<Essay 1 (8 Scores)
How does Bama expose caste discrimination through her childhood experience in We Too Are Human Beings? (8)
Question:
Answer
We Too Are Human Beings is an autobiographical short story by Bama based on her childhood experiences. Through a simple incident, she exposes the cruel practice of caste discrimination that existed in society. The story teaches that every human being deserves equal dignity and respect.
The story begins with Bama recalling her school days. Every day, she walked home from school, enjoying the many interesting sights on the streets. Monkey shows, snake charmers, temple festivals, puppet shows, shops and coffee stalls delayed her journey because she loved observing everything around her.
One day, she saw an elderly man from her community carrying a packet of vadais for the landlord. Instead of holding the packet in his hand, he carried it only by its string. He bowed respectfully before the landlord and handed over the packet carefully. Bama found the incident funny because she did not know the reason behind it.
Later, her elder brother Annan explained that the old man belonged to the Dalit community. The landlord belonged to the upper caste. The upper-caste people believed that if a Dalit touched their food, it would become polluted. Therefore, the old man had to carry the packet without touching it.
Bama was shocked and deeply hurt. She realised that the old man had been humiliated simply because of his caste. She questioned why one group of people considered themselves superior to another. She strongly felt that all human beings are equal and deserve respect.
Through this incident, Bama exposes the injustice of untouchability and condemns caste discrimination. She reminds readers that no one should be treated as inferior because of birth. The story is a powerful call for equality, justice and human dignity.>
<Essay 2 (8 Scores)
Discuss the role of Annan in Bama's life. How did his advice transform her life? (8)
Question:
Answer
Annan, Bama's elder brother, plays a very important role in We Too Are Human Beings. He helps Bama understand the reality of caste discrimination and inspires her to fight social injustice through education. His advice changes her life completely.
When Bama returned home laughing about the old man carrying a packet by its string, Annan did not laugh. Instead, he patiently explained the painful truth behind the incident. He told her that the old man belonged to their Dalit community and that the landlord belonged to the upper caste. The old man had to carry the packet without touching it because upper-caste people believed that they would become polluted by the touch of a Dalit.
Bama felt shocked, angry and humiliated after hearing this explanation. She realised the cruelty of the caste system. At this point, Annan encouraged her not to lose hope. He advised her to study hard and become successful. According to him, education was the strongest weapon against discrimination. It could help people earn respect, confidence and a better place in society.
Bama accepted her brother's advice seriously. She worked hard in her studies and stood first in her class. As she became successful, many people began to respect and appreciate her. Education gave her confidence, dignity and self-respect.
Annan's guidance transformed Bama from an innocent child into a determined student. Through his character, Bama highlights the importance of education as a means of overcoming social injustice. His advice remains the central message of the story.>
<Essay 3 (8 Scores)
Justify the title We Too Are Human Beings. Discuss the themes and message of the story. (8)
Question:
Answer
The title We Too Are Human Beings is highly meaningful and appropriate. It reflects the feelings of people who have suffered because of caste discrimination and untouchability. Through this autobiographical story, Bama calls for equality, justice and human dignity.
The story begins with Bama's happy childhood memories of walking home from school. One day, she witnesses an elderly man carrying a packet of snacks by its string for a landlord. At first, she laughs because she does not understand the reason behind this strange behaviour.
Her elder brother Annan explains that the old man belongs to the Dalit community and that the landlord belongs to the upper caste. The old man is forced to carry the packet without touching it because upper-caste people believe that a Dalit's touch will pollute their food. This explanation shocks Bama and makes her realise the cruelty of the caste system.
The story highlights several important themes such as caste discrimination, untouchability, equality, dignity, self-respect and the power of education. Annan advises Bama to study hard because education can help oppressed people overcome discrimination and earn respect. Inspired by his words, Bama works hard and succeeds in her studies.
The story ends with a powerful message that every human being deserves equal rights, dignity and respect. No one should be judged by caste or social background. The title reminds us that all people are equal and deserve to live with honour and self-respect. It is a strong appeal to reject discrimination and build a society based on equality, justice and humanity.>