Question

Halku did not want to be ........................ by the landlord.

• A. scolded
• B. defeated
• C. insulted
• D. killed

Hint:

In stories about poverty and social hierarchy, characters' actions are often driven by a desire to maintain their self-respect and dignity, even at great material cost.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: This question is about the motivations of the main character, Halku, in Premchand's story "January Night."
Step 2: Halku is a poor tenant farmer who owes money to his landlord. He has saved money to buy a blanket but knows the landlord will come for the rent.
Step 3: Halku's wife wants him to refuse to pay the rent and face the consequences. However, Halku knows that if he does this, the landlord will not just scold him but will heap abuse and 'insults' upon him. He gives up the money for the blanket primarily to avoid this humiliation and preserve his dignity. Being 'insulted' is worse for him than suffering from the cold.