was forced to leave his favorite place but the new place did not bring luck to Rama. He lost his selected customers because it was inconvenient for them to reach to him at his new place. His income reduced substantially and he had to return home with a bulk of leftover each day. His business and happiness were all ruined. He lost his reputation too when he tried to reuse his leftover because it made some of his customers sick. Ultimately Rama wound up his business and got to retire but soon his savings were too exhausted and ultimately he had to take up the job of a waiter in Kohinoor restaurant where he was dealt with very rudely by his guests. He submissively gulped the insult but never forgot to inform them that once he himself was a hotel owner and this piece of reminiscence gave him great satisfaction. Although in conventional manner the spot had emerged out to be a ‘Martyr’s Corner’ but ironically it was Rama only who paid the price by losing his livelihood, reputation and entire fortune. In true sense the real martyr is Rama himself.
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