Module: General Practice
Q18: Consider the following statements regarding the actual demeanor of the American Boss upon his arrival at the party:
1. The American Boss arrives displaying a highly formal, rigid, and demanding attitude, matching Shamnath's worst fears.
2. The Boss actively engages in casual conversation, drinks freely, and attempts to put his anxious hosts at ease.
3. The Boss's geniality stands in sharp contrast to Mr. Shamnath's extreme, sycophantic nervousness.
Which of the statements given above is/are INCORRECT?
2. The Boss actively engages in casual conversation, drinks freely, and attempts to put his anxious hosts at ease.
3. The Boss's geniality stands in sharp contrast to Mr. Shamnath's extreme, sycophantic nervousness.
Which of the statements given above is/are INCORRECT?
✅ Correct Answer: A
Statement 1 is the only incorrect statement.
This question examines the narrative irony surrounding the antagonist's characterization.
Structurally, Sahni introduces the Boss not as a tyrannical colonial master, but as a jovial, easygoing man who enjoys his drinks and attempts to be friendly (Statements 2 and 3). Contextually, this highlights the absurdity of Shamnath's panic; the oppressor in this story is not the American boss, but Shamnath's own internalized inferiority complex.
The causal link is clear: because the Boss is fundamentally unbothered by strict protocol, Shamnath's obsessive sanitization of his home and mother is revealed to be entirely self-inflicted and unnecessary, making Shamnath's cruelty toward his mother even more tragic and unjustified.
This question examines the narrative irony surrounding the antagonist's characterization.
Structurally, Sahni introduces the Boss not as a tyrannical colonial master, but as a jovial, easygoing man who enjoys his drinks and attempts to be friendly (Statements 2 and 3). Contextually, this highlights the absurdity of Shamnath's panic; the oppressor in this story is not the American boss, but Shamnath's own internalized inferiority complex.
The causal link is clear: because the Boss is fundamentally unbothered by strict protocol, Shamnath's obsessive sanitization of his home and mother is revealed to be entirely self-inflicted and unnecessary, making Shamnath's cruelty toward his mother even more tragic and unjustified.