The Ghost Brahman Question Answer | XI WBCHSE 2nd Semester
1. Discuss in brief the significance of the title “The Ghost Brahman”.
Ans. The tale was written by Lal Behari Dey. He was an Indian journalist and Christian missionary. As we know title is the primary components of literature. The title “The Ghost Brahman” is significant as it encapsulates the story’s central conflict and themes. It highlights the supernatural twist of a ghost impersonating a Brahman, which drives the plot. This title sets up the core conflict of identity and deception, where the real Brahman must reclaim his life from the impostor. By juxtaposing “ghost” with “Brahman,” the title also underscores themes of authenticity and justice, as the story explores the rightful ownership of one’s identity and possessions. Additionally, the term “Brahman” evokes cultural resonance, suggesting a disruption in social and spiritual order. Overall, the title succinctly captures the essence of the narrative, blending elements of folklore, moral dilemmas, and cultural commentary. The title underscores the struggle between the real Brahman and the impostor, driving the plot and emphasizing the themes of truth and justice. So the title is apt and appropriate.
2. Discuss the Character of Brahman.
Ans. In Lal Behari Dey’s folktale “The Ghost Brahman” the real Brahman emerges as a sympathetic and virtuous character despite facing adversity, such as poverty. He need to leave his family to seek fortune, he displays a sense of responsibility towards his mother and wife. His integrity is evident in his genuine efforts to provide for his family and his willingness to endure hardships to achieve his goals. Additionally, he exhibits his resilience and determination in his quest to reclaim his rightful place in the face of the ghost’s deception. Through his actions, the real Brahman embodies qualities of honesty, perseverance, and familial devotion, making him a relatable and admirable protagonist in story’s struggle for justice.
3. Sketch the Character of Ghost Brahman.
Ans. “The Ghost Brahman” in the story embodies deceit and manipulation initially appearing as a malevolent force. The ghost takes advantage of its resemblance to the real Brahman after usurping his identity and possessions. It cunningly deceives the Brahman’s family and the community, assertilse ownership over the housewife, and mother. The Ghost Brahman’s actions reveal a lack of empathy or morality, as it selfishly exploits the situation for its own gain. Despite its outward resemblance to the real Brahman, the ghost lacks authenticity and integrity, choosing deception over truth.
Ultimately, its downfall highlights the consequences of dishonesty and the triumph of justice. The character serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of falsehood and the importance of discerning genuine from counterfeit.
4. Why was it difficult for the Brahman to get married initially?
Ans. At the beginning of “The Ghost Brahman,” the Brahman faced difficulty in getting married due to his non-Kulin status and financial constraints. Being a non-Kulin Brahman, he belonged to a lower social stratum within the Brahmin community, making it challenging to find a suitable bride from higher-caste families. Additionally, the tradition of dowry required substantial financial resources, which the Brahman lacked. Despite his efforts to beg for funds, his impoverished status hindered his ability to accumulate the necessary wealth to secure a marriage alliance. Thus, the combination of his low social status and financial limitations made it difficult for the Brahman to find a willing bride and arrange a marriage at the outset of the story.
5. What strategies did the Brahman use to gather the money needed for his wedding?
Ans. To gather the money needed for his wedding, the Brahman employed several strategies. He resorted to begging, going door to door and pleading with affluent individuals for financial assistance. Additionally, he employed flattery, using persuasive language to appeal to the generosity of the wealthy.
The Brahman likely emphasized the importance of marriage and familial obligations to elicit sympathy and support. Furthermore, he may have leveraged personal connections or social networks to solicit contributions from a wider pool of donors. Through persistence and resourcefulness, the Brahman managed to scrape together the required sum, demonstrating his determination to fulfill his marital aspirations despite the financial challenges. Overall, his strategies involved a combination of direct solicitation, persuasive tactics, and social capital to 14 gather the necessary funds for his wedding.
6. What emotions did the Brahman experience upon returning home and finding the ghost living his life?
Ans. In Lal Behari Dey’s tale “The Ghost Brahman” the real Brahman needed money to get married. Finally after getting married he left his home to earn more money, behind his wife and mother. Years later he returned home and discovering the ghost living his life, the Brahman likely experienced a range of emotions, including shock, disbelief, betrayal, and anger. He may have initially been bewildered by the uncanny resemblance between himself and the ghost and the surreal nature of the situation. As the reality of the deception set in, he likely felt a deep sense of betrayal and anger towards the ghost for usurping his identity and possessions. The Brahman’s emotions may have also been compounded by a profound sense of injustice at being wrongfully deprived of his home, family, and rightful place in society.
7. How did the Brahman attempt to resolve the conflict with the ghost initially?
Ans. When the real Brahman was back home he found a ghost brahman living in his home. Then initially, the Brahman attempted to resolve the conflict with the ghost by asserting his identity and ownership rights. He likely engaged in verbal confrontation, insisting that he was the rightful owner of the house, wife, and mother. The Brahman may have presented evidence of his identity and attempted to convince the ghost and others of the truth.
However, faced with the ghost’s adamant claims and the community’s mistaken belief in the ghost’s authenticity, the Brahman’s efforts were likely met with skepticism and resistance. Despite his initial attempts to reason with the ghost and assert his rights, the Brahman found himself powerless to reclaim his life. This initial confrontation likely served as a precursor to the subsequent legal intervention and resolution orchestrated by the “neat-herd king” later in the story.
8. How did the ghost manage to convince the Brahman’s wife and mother?
Ans. In Lal Behari Dey‘s tale the real Brahman left home to earn money. The ghost managed to convince the Brahman’s wife and mother that he was the real Brahman through his physical resemblance and manipulation of circumstances. Upon entering the house, the ghost assumed the appearance of the Brahman, exploiting their trust and familiarity with his likeness. He likely employed deceptive tactics, such as mimicking the Brahman’s mannerisms and speech patterns, to further convince them of his authenticity. Additionally, the ghost may have capitalized on their vulnerability and desire for the Brahman’s return exploiting their emotional state to reinforce his false identity. Furthermore, the ghost’s assertion of having returned early due to a lucky windfall of money played into their hopes and expectations, further solidifying his deception. Overall, through a combination of physical resemblance, manipulation, and exploitation of emotions, the ghost succeeded in convincing the Brahman’s wife and mother of his false identity as the real Brahman.
9. What role did the cowboy king and his companions play in the story?
Ans. The cowboy king and his companions played a pivotal role in the story by providing a solution to the Brahman’s predicament. Upon observing the Brahman’s daily distress, the cowboy king and his companions became curious about the cause of his sorrow. Recognizing their roles as symbols of authority and leadership within their community, they intervened to address the Brahman’s plight. By summoning the Brahman and listening to his story, the cowboy king demonstrated empathy and a sense of justice. Sensing an opportunity to resolve the conflict, the cowboy king offered to arbitrate the dispute between the real Brahman and the ghost. Their intervention signaled a shift in the Brahman’s fortunes, as their impartial judgment and clever resolution ultimately enabled the Brahman to reclaim his rightful place and possessions. In this way, the cowboy king and his companions served as catalysts for justice and reconciliation in the story.
10. How does the story depict the concept of justice through the actions of the king and the cowboy king?
Ans. The story depicts the concept of justice through the actions of both the king and the cowboy king, albeit in contrasting ways. Initially, the king’s response to the Brahman’s plea for justice is characterized by indecision and reluctance to intervene decisively, as he grapples with the complex situation. However, the cowboy king and his companions embody a more proactive and equitable approach to justice. Recognizing the injustice faced by the Brahman, they take it upon themselves to investigate and address the matter.
Their intervention demonstrates a commitment to fairness and impartiality, as they seek to uncover the truth and resolve the conflict through a clever and creative solution. By arbitrating the dispute and devising a test that exposes the impostor ghost, the cowboy king ensures that justice prevails, allowing the real Brahman to reclaim his rightful possessions and status. Thus, through their actions, both the king and the cowboy king contribute to the restoration of justice in the story.
11. How is the deception factor explored in the story “The Ghost Brahman”?
Ans. In “The Ghost-Brahman,” the theme of deception is central to the narrative, as the impostor ghost cunningly masquerades as the real Brahman, deceiving both the Brahman’s family and the community. The ghost’s ability to assume the Brahman’s identity highlights the deceptive nature of appearances and the challenge of discerning truth from falsehood. Moreover, the ghost’s manipulation of circumstances and exploitation of the Brahman’s absence demonstrate the insidiousness of deception and its far-reaching consequences. The story also underscores the vulnerability of trust and the ease with which deception can flourish in the absence of skepticism and critical inquiry.
Through the ghost’s actions, the story explores the destabilizing effects of deceit on relationships, social order, and justice. Ultimately, the resolution of the conflict through the exposure of the ghost’s deception reinforces the moral consequences of dishonesty and the importance of authenticity and integrity.
12. How does the story end, and what moral is conveyed?
Ans. In the story’s resolution, the clever intervention of the “neat-herd king” exposes the imposter ghost by challenging him to enter a small phial. The ghost, unable to fulfill this task, is trapped, allowing the real Brahman to reclaim his home, wife, and mother. The story concludes with the Brahman living happily thereafter, free from the ghost’s deception.
A moral lesson derived from the story is the triumph of justice and truth over deception. It highlights the importance of discernment and critical thinking in distinguishing reality from illusion. Additionally, the story underscores the value of integrity and authenticity, as the real Brahman’s genuine identity prevails in the end. Furthermore, it suggests that righteousness and fairness, represented by the intervention of the “neat-herd king,” ultimately lead to a just resolution of conflicts.
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