Page 189 - DENG503_INDIAN_WRITINGS_IN_LITERATURE

Unit 21: Premchand: Godan: Detailed Study of the Text

The deserting of the aged parents by Jhunia and Gobar, who bore all pains and social stigma Notes
for them. The economical system came as a blessing, but Jhenguri Singh makes maximum
use of it to manipulate people. The most heart-rending scene is the death of Hori or more
precisely his last moments. His being religious and magnanimous, the family does not possess
the adequate means even to complete his final rites. The novel thus ends in a tragedy.

Self-Assessment
1. Choose the correct options:
(i) Premchand's "Godan" produces the rustic, simplistic and heart-rending lives of the
............... .
(a) student (b) poor (c) peasants (d) None of these
(ii) The deserting of the aged parents by ............... and Gobar, who bore all pains and social
stigma for them.
(a) Heera (b) Jhunia (c) Punia (d) None of these
(iii) Heera admonishing ............... for quarrelling with a low caste man.
(a) Jhunia (b) Gobar (c) Punia (d) None of these
(iv) After the incident, people flock around Hori's hut to have a Darshan of ............... .
(a) Heera (b) Punia (c) Dhania (d) None of these

21.9 Key-Words

1. Escapist : Indulging in or characterized by escapism.
2. Magnanimous : Very generous or forgiving, esp. toward a rival or someone less powerful
than oneself.

21.10 Review Questions

1. Write a short note on the role of Dhania.
2. Why did Jhunia and Gobar bear all pains and social stigma?
3. Write a brief note on Godan.
4. Discuss Premchand as a renowned writer.
Answers: Self-Assessment
1. (i)(b) (ii)(b) (iii)(c) (iv)(c)

21.11 Further Readings

1. Premchand Pachnavali (collected works of Premchand) Vol. 20, Delhi, Janwani
Prakashan 1996: 377–425.
2. Godan (The Gift of a Cow) (1936) English translations by Gordon c. Roadarmel
(2007, 1968, New Delhi).

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 183