Assignment major:- 14
College :- Maharanishree Nandkuvarba Mahila arts & commerce College
Name :- Gohil Niraliba virendrasinh
Year :- T.y B.A Sem - 6
Subject :- English
Paper Name :- The study of Indian english novel and short story
Credit :- 4
Professor Name :- Aamina ma'am
* CLASS ASSIGNMENT
Topic :- The characters of 6 story
1 . Toba tek singh
By - saadat hasan
• CHARACTERS
1. Bishan Singh
He is the central character of the story. Bishan Singh is a Sikh inmate in the Lahore mental asylum. He has been living there for many years and often mutters meaningless words like “Upar di gur gur di annexe di bedhiyana di moong di daal of Toba Tek Singh.” Though considered mad, he is deeply attached to his hometown Toba Tek Singh. During the exchange of lunatics between India and Pakistan after Partition, he becomes confused and distressed when he cannot find out whether his village lies in India or Pakistan. In the end, he refuses to move to either country and dies standing in the no-man’s land, symbolizing the tragedy and senselessness of Partition.
2. Fazal Din
Fazal Din is a Muslim guard/attendant in the asylum and an old acquaintance of Bishan Singh. He shows sympathy and kindness towards him. Fazal Din tries to help Bishan Singh by finding out where Toba Tek Singh is located after Partition. His character represents human compassion and friendship beyond religion.
3. Dr. Sahib
Dr. Sahib is the doctor in charge of the mental asylum. He represents the official authority and the so-called rational world. Though educated and sane, he is unable to answer Bishan Singh’s simple but painful question about the location of Toba Tek Singh. His character highlights the helplessness of reason and administration in the face of Partition’s chaos.
4. Mohammad Ali
Mohammad Ali is a Muslim lunatic in the asylum. He strongly supports Pakistan and frequently shouts religious and political slogans. His behavior shows how political madness has entered even the minds of the insane. Through him, Manto mocks blind nationalism and religious fanaticism.
5. Sikandar Hayat Khan
Sikandar Hayat Khan is a real political leader mentioned in the story. His name appears in the conversations of the lunatics. His reference shows how politics dominates public consciousness, even among those who are mentally unstable, and adds to the satire of the story.
2 . Lihaaf ( the quilt)
by ismat chughtai
• CHARACTERS
1. Begum Jan
Begum Jan is the central character of the story. She is the wife of Nawab Sahab. Although she lives a luxurious life, she feels extremely lonely and emotionally neglected because her husband is not interested in her. Due to this loneliness, she becomes deeply attached to her maid Rabbu. Begum Jan’s character shows the pain, repression, and emotional suffering of women in a patriarchal society.
2. Nawab Sahab
Nawab Sahab is Begum Jan’s husband. He is wealthy and respected but completely indifferent to his wife. He is more interested in young boys and ignores Begum Jan’s emotional and physical needs. His character represents male dominance, hypocrisy, and neglect within marriage.
3. Rabbu
Rabbu is Begum Jan’s maid and companion. She takes care of Begum Jan when she is ill and stays close to her at all times. Rabbu becomes Begum Jan’s emotional support. Through Rabbu’s character, the story highlights suppressed desires and unconventional relationships created due to social restrictions.
4. The Narrator (Unnamed Young Girl)
The narrator is a young girl who stays with Begum Jan for some time. She is innocent and observant. Through her eyes, the reader witnesses the mysterious movements of the quilt (lihaaf). Her childlike perspective keeps the narration subtle and indirect, making the story powerful without being explicit.
3 . The Night of the full moon
By - kartar sing dugga
1. Narrator (the child)
The story is told through the eyes of a young child. He is innocent and sensitive. Through his observations, we understand the tension, fear, and emotional atmosphere of the night. His point of view makes the story more realistic and touching.
2. Mother
The mother is a caring and emotional woman. She is deeply worried about her husband’s safety during the disturbed night. Her fear, love, and anxiety reflect the suffering of common people during times of violence and unrest.
3. Father
The father is a responsible and brave man. Despite the danger outside, he goes out for work/duty. He represents courage, duty, and sacrifice. His character shows how ordinary people face extraordinary situations with strength.
4. Sister
The sister is young and innocent. She is frightened by the tense situation and looks to her parents for comfort. Her presence highlights the impact of fear and violence on children and families.
5. Neighbours
The neighbours represent society as a whole. They share the same fear and uncertainty. Their reactions show how communal tension affects everyone, not just one family.
4 . The night train at deoli
By - Raskin Bond
1. The Narrator (Unnamed)
He is a young college student who often travels by night train between Dehra and Delhi. He is sensitive, emotional, and romantic by nature. During one journey, he notices a young girl selling baskets at Deoli station. Though he meets her only for a few minutes, he feels a deep emotional connection with her. He keeps thinking about her even after leaving Deoli. He returns many times hoping to see her again, but never meets her.
His character shows:
Loneliness
Innocent love
Regret and longing
He represents a person who is haunted by a brief but meaningful moment in life.
2. The Girl at Deoli Station (Unnamed)
She is a poor village girl who sells handmade baskets at Deoli railway station.
She is quiet, shy, and dignified. She speaks very little but leaves a strong impression on the narrator. She accepts the money given by the narrator without begging, showing her self-respect.
She symbolizes:
Innocence
Simplicity
Mystery
Her sudden disappearance adds sadness and realism to the story.
Conclusion
Though the story has only two characters, both are strongly portrayed.
Ruskin Bond shows how a small meeting can leave a lifelong emotional impact.
The characters represent unfulfilled love and missed chances in real life.
5 . How I thought my grandmother to read
By - sudha murthy
• CHARACTERS
1. Ajji (Grandmother)
Ajji is Sudha Murthy’s grandmother. She is an illiterate but very determined woman. She loves listening to stories, especially the serial Kashi Yatre. When she realizes she cannot read by herself, she feels sad but decides to learn reading and writing at the age of 62. Her character shows strong willpower, self-respect, hard work, and the belief that learning has no age.
2. Sudha (Narrator)
Sudha is a young, educated girl and the narrator of the story. She teaches her grandmother how to read and write. She is kind, patient, supportive, and respectful toward her grandmother. Through her character, the author shows the importance of education, encouragement, and the role of children in spreading literacy.
6 . Karma
By - khushwant singh
• CHARACTERS
1. Sir Mohan Lal
Sir Mohan Lal is the main character of the story. He is an Indian man who is obsessed with British culture and lifestyle.
He speaks English all the time, wears expensive Western clothes, smokes English cigarettes, and feels ashamed of Indian traditions.
He considers himself superior to other Indians and looks down on them.
2. Lachmi (Lady Lal)
Lachmi is the wife of Sir Mohan Lal. She is a simple, traditional Indian woman.
She wears Indian clothes, eats Indian food, and speaks in her natural way.
Unlike her husband, she is comfortable with her identity and does not try to pretend to be someone else.
3. The British Soldiers
The British soldiers appear briefly but play an important role.
They do not recognize Sir Mohan Lal as special or superior, despite his English manners.
They treat him like any other Indian and throw him out of the first-class compartment.
1. British Soldiers
Appear briefly in the story
Throw Sir Mohan Lal out of the first-class compartment. Expose his illusion of superiority
2. Coolies / Railway Staff (background characters)
Help show social hierarchy in colonial India Contrast Sir Mohan Lal’s attitude toward Indians
* HOME ASSIGNMENT
Topic :- The night train at deoli
By Raskin Bond
• INTRODUCTION
“The Night Train at Deoli” is a short story written by Ruskin Bond. It is a touching and emotional tale about a brief encounter between a young boy and a poor girl at a small railway station called Deoli. The story beautifully captures feelings of love, mystery, longing, and the pain of separation. It reflects how even a short meeting can leave a deep impact on someone’s life.
• ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ruskin Bond is one of India’s most loved writers.
° Born in 1934 in Kasauli, India
° Known for simple, emotional, and nature- based writing
° Famous works include The Blue Umbrella The Room on the Roof
His stories often focus on human emotions, relationships, and small-town life
His writing style is easy to understand but deeply meaningful.
• SUMMER OF THE STORY
The narrator, a young college student, travels by train during his holidays. The train stops briefly at a quiet station called Deoli, surrounded by forests and hills.
One night, he notices a young girl selling baskets on the platform. She is poor but has a simple beauty and innocence. Their eyes meet, and the narrator feels an instant connection with her. Though they don’t speak much, there is a silent understanding between them.
The narrator begins to look forward to seeing her every time his train stops at Deoli. During one visit, he gathers courage and talks to her. He feels a deep affection but does not express his feelings fully.
One day, when he returns, the girl is not there. He searches for her but cannot find her. The absence of the girl leaves him sad and restless. Even after many years, he keeps wondering about her—where she went and what happened to her.
The story ends with a sense of mystery and longing, as the narrator never finds the girl again.
• THEME
1. Love and Attraction
The story shows a quiet and innocent form of love. It is not expressed through words but through feelings and silent connection.
2. Loneliness and Longing
The narrator feels lonely after the girl disappears. Her absence creates a lasting emotional gap in his life.
3. Mystery of Life
The girl’s sudden disappearance adds mystery. Life does not always give answers.
4. Passage of Time
Even after many years, the narrator remembers the girl, showing how some moments stay forever.
• SYMBOLS
1. Deoli Station
Represents a temporary place in life—where people meet briefly and then part forever.
2. The Train
Symbolizes the journey of life. It keeps moving, just like time, without stopping for anyone.
3. The Girl
Represents innocence, beauty, and the unknown. She is also a symbol of lost opportunities.
4. Baskets
Symbolize the girl’s simple life and poverty.
• CONCLUSION
“The Night Train at Deoli” is a beautiful story about fleeting moments and unspoken emotions. Ruskin Bond shows that even short encounters can leave a permanent mark on our hearts. The story teaches us to value moments and express our feelings before it’s too late.
Topic :- How I thought my grandmother to read
By - sudha murthy
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read is a touching autobiographical story that shows the importance of education and determination. It is based on a real-life incident from the author’s childhood. The story highlights how age is not a barrier to learning and how strong willpower can overcome any difficulty.
It also beautifully portrays the bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter.
• ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sudha Murthy is a well-known Indian writer, social worker, and philanthropist.
Born in: Shiggaon, Karnataka
She is the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation
Writes in simple, meaningful language
Famous for writing stories based on real-life experiences
Some of her popular works include Wise and Otherwise, The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk, and many children’s stories.
Her writing mainly focuses on:
Values and morals
Indian culture and traditions
Human relationships
• SUMMARY
The story takes place in a small village in Karnataka. The narrator (young Sudha) used to read a Kannada magazine called Karmaveera to her grandmother every week. The grandmother loved listening to a serial story named Kashi Yatre.
One day, Sudha had to go to a wedding for a few weeks. During her absence, the grandmother could not read the story herself and had to depend on others. She felt helpless and sad.
This made her realize the importance of education. Even though she was 62 years old, she decided to learn how to read and write.
When Sudha returned, the grandmother requested her to teach her. The young girl became her teacher and helped her learn the Kannada alphabet step by step.
The grandmother worked very hard and practiced daily. On the festival of Saraswati Puja, she surprised Sudha by reading a passage on her own.
She then touched Sudha’s feet as a mark of respect for her teacher. Sudha felt emotional and proud.
• THEME
1. Importance of Education
The story shows that education gives independence and confidence. The grandmother’s life changed after learning to read.
2. Determination and Willpower
Even at the age of 62, the grandmother’s strong determination helped her achieve her goal.
3. Role Reversal
Usually, elders teach children, but here a young girl teaches her grandmother, showing that learning has no age limit.
4. Respect for Teachers
The grandmother touching Sudha’s feet shows the deep respect given to teachers in Indian culture.
5. Emotional Bond
The love and connection between grandmother and granddaughter is very strong and heartwarming.
• SYMBOLS
1. Kashi Yatre Story
Represents knowledge and motivation. It inspired the grandmother to learn reading.
2. Saraswati Puja
Symbolizes wisdom, learning, and new beginnings.
3. Touching Feet
Represents respect, gratitude, and acceptance of the granddaughter as a teacher.
4. The Alphabet
Symbolizes the beginning of a new life and independence.
• CONCLUSION
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read teaches us that learning has no age limit. With determination and dedication, anyone can achieve their goals.
* ESSAY
Topic :- That long silence
By - shashi Deshpande
That Long Silence (1988) is a well-known feminist novel in Indian English literature. It explores the inner life of an educated middle-class woman and highlights the struggles she faces within marriage and society.
The novel focuses on Jaya, a woman who has spent years suppressing her thoughts and emotions. Through her story, the novel questions traditional roles of women and the expectation of silence in their lives.
• ABOUT THE AUTHOR
° Shashi Deshpande is a famous Indian novelist and short story writer.
° She writes mainly about women’s issues, identity, and gender inequality.
° She belongs to a literary family; her father was a well-known writer.
° Her writing style is simple but deeply psychological.
° She received the Sahitya Akademi Award for That Long Silence.
Her works often show how women struggle between tradition and independence.
• CHARACTER
1. Jaya (Main Character)
Sensitive, intelligent, and introspective.
Struggles with identity and self-expression.
Represents many Indian women who sacrifice their desires.
2. Mohan (Husband)
Traditional and expects Jaya to behave like an ideal wife.
Believes in social norms and stability.
His crisis triggers the story.
3. Kamat
A friend who encourages Jaya to think independently.
Represents freedom and honesty.
4. Jeeja & Ajji
Symbolize traditional Indian women.
Show how earlier generations accepted silence and suffering.
5. Ravi and Rati (Children)
Reflect the next generation and changing values.
• SUMMARY
The novel tells the story of Jaya, an educated middle-class woman who lives with her husband Mohan and their children. When Mohan gets involved in a professional scandal, the family shifts to a small flat in Mumbai to avoid social attention.
In this quiet and confined space, Jaya begins to reflect on her life. She realizes that throughout her marriage, she has always tried to be an “ideal wife” — obedient, adjusting, and silent — just as society expects. She remembers how she once had dreams of becoming a writer but gave up her true voice to please her husband.
As she thinks about her past, relationships, and experiences, Jaya understands that her silence has suppressed her identity and individuality. She also recognizes the emotional distance in her marriage and the unequal expectations placed on her.
By the end of the novel, Jaya decides that she will no longer remain silent. She resolves to express her thoughts and live more honestly, breaking free from the long silence she has maintained for years.
• THEME
1. Silence vs Expression
Women are expected to remain silent.
Jaya’s journey is about finding her voice.
2. Identity Crisis
Jaya struggles between her real self and her role as a wife/mother.
3. Patriarchy
Society is male-dominated.
Women are expected to adjust and sacrifice.
4. Marriage and Relationships
Marriage is shown as unequal.
Emotional distance exists between Jaya and Mohan.
5. Tradition vs Modernity
Conflict between old values and new thinking.
• CONCLUSION
The novel ends with Jaya’s inner awakening. After reflecting deeply on her life, marriage, and identity, she realizes that her long silence has been a form of self-suppression. She understands that always trying to be the “ideal wife” has made her lose her true self.
Instead of continuing this silence, Jaya makes a firm decision to change. She resolves to face life with honesty and to express her thoughts and feelings openly. Although her external situation does not change immediately, her mental and emotional transformation is significant.
_____________
* Reference
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