Here we have shared The Ghost Brahman Questions Answers Class 11 English Rapid Reader Second Semester / The Ghost-Brahman by Lal Behari Dey
The Ghost Brahman Questions Answers
Class 11 English Rapid Reader Second Semester
Marks: 5
(1) Consider ‘The Ghost-Brahman’ as a supernatural short story.
The term “supernatural” refers to anything that exists beyond or defies the natural laws of the universe. A supernatural short story, therefore, is a genre that revolves around themes like ghosts, spirits, demons, or other paranormal phenomena.
The title of the story, ‘The Ghost-Brahman,’ directly alludes to its supernatural theme. The narrative follows a ghost who takes on the exact appearance of a Brahman and occupies his house during the Brahman’s absence. However, this shape-shifting power eventually leads to the ghost’s downfall. In an attempt to prove his identity, the ghost transforms into a small insect-like creature and enters a tiny phial. Seizing this opportunity, the real Brahman traps the ghost in the phial, seals it with a cork, and disposes of it in the sea.
With its gripping suspense and imaginative elements, the story captivates readers, especially due to its seamless incorporation of supernatural themes.
(2) How did the ghost get into the Brahman’s house?
After the Brahman’s marriage, he realized that he had no means to support his mother and wife. To earn money, he decided to travel to distant lands, knowing he would not return home for years. Before leaving, the Brahman gave all his money to his mother to take care of his wife and manage household expenses during his absence. Seeking his mother’s blessings, he set out on his journey.
That very evening, a ghost, assuming the exact appearance of the Brahman, entered the house. When the Brahman’s wife asked about his sudden return, the ghost replied that the day was not auspicious for traveling and claimed to have already earned some money. Since the ghost looked identical to the Brahman, no one doubted him. Thus, the ghost gained entry into the house and lived with the Brahman’s wife and mother for years.
The Ghost Brahman Questions Answers
Class 11 English Rapid Reader Second Semester
Marks: 5
(3) “I must therefore go to distant countries to get money somehow or other.” – Who made the remark? Why was he so desperate to earn money? What light does it throw on the character of the speaker?
The poor and non-Kulin Brahman, the protagonist of the story “The Ghost-Brahman”, made this remark.
He was desperate to earn money because, as a non-Kulin Brahman, he struggled to support his family of three—his mother, his wife, and himself. The small amount he earned through begging and flattering the rich was not enough to cover their needs. This forced him to think of traveling to distant places in search of better opportunities.
This remark shows that the Brahman was a responsible and mature person. Though he was initially excited to marry, he quickly realized his duties as the sole provider for his family. It also highlights the harsh socio-economic realities of the time, where non-Kulin Brahmans faced significant challenges in earning a living.
(4) How did the Brahman manage to marry his bride?
At first, the Brahman found it extremely difficult to get married because he was a non-Kulin Brahman and had no financial means. To arrange the marriage, he needed a large sum of money to cover the wedding expenses and to give to the bride’s parents.
He went from door to door, begging and flattering rich people to collect the necessary funds. After much effort, he finally managed to gather the required amount and thus succeeded in arranging his marriage.
(5) What problem did the poor Brahman face after marriage? How did he decide to solve it?
After his marriage, the Brahman realized how difficult it was to support a family of three, including his mother and wife. He neither had the social status nor the financial capacity to sustain his household. Although he had managed to collect enough money for the marriage through hard work and clever tricks, maintaining the family proved to be a greater challenge.
To solve this problem, the Brahman decided to travel to distant countries to earn money. He informed his mother that it might take him years to return, as he would not come back until he had accumulated enough wealth. Taking his mother’s blessings and leaving his wife under her care, he set out for faraway lands in search of a better livelihood.
(6) How did the real Brahman get rid of the ghost Brahman?
When the real Brahman returned from the king’s court every day, he passed by a spot where a group of cowboys used to play. One of the cowboys would be elected as the “king,” while others played roles like the prime minister, courtier, or constable.
One day, the cowboy “king” noticed the Brahman passing by and weeping. He ordered the “constable” to bring the Brahman to him. The Brahman shared his sad story about the ghost taking over his home and identity. After hearing the entire story, the cowboy “king” instructed the Brahman to seek permission from the actual king to decide his case. Once permission was granted, the cowboy “king” devised a plan.
He brought a phial with a narrow neck and challenged both the ghost and the Brahman to enter it to prove who was the real Brahman. The ghost, confident in his supernatural abilities, turned himself into a small insect and entered the phial. Immediately, the cowboy “king” corked the phial tightly and handed it to the Brahman, instructing him to throw it into the sea.
The Brahman followed the instructions, threw the phial into the sea, and thus got rid of the ghost. He then regained his possessions and returned to his normal life.
The Ghost Brahman Questions Answers
Class 11 English Rapid Reader Second Semester
Marks: 5
(7) Analyse the character of the real Brahman
The real Brahman is the protagonist of the story and is portrayed as a poor, non-Kulin Brahman, making him socially and economically disadvantaged. Despite these challenges, he displays determination and perseverance.
At the beginning of the story, his desperation to marry reflects his human vulnerability. He begged from door to door and flattered wealthy people to gather enough money for his marriage, highlighting his resourcefulness and resolve to overcome societal barriers.
However, after his marriage, the Brahman quickly realizes the responsibility of supporting a family of three. This maturity and sense of duty prompt him to decide to travel to distant lands to earn money. His resolve not to return home until he had accumulated enough wealth, even if it took years, showcases his dedication and selflessness.
Upon his return, he faces the shocking reality of a ghost intruder impersonating him and taking over his household. Despite being turned away from his own home, the Brahman approaches the situation with patience, dignity, and honesty. Instead of resorting to deceit or violence, he seeks help and confronts the issue methodically, ultimately outsmarting the ghost and regaining his home and possessions.
The Brahman symbolizes resilience, responsibility, and perseverance. He represents the virtues of patience, hard work, and the ability to face adversity with integrity. His victory over the ghost underscores the triumph of good over evil, and his character inspires the qualities necessary to overcome life’s challenges.
(8) Comment on the role of the cowboy king.
The cowboy king plays a crucial role in ensuring the triumph of good over evil in the story. While the Brahman is the protagonist and the ghost is the antagonist, the cowboy king acts as a wise and observant mediator.
He notices the Brahman crying and takes the initiative to learn about his distress. Empathetic and curious, he offers help, provided the real king grants permission. His wisdom and readiness to assist highlight his character’s depth.
On the day of the trial, the cowboy king cleverly proposes a test. He brings a narrow-necked phial, knowing the ghost’s supernatural nature, and declares that whoever can enter the phial is the real Brahman. Overconfident, the ghost transforms into an insect and enters, only to be trapped and discarded into the sea.
The cowboy king, with his quick wit and insight, ensures justice and brings about the story’s happy ending, earning readers’ admiration.
Read also: Nobel Lecture Questions and Answers
