CORE II –INDIAN WRITING IN ENGLISH - 23BEN1C2 Unit I: Ruskin Bond - Handful of Nuts

 CORE II –INDIAN WRITING IN ENGLISH - 23BEN1C2

Unit I: Ruskin Bond - Handful of Nuts

Set in 1955 Dehradun, A Handful of Nuts follows a young freelance writer—Ruskin Bond himself—trying to make a living from his writing. He earns just enough to get by but dreams of a successful literary career. The story begins with the introduction of his close friends: Jai Shankar, an artistic dreamer, and William Matheson, a Swiss drifter. The narrator is deeply infatuated with Indu, the daughter of the Maharani of Magador, but lacks the confidence to express his feelings.

Sitaram, the helpful and enthusiastic son of a washerman, becomes an important companion. The story follows the narrator's romantic musings, his attempts to see Indu from her balcony, and his everyday struggles—like lending money to unreliable friends and handling the challenges of being a poor writer. He channels his unspoken love into poetry and finds comfort in friendship.

Famous visitors like Stewart Granger make brief appearances, and the author reflects on his early years in London, his writing journey, and a birthday spent with simple joys. Indu gives him a symbolic gift—a box of nuts—before departing with her mother, leaving him thoughtful yet content.

The story continues with a mix of humor and reflection as Sitaram becomes involved with a circus that arrives in town. The narrator encounters bizarre characters like G.V. Desani, a man who sleeps in a coffin, and learns about his family history while visiting a cemetery. A circus tiger escapes, causing panic in town, but soon disappears. The author has an uncomfortable encounter with Indu’s mother, which leaves him wary of her afterward.

Eventually, Sitaram leaves Dehradun with the circus, and the author feels a deep sense of loss—not only of his love, Indu, but also of his loyal friend. Just when things seem bleak, he receives a cheque from a newspaper, a sign that his writing career might be taking off.

The story closes with a glimpse into the future: Indu marries a hotelier, and Sitaram finds fame in Bollywood. Though he invites the narrator to join him, the author chooses to stay behind, holding on to his quiet life and memories.


🟩 10 Two-Mark Questions and Answers (2 sentences each)

1.      Where is A Handful of Nuts set, and during what time period?
The story is set in the town of Dehradun during post-independence India in the year 1955. It portrays the scenic charm of the place alongside the protagonist’s youthful experiences.

2.      Who is Sitaram in the story?
Sitaram is the son of the local washerman (dhobi) and a close companion of the narrator. He plays a major supporting role, offering help and friendship.

3.      What is the symbolic gift Indu gives the narrator?
Indu gives the narrator a box of nuts on his birthday. It symbolizes her friendly affection and becomes the story’s title.

4.      Why is the narrator attracted to Indu?
The narrator is infatuated with Indu’s grace, charm, and elegance. He often daydreams about her but is unable to express his feelings openly.

5.      Who is G.V. Desani and what is unusual about him?
G.V. Desani is a strange character who sleeps in a coffin and petitions for a Nobel Prize. He provides comic relief and reflects the absurdity of literary circles.

6.      What role does the escaped circus tiger play?
The escaped tiger causes panic in Dehradun and adds excitement to the story. It is seen by the narrator in the cemetery, symbolizing the wild unpredictability of life.

7.      How does the narrator make a turning point in his writing career?
After being abandoned by Sitaram and feeling dejected, the narrator receives a cheque of ₹700 from a newspaper. This becomes a sign of future success in his writing.

8.      Why does the narrator avoid Indu’s mother?
Indu’s mother tries to seduce the narrator when he visits their house. This encounter shocks him and he tries to avoid her afterwards.

9.      What is the role of Jai Shankar in the story?
Jai Shankar is a friend of the narrator who often borrows money and aspires to be a poet. His frequent requests for jalebis add humor to the narrative.

10.  What was the narrator's life situation at the start of the story?
He was a young freelance writer with minimal income, living in a rented room. Despite financial hardship, he was full of dreams and romantic thoughts.


🟦 5 Five-Mark Questions and Answers (1 paragraph each)

1.      Describe the friendship between the narrator and Sitaram.
The friendship between the narrator and Sitaram is central to the story. Sitaram, though from a humble background, is generous, helpful, and deeply loyal. He brings warmth, companionship, and comic relief to the author’s otherwise solitary and struggling life. Their shared bike rides, conversations, and humorous escapades reflect the deep bond between them. Even when Sitaram joins the circus, the narrator misses him deeply, showing how meaningful their friendship was.

2.      How is the theme of unrequited love explored in the story?
The narrator’s affection for Indu is tender yet never fulfilled. Although he daydreams about marrying her and is enchanted by her presence, she treats him like a good friend and eventually marries someone else. His inability to express his love, combined with Indu’s royal background, creates a gap between them. This theme of unspoken or unreturned love is woven gently with humor and quiet heartbreak.

3.      Explain how humor is used throughout the story.
Ruskin Bond skillfully uses humor to lighten the struggles of the narrator’s life. Whether it's Jai Shankar’s obsession with jalebis, Sitaram’s innocent charm, G.V. Desani’s coffin-bed, or the chaos of the escaped tiger, comedy is embedded in each episode. These humorous elements balance the serious undertones of loneliness, ambition, and lost love, making the narrative heartwarming and relatable.

4.      Discuss the significance of the setting—Dehradun—in the story.
Dehradun is not just a backdrop but a living presence in the story. Its picturesque hills, cemeteries, bustling bazaars, and laid-back charm influence the tone and pace of the narrative. The town represents the small-town aspirations of the young narrator and is filled with quirky characters, romantic spots, and literary dreams. The setting gives the story its nostalgic and rooted flavor.

5.      What is the turning point in the narrator’s life?
The turning point comes when the narrator receives a cheque of ₹700 for one of his stories, just after Sitaram leaves with the circus. Until then, his life is filled with romantic failures and financial struggles. The cheque not only marks recognition of his writing but also revives his confidence. It signals the beginning of his transformation into a successful author.


🟨 Essay Question (10 Marks)

Question: Discuss Ruskin Bond’s A Handful of Nuts as a semi-autobiographical work that explores love, friendship, and ambition with humor and warmth.


Introduction

A Handful of Nuts is a semi-autobiographical novella by Ruskin Bond, set in Dehradun in the 1950s. It narrates the early struggles of a young freelance writer and his experiences with unspoken love, loyal friendships, and literary aspirations. The story beautifully captures the challenges and delights of youthful ambition.


1. The Protagonist’s Literary Journey

The unnamed narrator represents Bond himself. Struggling with finances, he dreams of becoming a successful writer. Despite distractions, he persists in his craft and receives eventual recognition in the form of a published piece.

2. Sitaram – The Heart of Friendship

Sitaram, the washerman’s son, becomes the narrator’s closest companion. His kindness, enthusiasm, and lively nature help the narrator face the hardships of daily life. He even finds work in a circus, showing initiative and resilience.

3. Romance and Missed Opportunities

The narrator’s love for Indu, a princess, is romantic yet unfulfilled. He admires her from a distance, never mustering the courage to propose. Her eventual marriage to someone else leaves the narrator heartbroken but realistic.

4. Colorful Side Characters and Humor

The narrative includes a variety of quirky characters—Jai Shankar, William Matheson, and G.V. Desani—all adding to the humor and charm. Bond’s unique way of observing people gives the story its lively rhythm.

5. Setting as Symbolic Landscape

Dehradun, with its hills, streets, and people, is lovingly described. The town reflects the narrator’s inner world—romantic, hopeful, and whimsical.

6. Themes of Destiny and Growth

Despite setbacks in love and money, the narrator finds hope. His resilience, symbolized by the final cheque he receives, reflects the triumph of quiet determination over adversity.


Conclusion

Ruskin Bond’s A Handful of Nuts is a delightful blend of humor, romance, nostalgia, and realism. Through its heartfelt characters and simple plot, it reminds us that dreams may take time, but with hope, companionship, and courage, they can come true. The novella stands as a timeless piece of autobiographical fiction celebrating the charm of small-town India and the beauty of everyday relationships.


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