Section 2: Pages 51-90
Discussion Questions
1. What is the difference between the treatment of Juggut and Iqbal when they are arrested and how does this depict the cruel hierarchy of caste-driven society?
2. In this section, we are introduced to the train. What significance does the train have as a symbol in the book - literally and metaphorically?
3. On page 77, it says, "Early in September the time schedule in Mano Majra started going wrong." How does this foreshadow events to come?
2. In this section, we are introduced to the train. What significance does the train have as a symbol in the book - literally and metaphorically?
3. On page 77, it says, "Early in September the time schedule in Mano Majra started going wrong." How does this foreshadow events to come?
Possible Answers
1. Iqbal is treated significantly differently than Juggut Singh because of his social rank. Jugga reason for being arrested was not valid and yet they oppress him for a crime he did not commit, just because of Jugga's notorious reputation. Jugga's reputation is known as a Budmash, also known as a troublemaker. Not only does he live with a frowned upon reputation, but he is incredibly poor - stealing and borrowing money whenever he has the opportunity to do so.
Iqbal on the other hand is associated with the government. His position is high ranked and the policemen treat him with respect. The policemen listen to Iqbal (although not reciprocated), whereas for Jugga, they are very demanding. The policemen even go to further measures to provide Iqbal with a proper bed, newspapers to read, and furniture to accompany him.
This proves that Iqbal is able to treat the Police rudely and condescendingly, yet they still respect him more than Jugga. They allow Iqbal to have a lot of time to explain himself whereas for Jugga, they are very demanding. This proves that if you are of a lower class, no matter what your crime is, radical or not, they will always treat you with disdain.
2. Literally, the train contains dead corpses of non-muslims and civilians. This symbolizes the interrogation of Pakistan unto India. They believe that Pakistan basically used these dead bodies as a message to tell them what they are in store for and that they should be fearful of them. It symbolized bloodshed but it also symbolizes the apparent power and nationalism of Pakistan and how they appear themselves to be equal.
3. The next line after that sentence gives examples of how things started to go wrong - like the trains that stopped operating regularly. The train serves as a form of security for the villagers of Mano Majra. Their lives revolve around the timing of the clock as various activities take place around the train's schedule, instead of the train revolving around their schedule. When the train's schedule becomes irregular, the villagers panic and fear is apparent throughout the entire village. Something once so reliable and comfortable turned into corruption and change that the village is not used to. This foreshadows the war that is on the verge of worsening. "This was the pattern of things atMano Majra when anything of consequence happened. The women went to the headman's house, the men to the temple. There was no recognized leader of the village" (Singh 78). In Mano Majra, the citizens are so used to regularity and things working on a timely basis. The sudden halt in a regular schedule means a corruption in the system.
Iqbal on the other hand is associated with the government. His position is high ranked and the policemen treat him with respect. The policemen listen to Iqbal (although not reciprocated), whereas for Jugga, they are very demanding. The policemen even go to further measures to provide Iqbal with a proper bed, newspapers to read, and furniture to accompany him.
This proves that Iqbal is able to treat the Police rudely and condescendingly, yet they still respect him more than Jugga. They allow Iqbal to have a lot of time to explain himself whereas for Jugga, they are very demanding. This proves that if you are of a lower class, no matter what your crime is, radical or not, they will always treat you with disdain.
2. Literally, the train contains dead corpses of non-muslims and civilians. This symbolizes the interrogation of Pakistan unto India. They believe that Pakistan basically used these dead bodies as a message to tell them what they are in store for and that they should be fearful of them. It symbolized bloodshed but it also symbolizes the apparent power and nationalism of Pakistan and how they appear themselves to be equal.
3. The next line after that sentence gives examples of how things started to go wrong - like the trains that stopped operating regularly. The train serves as a form of security for the villagers of Mano Majra. Their lives revolve around the timing of the clock as various activities take place around the train's schedule, instead of the train revolving around their schedule. When the train's schedule becomes irregular, the villagers panic and fear is apparent throughout the entire village. Something once so reliable and comfortable turned into corruption and change that the village is not used to. This foreshadows the war that is on the verge of worsening. "This was the pattern of things atMano Majra when anything of consequence happened. The women went to the headman's house, the men to the temple. There was no recognized leader of the village" (Singh 78). In Mano Majra, the citizens are so used to regularity and things working on a timely basis. The sudden halt in a regular schedule means a corruption in the system.
