Question

Amma's tone in the context of the given passage is that of :
For Amma, the difference between men and women was a kind of discrimination and inequality; she felt strongly about women's rights but was not familiar with concepts like gender and patriarchy. She would have dismissed Betty Friedan because she was predominantly dealing with the problems of white middle-class women in the United States. Amma, and women of her generation, could de-link the oppression of women from the wider struggle for the liberation of human beings from class exploitation and imperialism. So Amma continued to play her role as mother and wife, but would often complain: 'I am a doormat on which everyone wipes their emotional dirt off".

• A. Compromise
• B. Protest
• C. Contentment
• D. Resignation

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The tone of Amma in the passage is best described as 'Protest'. Here's the rationalization:

1. Understanding Amma's Views: Amma strongly advocates women's rights and recognizes the discrimination and inequality between men and women. However, she does not engage with broader theories of gender and patriarchy. This illustrates her awareness and discontent with the societal norms.

2. Dismissal of Western Feminist Views: Amma dismisses Betty Friedan's perspective since it primarily addresses issues pertinent to white middle-class women in the US, suggesting Amma's concern with more immediate, perhaps local issues that affected her daily life.

3. Role Conformity with Reluctance: Amma continues to fulfill traditional roles as a mother and wife, yet often expresses dissatisfaction through a poignant metaphor: "I am a doormat on which everyone wipes their emotional dirt off". This clearly reflects her silent protest against her circumstances.

By examining these elements, it becomes evident that Amma's tone is not one of contentment, resignation, or compromise but rather of protest against her situation and the broader societal gender discrimination.