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A Day in the Life of a Debt Collector: MBOSE Class 12 Alt. English
Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDFs, and guides for MBOSE Class 12 Alternative English textbook Imprints, Chapter A Day in the Life of a Debt Collector by Munshi Premchand which is part of the syllabus for students studying under the board. These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
In Munshi Premchand’s story, “A Day in the Life of a Debt Collector,” Seth Chetaram, a fifty-year-old moneylender, is known for his relentless approach in collecting debts. A man of routine, he begins his day with rituals and heads out to recover money from debtors, adopting an intimidating approach. His determination to extract payments borders on aggressive, yet he occasionally displays charity, albeit in a manner that scares beggars from returning. His strategy includes constant visits to his debtors, where he often secures free meals, saving money through his persistence.
Sethji’s dedication is unshakeable, venturing out to collect debts in all weather conditions. On this particular day, he sets his sights on a farmer who owes him five rupees and resides miles away. To avoid the shame of walking such a distance on foot, he hails an ekka, a horse-drawn carriage. The ekka driver, a sharp and resilient man, soon engages in a shrewd exchange with Sethji. As the two converse, each tries to outwit the other with exaggerated stories of past wealth and current hardships. The driver recounts tales of his grandfather’s riches and his fall from grace, using this narrative to secure respect, while Sethji attempts to charm him through flattery.
Their journey becomes a verbal contest, with each man attempting to gain an advantage. Sethji flatters the driver, hoping to reduce the fare, while the driver counters with an insistence on fair payment. The metaphor of a “slippery proposition” describes how both men recognize each other as shrewd opponents, engaged in a mental duel.
Upon reaching the destination, the fare dispute intensifies. The ekka driver demands an excessive fare, citing lost income from potential passengers, and refuses Sethji’s initial payment. Sethji, a man who rarely parts with money easily, feels insulted by the demand. The two nearly resort to a scuffle before Sethji grudgingly agrees to pay a slightly higher amount.
At the driver’s hut, Sethji encounters the driver’s wife, a lively woman who boldly engages him, offering him refreshments and subtly flirting. Her charm briefly distracts Sethji, and he momentarily loses his usual composure. However, he becomes uncomfortable when she offers him pan (betel leaf) due to his religious beliefs, which forbid him from consuming food prepared by others. In an attempt to avoid her advances, he hastily leaves, sacrificing his pride and some money, ultimately abandoning his debt collection. This ending captures Sethji’s conflict between his strict principles and the lure of comfort and companionship, showcasing Premchand’s insight into human nature and social dynamics.
Textbook solutions
Answer these questions briefly
1. Seth Chetaram was a man who believed in rituals and tradition. Give examples from the text to support this statement.
Answer: Seth Chetaram bathed, poured water in sacrifice to Shiva, chewed two peppercorns, and drank two pots of water before setting out. He had also been sacrificing to Shiva since the age of reason and had never once neglected the ceremony.
2. What was Sethji’s theory on how to prosper? How seriously did he practice this theory?
Answer: Sethji believed that persistent dunning was the way to prosper. He practiced this theory very seriously, going out right after breakfast and continuing until evening, regardless of the weather or circumstances.
3. Describe an incident which showed that Sethji gave great importance to keeping up appearances.
Answer: When Sethji decided to visit the farmer who owed him money, he chose to amble at a leisurely pace and chat with people he met, so it would appear that he was just out for a stroll rather than going to collect debts on foot.
4. Explain with reference to the context: “Both of them understood that the other was going to prove a slippery proposition.”
Answer: This refers to the moment when Sethji and the ekka driver first met and exchanged a piercing look, each realizing that the other was not going to be easy to deal with or deceive.
5. a. Why did the ekka driver decide to change his style of conversing with the Seth?
Answer: The ekka driver realized that praising Sethji was not going to get him what he wanted, so he decided to change his approach.
5. b. What change did he make?
Answer: The ekka driver switched from flattery to a more assertive style, warning Sethji that he would not do any favors when it came to money and stating his own strict principles.
6. a. Describe the ekka driver’s wife. What aspects of her personality do we see in the story?
Answer: The ekka driver’s wife was graceful, saucy, mettlesome, and tempting. She showed hospitality and cleverness by making Sethji feel comfortable and subtly attracting his attention.
6. b. How did she attract the debt collector towards her?
Answer: She fanned Sethji with a small fan, spoke to him in a playful and teasing manner, and offered him pan, creating an aura of hospitality and charm that captivated him.
7. a. Why did the debt collector not want to eat the pan made by the ekka driver’s wife?
Answer: The debt collector did not want to eat the pan made by the ekka driver’s wife because he believed that “If we people take food you’ve touched we’re defiled.”
7. b. What attitude of his does this incident bring out?
Answer: This incident brings out his attitude of strict adherence to his religious customs and his notion of ritual purity, as he felt strongly about not consuming food prepared by someone outside his community.
8. a. Explain the expression “A free meal is nothing to be sneezed at” with reference to the context.
Answer: In the context, this expression means that Sethji valued a free meal highly and saw it as a benefit not to be dismissed lightly, as he often saved money by eating at his debtor’s expense.
8. b. Explain the expression “Fate has clipped my wings” with reference to the context.
Answer: This expression, used by the ekka driver, reflects his feelings of having lost his former status and freedom due to misfortune, leaving him in a position where he could no longer live the privileged life he once had.
8. c. Explain the expression “stay as poor as church mice” with reference to the context.
Answer: This phrase describes those who, despite their efforts, remain in poverty, indicating how Sethji believed some individuals live in constant hardship, unable to change their economic condition.
8. d. Explain the expression “the gentleman was a champion talker” with reference to the context.
Answer: This expression reflects the ekka driver’s impression of Sethji as someone skilled in persuasive and flattering speech, using it to gain favor or avoid paying the full fare.
8. e. Explain the expression “The savour of the struggle had gone sour, it set his teeth on edge. Souring it for Sethji as well was the only consolation” with reference to the context.
Answer: This phrase shows the ekka driver’s feeling of bitterness and resentment after failing to extract the desired fare from Sethji, with his only comfort being that Sethji, too, was displeased by the outcome.
8. f. Explain the expression “Enough, now wag your tongue all you like, I won’t give a pice more” with reference to the context.
Answer: This expression illustrates Sethji’s firm decision to refuse any further payment to the ekka driver, dismissing any attempt at persuasion or bargaining.
8. g. Explain the expression “I suppose you’re in a mood for some mischief” with reference to the context.
Answer: The ekka driver’s wife uses this phrase to tease the ekka driver, implying that he is in a playful mood, especially since he brought home a “high-class passenger” like Sethji.
8. h. Explain the expression “The poor fellow was veritably flying on the wings of religion” with reference to the context.
Answer: This expression indicates Sethji’s desperate and quick retreat, driven by his intense desire to avoid religious contamination, almost as if his faith gave him the strength to flee rapidly.
8. i. Explain the expression “Could he throw religion over for a few rupees?” with reference to the context.
Answer: This expression captures Sethji’s internal struggle as he debates whether to abandon his religious principles for financial gain, ultimately valuing his beliefs over the lost money.
Answer these questions in detail.
1. Write a character sketch of the debt collector or the ekka driver.
Answer: The debt collector, Seth Chetaram, is portrayed as a man rooted deeply in tradition and rituals. His daily routine begins with bathing, offering water to Shiva, and partaking in peppercorns and water before setting out to collect debts. A man in his fifties, Sethji has a distinct physical appearance – bald with a rounded belly and short legs, resembling “two pegs stuck in a barrel.” This imagery underscores his persistence and resilience. Though he may not come across as a miser, he is strict and intimidating with his debtors, frequently pressuring them to settle their dues. Sethji’s dedication to his “theory that persistent dunning was the way to prosper” reflects his seriousness about his work, often dining at his debtors’ houses, thereby avoiding personal expenses. His commitment to collecting debts is so intense that no amount of adverse weather could prevent him from pursuing his duties. He maintains a facade of friendliness but uses it strategically to pressure others.
2. Would you describe this story as a battle of wits? Substantiate your answer with instances from the text.
Answer: Yes, this story can indeed be described as a battle of wits. Throughout the narrative, Sethji and the ekka driver engage in a verbal and psychological duel. The ekka driver quickly discerns Sethji’s intent to avoid paying a fair fare and alters his conversational approach to outwit him. For instance, when Sethji tries to flatter the driver with excessive praise, the driver responds by asserting his strictness and honesty in collecting dues. When the flattery doesn’t work, Sethji tries to play on the driver’s sense of friendship, only to find the driver equally steadfast. The driver’s wife also participates in this subtle game of wits, using charm to disarm Sethji and lure him into a more compromising position. This back-and-forth exchange showcases a witty and strategic contest, with each party trying to outmaneuver the other, making the story a genuine battle of wits.
Appreciating form
What is the role of ‘dialogue’ in the story?
Answer: The role of dialogue in the story is pivotal as it drives the plot forward and provides depth to the characters. Through dialogue, the author reveals the personalities, values, and intentions of both Sethji and the ekka driver. Their exchanges create a vivid portrayal of their mindsets—Sethji’s persistence as a debt collector and the ekka driver’s clever resilience. Dialogue also builds the humor and irony in their interactions, especially as both characters attempt to manipulate each other. Furthermore, the dialogue adds cultural authenticity, providing readers with insight into the social dynamics, beliefs, and daily struggles of that era. By conveying much of the narrative through spoken exchanges, the story becomes engaging and lifelike, allowing readers to experience the “battle of wits” directly and emphasizing the subtle societal themes embedded in their verbal duel.
Beyond the text
This story brings out many of the social issues of the days before the partition of India. Do you feel that a similar situation still persists in spite of all the progress we have made economically and politically?
Answer: While we have made significant economic and political progress since the days before the partition of India, many of the social issues highlighted in the story still persist. Issues such as economic disparity, social hierarchies, and struggles of the working class are still relevant today. The story showcases the power dynamics between the wealthy and the economically disadvantaged, as well as the efforts by ordinary people to navigate these imbalances through wit and resilience. Today, although there are more opportunities for upward mobility and greater emphasis on rights and welfare, financial strain, indebtedness, and the pressure to maintain appearances remain prevalent in many communities. This reflection reminds us that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done to address enduring social inequalities and ensure that development benefits all sections of society equally.
Extras
Additional fill in the blanks
1. Seth Chetaram was determined to go on his ______ expeditions daily. (Dunning/Lunch)
Answer: Dunning
2. Sethji’s belly was compared to a barrel that was full of ______. (Fat/Energy)
Answer: Energy
3. Despite his fierce appearance, Sethji would sometimes give a ______ to a beggar. (Coin/Food)
Answer: Coin
4. Sethji’s dedication to collecting debts made him feel that _______ was the only way to prosper. (Persistent dunning/Charity)
Answer: Persistent dunning
5. Sethji’s frown and wrinkled nose discouraged beggars from coming back to his ______. (Shop/Temple)
Answer: Shop
6. Sethji planned his trips so he would avoid traveling on ______. (Foot/Horse)
Answer: Foot
7. The ekka driver mentioned that his _______ was once a powerful revenue collector. (Father/Grandfather)
Answer: Grandfather
8. Sethji observed that Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, was ______. (Kind/Fickle)
Answer: Fickle
9. The ekka driver spoke about his former wealth and how he would travel in a ______ carried by attendants. (Palanquin/Chariot)
Answer: Palanquin
10. The ekka driver claimed he had spent his inheritance on ______ and wild parties. (Clothes/Alcohol)
Answer: Alcohol
11. Sethji praised the ekka driver for being a man of ______. (Integrity/Wealth)
Answer: Integrity
12. The ekka driver responded that he had to take care of his family, which included his mother, children, and ______ widows. (Two/Several)
Answer: Several
13. To avoid paying more, Sethji suggested to the ekka driver that he might face trouble with the ______. (Police/Tax)
Answer: Police
14. The ekka driver intimidated passengers by threatening to take them to the ______ station. (Railway/Police)
Answer: Police
15. At the end of the journey, the ekka driver demanded ______ annas for the ride, shocking Sethji. (Eight/Four)
Answer: Eight
16. Sethji felt his religious commitment was being tested and called on ______ for help. (God/Shiva)
Answer: Shiva
17. Sethji reluctantly handed over an eight-anna coin but requested the ekka driver buy snacks for the ______. (Passengers/Children)
Answer: Children
18. The ekka driver’s wife offered Sethji a seat on the ______. (Charpoy/Horse)
Answer: Charpoy
19. Sethji became uncomfortable when the ekka driver’s wife offered him ______, as he felt it would go against his religion. (Tea/Pan)
Answer: Pan
20. In trying to escape from the woman, Sethji lost his ______. (Staff/Moneybag)
Answer: Moneybag
21. Sethji worried about compromising his ______ for the sake of money. (Religion/Friendship)
Answer: Religion
22. At the end, Sethji walked away feeling as defeated as a ______ in a fight. (Dog/Cat)
Answer: Dog
Additional true and false
1. Seth Chetaram was dedicated to his debt-collecting routine regardless of the weather.
Answer: True
2. Seth Chetaram would never give anything to beggars who approached his shop.
Answer: False
3. Sethji’s theory of prosperity relied on persistent debt collection.
Answer: True
4. The ekka driver claimed his grandfather was a wealthy revenue collector for the Navab.
Answer: True
5. Sethji enjoyed spending money on meals during his dunning rounds.
Answer: False
6. Sethji felt it was essential to keep up appearances and would avoid walking long distances to avoid seeming poor.
Answer: True
7. Sethji was embarrassed by the ekka driver’s wife’s generosity.
Answer: True
8. The ekka driver’s wife served Sethji food even though he refused to pay the full fare.
Answer: False
9. Sethji decided to avoid confrontation and gave the full fare the ekka driver demanded.
Answer: False
10. The ekka driver used intimidation tactics, claiming he worked closely with the police.
Answer: True
11. Sethji had strict dietary habits due to religious beliefs and customs.
Answer: True
12. The ekka driver’s wife lured Sethji with sweets and other foods, which made him uncomfortable.
Answer: True
13. Sethji was eventually convinced to eat a betel leaf (pan) made by the ekka driver’s wife.
Answer: False
14. The ekka driver’s wife made Sethji feel uncomfortable with her flirtatious behavior.
Answer: True
15. Sethji believed that giving in to the ekka driver’s fare demands would be seen as an act of weakness.
Answer: True
16. Despite feeling uncomfortable, Sethji chose to stay and enjoy the woman’s hospitality.
Answer: False
17. The ekka driver mentioned that he had a large family dependent on his earnings.
Answer: True
18. Sethji managed to convince the ekka driver to lower his fare without paying extra.
Answer: False
19. The story suggests that Sethji’s dedication to religious rituals and traditions influenced his choices.
Answer: True
20. Sethji viewed the ekka driver as honest and trustworthy from the beginning.
Answer: False
21. Sethji valued his religious beliefs more than the money he lost.
Answer: True
Additional questions and answers
1. What daily activities did Seth Chetaram perform before setting out to collect debts?
Answer: Seth Chetaram bathed, poured water in sacrifice to Shiva, chewed two peppercorns, drank two pots of water, and took his stick before going out to collect debts.
2. How old was Seth Chetaram?
Answer: Fifty years old.
3. Describe Sethji’s physical appearance.
Answer: Sethji had a bald head, small round eyes, a protruding belly beneath his head, and thin legs resembling two pegs in a barrel. This “barrel” wasn’t empty—it was full of energy and vitality. When he pressured his debtors, his belly would jiggle and dance, entertaining onlookers with a performance that could shame an acrobat.
4. How did Sethji act when pressuring debtors?
Answer: He would glare fiercely, roar loudly, and his belly would jiggle and dance, drawing a crowd to watch him.
5. Did Sethji give money to beggars?
Answer: Yes, but reluctantly. He would throw down a pice to every beggar when in his shop, with such a severe frown that the beggars avoided returning.
6. What was Sethji’s theory on how to prosper?
Answer: Persistent dunning.
7. Describe Sethji’s routine during his debt collection trips.
Answer: Sethji would often eat lunch at a debtor’s house, sometimes partaking of milk, puris, sweets, and other dishes. He saved on meal expenses, calculating that, by saving an anna per meal, he had accumulated about 800 rupees over his 30-year career.
8. Why did Sethji go out for debt collection regardless of the weather?
Answer: Sethji felt it was like a law of nature for him to go out daily to collect debts, a commitment he upheld no matter the circumstances.
9. What did Sethji’s wife ask him about his meals?
Answer: She asked if he would have lunch and supper.
10. How much did the farmer owe Sethji?
Answer: Five rupees.
11. Why had Sethji delayed visiting the farmer’s house?
Answer: The farmer’s house was three miles away, making the journey long and unpleasant for Sethji.
12. What did Sethji think about making the journey on foot?
Answer: He feared it would harm his reputation, so he walked leisurely, chatting with people to appear as if he was merely out for a stroll.
13. Whom did Sethji encounter on his way, and what mode of transport did he use?
Answer: He encountered an ekka driver, who drove a small horse-drawn carriage.
14. What did the ekka driver claim about his ancestry?
Answer: He claimed his grandfather was a revenue collector for the Navab, with power over seven districts, enjoying a wealthy and influential lifestyle.
15. How did the ekka driver describe his current situation?
Answer: The ekka driver expressed that times had changed, and he now had to work for people like Sethji, contrasting his current status with the grandeur of his ancestors.
16. How did Sethji perceive the ekka driver after hearing his story?
Answer: Sethji recognized that the ekka driver was a “regular champion,” realizing it would not be easy to get the better of him.
17. What did the ekka driver say he used his earnings for?
Answer: To feed his family, including his mother, children, and several dependent widows.
18. How did Sethji try to win the ekka driver over?
Answer: He flattered the ekka driver, praising his honesty, decency, and integrity, hoping to secure his goodwill.
19. What was the ekka driver’s reaction to Sethji’s praise?
Answer: Suspicious, the ekka driver thought Sethji’s praise was a tactic to avoid payment and decided to adopt a firmer approach.
20. How much fare did the ekka driver demand from Sethji?
Answer: Eight annas.
21. How did Sethji respond to the high fare demand?
Answer: Sethji was shocked by the amount and refused to pay, ready for an argument or even a scuffle to avoid such an expense.
22. What did Sethji do when he reached the end of the road?
Answer: He stepped down and offered a two-anna coin, but the driver scowled, disappointed with the low fare.
23. What did the ekka driver’s wife say when she saw Sethji?
Answer: She welcomed him, offering him a seat on their charpoy and expressed happiness at seeing him.
24. How did Sethji react to the ekka driver’s wife’s hospitality?
Answer: He was captivated by her charm, finding her graceful, lively, and attractive, in sharp contrast to his wife.
25. What did the ekka driver’s wife offer Sethji while he rested?
Answer: She offered to fan him and later offered him pan.
26. Why did Sethji hesitate to eat pan made by the woman?
Answer: He feared that taking food from a Muslim would defile him, according to his beliefs.
27. How did Sethji ultimately react to the woman’s offer of pan?
Answer: Feeling trapped, he made a desperate dash to escape, rejecting the pan she offered.
28. What happened to Sethji’s moneybag?
Answer: It slipped from his waist while he was running.
29. How did Sethji’s religious beliefs affect his actions at the end?
Answer: Torn between retrieving his moneybag and his religious principles, Sethji ultimately chose to uphold his beliefs, leaving his money behind and walking away.
