Gold Watch

Question 1

Title: The Gold Watch

Answer 1

Author: Mulk Raj Anand
Setting: Pre-independence India, in the distribution department of Henry King & Co.
Plot: The story revolves around Srijut Sudarshan Sharma, an Indian clerk, who fears an early retirement after a peculiar encounter with Mr. Acton, the General Manager.

Question 2

Flashcard 2:
Character: Srijut Sudarshan Sharma

Answer 2

Occupation: Dispatch clerk at Henry King & Co.
Background: Nobility of soul, fundamental innocence, and a twenty-year employee.
Situation: Anticipating retirement, experiences fear and confusion after Mr. Acton’s visit.

Question 3

Mr. Acton

Answer 3

Position: General Manager of Henry King & Co.
Behavior: Usually morose and distant, but smiles when announcing a special gift for Sharma.
Gift: Presents Srijut Sharma with a gold watch, hinting at an impending retirement.

Question 4

Conflict and Suspense

Answer 4

Conflict: Srijut Sharma fears early retirement, signaled by Mr. Acton’s ambiguous smile.
Suspense: Sharma anxiously awaits the reason behind the gift, suspecting it is related to his job status.

Question 5

Monday Meeting

Answer 5

Expectation: Sharma, filled with suspense, meets Mr. Acton on Monday to understand the purpose of the gold watch.
Outcome: Confirms his fear of retirement; receives the watch with an inscription appreciating his loyalty.

Question 6

Colleagues and Reaction

Answer 6

Office Staff: Observes Sharma receiving the watch; various reactions, from pity to practical discussions about replacements.
Sharma’s Emotional State: Overwhelmed with emotions, breaks down in front of colleagues.

Question 7

The Gold Watch and Sharma’s Reaction

Answer 7

Condition: The gold watch has a broken part, only working when shaken.
Sharma’s Decision: Chooses not to get it repaired, as he won’t need to keep track of time once retired.

Question 8

Cultural References

Answer 8

Urdu Terms: “Sahib,” a polite title for a man.
Hindu Concepts: References to Brahmin, Grhast (householder), and religious incantations like “Shanti! Shanti!”

Question 9

Symbolism

Answer 9

Gold Watch: Symbolizes both appreciation for Sharma’s loyalty and the bitter reality of early retirement.

Question 10

Themes

Answer 10

Social Injustice: Depicts the plight of the Indian clerk facing discrimination in the workplace.
Loss and Change: Explores the emotional turmoil of facing unexpected retirement and its impact on Sharma’s life.