January Night

Munshi Premchand

Extract-1

“Halku came in and said to his wife, ‘The landlord's come! Get the rupees you
set aside, I'll give him the money and somehow or other we'll get along without
it.’
Munni had been sweeping. She turned around and said, ‘But there are only three
rupees. If you give them to him where's the blanket going to come from? How
are you going to get through these January nights in the fields? Tell him we'll
pay him after the harvest, not right now.’
For a moment Halku stood hesitating. Without a blanket he couldn't possibly
sleep in the fields at night. But the landlord wouldn't be put off, he'd threaten
and insult him, so what did it matter if they died in the cold weather as long as
they could just take care of this calamity right now? As he thought this he
moved his heavy body (that gave the lie to his name) and came close to his
wife. Trying to coax her he said, ‘Come on give it to me. I'll figure out some
other plan to get the blanket.”

Questions and Answers:

1. What does Halku ask his wife for at the beginning of the extract and
why? (3 marks)

Ans- Halku asks his wife, Munni, for the rupees she has set aside because the
landlord has come to collect the money. Halku is in a difficult situation as he
needs to pay the landlord to avoid threats and insults. He is willing to sacrifice
the money they saved for a blanket to ensure the landlord is appeased,
highlighting the immediate pressure and financial struggle they face.
2. How does Munni react to Halku’s request, and what concerns does she
express? (3 marks)

Ans- Munni reacts to Halku’s request with concern and practicality. She points
out that they only have three rupees and questions how they will buy a blanket
for the cold January nights if they give the money to the landlord. Munni
suggests they ask the landlord to wait until after the harvest, expressing her
worry about their ability to endure the cold without the blanket.

3. What internal conflict does Halku experience in this extract? (3 marks)

Ans- Halku experiences an internal conflict between paying the landlord and
keeping the money for essential needs, like a blanket to survive the cold nights.
He hesitates because he knows that without a blanket, sleeping in the fields will
be unbearable. However, he also fears the landlord's threats and insults, which
compels him to consider paying the money despite the personal cost and
discomfort it will bring.

4. Why does Halku eventually decide to ask Munni for the money despite
his reservations? (3 marks)

Halku eventually decides to ask Munni for the money because he feels he has
no other option. The fear of the landlord’s threats and insults outweighs his
concern about the cold. He rationalizes that dealing with the landlord's
immediate demands is more pressing, hoping he can come up with another
solution later. This decision reflects his desperation and the harsh realities of
their financial struggles.

5. Discuss the portrayal of financial hardship and its impact on Halku and
Munni’s relationship in this extract. (4 marks)

Ans- The extract vividly portrays the financial hardship faced by Halku and
Munni and its impact on their relationship. Halku's request for the money and
Munni's resistance reveal the strain that poverty places on them. Their dialogue
reflects a deep-seated worry about survival, with Munni emphasizing
practicality and future needs, while Halku feels the pressure of immediate
obligations. This tension shows how financial stress can force difficult choices
and create conflict, yet it also highlights their resilience and determination to
navigate these challenges together. Despite their disagreement, there is an
underlying bond and shared struggle that keeps them united.

Extract-2

“ Halku curled up and said, ‘Cold, Jabra? Didn't I tell you, in the house you
could lie in the paddy straw? So why did you come out here? Now you'll have
to bear the cold. You thought I was coming out here to eat puris and sweets and
you came running on ahead of me. Now you can moan all you want.’
Jabra wagged his tail without getting up, protracted his whimpering into along
yawn, and was silent..
Halku reached out his hand and patted Jabra's cold back. ‘From tomorrow on
stop coming with me or the cold will get you. We'll get through the night
somehow. This is the reward you get for farming. While we do the hard work
somebody else gets the joy of it.”

Questions and Answers:

1. How does Halku express his concern for Jabra's wellbeing in the cold? (3
marks)

Ans- Halku expresses his concern for Jabra by acknowledging the dog's
discomfort and advising him to stay in the house next time. He gently scolds
Jabra for following him into the cold, suggesting that the dog could have stayed
warm in the paddy straw at home. This shows Halku's empathy and affection
towards Jabra, as he worries about the dog's suffering and regrets that he has to
endure the harsh conditions alongside him.
2.What does Halku's comment about puris and sweets reveal about his
situation and relationship with Jabra? (3 marks)

Ans- Halku's comment about puris and sweets reveals a humorous and
affectionate relationship with Jabra. By joking that Jabra followed him thinking
he would get treats, Halku highlights the dog's loyalty and innocence. This
remark also subtly underscores Halku's dire situation, as the reality of their
struggle contrasts sharply with the idea of enjoying puris and sweets. It shows
Halku's ability to maintain a sense of humor and companionship despite their
hardships.

3.Analyze the significance of Halku's action of patting Jabra's cold back. (3

Ans- Halku's action of patting Jabra's cold back signifies a deep bond and
mutual comfort between them. This simple, tender gesture reflects Halku's
empathy and care for Jabra, treating the dog as a close companion in his
struggles. It highlights the emotional support they provide each other, with
Halku seeking solace in their shared warmth and companionship. This moment
underscores the theme of loyalty and the importance of small acts of kindness in
enduring difficult circumstances.

4. What does Halku's statement about the reward for farming convey
about his feelings towards his work? (3 marks)

Ans- Halku's statement about the reward for farming conveys his frustration and
disillusionment with his work. He sarcastically remarks that enduring the cold is
the 'reward' for their hard labor, contrasting their suffering with the comfort and
joy others derive from their efforts. This reveals Halku's sense of injustice and
bitterness towards the inequities in their lives, where the hard work of farming
yields little benefit for him while others enjoy the fruits of his labor. It
highlights the harsh realities and thankless nature of his occupation.
5. Discuss how Halku's relationship with Jabra provides him with
emotional support in the given extract. (4 marks)

Ans- Halku's relationship with Jabra provides him with significant emotional
support in the given extract. Despite the harsh cold and their difficult
circumstances, Halku finds solace in Jabra's presence. The dog's loyalty and
innocent affection offer Halku a sense of companionship and warmth, helping to
mitigate his feelings of isolation and hardship. By talking to Jabra and sharing
his frustrations, Halku expresses his emotions, which might otherwise remain
bottled up. The act of patting Jabra's cold back is a physical manifestation of
their bond, emphasizing mutual comfort and understanding. Jabra's silent
acceptance and love create a space for Halku to express his concerns and find
some relief from his struggles, highlighting the importance of their relationship
in enduring the challenges of their life.