<Question 1
“I always compare women to matchboxes. Why? Because of the way matchboxes are—even though they have enough gunpowder to set a hundred Lankas aflame, they sit around meek and innocent.”
1. Why are women compared to matchboxes?
Women have great inner strength, but society often forces them to remain silent and submissive.
2. What does “set a hundred Lankas aflame” mean?
It shows the great power hidden within women. They have the ability to fight against injustice.
Question 2
Ajit has opened it and read it, then crumpled it and twisted it and dropped it into his pocket and left it there. He hasn’t felt the need to mention it even once to Nomita.
1. What did Ajit do with Nomita’s letter?
He opened and read the letter, crumpled it and hid it in his pocket.
2. What does this show about Ajit?
It shows that Ajit is suspicious, controlling and disrespectful of Nomita’s privacy.
Question 3
“What if I opened it? My own wife’s letter—”“Be quiet, be quiet, I tell you. For what reason should you open my letters?”
1. Why does Ajit think he can open Nomita’s letters?
He thinks that, as her husband, he has the right to read her private letters.
2. What does Nomita’s reply show?
It shows her self-respect and her strong objection to Ajit’s behaviour.
Question 4
She grabs Ajit’s matchbox that is lying near his cigarettes on the table, lights a matchstick and touches it to her sari.1. Why does Nomita set fire to her sari?
She does it in anger after Ajit insults her mother and challenges her.
2. What does the fire represent?
The fire represents Nomita’s hidden anger, strength and rebellion.
Question 5
“Oh, don’t remind me! It’s exactly what you keep warning me about. I didn’t listen, and see what happened! I used my anchol to lift a hot pot of water off the stove—and that did it.”1. Why does Nomita give this false explanation?
She wants to hide the quarrel with Ajit and the real reason for the burnt sari.
2. What does this show about her life in the family?
It shows that she cannot openly express her pain and is forced to hide her suffering.>