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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