Question

Read the excerpt below from the story "Subha" by Rabindranath Tagore and answer the question that follows. The bridegroom came with a friend to inspect the bride. Her parents were dizzy with anxiety and fear when they saw the god arrive to select the beast for his sacrifice. What is ironic about the use of "god" in this passage?

a) The bridegroom is exceptionally ugly, but they call him a god.
b) The bridegroom doesn’t expect to find a beautiful young woman.
c) The word "god" refers to the sacrifice Subha is making for her parents.
d) The bridegroom doesn’t realize that his bride can’t speak.

Answer 1

The irony in the passage from 'Subha' by Rabindranath Tagore refers to the term 'god' being used to describe the bridegroom indicative of Subha's sacrifice for her parents despite the term's typical exalted connotations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The irony in the passage from Subha by Rabindranath Tagore lies in the exaltation of the bridegroom as a "god" despite the underlying fear and anxiety of Subha's parents. The term "god" typically conveys a sense of perfection, but in this context, it is used sarcastically to highlight the disparity between the reverence shown to the bridegroom and the ominous situation at hand. The correct answer to the question asked, "What is ironic about the use of 'god' in this passage," is (c) The word "god" refers to the sacrifice Subha is making for her parents. This option suggests that there is an element of sacrifice in the marriage arrangement, implying that Subha's value or desires are being sacrificed to the groom, which contrasts sharply with the celestial connotations associated with a god.