The Bull | Exercise With Summary | Grade 12 | English
0Summary: The Bull by Bhimnidhi Tiwari is a play that centers around a bull named Male, who is owned by Laxminarayana, a rich landowner. The play highlights the social and political issues prevalent in late eighteenth-century Nepali society. When Male falls ill and dies, the king, Ranabahadur Shah, becomes furious as he had set his sights on acquiring the bull for himself. Laxminarayana, along with Gore and Jitman, two of his servants, tries to appease the king by declaring that Male is still alive and presenting a duplicate bull in its place. However, the truth is eventually revealed, leading to humorous consequences.
a. Why have Gore and Jitman come to see Laxminarayana?
Gore and Jitman have come to see Laxminarayana to inform him about the king's desire to own Male, the bull.
b. What, according to cowherds, is the reason behind the death of Male?
According to the cowherds, Male died because he ate poisonous Dhatura leaves, which were fed to him by enemies out of envy.
c. Why does Ranabahahadur want to see the bull himself?
Ranabahadur wants to see the bull himself because he has heard rumors about its extraordinary strength and size, and he is curious to witness them firsthand.
d. Why does Laxminarayan run ahead of the convoy at Thulo Gauchar?
Laxminarayan runs ahead of the convoy at Thulo Gauchar to hide the real Male and replace it with a look-alike bull before the king arrives.
e. Why do Gore and Jitman cry when the king declares that Male is dead?
Gore and Jitman cry when the king declares that Male is dead because they fear the king's wrath upon realizing that they have deceived him.
f. How do we learn that the bull is dead?
We learn that the bull is dead when the servants bring its carcass into the courtyard, revealing the truth to the king.
g. How does the play make a satire on the feudal system?
The play satirizes the feudal system by portraying the king's arbitrary authority and the subservience of his subjects. Laxminarayana's efforts to appease the king and save himself from punishment highlight the power dynamics of the time.
h. Write down the plot of the play in a paragraph.
Laxminarayan, a wealthy landowner, owns a magnificent bull named Male. When the king, Ranabahadur Shah, expresses his desire to acquire the bull, Laxminarayan tries to deceive him by presenting a look-alike bull in its place. However, the ruse is discovered, and the king is furious. Laxminarayan desperately tries to appease the king, but ultimately fails. The play ends with the king ordering the execution of Laxminarayan and his servants, highlighting the consequences of challenging the feudal system.
a. Discuss the late eighteenth-century Nepali society as portrayed in terms of the relation between the king and his subjects as portrayed in the play.
The late eighteenth-century Nepali society, as portrayed in the play, was characterized by a strict feudal hierarchy, where the king held absolute power and his subjects were expected to obey him without question. The king's whims and desires were law, and anyone who dared to challenge his authority faced severe consequences.
b. What does the relation between Laxminarayan and his wives tell us about the society of that time? To what extent has the Nepali society changed since then?
The relation between Laxminarayan and his wives reflects the patriarchal nature of the late eighteenth-century Nepali society. Laxminarayan is the head of the household and has complete control over his wives, who are expected to obey him and serve his needs. The play suggests that this dynamic was common in society at the time. However, Nepali society has undergone significant changes since then, and women now have more rights and freedoms.
c. Shed light on the practice of chakari as portrayed in the play. Have you noticed this practice in your society?
Chakari, or the practice of谄媚ing to those in power, is portrayed in the play as a common and accepted practice in late eighteenth-century Nepali society. Laxminarayan and his servants engage in chakari to appease the king and save themselves from punishment. This practice can still be observed in some societies today, although it is generally considered to be unethical and harmful.
d. How does Laxminarayan outsmart Ranabahadur?
Laxminarayan outsmarts Ranabahadur by using deception and trickery. He presents a look-alike bull to the king, hoping to fool him into thinking that it is the real Male. However, the king eventually discovers the ruse and punishes Laxminarayan for his dishonesty.
e. Sketch the character of Laxminarayan.
Laxminarayan is a wealthy landowner who is known for his intelligence and resourcefulness. He is also ambitious and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. However, his cunning and dishonesty ultimately lead to his downfall.