Question

Read the following passage from A Visit to Europe by T. N. Mukharji, an Indian civil servant who came to London in 1886 to work in the Indian and Colonial Exposition. In the passage, Mukharji describes an encounter with a British family.

Once, I was sitting in one of the swellish restaurants at the Exhibition, glancing over a newspaper. . . . At a neighbouring table sat a respectable-looking family group evidently from the country, from which furtive glances were occasionally thrown in my direction. I thought I might do worse than having a little fun, if any could be made out of the notice that was being taken of me. . . . Perhaps, no symptom being visible in my external appearance of the cannibalistic tendencies of my heart, or owing probably to the notion that I must have by that time got over my partiality for human flesh, or knowing at least that the place was safe enough against any treacherous spring which I might take into my head to make upon them . . . the party . . . tried to attract my attention towards them. The latter duty ultimately devolved upon the beauty of the party, a pretty girl of about seventeen. . . . I heard her say— Oh, how I wish to speak to him? Could I withstand such an appeal? I rose and . . . asked— Did you speak to me, young lady? . . . The young lady soon got over her bashfulness, . . . expressed her astonishment at my knowledge of English, and complimented me for the performance of the band brought from my country, viz., the West Indian band composed of Negroes and Mulattos, which compliment made me wince a little, but nevertheless I went on chattering for a quarter of an hour.
What is the main purpose of this passage? Type a short argument to answer the question. Develop your ideas by analyzing specific details from the passage. Also be careful to include a clear thesis and to respond to at least one counter-argument.

Regarding the passage from A Visit to Europe by T. N. Mukharji, what is the main purpose of the described encounter with the British family?

a) To portray cultural misunderstandings and stereotyping.
b) To highlight the challenges of communication between different social classes.
c) To emphasize the protagonist's response to societal perceptions and assumptions.
d) To showcase the protagonist's amusement and playful engagement with the family.

Answer 1

The main purpose of the described encounter with the British family is to emphasize the protagonist's response to societal perceptions and assumptions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main purpose of the described encounter with the British family in the passage from A Visit to Europe by T. N. Mukharji is to emphasize the protagonist's response to societal perceptions and assumptions. The protagonist, Mukharji, uses the family's curiosity and stereotypes as an opportunity to engage with them playfully and challenge their assumptions about him. Through his interaction with the family, Mukharji breaks down societal barriers and showcases his ability to speak English, which surprises and impresses the family.