A Pair of Mustachios by Mulk Raj Anand

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A Pair of Mustachios by Mulk Raj Anand

When whiskers become weapons and facial hair fuels feuds, you know you're in for a 'stache-tastic tale. Prepare for bristling egos and a hilariously hairy situation in colonial India!

 

Understanding the Text

1. What do you understand of the natures of Ramanand and Azam Khan from the episode described?

Answer: Ramanand is shown as a clever and flexible businessman. When dealing with Khan Azam Khan's demands, he stays calm and uses his smartness to get what he wants without directly fighting. Azam Khan is shown as a proud and stubborn person who really values his heritage and the symbol of his status—the tiger mustache. His pride often makes him make unwise choices, like pawning his valuables to keep up his honour.

2.  Identify instances in the story that show the business acumen of Ramanand.

Answer: BRamanand demonstrates his business acumen by tactfully addressing Khan Azam Khan’s demands regarding the mustache. Despite Khan’s aggression, Ramanand skilfully manipulates the situation to his advantage, securing valuable items from Khan while making only a minor concession—slightly altering his mustache.

3. Both Ramanand and Azam Khan seem to have very fixed views. How does Ramanand score over Azam Khan towards the end of the story?

Answer: Towards the end of the story, Ramanand cleverly ensures that Azam Khan parts with all his valuable possessions. By negotiating skillfully, Ramanand ensures that Khan Azam Khan gives up everything of value for the sake of a symbolic gesture. This highlights Ramanand's ability to manipulate situations to his benefit.

Talking About the Text

Discuss the following in groups of three or four

1. The episode has been narrated in a light vein. What social mores does the author seem to ridicule?

Answer: The story hilariously mocks the rigid social hierarchies and the ridiculous symbols of status people desperately cling to, like mustaches representing different classes. It perfectly highlights the sheer absurdity of these distinctions and the ridiculous lengths individuals will go to just to maintain them.

2. What do you think are the reasons for the references made to the English people and the British monarchy?

Answer: The references to the English and the British monarchy serve to contrast the traditional Indian social structures with the colonial influence. It also emphasizes the irony of adopting foreign symbols of status while clinging to outdated local customs.

3. What do you think is the message that the author seems to convey through the story?

Answer: The author seems to convey the futility of clinging to outdated symbols of status and the absurdity of social hierarchies. Through the humorous depiction of the conflict over mustaches, the story criticizes the rigidity and pride associated with these symbols.

Appreciation

1. Comment on the way in which the theme of the story has been introduced.

Answer: The theme is introduced through a humorous anecdote about mustaches, immediately setting a light-hearted tone. This approach effectively draws readers into the deeper social commentary woven into the narrative.

2. How does the insertion of dialogue in the story contribute to its interest?

Answer: The dialogues between characters, particularly the exchanges between Ramanand and Azam Khan, add dynamism to the story. They reveal character traits, drive the plot forward, and enhance the humorous and satirical tone of the narrative.

Language Work

1. Nouveau riche and bourgeoise are French words. Collect from newspapers, magazines and other sources some more French words or expressions that are commonly used in English.

Answer: Commonly used French words or expressions commonly used in English: déjà vu, faux pas, cliché, genre, RSVP, fiancé, boutique, café.

2. Locate expressions in the text which reflect the Indian idiom, for example, the pride of the generations of his ancestors.

Answer: Expressions reflecting Indian idiom in the text: "pride of the generations of his ancestors," "seed of a donkey," "lentil-eating shopkeepers," "bring that tip down," "fancy the airs of people nowadays."

3. We ‘draw up a deed’. Complete the following phrases with appropriate words

a. ………….. one’s word

b. …………….. one’s will

c. …………… ends meet

d. …………….. a loan

e. …………….a deaf ear to

Answer: a. Keep one's word

b. Make one's will

c. Make ends meet

d. Take out a loan

e. Turn a deaf ear to

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