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Imitating the English Gentleman: NBSE class 10 summary, answers
Get here the summary and solutions of the chapter Imitating the English Gentleman of NBSE Class 10 English or Playing the English Gentlemen. However, the given notes/solutions should only be used for references and should be modified/changed according to needs.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
The chapter Imitating the English Gentleman, which is a part of class 10 English syllabus of students studying under Nagaland Board of School Education is an account of Mahatma Gandhi’s struggle to mix with the English and the English society while he was studying law in London.
In the chapter, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi talked about how his life in London was not an easy one because he was a vegetarian and his friend did not appreciate this. His friend would find vegetarianism a hurdle in his development. One day when Gandhiji was hesitant to eat in a restaurant because he was not sure whether the food was vegetarian or not, his friend became angry and told him that he was too clumsy for a decent society. This provoked Gandhiji to take measures and make himself suitable for English society. He changed his dressing style and took a few classes, only to realise later that all these would not make him a true gentleman but if he ever would become a gentleman, it would be because of his character.
After that, he gave up his prospects of becoming an English gentleman and emphasized building a good character, reminding himself that he was there in London to study and he was not supposed to stay there all his life.
Textual questions and answers
MCQs
1. Gandhiji tried to become an English gentleman to make up for
Answer: his vegetarianism
2. To become an English gentleman Gandhiji
Answer: bought an evening suit for himself
3. Gandhiji gave up his pursuit of becoming an Englishman because….
Answer: he realised that he was an Indian
4. Gandhiji went to his violin teacher to
Answer: fetch him a good price for his violin
5. But henceforward I became a student. This suggests that Gandhiji
Answer: made efforts to build a good character
Reference to Context
1. ‘If you cannot behave yourself, you had better go.’
a) Who said these words and to whom?
b) Where was the speaker at this point of time?
c) What had the other person done?
d) Make a new word with ‘behave’ by adding a suffix or prefix.
Answer: a) Gandhiji’s friend said these words to Gandhiji.
b) The speaker was at the Holborn Restaurant.
c) The other person, i.e., Gandhiji had summoned the waiter to ask if the soup they had been served was vegetarian which he didn’t find fitting for a decent society.
d) Misbehave.
2. My ambitions also grew like the family of the recluse.
a) What were the ambitions of the speaker?
b) Who is the ‘recluse’ referred to in the line?
c) The speaker is referring to a past incident. Is his tone one of approval or criticism?
d) ‘Recluse’ is a noun. Derive the adjective form of the word.
Answer: a) The ambition of the speaker was to become a refined English gentleman.
b) The ‘recluse’ referred to in the line was Gandhiji who was doing one thing after another to solve one supposed problem.
c) His tone was of criticism. He was introspecting his false pursuit of becoming an English gentleman.
d) The adjective for recluse is ‘reclusive’.
Read and Write
1. What prompted Gandhiji to take up vegetarianism?
Answer: Gandhiji studied different books on health and hygiene like “Salt’s book”, Howard Williams’ “The Ethics of Diet”, Dr Anna Kingsford’s “The Perfect Way in Diet” and Dr Allinson’s writings on health and hygiene. He was also highly influenced by great people like Pythagoras and others who wear vegetarians. He realised that health and religion take an important place in one’s life. The above belief reaffirmed his vegetarianism.
2. What did Gandhiji do to please his friend and reassure him that he was fit for English society?
Answer: To please his friend and to make up for vegetarianism, Gandhiji tried to cultivate other habits to become an English gentleman. He bought new clothes suitable for English society; a chimney-pot hat, an evening suit made in Bond Street and a double watch chain of gold. He started spending 10 minutes every day before a huge mirror parting his hair and arranging his tie. He also started taking lessons in dancing, violin, French and elocution.
3. Gandhiji took up various activities to make himself an accomplished man. What were these activities? Did they help him in becoming an English gentleman? What makes you say so?
Answer: Gandhiji decided to alter his style of dressing. He used to wear the Bombay cut clothes which, he thought, were not suitable for English society. So he bought new clothes in English fashion from the Army and Navy stores. He got himself a Chimney pot hat for 19 shillings. He wasted 10 pounds on an evening suit made in Bond Street and asked his brother to send him a double watch chain of gold. He also learnt the art of tying a tie for himself. Apart from changing his clothes, Gandhiji also tried to imbibe other aspects of British culture. He started taking lessons in dancing, violin, French and elocution.
They did help him become a gentleman but not in the way he thought they would. I completely agree with Gandhiji’s conclusion that he was chasing false ideals. Gandhiji was trying to please his friend and make up for his vegetarianism when he should have been concentrated on his studies as he was not going to stay in England forever. Though he did not become an English gentleman like the way he imagined, the introspection that he received after he had gone through all the fruitless physical transformation did make him a refined gentleman in the truest sense.
4. Briefly describe the incident at Holborn restaurant.
Answer: Gandhiji had gone to Holborn restaurant with his friend. His friend had thought that in the midst of other diners, Gandhiji’s modesty would forbid him from asking any question. It was a fancy place and a new experience for Gandhiji. He and his friend shared the same table and the first course of the meal was soup. Gandhiji wondered that if the soup was a vegetarian soup and summoned the waiter immediately. His friend became irritated and asked him to leave the restaurant and wait for him outside. Gandhiji went out and searched for a vegetarian restaurant but unfortunately, the nearest restaurant of his choice had already been closed. Without a word, he accompanied his friend to the theatre.
5. What is the ‘infatuation’ that Gandhi says lasted about three months?
Answer: The “infatuation” that Gandhiji mentioned that lasted for 3 months was his endeavour to become an English gentleman. He understood his infatuation and that he was pursuing a false ideal after reading Bell’s Standard Elocutionist.
Think and Answer
1. True friendship is based on mutual respect and understanding. Would you consider this story an instance of true friendship? Discuss.
Answer: No, I did not think that it was the story of an instance of true friendship. Gandhiji’s friend had no respect for the choices of Gandhiji. He was determined to make Gandhiji a non-vegetarian when Gandhiji clearly did not want that. If he was the true friend of Gandhiji, he would have respected Gandhiji and his choices. His friend also had insulted him at the restaurant when Gandhiji tried to ask the waiter whether the soup was vegetarian which he was very unlikely of a true friend.
2. ‘Mr Bell rang the bell of alarm in my ear and I awoke.’ Explain.
Answer: Gandhiji had decided to take lessons in elocution to become an English gentleman and he was told to get Bell’s Standard Elocutionist as the textbook. But as he started reading the book he understood that he was chasing a false ideal. He realised that he was in England to study and all the things that he was getting himself engaged in instead were nothing to do with studies but to fit in in the English society why he was not going to be forever. It became clear to him that he should rather be a man of character.
Extra MCQs
1. Which of the following did Gandhiji not do in his efforts to become an English gentleman?
A. Dined in the best English restaurants B. Learnt dance and French C. Took spoken English classes D. Bought an evening suit for himself
Answer: C. Took spoken English classes
2. Gandhiji went to his violin teacher to:
A. Fetch a good price for his violin B. Excuse himself from his classes C. Seek advice on his decision D. Help him write a letter to the teacher
Answer: B. Excuse himself from his classes
3. “But henceforward I became a student.” What does this suggest about Gandhiji?
A. Became a vegetarian B. Learnt British habits C. Changed his dressing style D. Made efforts to build a good character
Answer: D. Made efforts to build a good character
4. What prompted Gandhiji to adopt vegetarianism?
A. Influence of a friend B. Reading books on vegetarianism C. Personal health issues D. Family tradition
Answer: B. Reading books on vegetarianism
5. What activities did Gandhiji undertake to become an accomplished man?
A. Dancing and French lessons B. Elocution and violin lessons C. Reading English literature D. A and B
Answer: D. A and B
6. What was the outcome of Gandhiji’s incident at the Holborn restaurant?
A. He left the restaurant without eating B. He changed his diet to non-vegetarian C. He was applauded for his stand D. He decided to leave England
Answer: A. He left the restaurant without eating
7. What does Gandhiji refer to as an ‘infatuation’ that lasted about three months?
A. His study of English law B. His attempt to become an English gentleman C. His vegetarianism D. His engagement in political activism
Answer: B. His attempt to become an English gentleman
8. Why did Gandhiji purchase a chimney pot hat?
A. To protect himself from the London weather B. As a fashion statement C. To blend into English society D. Because it was a gift
Answer: C. To blend into English society
9. How did Gandhiji describe his efforts with the violin?
A. Successful and fulfilling B. Challenging but rewarding C. Frustrating and unfruitful D. Easy and enjoyable
Answer: C. Frustrating and unfruitful
10. Why did Gandhiji decide to stop his dancing lessons?
A. He mastered the skill B. He lost interest C. He found it too difficult D. He ran out of money
Answer: C. He found it too difficult
11. What was Gandhiji’s perspective on wearing a ready-made tie?
A. It was convenient B. It was against his principles C. It was not correct D. It was a sign of modernity
Answer: C. It was not correct
12. What did Gandhiji realize about learning elocution?
A. It was essential for his career B. It did not align with his goals C. It was too difficult for him D. It was irrelevant to becoming a gentleman
Answer: B. It did not align with his goals
13. How did Gandhiji’s friend react to his vegetarianism?
A. With indifference B. With support C. With concern D. With hostility
Answer: C. With concern
14. Why did Gandhiji invest in an evening suit from Bond Street?
A. For a special occasion B. As advised by a friend C. To conform to English standards of fashion D. For a job interview
Answer: C. To conform to English standards of fashion
15. Gandhiji’s experiment with vegetarianism led him to:
A. Abandon the diet eventually B. Deepen his commitment to it C. Question its health benefits D. Influence his friends to adopt it
Answer: B. Deepen his commitment to it
16. Gandhiji’s reflection on wearing a gold double watch-chain reflected:
A. His appreciation for luxury B. A desire to fit into English society C. His brother’s influence D. A practical necessity
Answer: B. A desire to fit into English society
Extra questions and answers
1. What initially sparks Gandhi’s interest in vegetarianism?
Answer: Gandhi’s interest in vegetarianism grew progressively as he engaged with literature on the subject, particularly influenced by Salt’s book, which intensified his desire to explore dietetic studies further.
2. How does Salt’s book influence Gandhi’s dietary choices?
Answer: Salt’s book played a significant role in sparking Gandhi’s interest in vegetarianism, leading him to delve into various books related to the subject and embrace a vegetarian diet.
3. Describe the significance of Howard Williams’ “The Ethics of Diet” in Gandhi’s exploration of vegetarianism.
Answer: “The Ethics of Diet” by Howard Williams was pivotal in Gandhi’s exploration of vegetarianism, offering a historical account of vegetarian dietetics and asserting that many philosophers and prophets were vegetarians, thus influencing Gandhi’s dietary philosophy.
4. How does Gandhi’s friend react to his dietary experiments and interests in vegetarian literature?
Answer: Gandhi’s friend was concerned about Gandhi’s dietary choices and interests in vegetarian literature, fearing it might weaken him and isolate him from English society. Despite attempts to reform Gandhi, the friend’s efforts were motivated by love.
5. Why does Gandhi decide to attempt becoming an English gentleman, and what does this entail?
Answer: Gandhi attempts to become an English gentleman to integrate better into English society, which involves adopting English clothing, learning to tie a tie, and engaging in activities considered necessary for an English gentleman, such as taking lessons in dancing, French, and elocution.
6. Discuss the implications of Gandhi’s attempt to inquire about the soup at the Holborn Restaurant.
Answer: Gandhi’s inquiry about the soup at the Holborn Restaurant, questioning whether it was vegetarian, demonstrates his commitment to his dietary principles, leading to a confrontation with his friend and highlighting his struggles to balance personal beliefs with social norms.
7. How does Gandhi’s friend respond to his behavior at the restaurant, and what does Gandhi do afterward?
Answer: Gandhi’s friend reacts sternly to his inquiry about the soup, suggesting Gandhi leave if he cannot behave appropriately. Gandhi leaves and goes without dinner, underscoring his adherence to his principles over social conformity.
8. In what ways does Gandhi attempt to assimilate into English society, and how successful is he?
Answer: Gandhi attempts to assimilate into English society through dietary experiments, adopting English attire, and learning cultural practices such as dancing, French, and elocution. His success is mixed, as he eventually realizes these efforts divert him from his true purpose.
9. Why does Gandhi choose to take lessons in dancing, French, and elocution?
Answer: Gandhi takes lessons in dancing, French, and elocution to make himself more accomplished and fit the mold of an English gentleman, believing these skills are necessary for social acceptance and to enhance his cultural understanding.
10. Reflect on Gandhi’s realization about the pursuit of becoming an English gentleman. What prompts this realization?
Answer: Gandhi’s realization about the futility of becoming an English gentleman is prompted by the recognition that his efforts to assimilate detract from his primary goal of education and personal development, leading him to abandon these pursuits.
11. How does Gandhi’s perspective on learning and self-improvement evolve throughout the story?
Answer: Gandhi’s perspective evolves from a focus on external assimilation to understanding the importance of internal values and education, leading him to prioritize his studies and character over superficial appearances.
12. Describe the range of activities Gandhi engages in to make himself an accomplished man. Do these activities fulfill his initial goals?
Answer: Gandhi engages in a variety of activities, including dietary experiments, adopting English fashion, and taking lessons in dancing, French, and elocution. These activities ultimately do not fulfill his initial goals, prompting a shift in focus towards his studies and personal values.
13. How does the incident at the Holborn Restaurant reflect on Gandhi’s challenges in adapting to English society?
Answer: The incident at the Holborn Restaurant reflects Gandhi’s challenges in balancing his personal convictions with the expectations of English society, highlighting the difficulties of navigating cultural differences while staying true to one’s principles.
14. What is Gandhi’s ‘infatuation’ that lasts about three months, and how does he eventually view this period?
Answer: Gandhi’s ‘infatuation’ refers to his intense but short-lived attempt to assimilate into English society by adopting its customs and lifestyle. He eventually views this period as a misguided effort that distracted him from his educational and personal development goals.
15. How does the story explore the theme of cultural identity and assimilation?
Answer: The text explores the theme of cultural identity and assimilation through Gandhi’s efforts to adopt English customs and his struggle to maintain his cultural and personal integrity, ultimately highlighting the complexity of navigating between different cultural identities.
16. In what ways does Gandhi’s friend demonstrate concern for him, and how does Gandhi perceive these efforts?
Answer: Gandhi’s friend demonstrates concernfor Gandhi by trying to integrate him into English society, fearing that his vegetarianism and abstention from English social norms would isolate him. Gandhi perceives these efforts as stemming from genuine concern and affection, despite their disagreements, which deepens his respect for his friend.
17. How does Gandhi reconcile his efforts to become an English gentleman with his own values and identity?
Answer: Gandhi reconciles his efforts by eventually recognizing the superficiality of outward appearances and the importance of inner values and education. This realization leads him to abandon his attempts at assimilation in favor of focusing on his studies and personal development.
18. How does Gandhi’s relationship with his friend evolve?
Answer: The narrative highlights the role of friendship and understanding through the evolving relationship between Gandhi and his friend. Despite initial conflicts and misunderstandings, their friendship deepens, characterized by mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s perspectives and concerns.
19. What lessons does Gandhi learn from his attempts at assimilation and self-improvement?
Answer: Gandhi learns that true self-improvement lies not in mimicking others or superficially adopting foreign customs but in pursuing genuine personal development and staying true to one’s values and identity.
20. Why was his friend concerned about his becoming a vegetarian?
Answer: Gandhiji’s friend thought that if he persisted in his objections to meat, he would not only develop a weak constitution but also remain a duffer in modern society. When he came to know that Gandhiji had begun to interest himself in books on vegetarianism, he was afraid lest these studies should muddle Gandhiji’s head and he fritter his life away in experiments, forgetting work and becoming a crank.
21. Why did Gandhiji eventually give up?
Answer: After reading Bell’s Standard Elocutionist, Gandhiji realised that he was pursuing a false ideal because he was not going to spend a lifetime in England. So, it was useless to learn elocution and dancing. He realised that he was a student and should go on with his studies to qualify himself to join the inns of court. He declared that a character could make him a true gentleman otherwise he should forget the ambition. Thus, Gandhiji eventually gave up.
22. What did Gandhiji’s friend do in his bid to transform him?
Answer: In his bid to transform Gandhiji, his friend made the last effort. Even they invited him to go to the theatre. Before the play, they were to dine together at the Holborn Restaurant. It was a palatial place for Gandhiji and the first big restaurant. The friend had planned to take him to that restaurant evidently imagining that modesty would forbid him from asking any question.
23. How did Gandhiji decide to alter his style of dressing?
Answer: Gandhiji decided to alter his style of dressing by changing the Bombay cut he was wearing. He got new ones at the Army and Navy stores. He went in for a chimney-pot hat costing 19 shillings. He wasted 10 pounds on an evening suit made in Bond Street. He understood that it was not correct to wear a readymade tie so he learned the art of tying one for himself.
24. “But henceforward I became a student.” Why does Gandhiji say this? What does he mean?
Answer: Gandhiji says this because he tried to become an English gentleman by adopting the British culture and his ambition grew like the family of the recluse. He wasted time, money, and energy in his endeavours of becoming an English gentleman, which were not related to his studies for which he was in England. He tried to take lessons in dancing, french and elocution which were beyond his means of studies. By this statement, Gandhiji means that he deviated from the false ideals he was pursuing and started focusing on the ambition for which he was in England in the first place.
25. Would you agree with Gandhiji’s view on giving up attempts to absorb the British culture? Give reasons.
Answer: Yes, I would agree with Gandhiji’s views on giving up attempts to absorb the British culture as Gandhiji was in England to complete his studies and he was eventually to return to India where the British culture would be of no use. All his attempts to absorb the British culture was indeed deviating him from his primary focus of completing his studies. Further, more than the outward show of becoming a gentleman, manners make a man. Gandhiji understood it eventually and thus his views on giving up attempts to absorb the British culture stands correct.
26. Why was his friend concerned about his becoming a vegetarian?
Answer: Gandhiji’s friend thought that if he persisted in his objections to meat, he would not only develop a weak constitution but also remain a duffer in modern society. When he came to know that Gandhiji had begun to interest himself in books on vegetarianism, he was afraid lest these studies should muddle Gandhiji’s head and he fritter his life away in experiments forgetting work and become a crank.
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Nice questions
Why did gandhiji eventually give up his decision to become an English gentleman
Gandhiji finally came to the realisation that,he was chasing a false ideal. He was trying to please his friend and to make up for vegetarianism when he should’ve been concentrating on his studies for which he was in England in the first place. All the things that he was getting himself engaged in were nothing to do with his studies. It occurred to him that he should be focusing on his main ambition after reading the Bell’s standard elocutionist.
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How did Gandhiji decide to outer his style of dressing?
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