Module: General Practice
Q33: Consider the following statements regarding the theme of performative hospitality in the narrative:
1. The Shamnaths extend extravagant, meticulous hospitality to their corporate superior while simultaneously starving and hiding their own dependent family member.
2. The narrative critiques how middle-class hospitality is often deployed as a purely transactional tool rather than a genuine expression of warmth.
3. The Shamnaths' elaborate treatment of the American Boss is fundamentally rooted in deep personal affection and a shared cultural bond.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
2. The narrative critiques how middle-class hospitality is often deployed as a purely transactional tool rather than a genuine expression of warmth.
3. The Shamnaths' elaborate treatment of the American Boss is fundamentally rooted in deep personal affection and a shared cultural bond.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
✅ Correct Answer: A
The correct combination is statements 1 and 2. The concept tested is the moral hypocrisy of performative hospitality.
Structurally, the story juxtaposes the frantic, high-budget preparations for the Boss (drinks, specific menus, clean house) with the extreme neglect of the mother, who is given no dinner and ordered to hide (Statement 1). Historically, in the rapidly urbanizing post-colonial Indian society, social gatherings often shifted from communal, family-centric events to strategic, networking maneuvers designed to project status (Statement 2). Statement 3 is incorrect because the Shamnaths share absolutely no cultural bond or personal affection with the Boss; their relationship is strictly hierarchical and their hospitality is entirely driven by the causal motive of extracting a career promotion.
Structurally, the story juxtaposes the frantic, high-budget preparations for the Boss (drinks, specific menus, clean house) with the extreme neglect of the mother, who is given no dinner and ordered to hide (Statement 1). Historically, in the rapidly urbanizing post-colonial Indian society, social gatherings often shifted from communal, family-centric events to strategic, networking maneuvers designed to project status (Statement 2). Statement 3 is incorrect because the Shamnaths share absolutely no cultural bond or personal affection with the Boss; their relationship is strictly hierarchical and their hospitality is entirely driven by the causal motive of extracting a career promotion.