MAJOR = 14 STUDY OF INDIAN ENGLISH NOVEL AND SHORTSTORIES(ASSIGNMENT){ URV }

 maharani nandkuvarba mahila arts and commerce college

NAME : Upadhyay Rudri Virendrabhai

 

YEAR: ty [sem-6]

MAIN SUBJECT: English

PAPER NAME: [major-14] study of indian english novel                                    and short stories

ASSIGNMENT NAME & TOPICS;1.Class assignment- story                                                                       characters.
                                                                            

                   2 .Home assignment-1.the night train at deoli

                                                                                                     2.how I  my grandmother  to read

                                                      {story explanation}

                                            3.ESSAY ASSIGNMET-NOVEL:that long silence

                                                                                                                    -Shashi Deshpande

                                                {novel explanation}

             FACULTY NAME : Aamena ma'am

                                       CLASS ASSIGNMENT 

                                             [CHARACTERS OF ALL STORY]

1. story: Toba Tek Sinh

                        -Sadat Hasan Manto 

characters👫👬👭

1️⃣ Bishan Singh (Toba Tek Singh)

• The main character of the story

• A Sikh inmate in a Lahore mental asylum

• Keeps repeating meaningless, mixed-up words

• Constantly asks whether his hometown, Toba Tek Singh, is in India or Pakistan

• In the end, he lies down in the “no man’s land” between the two countries

2️⃣ Fazal Din

• An old Muslim friend of Bishan Singh

• Visits him in the asylum

• Tells him that Toba Tek Singh is now in Pakistan

3️⃣ Hindu and Sikh Inmates

• To be transferred to India after Partition
  

• Confused and disturbed by the division

4️⃣ Muslim Inmates

• To remain in Pakistan

• Some do not even understand what Partition means

5️⃣ Indian and Pakistani Officials

• Arrange the exchange of mental asylum patients

• Represent the political system during Partition

2. story :  lihaaf (the quit)

                              -Ismat Chunghai

characters👫👬👭

1️⃣ Begum Jaan

• The central character

• Wife of Nawab Sahib

• Feels lonely and neglected in her marriage

• Emotionally and physically dissatisfied

• Develops a close relationship with Rabbu

2️⃣ Nawab Sahib

• Begum Jaan’s husband

• Wealthy and respectable man

• Not interested in his wife

• More attracted to young boys

• Ignores Begum Jaan completely

3️⃣ Rabbo

• Begum Jaan’s maid

• Very close to Begum Jaan

• Massages her regularly

• Shares an intimate bond with her

4️⃣ The Narrator (Young Girl)

• A young girl staying at Begum Jaan’s house

• Innocent and curious

• Observes strange movements under the quilt

• Tells the story from a child’s perspective

3. story: the night of full moon (poornmashi)

                          -Kartar Sinh Duggal

✨ Main Characters

1️⃣ The Young Wife (New Bride)

• Central character of the story

• Sensitive, emotional, and romantic

• Deeply in love with her husband

• Waits eagerly for him on the night of the full moon

• Represents love, longing, and feminine devotion

2️⃣ The Husband (Soldier)

• A soldier posted away from home

• Loving but bound by duty

• Returns home on the night of Poornmashi

• Represents responsibility and sacrifice

3️⃣ The Mother-in-law

• Traditional and practical woman

• Represents social customs and family discipline

• Less emotional, more concerned with routine and honor

4️⃣ Family / Villagers (Minor Characters)

• Create the rural background of the story

• Reflect traditional Punjabi village life

4.story:the night train at deoli

                                - Ruskin Bond

                              

characters👬👭👫

✨ All Characters

1️⃣ The Narrator (Young College Student)

• The main character of the story

  

• A college student traveling by train between Dehradun and Delhi

• Romantic and sensitive

• Falls in love with a girl he meets at Deoli station

• Feels confused and heartbroken when she suddenly disappears

2️⃣ The Basket-Selling Girl

• A young poor girl who sells cane baskets at Deoli station

• Simple, shy, and innocent

• Develops a silent emotional connection with the narrator

• Suddenly disappears from the station without explanation

3️⃣ The Narrator’s Grandmother

• Lives in Dehradun

• The narrator visits her during vacations

• Minor character who provides background to the story

4️⃣ Other Passengers

• Travel on the train

• Represent normal life moving on

• Do not notice the narrator’s emotional struggle

5️⃣ Station Master / Railway Staff (Minor Characters)

• Work at Deoli station

• Provide small background details about the place

5.story:How I taught my grandmother

                                        - Sudha Murti

characters👫👬👭

✨ All Characters

1️⃣ The Grandmother (Ajji / Avva)

• Central character of the story

• Illiterate but intelligent and determined

• Loves listening to stories, especially Kashi Yatre

• Feels helpless when she cannot read the magazine herself

• Decides to learn reading at the age of 62

• Symbol of determination and self-respect

2️⃣ The Narrator (Sudha)

• A young school-going girl

• Granddaughter of Ajji

• Kind, patient, and responsible

• Becomes her grandmother’s teacher

• Feels proud when Ajji learns to read

3️⃣ Sudha’s Mother

• Educated woman

• Reads the story aloud when Sudha is away

• Minor supporting character

4️⃣ Sudha’s Grandfather

• Supportive and caring

• Encourages learning

• Minor character

5️⃣ The Writer of Kashi Yatre (Triveni)

• Famous Kannada writer

• Her novel inspires the grandmother to learn reading

• Represents the power of literature

6.story : karma

                       -Kushwant Sinh

✨ All Characters

1️⃣ Sir Mohan Lal

• The main character

• An English-educated Indian barrister

• Proud, arrogant, and obsessed with British manners

• Looks down upon fellow Indians

• Believes he is superior because of his English lifestyle

• Ironically insulted and thrown out of the train by British soldiers

• Represents blind imitation of the British and false pride

2️⃣ Lachmi

• Sir Mohan Lal’s wife

• Simple, traditional Indian woman

• Wears sari and speaks Punjabi/Hindi

• Humble and practical

• Travels in the “zenana” (women’s) compartment

• Represents Indian simplicity and reality

3️⃣ The British Soldiers (Tommy Soldiers)

• Enter the first-class compartment

• Mock and insult Sir Mohan Lal

• Throw his luggage out and push him off the train

• Represent British racism and colonial arrogance

4️⃣ The Coolie (Porter) – Minor Character

• Helps with luggage at the station

• Represents ordinary Indian workers

5️⃣ Railway Guard / Station Staff – Minor Characters

• Appear briefly in the background

• Reflect the colonial railway system

                                          HOME ASSIGNMENT

                                                       ( story explanation)

1.story : the night train at Deoli

                                                    -Ruskin Bond

#About the Author

Ruskin Bond

Ruskin Bond is a famous Indian author known for his simple, heart-touching stories about nature, childhood, and life in the hills of India.

📌 Basic Information

• Born: 19 May 1934

• Birthplace: Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, India

• Lives in: Landour, near Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

• Nationality: Indian

• Genre: Short stories, novels, essays, children’s literature

✍️ Writing Style

• Simple and easy language

• Focus on nature, mountains, small towns

• Themes of loneliness, friendship, childhood, and human emotions

• Many stories are semi-autobiographical

📚 Famous Works

• The Room on the Roof – His first novel (won the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize)

• The Blue Umbrella

• The Night Train at Deoli

• Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra

• Rusty, the Boy from the Hills

🏆 Awards

• Sahitya Akademi Award (1992)

• Padma Shri (1999)

• Padma Bhushan (2014)

🌿 Why He Is Popular

Ruskin Bond is loved for his beautiful descriptions of nature and his ability to connect with readers of all ages, especially children. His stories are often included in school textbooks.

#STORY EXPLANATION:

📖 Introduction

The Night Train at Deoli is a short story about love, longing, and separation. It tells the story of a young college student who meets a poor basket-selling girl at a small railway station called Deoli. Their brief meetings leave a deep emotional impact on him.

📝 Story Summary

The narrator, a college student, travels by train every summer to visit his grandmother in Dehradun. The train stops briefly at a small station called Deoli, which is surrounded by forests and seems lonely and quiet.

One day, he notices a young girl selling baskets on the platform. She is poor but dignified and has a quiet charm. He feels attracted to her simplicity and innocence. Though they do not talk much, they share eye contact and silent understanding.

On his next journey, he again sees the girl. This time, he talks to her and buys a basket. There is a feeling of affection growing between them. However, the train leaves soon, and he promises himself to meet her again.

When he returns the next summer, the girl is not there. He asks about her, but no one knows where she has gone. He feels sad and confused. Though he wants to find her, he does not make a real effort. Eventually, he accepts that she is gone forever, but her memory stays in his heart.

🎯 Themes of the StorY

1. Temporary Love – The love between them is brief but meaningful.

2. Longing and Loss – The narrator feels deep sadness when the girl disappears.

3. Missed Opportunities – He regrets not asking more about her or trying to find her.

4. Memory and Imagination – The girl becomes a beautiful memory in his life.

💭 Message of the Story

The story shows that some people come into our lives for a short time but leave a lasting impact. It also teaches that we should value opportunities and express our feelings before it is too late.

🔹 Character Sketch of the Narrator

The narrator is a young college student who travels by train to visit his grandmother during vacations. He is sensitive, romantic, and imaginative. He notices small details about the quiet Deoli station and the basket girl, showing that he has a deep appreciation for nature and people.

He is also emotional and dreamy. Though he speaks only a few words to the basket girl, he develops strong feelings for her. His love is pure and innocent.

However, he is also indecisive and passive. When the girl disappears, he does not make serious efforts to find her. This shows that he is thoughtful but lacks courage to take bold action.

Overall, the narrator represents youthful love, longing, and regret.

🔹 Character Sketch of the Basket Girl

The basket girl is a poor village girl who sells baskets at the Deoli railway station. She is described as simple, graceful, and dignified. Even though she belongs to a lower economic background, she has a natural charm and self-respect.

She is quiet and shy, but her eyes express deep emotions. She does not speak much, yet there is a silent understanding between her and the narrator.

The girl symbolizes innocence and mystery. Her sudden disappearance makes her character more memorable and emotional. She becomes a symbol of lost love and beautiful memories.

2. story : How I taught my grandmother to read

                                         -Sudha Murti

#About the Author

Sudha Murty

📌 Basic Information

• Born: 19 August 1950

• Birthplace: Shiggaon, Karnataka, India

• Profession: Author, Teacher, Philanthropist

• Spouse: N. R. Narayana Murthy

• Associated with: Infosys Foundation

✍️ About Her

Sudha Murty is a well-known Indian author and social worker. She writes simple and inspiring stories for children and adults. Her writing is easy to understand and often teaches moral values like kindness, honesty, and humility.

She is also famous for her charity work through the Infosys Foundation, helping poor and needy people in education, healthcare, and rural development.

📚 Famous Books

• How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

• Wise and Otherwise

• The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk

• Grandma's Bag of Stories

🏆 Awards

• Padma Shri (2006)

• Padma Bhushan (2023)

🌸 Why She Is Popular

Sudha Murty is loved for her simple lifestyle, kind heart, and inspirational stories. Her books are included in school textbooks and are popular among children.

#story explanation

📖 Introduction

How I Taught My Grandmother to Read is an inspiring real-life story. It highlights the importance of education, determination, and self-respect. The story shows that there is no age limit for learning.

📝 Detailed Story Explanation

The story is narrated by Sudha Murty herself. She talks about her grandmother Avva, who lived in a village in Karnataka. Avva was uneducated and could not read or write, but she loved listening to stories.

Every week, a woman used to come to the village and read a story from a magazine called Karmaveera. Avva waited eagerly for these storytelling sessions. One of her favorite stories was about a woman named Triveni, who faced many difficulties in life but remained strong and courageous.

One day, the woman who read the magazine did not come. Avva felt very sad because she could not know what happened next in the story. At that moment, she realized the pain of being illiterate. She understood that depending on others for knowledge was a weakness.

Deeply hurt but determined, Avva decided to learn to read and write. She asked her granddaughter Sudha to teach her. Sudha agreed, even though Avva was already very old.

Avva worked very hard. She practiced reading and writing every day with great dedication. Within a few months, she learned the Kannada alphabet and became able to read simple texts.

On Dussehra day, Avva performed a traditional ceremony. She touched Sudha’s feet and treated her as a teacher, showing great respect for education. Soon after, Avva proudly read the story from Karmaveera magazine by herself.

🎯 Themes of the Story

1. Importance of Education – Education gives independence and confidence.

2. Determination and Willpower – Strong desire can overcome age and limitations.

3. Self-Respect – Avva wanted dignity and independence.

4. Respect for Teachers – Knowledge is considered sacred.

💡 Message / Moral

The story teaches us that learning has no age. With strong determination and hard work, anyone can achieve knowledge and self-respect.

✏️ Character Sketch of Avva (Grandmother)

Avva is an old village woman who cannot read or write. She is loving, kind, and affectionate, especially towards her granddaughter. Even though she is illiterate, she is very intelligent and emotionally strong.

She loves listening to stories from the magazine and becomes deeply interested in them. When she realizes that her illiteracy makes her dependent on others, she feels hurt. This shows her self-respect and desire for independence.

Avva is also determined and hardworking. Despite her old age, she decides to learn reading and writing. She practices daily with dedication and successfully learns the alphabet within a few months.

She respects education greatly. On Dussehra, she touches Sudha’s feet as a mark of respect for her teacher. This shows her humility and respect for knowledge.

👉 Avva represents determination, self-respect, and the belief that there is no age limit for learning.

✏️ Character Sketch of Sudha Murty

Sudha Murty, the narrator, is a young school-going girl who is intelligent and caring. She loves her grandmother and enjoys reading stories to her.

She is patient, kind, and responsible. When Avva asks her to teach her reading and writing, Sudha willingly accepts the responsibility. She teaches her grandmother with patience and dedication.

Sudha also shows respect for elders and education. Even though she is young, she understands the value of knowledge. She feels proud but humble when her grandmother touches her feet.

👉 Sudha represents love, patience, respect, and the importance of sharing knowledge.

                                    ESSAY ASSIGNMENT

                  NOVEL : LONG SILENCE

                                                         -SHASHI DESHPANDE

📖 Introduction

That Long Silence is a famous Indian novel published in 1988. It focuses on the inner life of a middle-class Indian woman and highlights themes like marriage, identity, gender roles, and silence in relationships.

The novel won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1990.

📝 Story Summary

The story is about Jaya, the main character and narrator. She is a well-educated woman and a writer. She is married to Mohan, a traditional and career-oriented man.

When Mohan faces a professional crisis due to corruption charges, the family moves to a small flat in Dadar, Mumbai. During this difficult period, Jaya begins to reflect on her life and marriage.

Jaya realizes that throughout her married life, she has remained silent to maintain peace in her family. She suppressed her feelings, opinions, and ambitions to fit into the role of an “ideal wife.”

She remembers her past, her dreams of becoming a writer, and how she slowly gave up her identity. The novel mainly explores her inner conflict and emotional struggles.

In the end, Jaya decides that she will no longer remain silent. She resolves to express herself honestly and break “that long silence.”

🎯 Main Themes

1. Silence in Marriage – Women often suppress their voice to maintain harmony.

2. Identity Crisis – Jaya struggles to find her true self.

3. Patriarchal Society – The novel shows gender inequality in Indian society.

4. Self-Realization – Jaya understands the importance of self-expression.

👩 Main Characters

• Jaya – The protagonist; sensitive, thoughtful, and conflicted.

• Mohan – Her husband; traditional and concerned about social image.

• Rati & Rahul – Their children.

• Kamat – A friend who influences Jaya’s thINKING
  

  
  
  

🌸 1. Jaya (Protagonist)

Jaya is the central character and narrator of the novel. She is an educated, sensitive, and intelligent woman. Before marriage, she had dreams of becoming a successful writer. However, after marrying Mohan, she slowly suppresses her ambitions to become an “ideal wife.”

She is emotionally complex and thoughtful. Throughout the novel, she reflects on her childhood, marriage, and personal struggles. She realizes that she has lived in silence, hiding her true feelings to maintain peace in her family.

Jaya suffers from an identity crisis. She feels lonely and misunderstood. But by the end of the novel, she decides to break her silence and face life courageously.

👉 Jaya represents the modern Indian woman struggling between tradition and individuality.

🌸 2. Mohan (Jaya’s Husband)

Mohan is a traditional, middle-class Indian man. He believes in social respect, reputation, and conventional family roles. He expects Jaya to behave like a dutiful wife.

He is not cruel, but he is emotionally distant and practical. When he faces corruption charges at work, he becomes anxious and worried about his image in society.

Mohan represents patriarchal values. He unknowingly forces Jaya into silence because he wants a peaceful and obedient wife.

👉 He symbolizes the male-dominated society.

🌸 3. Rahul (Son)

Rahul is Jaya and Mohan’s son. He is sensitive and emotionally disturbed. He feels neglected and misunderstood by his parents.

At one point, he runs away from home, showing his inner frustration and loneliness. His character highlights the emotional gap within the family.

👉 Rahul represents the impact of parental conflict on children.

🌸 4. Rati (Daughter)

Rati is more practical and independent than Rahul. She is modern in her thinking and does not show much emotional attachment.

She represents the new generation, which is more confident and bold.

🌸 5. Kamat

Kamat is a close friend of Jaya. He is intellectual, thoughtful, and understanding. Unlike Mohan, he listens to Jaya and appreciates her writing talent.

He encourages her to think independently and express herself. His sudden death deeply affects Jaya.

👉 Kamat symbolizes freedom of thought and emotional support.

🌸 6. Vanitamami

Vanitamami is a relative who suffers silently in her marriage. She tolerates her husband’s dominance without complaint.

Her life serves as a warning example for Jaya about the dangers of lifelong silence.

👉 She represents the traditional submissive woman

🌸 7. Jaya’s Father

Jaya’s father was a progressive and educated man. He encouraged her to read and write. He believed in education and independence.

His death leaves a deep emotional impact on Jaya.

👉 He symbolizes knowledge and encouragement.

🌸 8. Jaya’s Mother

Jaya’s mother is traditional and practical. She teaches Jaya to adjust and compromise in marriage.

She represents the older generation’s mindset, where women accept suffering sileNCE.

#ABOUT THE SHSHI DESHPANDE:

📌 Basic Information

• Born: 1938

• Birthplace: Dharwad, Karnataka, India

• Profession: Novelist, Short Story Writer

• Language: English

• Father: Sriranga (famous Kannada writer)

📖 About Her

Shashi Deshpande is one of the most important contemporary Indian women writers in English. She is best known for writing about the inner struggles of middle-class Indian women.

Her novels focus on themes like:

• Marriage and family relationships

• Women’s identity

• Patriarchal society

• Silence and self-expression

• Emotional conflict

Her writing style is simple, realistic, and psychological. She deeply explores the thoughts and emotions of her characters.

📚 Famous Works

• That Long Silence

• The Dark Holds No Terrors

• Roots and Shadows

• The Binding Vine

🏆 Awards

• Sahitya Akademi Award (1990) for That Long Silence