- Identify and analyze the natures of Ramanand and Azam Khan.
- Recognize instances showcasing Ramanand's business acumen.
- Compare the fixed views of Ramanand and Azam Khan, and evaluate how Ramanand prevails by the end of the story.
- Discuss the social mores ridiculed by the author in a group setting.
- Explore the significance of references to the English people and the British monarchy in the narrative.
- Interpret the underlying message conveyed by the author through the story.
- Comment on the introduction of the story's theme and its effectiveness.
- Analyze how dialogue enhances the story's interest.
A Pair of Mustachios
Study Action Plan (Sorted by Difficulty)
Learning Objectives
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Revision Notes & Summary
TopA Pair of Mustachios
Understanding the Text
- Character Analysis: Explore the natures of Ramanand and Azam Khan.
- Business Acumen: Identify instances showcasing Ramanand's business skills.
- Fixed Views: Discuss how Ramanand outshines Azam Khan by the story's conclusion.
Talking About the Text
- Social Mores: Discuss the light-hearted ridicule of social conventions by the author.
- Cultural References: Analyze the significance of references to the English and British monarchy.
- Author's Message: What message does the author convey through the narrative?
Appreciation
- Theme Introduction: Comment on how the theme is introduced in the story.
- Dialogue Contribution: Discuss how dialogue enhances the story's interest.
Language Work
- French Expressions: Collect French words commonly used in English from various sources.
- Indian Idioms: Locate expressions in the text reflecting Indian idioms.
- Complete the Phrases:
- a. one's word
- b. one's will
- c. ends meet
- d. a loan
- e. a deaf ear to
Suggested Reading
- The Barber's Trade Union and Other Stories by Mulk Raj Anand.
Important Characters and Their Moustaches
| Moustache Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Lion Moustache | Symbol of rajas, maharajas, and English army generals devoted to the King Emperor. |
| Tiger Moustache | Worn by the feudal gentry, symbolizing pride and nobility. |
| Goat Moustache | Worn by the nouveau riche and shopkeepers, indicating a lack of belonging. |
| Charlie Chaplin Moustache | A compromise style worn by lower middle class individuals. |
| Sheep Moustache | Worn by coolies and lower orders. |
| Mouse Moustache | Worn by peasants, indicating their social status. |
Key Themes
- Class Distinction: The significance of moustaches as symbols of social class.
- Pride and Identity: The conflict between personal pride and social status.
Practice Test – MCQs, True/False
TopMultiple Choice Questions
A.
The importance of maintaining traditional values.
B.
The absurdity of rigid social hierarchies.
C.
The economic benefits of class distinctions.
D.
The superiority of the British monarchy.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Through the symbolic use of mustachios, Anand critiques the rigid and often absurd social hierarchies based on class distinctions.
A.
The lower middle class.
B.
The shopkeeper class.
C.
The resplendent rajas, maharajas, and English army generals.
D.
The peasants.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The lion moustache is a symbol of the resplendent rajas, maharajas, nawabs, and English army generals.
A.
Old money aristocrats
B.
Newly wealthy individuals
C.
Traditional feudal gentry
D.
Lower middle class professionals
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The term 'nouveau riche' refers to individuals who have recently acquired wealth, often perceived as lacking the refinement of traditional aristocrats.
A.
They are a modern trend adopted from Western culture.
B.
They are a traditional symbol of class distinction.
C.
They are a form of artistic expression.
D.
They are a requirement for military service.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The story suggests that mustachios are a traditional symbol of class distinction, marking the boundaries between various social classes.
A.
The influence of Western fashion on Indian society
B.
The rigid social class distinctions in Indian society
C.
The economic disparity between the rich and the poor
D.
The political instability in India
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The story uses mustachios as a metaphor to critique the rigid social class distinctions in Indian society, highlighting the absurdity of such conventions.
A.
To assert his social superiority and maintain class distinctions.
B.
To help the moneylender gain respect among the villagers.
C.
To follow a new village law about mustache styles.
D.
To honor a family tradition passed down through generations.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Azam Khan insists on the moneylender adopting the goat style of mustache to assert his social superiority and maintain the class distinctions represented by different mustache styles.
A.
The pride of the feudal gentry
B.
The style of the nouveau riche and shopkeeper class
C.
The symbol of the English army generals
D.
The moustache style of the peasants
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The goat moustache is worn by the nouveau riche and shopkeeper class, as it can be adjusted to show power or humility.
A.
It transfers Azam Khan's land to the moneylender
B.
It ensures that the moneylender will keep his moustache in the goat style
C.
It allows Azam Khan to reclaim his family heirlooms
D.
It is a legal document for a business partnership
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The deed is a legal agreement that the moneylender will keep his moustache in the goat style, as witnessed by the village elders.
A.
To shave it off completely.
B.
To bring both tips down to the goat style.
C.
To curl it upwards like a tiger moustache.
D.
To dye it a different color.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Azam Khan demands that the moneylender bring both tips of his moustache down to the goat style.
A.
The pride of the feudal gentry
B.
The humility of the peasants
C.
The nouveau riche and commercial bourgeoisie
D.
The traditional full moustache of the nobility
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The goat moustache is worn by the nouveau riche, the new commercial bourgeoisie, and the shopkeeper class, symbolizing their uncertain social status.
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Step 1: Practicing the Concepts
A Pair of Mustachios
Step 2: Master Boss Exam
Locked • Full Phase AssessmentStep 3: Redemption Arena
Locked • AI Weakness TrackerTrue or False
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The story humorously suggests that moustache styles are as rigorously adhered to as if they were sanctioned by the government, but this is not literally true.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Azam Khan is depicted as being proud of his family's heritage and the tiger moustache, which symbolizes his noble lineage.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The story describes various styles of mustachios that symbolize different social classes, highlighting the rigid class distinctions in society.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The story makes references to the English people and the British monarchy, suggesting a critique of colonial influence on social customs.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Mulk Raj Anand's novels often reveal a lively sense of humor and a keen eye for the pretensions of people, exploring social issues.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The narrative uses humor to critique the rigid social conventions and class distinctions symbolized by different mustachio styles.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The episode is narrated in a light vein, as indicated by the discussion prompt about the social mores being ridiculed.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Ramanand is shown to have business acumen by taking advantage of the fall in wheat prices to buy crops cheaply and sell them at higher prices.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Ramanand agrees to adjust his moustache style as part of a business transaction with Azam Khan, showing his willingness to compromise for business.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The moneylender only agrees to temporarily adjust his moustache style when doing business with Azam Khan, not permanently.
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