SECOND YEAR - SEMESTER IV PAPER II – GENERAL ENGLISH - 2342E Lesson 2.1: The Taxi Driver by K.S. Duggal

 SECOND YEAR - SEMESTER IV

PAPER II – GENERAL ENGLISH - 2342E

Lesson 2.1: The Taxi Driver by K.S. Duggal

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Overview

"The Taxi Driver" by K.S. Duggal is a thought-provoking short story that portrays the life of a humble and honest taxi driver who helps others while facing his own struggles. The story highlights themes of integrity, selflessness, and the dignity of labor. It inspires readers to appreciate the values of honesty and compassion in everyday life.

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Two-Mark Questions and Answers

1. Who is the author of "The Taxi Driver"?

Ans: K.S. Duggal is the author of "The Taxi Driver."

2. What is the central theme of the story?

Ans: The central theme is integrity and selflessness in the face of hardships.

3. What was the taxi driver’s attitude toward his work?

Ans: The taxi driver took pride in his work and performed his duties with honesty.

4. How did the taxi driver help the protagonist?

Ans: The taxi driver guided the protagonist and helped him reach his destination safely.

5. What does the story teach about dignity of labor?

Ans: The story emphasizes that all work, when done with integrity, has dignity and value.

6. How did the taxi driver show selflessness?

Ans: Despite his struggles, the taxi driver went out of his way to help others.

7. What lesson does the protagonist learn from the taxi driver?

Ans: The protagonist learns the value of honesty and compassion from the taxi driver.

8. What is the significance of the taxi driver’s character?

Ans: The taxi driver’s character represents the goodness that exists in ordinary people.

9. What is the climax of the story?

Ans: The climax occurs when the taxi driver’s true selflessness and integrity are revealed.

10. How does the story end?

Ans: The story ends with the protagonist reflecting on the lessons learned from the taxi driver’s actions.

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Five-Mark Questions and Answers

1. Describe the character of the taxi driver in the story.

Ans:

The taxi driver is portrayed as humble, honest, and compassionate. He takes pride in his work and is willing to help others despite his own struggles. His selflessness and integrity leave a lasting impression on the protagonist, making him a symbol of the goodness in humanity.

2. What message does "The Taxi Driver" convey about integrity?

Ans:

The story emphasizes that integrity is a vital quality in life. The taxi driver’s honesty in his work and interactions demonstrates that being truthful and reliable earns respect and trust, even in the most challenging circumstances.

3. How does the story highlight the dignity of labor?

Ans:

K.S. Duggal highlights the dignity of labor by portraying the taxi driver as someone who values his job and performs it with pride. The story shows that every profession has worth and respect when carried out with dedication and honesty.

4. Discuss the theme of selflessness in "The Taxi Driver."

Ans:

Selflessness is a central theme of the story. The taxi driver goes beyond his duties to help the protagonist, showing compassion without expecting anything in return. His actions demonstrate the value of helping others despite personal challenges.

5. What role does the taxi driver play in shaping the protagonist’s perspective?

Ans:

The taxi driver’s actions and attitude profoundly impact the protagonist, teaching him about the importance of integrity, selflessness, and humility. The encounter with the taxi driver serves as a life lesson, changing the protagonist’s outlook on life.

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Essay Question and Answer

Essay Question:

Analyze the themes of integrity, selflessness, and dignity of labor in K.S. Duggal’s "The Taxi Driver."

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Introduction

K.S. Duggal’s "The Taxi Driver" is a heartwarming short story that explores themes of integrity, selflessness, and the dignity of labor. Through the character of the taxi driver, the author illustrates the values that define humanity and inspire others. The story encourages readers to appreciate the goodness in ordinary people and the importance of honesty in everyday life.

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Subtitles and Explanations

1. Theme of Integrity

Integrity is central to the story. The taxi driver’s honesty and dedication to his work make him a respectable figure, teaching readers the value of being truthful and reliable.

2. The Taxi Driver’s Selflessness

Despite his own struggles, the taxi driver helps the protagonist without expecting anything in return. His selfless actions reflect the importance of compassion and generosity in society.

3. Dignity of Labor

The story emphasizes that all work, no matter how humble, has dignity. The taxi driver’s pride in his profession inspires respect and admiration for his character.

4. Humanity in Everyday Life

The taxi driver’s actions highlight the goodness that exists in ordinary people. His willingness to help others makes him a symbol of humanity.

5. The Impact on the Protagonist

The protagonist learns valuable lessons about honesty, humility, and compassion through his interaction with the taxi driver. This experience changes his perspective on life.

6. Symbolism in the Story

The taxi driver symbolizes the everyday hero, someone who embodies integrity and kindness despite life’s challenges.

7. Life Lessons from the Taxi Driver

The story teaches readers to value honesty, help others selflessly, and take pride in their work.

8. Contrast Between Struggles and Values

The taxi driver’s struggles do not diminish his values, showing that character is not dependent on one’s circumstances.

9. The Taxi Driver as an Inspiration

The character serves as an inspiration, reminding readers that even small acts of kindness and integrity can have a profound impact.

10. Relevance of the Story Today

The themes of the story remain relevant, as they promote qualities that are essential for building a compassionate and honest society.

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Conclusion

K.S. Duggal’s "The Taxi Driver" is a poignant reminder of the importance of integrity, selflessness, and the dignity of labor. The story inspires readers to embody these values and appreciate the goodness in ordinary people, making it a timeless lesson for all.