The Serang of Ranaganji PDF

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Unit 4 Chapter 2 The Serang of Ranaganji (Short Story) Question 1. What was notable about the appearance of the Indian serang? Answer: He was a squat and looked very ugly. He was with short legs and a large disproportionate head. Question 2. Who were the passengers on the Ranaganji? Answer: The passengers on the Ranaganji were tourists and pleasure seekers. Question 3. Who was Miss Jope-Smith? Write a short character sketch. Answer: Miss Jope-Smith was a passenger on the Ranaganji. She was a thrusting person. She was over thirty but she dressed herself smartly and in a dashing style to look younger. She was a first class passenger on the Ranaganji. She was always seen with her male companion Ronnie. She was a snob and a big bore. Her comment about the serang was “an absurdly comic creature.” When, at the end of the story, she asks the narrator whether he had kept the serang in a cage, the narrator gave her a befitting reply. He said that he had kept the serang in a cage but all the animals were outside. He meant that she was an animal with her rude remark about people and her showing off nature. Question 4. What was the condition of the seamen who were brought by the serang to Dr Cronin? Answer: The seamen did not look well. They complained of general illness, strong headache and severe bone pains. They looked frightened, as the doctor began to examine them. Both had fever. Their tongues were covered with thick sputum. They had dry skin, which is nature’s gravest warning. The doctor then discovered hard little nodules under the wrist skin of each man. It was the sure symptom of smallpox. Question 5. How did AJ Cronin conclude that the seamen were infected with smallpox? Answer: AJ Cronin concluded that the seamen were inflected with smallpox because he discovered hard little nodules under their wrist skin. It was the sure symptom of smallpox. Question 6. Describe Captain Hamble. What was his reaction when he heard about the breakout of smallpox on the ship? Answer: Captain Hamble was a thickset man of fifty five. He was known as a strict disciplinarian. When the doctor told him that two of the deckhands had small pox, Captain Hamble’s lips drew tightly together showing his tension. He was also a just and fair-minded officer. When he heard about the breakout of smallpox on the ship, he asked the doctor to do his best to keep the disease from spreading. He also wanted others not to know of the disease as passengers would then get panicky.

Question 7. Where and how was the shelter for the infected patients made? Answer: The shelter for the infected patients was made in the back part of the ship where it wouldn’t be so visible to others. Hasan was the main person who made the shelter. In an hour he erected a large canvas shelter. Mattresses and sheets were then brought up and the two patients were placed there. Question 8. How did the serang take care of the diseased patients? Answer: The serang was very sincere and compassionate in caring for the diseased patients. It was a situation to test the strongest nerves. But the serang was calm and undisturbed. In attending the patients, he seemed untiring. The doctor had to beg him to be careful and asked him not to go too close to the patients. But the serang was not afraid and he continued taking care of the patients in all possible ways. Question 9. What information did Dr Cronin collect about the serang? Answer: Dr Cronin gathered some information about the serang’s past history. His name was Hasan. He was from the Punjab. But his parents had moved into south India. There like many others in the coastal region he had taken to the sea-faring life. For nearly 40 years, he had been travelling in the various oceans of the world. In the Ranaganji he had spent 15 years. He had no place on shore; he had no friends or family. He had never married. He was a Muslim. All his life he had acquired nothing, neither money nor property. What he had was worth a few rupees and it was in the ship. Question 10. What was Hasan’s attitude to life, as explained to Cronin? Answer: Hasan thought money was of no use for someone who had all that he needed. He was quite happy with the way he was. He needed no extra money for his service. He had no respect for money and he despised it. He was never worried about tomorrow. The Serang of Ranaganji Textual Activities Questions and Answers Activity -1 (Think and Respond) Question 1. Do you agree with A.J. Cronin’s remark that ‘the animals were all outside.’ Why? Answer: I partly agree with A.J. Cronin’s remark that ‘the . animals were all outside.’ People like Miss Jope Smith and her companion Ronnie were definitely animals. They could not see a man as a man but as an animal. I don’t think all the 1500 passengers and the crew outside were as bad as these two people. That is why I said I partly, and not wholly, agree. Question 2. Do you think that A.J. Cronin should have reported the selfless efforts of Hasan to the authorities and

recommended him for rewards and promotion? Answer: In normal circumstances, I would say ‘yes.’ But in the case of Hasan he is already happy with his life and his position. I don’t think any rewards and promotion would make him happier. He is is a contented man and contentment can’t be got through rewards and promotion. Question 3. How is the world view of the passengers in general different from that of Hasan? Answer: The passengers are mostly tourists and pleasure seekers. They find joy in partying and such things. They strive all their life for success and earning more wealth, as the doctor himself testifies. But for Hasan, happiness is service and he is contented. He is neither interested in parties nor in wealth or success. Question 4. “Why, naturally it is me.” These words show that Hasan is very ready to shoulder any responsibility happily. Comment on Hasan’s ability to volunteer at the time of an emergency. Answer: Smallpox is a deadly disease and it is very contagious. Nobody would like to go near a person afflicted with smallpox. Hasan is a serang and he is no way obliged to nurse the sick people. He could have easily said he would not take care of the sick, as it does not form part of his job obligations. But the moment the doctor asked who would help him the ready reply comes from Hasan. By volunteering to nurse the sick men, he was risking his life. It is not easy to find such good people in the world which strives for success and wealth. People like Hasan are very rare and such people will always come forward in case of any emergency. Activity – II (Letter) Question 5. You know that A.J. Cronin, the physician of the ship is extremely impressed by the service of Hasan. Imagine that after the voyage, Cronin writes a letter to the director of the company which owns the ship Ranaganji, detailing the selfless service Hasan rendered during the voyage. He also requests the director to reward Hasan with a promotion in return for his service. Draft the letter which Cronin would write. Answer: Government Hospital Lord Curson Lane Calcutta 17 July 1940 The Director Eastern Import Export Company Strand London Dear Sir, Sub: Hasan, the Serang on Ranaganji

Our last trip to Calcutta was quite eventful. Ranaganji had nearly 1500 passengers – mostly tourists and pleasure seekers. The voyage to Calcutta began favourably in calm, clear weather and we passed Aden without any incident. Now we were in the Arabian Sea. To our dismay and horror we discovered that two of our lascar deck hands had small pox. When I reported the matter to the Captain, Mr. Hamble, he told me to keep the matter a secret as the news would spread panic among the passengers. I was quite worried and did not know what to do and how to cope with the problem. It was then I realized what a good man Hasan, our serang, was. He told me not to worry. He made a shelter in the stern of the ship into which the infected patients were moved. He volunteered to nurse them without worrying about his own safety. Later more workers were diagnosed with smallpox. In all we had 14 cases and Hasan took care of all of them without murmur and complaint. I was astonished at his selfless service and devotion. Later two sick men died. Hasan sewed their shrouds and read loud a short passage from the Ramayana. We should know that he himself was a devout Muslim but he read the Ramayana because the persons who died were Hindus. It showed his religious tolerance. After that he cast the bodies overboard at midnight. When we reached Colombo the sick men were taken to the hospital. Hasan was in the forefront to help them, although some of them were with running sores of smallpox. Normally no one would dare to do such things. But Hasan did it. He really loved men. It is difficult to find such unselfish and self-sacrificing people like Hasan. I strongly recommend that Hasan be given a promotion in recognition of his great services to the company. He should be made the Chief Petty Officer of Ranaganji. I will talk to you more about the trip to Calcutta when I return to London. With regards, (A.J. Cronin) Chief Physician of Ranaganji Activity – III (Speech) Question 6. The Director of the Company receives a letter from A.J. Cronin. He is pleased with the service rendered by Hasan throughout the voyage. They arrange a special get-together of all the officials and crew of the ship. In that get-together, the Managing Director of the company announces that the company appreciates the service of Hasan and promotes him as the Chief Petty Officer of the ship. The Director invites Hasan to speak a few words on this occasion. Answer: Imagine that you are Hasan. What would be your reaction and feelings at this moment? Draft a speech that you would deliver on the occasion. My reaction would be that of gratitude to God and the company. Of course I will be happy on getting the promotion. When I am in a better position I will be able to give better service to people.

Dear Director, Dr. Cronin, respected officers and crew members, I am so happy to be given this kind of recognition by the Company and the officers. I don’t think I did anything great in serving the sick people in the ship. Wasn’t it my duty to serve the suffering? Allah has given us this life to love and serve others. When we get a chance we should be able to do service to others. I am a Muslim. But I believe we all are children of God. That is why I even read from the Ramayana some relevant part when I sewed the shroud for the dead people and wanted to cast them overboard. I was not worried about getting the disease because I felt that life is a gift from God. He will take it away whenever he likes. Whatever precautions you might take, you can’t prevent death from coming to you. I don’t value money or position much. But I am happy that I am given promotion because it will help me to do more service to my brethren. I would like to end my humble words with a quotation from the Bible. It asks: What is the use of earning so much wealth in this world,’ if you lose your soul? So my advice to my friends is ‘Help others as much as possible.’ Before I close I want to thank Dr. Cronin and the Chairman for giving me the promotion. I assure them that I will continue doing my best for the Company. May the Almighty Allah bless you all and thank you! Activity – IV (Role-play) Question 6. Miss Jope-Smith soon hears about the promotion given to Hasan and the reason for the promotion. She feels sorry for her prejudiced remarks about him. She decides to meet Hasan in person, and congratulate him for his efforts and the promotion he has received. Form pairs. Imagine that one of you is Ms Jope- Smith and the other is Hasan. Role-play the whole conversation between Jope-Smith and Hasan. Answer: Jope-Smith: Good evening, Hasan! I’m Jope-Smith, one of the travellers in the Ranaganji, going to Calcutta. Hasan: Good evening! Glad to you were on the ship. JS: Congratulations on your promotion! You really deserve it. Hasan: Thank you, Ms Jope-Smith. I thank Allah for all this wonderful things happening to me. JS: I want to say one more thing to you. I want to say ‘sorry’. Hasan: Say‘sorry’for what? JS: For thinking ill of you and laughing at you. When I saw you first I talked ill of you for no reason. I guess I was very proud. I could never imagine that you were such a nice and brave person.

Hasan: I don’t think I am such a nice and brave person. I did what I ought to have done in the circumstances. When I knew some workers were having smallpox, had to take care of them. Does not Allah want us to help one another? JS: You’re right, Hasan! We ought to help one another. I am ashamed of my prejudice. I’m sorry! Hasan: It’s okay Madam! We all make mistakes. Forget it and be happy. JS: Thank you, Hasan, I feel quite relieved now. Thank you very much. Activity – V (Word power) Question 7. The parts of a ship Here is a picture of a ship. Mark as many parts as you know.

Answer: 1. funnel 2. stern 3. anchor 4. hull 5. tank 6. bow’ 7. mast 8. deck 9. cabins. Question 8. The crew of the ship Who are the professionals working in a ship? What do they do?

Professionals

Duties

the person in charge of a Captain ship

Answer: Professionals

Duties

Captain

the person in charge of a ship

Master

supervises the officers.

In charge of maintenance of Boatswain the ship

trains gun operators and is in Gunner charge of ammunition

in charge of navigation and Quartermaster signals

Petty officer who assists and Mate warrant officer

Doctor

in Charge of health

Workers who do various small Lascars jobs in the ship

Activity – VI Question 9. The past participle as Adjective Study the following expressions carefully: a. smartly-dressed woman b. Well-bred voice c. amused gaze d. titled friends The expressions smartly-dressed, well-bred, amused and titled are used as adjectives. They are participle forms of the verbs dress, breed, amuse and title. A.J. Cronin has used many such expressions in the story. Find out more expressions from the story where the past participle forms of the verbs have been used as adjectives. Explain the meaning of these expressions to your friends. Answer: Added source – a source which is added to something, Looked frightened – looked afraid Thickly furred tongues – like fur Young and inexperienced – not having enough experience Lined and battered face – face full of creases and looked sad I am overloaded and understaffed – I have too much work, and very few workers Baffled, I looked – worried and confused Serang, who, undismayed – calm and cool Protected from view-safe, hidden Calm and unperturbed – undisturbed Note: Prefixes like under-, over-, etc. can also be added to the past participle form of a verb to function as an adjective, e.g. over-crowded ship, understaffed crew. Activity – VII (Think and discuss) Question 10. Adverbs of frequency Read the notes and explanations given on below. a. He had never married. b. Money had no interest for him, he had always despised it.

• •

What is the meaning of the words underlined? What is the function of these words?

Language tips • •

‘Never’ and ‘always’ are adverbs of frequency – which tell you how often an action is done. Here is a continuum which will help you to understand some of the adverbs of frequency and their meanings.

Practise: (Inversion of word order with adverbs) The sentences 1-5 given on below contain errors. Identify the errors and correct them. 1. Seldom they have reached the office on time. 2. Only when the last visitor left the museum he closed the gate. 3. Little he knew about the nature of the job he was undertaking. 4. Not until next year, there will be a new vacancy. 5. Hardly I had reached the station when the train arrived. Answer: 1. Seldom have they reached the office on time. 2. No sooner did the last visitor leave the museum than he closed the gate. 3. Little did he know about the nature of the job he was undertaking. 4. Not until next year will there is a new vacancy. 5. Hardly had I reached the station when the train arrived. Activity-VIII (Passivisation) Question 11. Study the following sentences carefully: a. Soon the sick men had been taken off to the hospital. b. Mattresses and sheets were then brought up and the two patients were comfortably installed. In both the above sentences, we are not told who did the action. The doer of the action is unknown.

Rewrite these sentences without changing the meaning. (Begin the sentences with ‘they’) Answer: Soon they had taken off the sick men to the hospital. They brought mattresses and sheets and installed the two patients comfortably.

there is a chart that offers clues about the steps taken by Cronin and Hasan to prevent the spreading of smallpox in the ship. Go through it carefully and prepare a report of how they controlled the spreading of smallpox in the ship. Hasan found two deck lascars with fever and he brought them to Dr Cronin. Dr Cronin examined both the patients. He found that they had smallpox. Hasan prepared an evacuation room and moved the patients there. On examining all the crew members Dr Cronin discovered fresh cases of small pox. Dr Cronin isolated all the patients and gave them treatment. He kept the outbreak of smallpox a secret from other passengers because it might scare them. There were altogether 14 patients. Two of the patients died. But the others survived. Dr Cronin and Hasan were successful in preventing the killer disease from spreading.

The Serang of Ranaganji Textual Extended Activities Questions and Answers Activity -1 Question 12. Given below is a list of some of the cases in which first-aid would be required. You may add more to the list. Answer: • • • • • • •

Injured leg – bleeding Fractured hand Burnt fingers Fits Snake bite Fainting Asthmatic attack

What first aid would you give in these situations? Get the information from the internet or from a medical practitioner. Here is an example: In the case of a snake bite, the first thing to be done is to prevent the spreading of the infected blood. Using a long piece of cloth tie the limb above the site of the bite. This will prevent the blood from spreading. Then with a sterilized blade or a knife widen the wound so that the infected blood can flow out. Then try to get medical help as fast as you can. Activity – II (Read and compare) Read the story “On Courage” by A.G Gardiner given on below of the Text. On Courage … But if I were asked to name the instance of individual action which had most impressed me, I should find the task more difficult. Should I select something that shows how war depraves, or something that shows how it ennobles? If the latter, I think I would choose that beautiful incident of the sailor on the Formidable. He had won by ballot a place in one of the boats. The ship was going down, but he was to be saved. One pictures the scene: The boat is waiting to take him to the shore and safety. He looks at the old comrades who have lost in the ballot and who stand there doomed to death. He feels the passion for life surging within him. He sees the cold, dark sea waiting to engulf its victims. And in that great moment – the greatest moment that can come to any man – he makes the triumphant choice. He turns to one of his comrades. ‘You’ve got parents,’ he says ‘I haven’t.’ And with that word – so heroic in its simplicity – he makes the other take his place in the boat and signs his own death warrant.

I see him on the deck among his doomed fellows, watching the disappearing boat until the final plunge comes and all is over. The sea never took a braver man to its bosom. ‘Greater love hath no man than this …’ Can you read that story without some tumult within you – without feeling that humanity itself is ennobled by this great act and that you are, in some mysterious way, better for the deed? That is the splendid fruit of all such sublime sacrifice. It enriches the whole human family. It makes us lift our heads with pride that we are men – that there is in us at our best this noble gift of valiant unself...