The Morning

By Jogindar Singh Kanwal

THE MORNING - Activity Book

Table of Contents:

Chapters Page No.

 Introduction Page 2
 Chapter 1 – Rajpur Village Page 4
 Chapter 2 – Landlord Seth Karorimal Page 7
 Chapter 3 – Amroo, The Runaway Page 10
 Chapter 4 – Life in Culcutta Depot Page 13
 Chapter 5 – Boarding Ganges Page 17
 Chapter 6 – Singing In The Ship Page 20
 Chapter 7 – Life In The Ganges Page 22
 Chapter 8 – Arrival In Fiji Page 24
 Chapter 9 – Transfer To Rarawai Page 27
 Chapter 10 – Working In Plantation Page 30
 Chapter 11 – A Love Letter From Shanti Page 33
 Chapter 12 – Story Of Prem Singh Page 36
 Chapter 13 – Violence In The Canefields Page 40
 Chapter 14 – Raheem, The Peace Maker Page 43
 Chapter 15 – A Rape Attempt Page 46
 Chapter 16 – Meeting Of Jamuna And Amar Page 48
 Chapter 17 – Distrust Between Friends Page 51
 Chapter 18 – A Document Called Girmit Page 54
 Chapter 19 – Amar Singh Abducted Page 58
 Chapter 20 – Mistreatment Of Peter Page 63
 Chapter 21 – Love In Prison Page 65
 Chapter 22 – The Strike Page 69
 Chapter 23 – Shanti In India Page 73
 Chapter 24 – Indenture System Abolished Page 76
 Chapter 25 – Amar Singh’s Visit To India Page 82
 Chapter 26 – Reflections Page 87
 Brief Notes Page 92
 Literature Questions Page 97

1 | Page
Introduction:

The following story is a mixture of fact and fiction. As the author Jogindar Singh Kanwal states in the
opening pages

This novel is based on many incidents recalled by people I have interviewed and source
material I have studied. I have simply chronicled the events and have added fictional
characters only to make the account cohesive and interesting. (n.y. p7)

As such the author has tried to write a book on the plight of ordinary Indian labourers and their
experiences. Therefore it becomes valuable for us in Fiji as a document describing Girmit from a
labourers’ point of view.

Despite the mixture of reality and fiction it does allow us to see how the labourers’ lived, to know
their experiences and to really understand the Indenture system, not as a topic in social science, but
to actually follow someone who lived and experienced it. At this level they are not just images, or
words on a page but human beings.

For many of us today the past is just that, past and as we progress with all the technology that the
modern world has to offer this narrative allows us to remain grounded in our common identity as
Fijians. That is the intrinsic value of this book and if it does stir anything it should be a desire to learn
more about this chapter in our country’s history.

Setting:

The setting of any story is made up of several levels. There is the geographical setting, which
describes an actual location, there is the chronological setting denoting time and lastly there is the
cultural/economical setting looking at the situation of the main character.

 The story begins in the small village of Rajpur, near Agra City, in the state of Uttar Pradesh in
India.
 From there it moves to Fiji and is largely set in and around the Rarawai Mill in Ba.
 Chronologically the story is an epic: it covers the entire span of Amar Singh’s life and the
hardships and challenges he faces. Readers are taken from 1879 to just beyond 1979. (Proof of
this is in the final chapter where we read the words “I have lived more than a century.” (p271)
 As for the cultural and economic setting we can assume several things; firstly Amar Singh is not
of high caste or low cast, he is somewhere in the middle. This is evident by his being given
leadership roles, especially aboard the ‘Ganges’ in charge of about 40 people. (chapter 5)

2 | Page
 Secondly he does not come from a very wealthy family. Quite the opposite he is faced with
overwhelming poverty from a very early age which does not really improve by much until many
years later.

Research:

Using the resources available to you, see if you can locate on a map of India where Amar Singh is
from.

3 | Page
Chapter 1 – Rajpur Village

Chapter Summary:

th
The Morning begins with the narrator remembering “I was born on 15 May, 1879… “. The readers
go back with the narrator and re-live how he started out. At first ‘Amroo’ has a happy childhood
where he does well in school but before he turns 14, his father dies. Amroo needs to shoulder the
responsibilities of providing for his mother and younger sister, looking after their farm and repaying
Seth Karorimal for a loan they had taken. For 3 years, he struggled until he had to mortgage the
remaining 2 acres of their 4 acre farm to Seth Karorimal, again, to pay for the wedding of his younger
sister. Unable to work the entire farm alone, Amroo and his mother approach Seth Karorimal for a
job. Amroo is hired to pull the big fan in the Seth’s room from 10am-5pm and other jobs; filling
tobacco, cleaning the veranda and drawing water, for which he was paid 10 rupees a month.

Although life was difficult, Amroo was able to nurture his passion for reading through the magazines
available at the Seth’s house. He is also able to witness the greed and inhumanity of Seth Karorimal
who takes every opportunity to cheat to gain from other’s sufferings and misfortune.

The chapter closes with Amroo saving a young girl, Shanti, from being trampled by a bull resulting in
a proposal for marriage between Amroo and Shanti from Shanti’s mother.

4 | Page
Vocabulary:

Use your dictionary to find the definitions of the following words.

1. pinnacle 7. meagre
2. armamentarium 8. paltry
3. dispirited 9. myriads
4. predicament 10. redolent
5. pompous 11. penury
6. profound 12. exuberance

Questions:

1. How old is the narrator, when his father dies? How old is he at the end of chapter 1?
2. What happened on Amroo’s first day at school?
3. Where is the story set?
4. What were their family possessions when his father died?
5. Describe Seth Karorimal.
6. How did Amroo continue his education? What awareness/ consciousness did he develop?
7. What does Amroo think of Seth Karorimal? What does the word ‘Karorimal’ mean?
8. How does Amroo save Shanti?
9. Describe Shanti.
10. Why was Amroo’s mother filled with deep distress at the marriage proposal?

Figures of Speech:

Identify the figures of speech below.

1. Unpaved streets became slippery and slushy with the slightest rainfall.
2. On such occasions the atmosphere of the entire village would bloom with gaiety.
3. As I ascended the final rung of the ladder in primary school... the entire horizon of my future
became cloaked in the darkness of shattered dreams.
4. …it was poverty that had given rise to wants and woes in my home…
5. She was like one who was totally crushed between the two grindstones of adversity and
hardship

5 | Page
Rewriting:

Rewrite in reported speech:

1. “I will only be able to give you an answer after speaking to Amroo, “ Pali replied with a heavy
voice.
2. “What sort of work do you think you can do, Amroo?” Seth Karorimal asked.
3. Kaanchi gratefully said, “Beta, you saved Shanti’s life today. May God bless you.”
4. “Look Amroo, I do not know when I shall leave to join your father,” said his mother sadly.
5. “Won’t you, after Bhanmati’s marriage wait to see me also get married?” Amroo asked.

Writing Activity:

Compile a brief newspaper report on the incident where Amroo saves Shanti from the bull. Write a
brief account of the incident in two or three paragraphs and be creative. You may wish to include a
photograph/ drawing, a catchy headline and an eyewitness account.

Use approximately 200 words.

6 | Page
Chapter 2 – Landlord Seth Karorimal

Chapter Summary:

While working at the Seth Karorimal’s home Amroo hears of Fiji for the first time. He is intrigued
because it is presented as a unique opportunity where one can get money quickly. That evening as
he walks home he meets Shanti who informs him her mother has asked to meet him. Amroo is
concerned about behaving properly so he sends Shanti home first and follows her later. Shanti’s
mother asks about his marriage to Shanti upon which Amroo replies he cannot feed Shanti.

Amroo does have feelings for Shanti but cannot commit, as he says to her, “Turn me out of your
heart, Shanti,… I like you very much, but my destination lies somewhere else. I travel a different
path… that is a very arduous way full of thorns.”

Chapter 2 ends with Seth Karorimal knocking on the door of their home and demanding the money
owed to him to be paid in full or he would take possession of their land and auction their house.

Amroo, full of anger and hatred, decides he would teach this ‘Satan’ a lesson.

7 | Page
The focus is largely on Seth Karorimal. In this chapter readers are given insight into the type of
person he really is. Seth Karorimal makes profit from the misery of others. The fact that we are
being told this from the mouth of Amroo, someone who has worked there for 3 years, gives the
story a sense of credibility.

Vocabulary:

Define the following words and try to write down which parts of speech they belong to:

1. pitiable 7. enigma
2. rotund 8. silhouetted
3. supplication 9. arduous
4. beguile 10. indignation
5. sanguine 11. epilogue
6. callous

Questions:
1. How does Amroo hear about Fiji?
2. Describe the relationship between Amroo and Shanti?
3. What does the following phrase mean: “The dream was so sweet, but the epilogue was in
sharp contrast.”?
4. Who do you think is Amroo’s “friend at Lakhimpur”? Why do you think Amroo is going to see
him?
5. The chapter ends with Amroo trying hard to control his temper, what do you think Amroo is
going to do?
6. What does the Seth think of the agents sending people to Fiji?

Bio-data:

Write a brief character bio-data on Landlord Seth Karorimal. Include the following details:

 Name  Marital Status

 Occupation  No. of servants
 Address  Religion

8 | Page
  Physical description  You can even include a photograph/
 Age drawing of what you think he would
 Educated look like
 Source of income  Do you like/ dislike this character?
 Good qualities Explain.

 Bad qualities

Research Topic:

Use the resources available to you such as the library, internet and your teachers to research the
following topic: What is the popular love story of Lalila – Manju?

Literary Concept – Foreshadowing

To show in advance a choice to be made or a journey to be taken. The placement of certain words or
scenes which seem irrelevant but are seen later as integral to the story.

At the close of chapter 2, three events are foreshadowed:

 Amroo hears of Fiji

 Amroo tries to break up with Shanti as he feels he is destined for a different path
 The Seth will get what is coming to him.

9 | Page
Chapter 3 – Amroo The Runaway

Chapter Summary:

In great anger, Amroo goes to the Seth’s house. He finds the whole family away and makes a very big
decision: no matter the consequences, He will confront the Seth. When the Seth, intoxicated,
arrives, Amroo locks the door and demands to see the papers his father had allegedly signed
mortgaging their land and home.

Seth Karorimal, angry at being confronted, slaps Amroo, who retaliates by pushing the Seth to the
ground, jumping on his chest and physically beating him senseless. He only stops when he is tired.
Amroo then grabs whatever documents the Seth had on him and escapes to Lakhimpur aware that
the first place the police would look would be his home in Raipur.

In Lakhimpur, he goes to Bihari, an agent sending people to Fiji. Bihari listens to Amroo’s story and
arranges to have him sent to Fiji as a labourer. However, first, Bihari hides Amroo for two days and
then buys him a train ticket to Delhi. Bihari is not the cunning, thieving con-artist we hear the Seth
claim he is – instead he is honest, loyal and compassionate. Bihari not only paid for Amroo’s train
ticket but he also gives Amroo the sandals he is wearing to ensure Amroo at least looks respectable
in Delhi.

10 | P a g e
Amar Singh leaves for Delhi, with a clear conscious, after having freed his mother from the
stranglehold of Seth Karorimal, also helping Dalip Singh and Rattan Lal get out of their own debts.

Chapter 3 is the first instance we actually hear from the narrator that his name is Amar Singh. Amroo
was just a nickname his parents and immediate family called him. The significance of this change in
name is that Amroo has grown up. He is no longer Amroo, who used to take orders and does things
out of obligation, he is now Amar Singh the young man who is taking real responsibility for his
actions and trying to improve their quality of life.

The morning will come
When the sun will shine in our lives
The stone-strewn path will not hinder us,
The scattered thorns will fly away,
This poem is about hope. The metaphor is
that good times will come no matter how
difficult things get. Never lose hope as it is
always darker before the dawn, but the dawn
will come.

And the chains of bondage break.

Vocabulary:

Use each word in the list below in a sentence. Write 9 sentences.

1. belch 6. sympathetic
2. heralded 7. stratification
3. covetous 8. glamourize
4. glutton 9. forum

5. auction

Questions:

1. Is Amar Singh justified in beating Seth Karorimal? Justify your answer.

2. How did Amar and Bihari know each other?
3. Why does Amar go to Bihari?

11 | P a g e
 4. Create a table with two columns. Label one column: Seth Karorimal and the other: Amar
Singh. Fill in the appropriate column how the Seth describes all agents (like Bihari) and the
Bihari we see helping Amar.
Seth Karorimal Amar Singh

5. What documents did Amar take from the Seth? Whose problems or debts did they resolve?
6. Does Amar see his mother again before he leaves for Delhi? Explain.
7. Explain what Amar means when he says “Your servant Amroo is dead.”?

12 | P a g e
Chapter 4 – Life In Culcutta Depot

Chapter Summary:

Boarding a train in Delhi, the “grown-up” 20 year old Amar Singh (fugitive from the law) travels one
day and two nights to Culcutta. His destination is the Garden Reach Depot close to the Hoogli River.
It is here that labourers await ships to transport them to Fiji.

At the depot there were over 450 people scheduled to travel to Fiji. Some were excited and some
were sad. There was even a woman called Leela, who had been tricked into signing the agreement.
She was quite distraught and had to be placed in a secluded room so as not to upset the others.

With nothing to do, no worries and no responsibilities, Amar Singh spends the time making friends
and bathing in the Hoogli River; which was a tributary of the Holy Ganges River.

A few days later a fight over some burnt roti escalates into a riot where about 50 people escape. In
the commotion Amar frees Leela from her room and gives her whatever money he has left.

As the chapter closes Amar Singh is exhilarated. He seems to be starting his life as an adult doing
good for others. He beat up Seth Karorimal to get his mother out of debt, he wiped the debts for
Dalip Singh and Rattan Lal and he met kind and honest Bihari. To top it all of he had saved Leela and

13 | P a g e
hopefully helped reunite her with her husband and son. Now he was on a journey into the unknown,
there were many things to be happy about.

Vocabulary:

Using a dictionary, write down the phonetic spelling of each of the following words.

1. depot 5. lout
2. tributary 6. glimmer
3. placate 7. hooliganism
4. fisticuffs 8. reminiscent

Questions:

Select the correct letter from the options given below each question.

1. How long did it take to travel from Delhi to Calcutta?

a. One day, one night
b. Two days, two nights
c. Two days, one night
d. Two nights, one day
2. Why did Amar Singh and his friends swim often in the Hoogli River?
a. They were very dirty.
b. The Hoogli River was holy.
c. The Hoogli River was a tributary to the Ganges river.
d. The water was clean and refreshing.
3. Who had conned Leela into signing the agreement to come to Fiji?
a. Mansukh Lal
b. Bal Ram Singh
c. The Overseer
d. Mr Mukerji
4. How many people were estimated to have escaped during the riot?
a. 60 people
b. 50 people
c. 40 people
d. 30 people

14 | P a g e
5. How did Amar Singh feel as he prepared to leave the depot for Fiji?
a. depressed and distracted
b. excited and happy
c. angry and sad
d. exhilarated and at peace
6. How much money did Amar give to Leela?
a. 5 dinar
b. 5 rupees
c. 5 dramachs
d. 5 kina

Matching:

Match the following names correctly with the places they are associated with in the story.

Names Places
1 Bal Ram Singh A From Hissar
2 Amar Singh B From Rajpur
3 Leela C Gone to Haridwar
4 Bihari D From Lakhimpur
5 Shanti E From Mahalpur
6 Mr. Mukerji F Works near the Hoogli River
7 Dalip Singh G From Hissar
H From Burmpur

Writing:

Imagine you are Amar Singh, write a journal entry of the riot and your role in it. Use about 200
words.

15 | P a g e
Cloze Exercise:

Personal Pronouns: Use the resources available to find out what ‘personal pronouns’ are. Your
teacher will help you.

The passage below has all it’s ‘personal pronouns’ missing. Fill in the correct personal pronoun in the
gaps so that the passage makes sense.

“… ______1_____ brother, _____2_____ have done so much for _____3_____, but _____4_____
haven’t even asked _____5_____ name. What will _____6_____ tell _____7_____ husband and
_____8_____ son about the person who saved _____9_____? How will _____10_____ remember
_____11_____ if _____12_____ don’t know who _____13_____? If _____14_____ ever see
_____15_____ in a crowd, how will _____16_____ call _____17_____ if _____18_____ don’t know
_____19_____ name?”

The answers are on page 44 of the novel.

16 | P a g e
Chapter 5 – Boarding Ganges

Chapter Summary:

th
The voyage to Fiji begins. Amar Singh boards the ship ‘Ganges’ on the 15 June 1899 along with 449
others. Their departure is depressing as no one is there to farewell them, only the clerks, overseers
and recruiting agents. On board the ship’s senior officers are happy that they reach the sea without
incident (the women wailing or the men jumping overboard).

Amar Singh so engrossed thinking about the life he has left behind he does not notice their
movement until the shore is no longer visible. As they settle down for the voyage Amar makes two
friends Ram Singh and Mohammed Raheem.

The next morning after biscuits for breakfast, rules are read out and duties assigned. The 450
travellers are broken into groups. It is clearly outlined that for all to survive the overcrowded
conditions and the voyage then there must be discipline and order. Amar Singh is overwhelmed to
be selected foreman for one of the groups. He feels he is too young but takes on the challenge like
everything else he has done.

The first thing he does is to call a meeting to ask for everyone’s co-operation in carrying out the
responsibilities assigned together.

17 | P a g e
It is obvious that with the cramped conditions some religious aspects are no longer able to be
practiced. One example would be the ‘Cast System’.

Vocabulary:

Use a dictionary to find the meanings of the following words, and then try to identify an antonym for
each of them.

1. motley 7. staunch
2. gaol 8. untouchable
3. resplendent 9. humility
4. bereft 10. pious
5. reverie 11. mantle
6. prudent

Questions:

1. Make a list of the responsibilities that needed to be looked after while the passengers were
on board.
2. How old is Amar Singh at the start of this journey?
3. How many foremen were selected from the group?
4. How much space was each person assigned on the ship?
5. Why does Ram Singh not want to call Amar Singh ‘Amroo’?
6. Which memory kept recurring as Amar Singh reflected on the life he left behind?
7. Why did a small boat follow the ‘Ganges’ right to the mouth of the Hoogli?
8. What sorts of possessions did the labourers take with them?
9. How is it possible that Karam Chand looked more religious than Ghan Shyam?

Activity:

There are 12 recruiting agents and 450 people. How much will each agent get if each person is worth
10 rupees and they all get an equal share? How much is 10 rupees worth converted to dollars and
cents?

According to the Heritage Illustrated Dictionary of the English Language (1975) in 1972 1 rupee was worth about $0.140 US

18 | P a g e
Research:
Go to your school library or the internet and look up “The Indian Cast System”. Write a short report
detailing the following:
i. What was the practice?
ii. What roles/ groups existed?
iii. The functions of each group?
iv. How long had it be in practice?
v. Is the system still being practiced?
vi. Do you agree with the ‘cast system’? Explain?
vii. How is the cast system similar or different to the division of labour in traditional
Pacific society?

Rewriting:

Rewrite the sentences below following the instructions given.

1. “My religion is dearer to me than my life. If I am forced to do anything against my will, I will
end my life by jumping into the sea.” (COMBINE INTO 1 SENTENCE)
2. “My brothers, we have all left our own homes and our country and are headed for a distant
land,” Amar began his address. (REWRITE IN REPORTED SPEECH)
3. Every passenger would be awakened at six in the morning and after folding his bed-sheet
would become busy with various chores. (BEGIN: At six …)
4. There were also half-a-dozen recruiting agents. Their faces were bright with happiness. (JOIN
USING: … whose …)
5. These travellers were bidding farewell to their motherland, Bharat Mata, but they did so
alone. (BEGIN: Alone …)
6. “What is your name, bhaiya?” Amar asked. (REWRITE IN REPORTED SPEECH)

19 | P a g e
Chapter 6 – Singing in the Ship

Chapter Summary:

It has been a month; the labourers have settled into their routine and after their chores spend their
time relaxing and singing songs. Having a lot of people living in confined spaces for a long period of
time will eventually lead to some problems, especially when religion dictates for some that a cast
system must be practiced.

A rumour is started saying ‘food is being prepared by untouchables’. This results in some passengers
going on hunger strike and even leads to a skirmish. Fortunately the disagreement is settled with the
captain intervening. He says that those who regarded the ship’s cooks as members of a lower cast
could prepare their own meals themselves.

Vocabulary:

Using each word, construct your own sentences.

20 | P a g e
Learn these words by heart. Your Teacher will give you a ‘spelling test’.

1. debilitating 9. combatants
2. allied 10. placated
3. imitable 11. irk
4. severe 12. crux
5. vigil 13. predicament
6. denigrate 14. morale
7. midriff 15. incensed

8. skirmish

Research:

Use the resources available to you (internet, school library, teachers, etc…) and find out more about
the famous love story of Punjab called the “Heer Ranja”. See if you can collect a short plot summary
and some images.

Compile the information into a short report using about 150 words. This report may be presented as
an oral presentation.

Questions:

1. What is the Jahji Brotherhood?

2. Explain how “Happiness and sadness seem constantly allied” (p57) on board the Ganges?
3. Why is the title of chapter 6 significant?
4. Why have some of the passengers gone on ‘hunger strike’?
5. What ‘rumour’ is causing trouble on the ship?
6. In the skirmish on board, how did it start and who were involved?
7. What was Amar Singh about to say to Raheem, Gaj Raj and Chandra Sen before Rama arrived
and suggested they go on the deck to play cards?

21 | P a g e
Chapter 7 – Life in the ‘Ganges’

Chapter Summary:

Life aboard the Ganges continues uneventfully as the long journey progresses. We are however
related 2 tragic incidents. The first involves the cook; Shamu, who was on the fateful ship: Syria.

Fifteen years earlier, Shamu unlike many had made the decision to travel to Fiji, willingly, supported
by his wife. Both of them immediately loved the sea and felt free on it. However fate had a cruel
twist in store – the Syria was wrecked on Nasilai reef claiming the lives of several including Shamu’s
wife.

The second incident took place three days away from Fiji, involving a more familiar acquaintance.
Ghan Shyam passes away. In his death Amar relates how although some of his religious beliefs were
too strict, his intentions had been noble.

He was on his way to evangelize to the Hindu’s in Fiji. Ghan Shyam felt it was his duty as a Hindu.
Even if it meant he broke the old Hindu belief that crossing the sea was irreligious. In a sad and
heartfelt ceremony, he was buried at sea.

22 | P a g e
Vocabulary: Use a dictionary to find the meanings of the words in this list. Write down a synonym
for each one.

1. blur 5. woeful
2. figment 6. implore
3. intrigued 7. diffuse
4. confide 8. irreligious

Research: Use the resources available to you (Library, Internet, Teachers, etc…) and look up the
“Syria”. What information can you find out about the ship running aground? Answer the following
questions?

1. When did the ship ground on Nasilai reef?

2. What is the reason given for this grounding?
3. How many people (passengers/ crew) were on board?
4. How many people survived?
5. Can you find any images/ photographs?
6. Any other relevant information?

With the answers from the above questions, formulate them into points and compile into a single
coherent paragraph using only 5 sentences. (Make sure there is a topic sentence)

Questions:

1. Why does Shamu often go and sit at the edge of the deck early in the morning when he cannot
sleep?
2. Why does Shamu refer to himself as a ‘hungry soul’?
3. What happened to the people of different religions, casts and races the longer the voyage
progressed?
4. What message did Ghan Shyam want conveyed to his family in India?
5. What is a ‘triveni’? Identify two places where they appear in the story and write them down.

Resource Interpretation: Bio-data

Using the information provided by the author, write a brief bio-data for Ghan Shyam.

23 | P a g e
Chapter 8 – Arrival in Fiji
th rd
15 June 1899 – 3 September 1899

Chapter Summary:

Finally after a sea crossing of almost three months the ‘Ganges’ reaches Fiji. Looking forward to the
illusion that they would be assigned homes and treated well, the labourers are surprised. They are
taken to Nukulau and after waiting 10 days their ‘Masters’ come to collect them. These travellers,
looking forward to a better life realise they are just a little better than slaves.

Amar Singh was sent to the Lautoka Mill. There he describes the conditions as appalling. Three men
were forced to live in a room 4 yards by 3 yards (3.6m x 2.7m) and there were 24 such rooms joined
end to end to form a line. That is what they were commonly called – Lines: (in total Lautoka had 10
lines).

These small rooms were for all activities, cooking, worship, sleeping, etc… This was in direct contrast
to the white officers who lived in the ‘lap of luxury’. They had bigger quarters surrounded by lawns
and for the married officers; flower gardens. Officers also had access to tennis courts. The contrasts
in living conditions were so different that the labourers started thinking that the hell after death
might not be that different from their current condition now.

24 | P a g e
To add to their already unbearable burdens was the cruel way the labourers were treated. “There
was no kind word and never a smile as the overseers drove them to the limits of their tolerance.”
(p76)

The chapter closes with Amar Singh and Rama being transferred to Rarawai, Ba. What is interesting
is the author’s choice of words – saying “There was no way of knowing whether there was dis-
satisfaction with our work in Lautoka, or whether there was some fear that we might create trouble
amongst the labourers in Lautoka Mill.” (p76)

This statement is significant in that it raises concerns what their role might be in the upcoming
chapters. (This is an example of Foreshadowing)

Vocabulary:

Use a dictionary to find the meanings of the following words

1. anticlimactic 5. symbolic
2. lines 6. enslaved
3. gossip 7. retire
4. soot 8. stench

Questions:

1. How much did the traders pay for each labourer?

2. What was the normal course of action to deal with those labourers who were suffering from
serious illness with little possibility of recovery?
3. Why were the single officers’ quarters without plants or hedges? (What was the reason given by
the author?)

25 | P a g e
Adjectives:

From the list of adjectives, select two each to describe the following places:

Places: Adjectives:
1 Mill A Clean
2 Lines B Difficult
3 Officers’ quarters C Smelly
D Beautiful
E Dirty
F Exhausting
G congested
H Spacious
I backbreaking

Sentence Completion: Complete the following sentences using your own words.

1. Another explanation for the officers’ quarters being without shrubs might be ________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. The officers’ wives _______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. Gossiping was a favourite past-time because _________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. Mr Wilson and his slim wife always _________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
5. The coolie lines were always _______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6. The overseers never had time for ___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
7. Rama and Amar Singh were one day ordered to Ba, probably because ______________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

Resource Interpretation:

Sketch a quick map of the layout of Lautoka Mill as described by the author in chapter 8.

26 | P a g e
Chapter 9: Transfer to Rarawai

Chapter Summary

Chapter 9 is another new beginning. Amar Singh has been moved to Rarawai along with Rama. Upon
arriving there is a happy reunion of brothers who share a meal together. The meal though sparse is
enjoyed with great gusto by all.

Suddenly their happy reunion is interrupted by a woman’s cry for help. The woman is being
physically abused and is almost killed. In this manner we are introduce to Jamuna, a young woman
who like everyone has a sad story of her own about being deceived and taken advantage of
especially by unscrupulous men.

As she is asked to tell her story, she is blunt but Jamunna comes across as a very strong woman.
Despite all the adversity, hardship and abuse she has suffered she does not take the
easy way out; suicide. She struggles on despite everything holding on to the hope that
one day she will find happiness. Everyone is overwhelmed that someone, especially a
young woman who has suffered so much is still able to go on.

27 | P a g e
Foreshadowing: Amar Singh, we can deduce, is attracted to Jamunna from the way he affectionately
describes her. Will they end up together? Read on.

Vocabulary:

Using a dictionary find the definitions of the following words and then find 1 synonym and 1
antonym for each one.

1. aspersions 6. undermine
2. tatters 7. coveting
3. fickle 8. imbibed
4. obsequious 9. prostrate
5. torturous 10. rogue

Questions:

1. Name the Jahaji brothers who were reunited?

2. In your own words describe Line No. 25.
3. Why did Gaj Raj Singh suggest that Rama and Amar Singh move in with him?
4. How did Jamunna convince Bechu that she was dead as he tried to strangle her?
5. How old was Jamunna when she was married? What is the current legal marriage age?
6. How did Jamunna end up in Fiji after being chased out by her sister-in-law?
7. Why does Jamunna say “My fair body has become my own enemy. I have even thought of
committing suicide…”(p86)?
8. Why does Jamunna not commit suicide? (Is she afraid or reluctant?)
9. How did Karam Chand’s marriage come about?
10. Where do some people who have completed their 5- year Girmit go?

Resource Interpretation: Bio-data

Using the information provided by the author, write a brief bio-data for Jamunna.

28 | P a g e
Rewriting:

Rewrite the following sentences following the instructions given in brackets.

1. “My story is a complicated and painful one which might distress even brave men like you,” said
Jamunna. (REWRITE IN REPORTED SPEECH)
2. We were still joking and catching up. The ‘Lines’ foreman arrived to open the doors of one of the
rooms. (JOIN INTO ONE SENTENCE USING; … while … )
3. Many drunken men would lie outside their room in a drunken stupor. Their faces would often be
licked by dogs. (JOIN INTO ONE SENTENCE USING; … where …)

Group Research:

Using the resources available such as your school library, the internet, your local police station or
your school counsellor/ chaplain/ priest; select and define one of the following terms:

 Domestic violence
 Physical abuse
 Underage marriages

State what ones’ rights and responsibilities are in these matters. What the police response to the
problem is?

For Underage arranged marriages why was such a practice observed and why was it practiced? Does
it still occur today? What about in your community?

Writing:

Write an ‘Imaginative essay’ about a memorable meal you once had and END with the words “… we
ate as if we had been hungry for years’.

Use about 200 words.

29 | P a g e
Chapter 10 – Working in Plantation

Chapter Summary:

“Working in Plantation” sees Amar Singh experience first-hand the conditions the labourers are
forced to work under. At 3am they are woken up to begin cutting cane. They work throughout the
day and even the sick, the women or the very young are not excused.

The case of Karam Chand is an example of just how cruel the overseers can be especially Peter
Fletcher. Even when Gaj Raj, Raheem and Amar Singh took Karam Chand to the clinic they found out
it was closed because the doctor had gone pigeon shooting and taken the nurse.

Several courses of action are presented to try to alleviate the conditions. These were to complain to
the Police to fight back or to kill Peter Fletcher. However cool heads prevail and they decided to wait
for the Government Inspector to visit the Lines and lodge their complaints then.

Peter Fletcher hears of this move and attempts to get the labourers to refrain from complaining. He
threatens them with more beatings and violence. But the labourers are not deterred.

On the day the Government Inspector arrives the labourers gather to make their complaint. Mr
Rogers does not see like the usual inspector, he seems sincere and genuine. He gets the labourers to
relax and after Karam Chand speaks more labourers come forward to relate their story.

30 | P a g e
Patiently Mr Rogers takes notes and fills many sheets of paper. After the inspection Mr Rogers
leaves and the labourers are hopeful of something being done.

However, as time passes nothing happens, in fact “The swearing increased; physical assaults became
more frequent and violent. The floggings were meted out even more readily than previously”. (p99)

We are left to wonder, along with the labourers what happened to Mr Rogers, did he make a report,
was he bribed or was he just acting concerned?

Vocabulary

Using a dictionary find the meanings of the following words. Create a sentence using two words in
the list below. Each word must be used once. No word may be used in two sentences. (Note: you
may use different forms of the chosen word)

1. cumulative 6. haranguing
2. shirking 7. castigation
3. tinge 8. adversity
4. dejected 9. enmity
5. placate 10. meted

Questions:

1. Describe the injuries Karam Chand suffered?

2. Why did Gaj Raj tell Krishnu “You’re all talk, “?
3. What is a defeatist tone or attitude?
4. Who told Peter Fletcher about the impending labourers’ complaint against him?
5. What was the role or job of a Government Inspector?
6. Why were Inspectors not permitted by law to accept gifts?
7. Outline some of the requests/complains the labourers’ gave to the Inspector.

31 | P a g e
Identify the figures of speech:

1. The sun like a red ball emerged from its womb in the east.
2. The mill sounded its shrill horn.
3. Today the hornets kissed me in the fields.
4. I started cutting cane confident of clearing the cane field.
5. All the white Officers have a heart of stone.
6. We decided we would wait for Mr Roger.
7. Remember even the sun comes down and sets in the evening.
8. Maan Singh was carrying like a faithful Sergeant Major haranguing a unit.
9. When the cat’s away the mice can play.
10. Who are those idiots who want to live in the river and quarrel with crocodiles?
11. Peter seemed like a lion ready to pounce on his prey.

32 | P a g e
Chapter 11 – A Love Letter From Shanti

Chapter Summary:

Chapter 11 is a very descriptive chapter. It slows down the pace of the novel. Contained in its pages
it reveals great beauty alongside great suffering and tragedy. It seems the labourers live in a world of
extremes with no middle ground.

On one hand you have the lines and on the other hand you have the carefully attended to golf-
course. Amar Singh also takes time to describe Ba in a little more detail.

In the midst of all this arrives Shanti’s letter. In it Shanti writes of her love and desire to come to Fiji,
indeed the descriptions by the agents makes it even more appealing. The lies have not changed: In
Fiji you will earn money, live comfortably and it is quite close to India.

The letter is also significant in that it fills in some details for us. First Amar Singh had written to his
mother and that Shanti had somehow found out the contents of the letter.

Amar Singh responds with a carefully worded letter. In it he asks Shanti to forget him and find
another. Their paths had drifted so far apart there was no telling if they would cross again.

33 | P a g e
Fiji was not the paradise it was painted by agents to be. Besides for a woman travelling alone she
would be constantly at risk. Even in Fiji with the protection of Amar and his brothers there was no
security. Despite the pain she should move on.

Amar had changed too much and could not in good conscience disregard the plight of the labourers
in the cane fields. “Sadness, despair, hardship and loneliness have come to occupy much of my heart
and mind”.(p109)

Vocabulary - Match the words in column A to their definitions in column B.

COLUMN A
1 meticulous
2 vista
3 verdant
4 opaque
5 disgorge
6 cacophony
7 albeit
8 clientele
9 mutilated
10 malady
11 chide
12 unscrupulous
COLUMN B
A Customers
B Rebuke
C Disease
D Contradict
E no principles
F Destroy
G careful and precise
H noisy sounds
I long narrow view
J throw up
K all be it
L Cloudy
M green lush

Identify the following figures of speech:

1. If by chance the grass caught fire then all the hills appeared like candles lit by angels descending
from heaven during the night.
2. At other times clumps of rapidly moving black clouds would adorn the tops of these hills and
play hide and seek with the sunshine.
3. Like an ant he worked the whole day on this land.
4. Smoke, steam and the fog would sometimes draw rough sketches on the horizon of my mind.
5. In season this cacophony of sounds was very much a part of the lives of the people.

34 | P a g e
6. As I hoped to meet you and blossom in your life like a rose.
7. Your letter brightened my life indeed. I felt that it cast a glow in the entire room in which I lived.
8. When I read the language of suffering written on the faces of workers my thoughts transport me
to another world.
9. I believe the burden borne by my brothers breaks my heart beyond belief.

Resource Interpretation

Some description of Girmit is given. Labourers assigned for five years after which they are free to
return to India paying their own expenses. Working for another five years ensures the company CSR
bears the cost responsibility.

Write a descriptive essay on the following statement: “The dreams I had of Fiji were anything but
accurate”. (p107)

Use 150-200 words.

35 | P a g e
Chapter 12 – Story of Prem Singh

Chapter Summary:

The entire novel has been a collection of different stories from different people regarding the hopes
they nurtured before coming to Fiji and the hardships they had to face. In Chapter 12 we are told the
story of Prem Singh.

Prem Singh was among the first Indian Indenture labourers to come across. He brought his wife and
son but unfortunately his son dies on the island of Yanuca. His wife is never the same.

Now twenty years later, his indenture period over, his situation is no better off as he says, “You
won’t get very far here either. Regardless of the amount of work done we are able to overcome
poverty or pay off our debts. I have been here for years, but look at my situation. There are days
when we don’t have enough to eat.” (p115)

36 | P a g e
Vocabulary:

A. Select the word which can best replace the word(s) underlined in the sentences below.
1. We can easily foil (hinder, squeeze, catch, conceal) the rats by closing the holes with
pebbles.
2. The three of us set out on foot (waddled, trekked, cruised, strained) to Wailailai some five
miles away.
3. A goat was tethered (entailed, trapped, dormant, secured) near a large mango tree in front
of the hut.
4. “How did you know that I was living (vacationing, residing, aspiring, transiting) in Fiji?” asked
Prem Singh.
5. For my own sake, I am delighted (pleased, captivated, ecstatic, demented) that you have
come.

B. Fill in the correct word in the correct gap in the sentences below.
vividly bereft optimistic writhing pretext
1. The hardships they faced left many labourers _______________ of hope.
2. Simione lay on the ground _______________ in pain from the high tackle.
3. Some students use the _______________ of going to the hospital to get out of school for the
day.
4. Despite being down 10 – nil at half-time, the coach was _______________ optimistic telling
the boys they could still win.
5. James was able to _______________ recall all the exciting moments of the new blockbuster
movie starring three of his favourite actors.

Pronouns:

Complete the cloze exercise below by filling in the missing pronouns.

The two of _____1_____ were doing _____2_____ utmost to protect Budhu, _____3_____ son.
_____4_____ were afraid that _____5_____ might become ill. _____6_____ aunt would keep
_____7_____ with ____8______ always, usually carrying _____9_____. _____10_____ cannot forget
the day when _____11_____ complained of pains and within minutes was rolling around in agony.
_____12_____ would cling to _____13_____ with _____14_____ arms around _____15_____ neck,

37 | P a g e
at the same time writhing in agony from colic. When the doctor gave _____16_____ medicine
without any effect, _____17_____ knew that God had deserted _____18_____.

Questions:

1. Why did the friends need cow dung?

2. How does Amar Singh know Prem Singh?
3. Why does Amar Singh stay behind in Wailailai?
4. Who is Budhu? What happened to him?
5. What was the name of the first ship to bring Indian labourers to Fiji?
6. Name the diseases the passengers on board were suffering from?
7. What reason can you give for Savitri’s condition?

Resource Interpretation

Using the information provided in chapter 12 draw a quick family tree diagram describing Prem
Singh’s family. Include as many details as possible.

Identify the following figures of speech:

1. While talking and walking, we reached Wailailai without feeling weary.

2. The illness left my son lifeless rather like a bird which has fallen prey to a hawk.
3. To me Shamu, Jamunna and Savitri seemed like rudderless vessels plying the waves of the ocean
without purpose or direction.
4. Aren’t you entertained by the humming of the mosquitoes in your ears as you fall asleep.

38 | P a g e
 Research

Using the resources available such as your school library, the internet, your local nurses’ station or a
medical professional (doctor, nurse, etc…) find out what you can about 1 of the following diseases:

 Smallpox
 Cholera
 Dysentery
 Colic

Prepare a 2 minutes class talk on looking at one aspect such as

 describing the ailment/ disease

 symptoms
 causes
 prevention
 treatment
 etc…

You are encouraged to research in groups and then to break the ailment/ disease into subtopics
for each member to discuss orally.

Be as creative as possible.

39 | P a g e
Chapter 13 – Violence in the Cane Fields

Chapter Summary:

Select/ highlight the main points of Chapter 13 and write your own short summary. Use 150 – 200
words.

Steps for preparing a summary:

a. Read chapter 13 (Do not take notes just read it)

b. Re-read the chapter and on a piece of paper jot down the important parts of the story.
c. Try to organise your points into a list of occurrences/ events that link up to form the plot.
d. Draft a coherent paragraph.
e.
f. Revise draft and submit to your teacher for marking.

40 | P a g e
Vocabulary:

Using a dictionary find out which parts of speech these words belong to and then write them in the
correct columns.

Fill the columns using the words below.

Verb Noun Adverb Adjective

defaulter robust 6. pla
cate
7. her
ald
1. robust
8. audible
2. defaulter
9. discarded
3. solace
10. strewn
4. cowardice
5. annoyance

Questions:

Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. What does the ‘near beating’ of Maan Singh tell readers about:
a. the labourers?
b. Maan Singh?
2. List some of the activities mentioned that the labourers engaged in on Sundays?
3. Why do you think Prem Singh declined the offer to share in their meal repeatedly?
4. What was the actual regulation regarding food rations?
5. Why did some labourers try to sell their food rations?
6. Why was Amar Singh embarrassed that Prem Singh had been witness to that exchange?
7. What ‘sound’ advice does Prem Singh give to Amar Singh?
8. Who were Karam Chand’s neighbours who thought themselves higher than Karam Chand?
9. Why was the caste system being discarded by many labourers in Fiji?
10. Were the Pundits correct in throwing out Karam Chand’s belongings and trying to evict him?
Give a reason to support your answer.

41 | P a g e
Synonyms:

Rewrite the following sentences using a synonym for each word underlined.

You are encouraged to use a dictionary.

The original meaning must not change.

1. “Now look at this brave soldier of the company. How he is trembling. We will leave him today.
We will give him another chance.”
2. It was early evening when we finished our assigned tasks and returned to the line.
3. Rama had by this time served some rice and dhal for all of us and we invited Prem Singh to join
us for lunch.
4. “My son, do not get angry. Nothing will be achieved by making enemies of these men.”
5. This sort of behaviour does not serve any purpose. It is no good that neighbours fuss daily and
swear at each other.

Resource Interpretation: (Writing)

Diary Entry:

The manner in which a diary entry is written is quite distinct. Regardless of layout the content
is what is important. Within a diary entry try to focus on one specific moment and describe it
in as much detail as possible. For example, let’s just say your diary entry is supposed to be
about a field trip somewhere. As a diary entry you wouldn’t discuss everything about the trip
because it would be too long. Instead you just focus on the part you remember most clearly.
In this way you are free to use all the words available to you to discuss this moment and not
be trying to describe many moments.

Imagine you are Maan Singh – In your own words write a diary entry of the incident with Rama. Be
true to Maan Singh’s character and use the clues provided by the author.

NOTE: Read the passage carefully and understand completely what is being asked before attempting
this activity. Your teacher will help you.

42 | P a g e
Chapter 14 – Raheem the Peace Maker

Chapter Summary:

Living in squalid conditions, facing poverty and being treated like animals, the atmosphere in the
lines becomes increasingly poor. Disorderly conduct, assaults, murders, suicides and frequent fights
broke out. People no longer treated each other with respect and friendship. They were distrustful
and wary as Amar Singh observes:

“Where life did not afford any happiness and contentment to a community, the minds of the
members remained empty. They tried to fill this emptiness with other alternatives: they
drowned themselves in liquor; they boasted and swore; they behaved arrogantly and
espoused wrong values.” (pp131-132)

Something had to be done. A meeting was called, disguised as a ‘Havan’ (Hindu religious ceremony)
where everyone was invited. After the rituals and ceremony, Amar Singh and Raheem were called to
address the people gathered. Both asked the people to remember that they were human beings, to
remember their priorities and values and to exercise discipline.

43 | P a g e
Gandhi said: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” This was the challenge they laid down.
Not to retaliate, not to fight, but to strive to be better people. To either stop drinking or to drink
responsibly; to work hard and to treat each other with respect regardless of sex, creed or caste.

Although the labourers could not change the oppressive system they could change themselves … to
be better people.

What Amar and Raheem did was to give people hope again.

Vocabulary:

Fill in the blanks with the words provided.

habit activities entice resented nurture

prejudices advice wager troublesome belligerent

Meanwhile Bechu continued his _____1_____ of backbiting and informing Peter and Maan Singh of
our _____2_____. The more he failed to _____3_____ Jamuna back to his room, the more he
_____4_____ us and began to _____5_____ new doubts and _____6_____ against us. Following our
_____7_____ Jamuna did not go back to him. Actually he had lost the _____8_____ he had laid. This
is what happened to Bechu who became increasingly _____9_____ and quarrelsome.

Questions:

Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. What was Jamuna’s plan to discourage lovers?

2. How many groups were formed from gossip concerning Jamuna? What did each group believe?
3. Who suggested that a meeting be held to speak to the labourers about the situation in their
lives?
4. Identify five ways labourers could “… stop doing things which disgrace India and ruin her fine
name” (p134).
5. How much did a labourer get paid for one day’s work?
6. What example did Raheem use to show how the overseers treated the labourers below the
dignity of human beings?

44 | P a g e
7. What is the reason given for some of the labourers speaking ill of Amar Singh, Raheem and
Rama?
8. Describe the practice in India regarding married women.

Writing a Speech:

Imagine you were also invited to speak, along with Amar Singh and Raheem, at the same gathering.
Write the text of what you will say. Remember the purpose of your talk is to encourage and inspire
people to change – to be better.

Use approximately 200 words.

45 | P a g e
Chapter 15 – A Rape Attempt

Chapter Summary:

Life continues as normal. The hard work never ceases and the Sardars remain as mean as ever.

Two incidents stand out in this chapter: The first involves Pundit Parmatma Prakash who talks back
to Peter and is whipped. Pundit Prakash would have been severely hurt had Karam Chand (an
untouchable) shielded the Pundit’s body with his own.

The second incident involves the attempted rape of Lakshmi (Karam Chand’s wife) by Maan Singh.
Fortunately Amar Singh, Rama and Gaj Raj are nearby and intervene. Still angered by Peter’s
whipping of the Pundit and their friend; Karam Chand, added to all the times Maan Singh had been
‘rough’ with them, the rape attempt was the last straw. They give Maan Singh a sound beating.

That evening as they sit and reflect on the day’s events they are surprised to discover that Pundit
Parmatma’s attitude regarding cast relations between Brahmins and Untouchables has significantly
changed. He accepts Karam Chand (an untouchable) as his brother, his equal.

46 | P a g e
These incidents give Amar Singh a renewed sense of hope that things are changing for the better.

(Pundit Parmatma was one of the individuals who tried to evict Karam Chand because he was an
Untouchable living next-door to two Brahmins)

Vocabulary:

Replace the underlined words with relevant synonyms.

1. In field number five he displayed yet another facet of his evil nature.
2. He must be given a thrashing which he will remember for the rest of his life.
3. Lakshmi suspected his motives and her fears were confirmed as soon as the other women left.
4. Pundit Parmatma’s demonstration of human affection and respect left us all speechless.
5. “What a deceitful man he is,” Amar Singh said.
6. The pleasure and relief of a cool breeze is truly appreciated only by those who do heavy physical
work all day long in the sun.

Rewriting:

Rewrite the sentences below following the instructions provided.

1. “Yes, I complained,” replied Parmatma Prakash, “I said I had not received my wages for the
previous week.” (REWRITE IN REPORTED SPEECH)
2. Grabbing Peter’s hand Karam Chand said, “Don’t use your whip. It causes great pain.” (REWRITE
IN REPORTED SPEECH)
3. That night I could not sleep properly. (REWRITE, BEGIN: I ……)
4. “Maan Singh, you are not alone. There are three of us. We will not let you molest Lakshmi,”
Amar Singh warned him. (REWRITE IN REPORTED SPEECH)
5. Beside himself with anger, Rama muttered, “I don’t care if I am hanged for this, but I shall break
his head so that all the poison comes out.” (REWRITE IN REPORTED SPEECH)
6. I related the Maan Singh incident to everyone. They all fell silent. (JOIN INTO 1 SENTENCE USING:
… as …)
7. Wiping his tears Parmatma Prakash said, “Karam Chand, from this day, you and I are brothers.
You are not an untouchable and I claim no superiority as Brahmin.” (REWRITE IN REPORTED
SPEECH)

47 | P a g e
Chapter 16 – Meeting of Jamuna and Amar Singh

Chapter Summary:

The main plot elements of chapter 16 have been jumbled. Read the chapter, sort them out and put
them back in the correct order.

a) Rama (Ram Singh) joins the Police Force.

b) Amar writes to Shanti.
c) Jamuna arrives to wash her clothes at the river.
d) A letter from Amar Singh’s mother arrives.
e) Bihari would like to marry Shanti.
f) Amar Singh walks to the river.
g) Lakshman Das arrives, bringing a letter.
h) Amar Singh writes to Bihari.
i) Jamuna offers herself to be Amar Singh’s partner/ wife/ companion.
j) A letter from Bihari arrives.

48 | P a g e
Vocabulary:

Using a dictionary, find the meanings of the following words.

Try to create sentences using them. Write four sentences using three words from the list in each
sentence. Each word must be used only once.

1. intoxicating 7. behove
2. laden 8. stigma
3. strewn 9. enmity
4. foliage 10. preoccupation
5. idyllic 11. manifest
6. reverie 12. transcends

E.G. As Amar walked to the river preoccupied in his thoughts, his idyllic reverie was broken by the
alcohol bottles strewn across his path.

Language:

Confused Pairs; select the most appropriate word from the pair given.

1. I became lost in the _______________ (peace/ piece) of the environment.

2. I walked slowly along a narrow track which _______________ (lead/ led) to the river.
3. “Try to find another man whom you respect,” I _______________ (counciled/ counselled)
gently.
4. The birds had not _______________ (been/ bean) able to destroy the fruit.
5. “Before my life ends, I would like to see you _______________ (ones/ once) again,” wrote
Amar’s mother.
6. “You are my friend, please _______________ (advise/ advice) me,” wrote Bihari.
7. Please _______________ (accept/ except) my good wishes for the future.

Parts of Speech:

Read the two statements below.

1. A gentle breeze fanned the vivid green fields.

49 | P a g e
2. I walked slowly along a narrow track which led to the river. I was planning to lie down quietly
under a shady tree in the cool surroundings till twelve o’clock.

For each statement:

a. Underline the Nouns in the statements.

b. Circle the Adjectives in the statements.

Writing: Personal Letter:

A personal letter is different from a formal letter in two main ways: the first is the layout is different
(you do not need to adhere to the ‘block style’ with an inside and outside address) and the second
difference is that you have a relationship with whomever you are writing to so the tone is neither
formal nor officious.

Write a letter in reply to Amar’s letter. If you are a boy then pretend you are Bihari and write your
response. Likewise if you are a girl, pretend you are Shanti and write an appropriate reply to Amar’s
letter to you. Be true to the character you are pretending to be and try to be as accurate as possible.

50 | P a g e
Chapter 17 – Distrust Between Friends

Chapter Summary:

Firstly the price of sugar drops resulting in more work being done because the owners want to
maintain their profits. Life is harder because the humiliation and persecution increases. This results
in Amar Singh and his friends (who are beginning to stand out as leaders in the line) deciding to call a
secret meeting to discuss what could be done to help alleviate this injustice.

The next occurrence appears to throw a wrench in the works. It is a simple misunderstanding
between Amar and Raheem. Amar overhears Jamuna and Raheem talking and mistakenly assumes
that they are having a relationship. Amar is filled with jealousy as Jamuna had just offered herself to
him not too long ago. However instead of confronting Jamuna and Raheem there and then he leaves
coming back later to disturb Raheem punching him without waiting for an explanation.

This reaction indicates Amar does have feelings for Jamuna. As always gossip abounds and people
start pointing fingers saying “How can they lead, they are fighting amongst themselves over a
woman.” (p162)

The true reason for Raheem and Jamuna talking was quite innocent. Jamuna had asked Raheem to
be her brother, as was the custom of Raksha Bandhan. But because of the over-reaction of Amar

51 | P a g e
Jamuna’s reputation is blacker and she leaves the lines. No one knows where she has gone and no
one explains to the labourers the real misunderstanding that took place.

All of this could have been avoided had Amar Singh not over-reacted, however when ones feelings
are involved this is easier said than done.

Once everything is clear to Amar Singh why does he not clear Jamuna too of responsibility?

Why does Amar Singh not speak up for Jamuna in response to the labourers in the lines who were
gossiping and persecuting her?

It is interesting that Amar Singh does not stand up to defend Jamuna as to her role in this
misunderstanding. In your opinion whose fault is it? Give a reason to support your answer.

Vocabulary:

Using a dictionary find out which parts of speech these words belong to and then write them in the
correct columns.

Fill the columns using the words below.

Verb Noun Adverb Adjective

fluctuated extenuating 6. lac
eration
s
7. tyr
1. fluctuated anny
2. goad 8. coercion
3. fathom 9. malice
4. shirking 10. fickle
5. extenuating

52 | P a g e
Questions:

Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. Why did the overseers become more harsh and violent?

2. What sort of abuses did the labourers suffer?
3. For their secret meeting, what two items were on the agenda?
4. Where was the proposed meeting to take place?
5. How were the men chosen to attend the meeting?
6. Why do you think Amar Singh is angry at Raheem and Jamuna as he had rejected Jamuna’s offer
already?
7. Who is Amar Singh really angry at? Explain.
8. Why does Amar Singh cry when he realises the truth?
9. What were the rumours regarding where Jamuna had gone?
10.

Research:

Using the resources available to you (Library, Internet, Teachers, Friends, etc…) describe Raksha
Bandhan.

a. What type of ritual or ceremony is carried out?

b. Why is it observed?
c. When is it observed?
d. Which religion practices/ observes it?

Organise your answer into a coherent paragraph made up of five sentences.

See if you can collect “a soft shiny bracelet”. Paste it into your exercise book.

53 | P a g e
Chapter 18 – A Document Called ‘Girmit’.

Chapter Summary:

Despite ‘Girmit’ being around for many years, labourers had never really tried to understand the
terms and conditions they had all signed. The added fact that most were uneducated did not help.

At this meeting organized by Amar Singh and his friends the purpose was to read to the delegates
the agreement so all could compare the terms and conditions outlined and the harsh brutal reality
they had all been subject to.

Unsurprisingly the contract was quite different from their reality. Once the delegates had listened to
the contract details there was outrage. It was decided that complaints and grievances would be
taken up and presented to mill management.

That Wednesday morning, two days after the meeting, a protest march congregated at the Rarawai
Mill. Some six hundred men and women armed with hoes, knives, forks and sticks stood in a clear
statement that the labourers were serious about their voices being heard. While the labourers
waited the cruel overseers cowered in fear behind Mr Henry the mill manager.

With Shamu translating the terms outlined by Amar, Mr Henry asked the labourers to go back to
work and the next day he would meet with the labourers’ representatives to discuss their concerns.

54 | P a g e
Vocabulary:

1. covenant 8. consternation
2. remuneration 9. resemblance
3. emigrant 10. dispelled
4. rations 11. sentimental
5. deluged 12. spectre
6. commonplace 13. assent
7. grievances

Vocabulary Building:

Write a sentence using the words in the following list. The best place to start would be to find out
their definitions.

Challenge:

Try to see how many of the words above you can fit into one single complete sentence.

Questions:

1. Where did the meeting take place?

2. In what language was the document written in? What languages was it translated into?
3. For individuals who were illiterate how were they expected to sign the Agreement?
4. Who were the ‘intending Emigrants’ the Agreement was written for?
5. What course of action was decided upon by the delegates who heard the reading of the
Agreement?
6. How did the overseers and foremen react at the protesters?
7. Who spoke on behalf of the protesters? Who spoke on behalf of the mill owners?
8. How many demands or propositions did the protesters have? What were they?
9. In what way was Amar guilty of being sentimental?

55 | P a g e
10. Why were the protesters fortunate Mr Henry had been handling the situation?
11. How does Mr Henry handle the labourer’s protest situation diplomatically?
12. What agreement was arrived at?
13. Who were chosen to represent the labourers?

Resource Interpretation – Paragraph Writing

Select one of the items contained in the Girmit Contract. Compare and contrast with specific
examples from the text the situation the labourers faced?

Compile your findings into a coherent paragraph. Your teacher may wish to ask you to read it to the
class as an oral report or paste everyone’s research up on the wall.

Rewriting:

Rewrite the sentences below following the instructions given.

1. We are doing more work than agreed to. We are doing work which is not part of the Agreement.
(BEGIN USING: As a result…)
2. A voice from the back said, “Read the Agreement out to us”. (REWRITE IN REPORTED SPEECH).
3. Amar reported that for many people present that morning, it was the first time they had heard
the contents of the Agreement. (REWRITE IN DIRECT SPEECH).
4. When the marchers reached the office they stood in the shade of the two Morton Bay fig trees
growing in front. (BEGIN USING: The marchers stood…).
5. My speech took a good deal of time. Shamu had to translate it from Hindi to English (JOIN INTO
ONE SENTENCE).

56 | P a g e
Fill in the blanks:

Thinking ________the labourers_______attack the mill ________the officers, ________employees

of the mill _______to get ready for the __________. The General __________of the mill was
_____Mr Henry. We had _____seen him ________. We had _______that he was good-natured and
_____only recently ________to Fiji from Australia.

(Answers on page 172 of the Novel)

Parts of Speech:

1. The next day we met with Mr Henry and had a lengthy and frank discussion.
i. Underline the articles in the above sample.
ii. Circle the adjectives.
2. Shamu was there to translate.
i. Underline the noun in the above sample.
ii. Circle the verb.

57 | P a g e
Chapter 19 – Amar Singh Abducted

Chapter Summary:

Put the events in the correct chronological order as they occurred in the Chapter.

 Peter Fletcher and his followers plan to strangle Amar and then make it look like a suicide.
 Shamu warns Amar Singh that he is unpopular among the overseers.
 Someone comes into the storeroom and frees Amar.
 Amar Singh is picked up by a jeep.
 Jamuna returns to live in the lines.
 Bechu confronts Amar hoping to force him to fight.
 Parmatma Prakash’s choti was ordered cut off.
 Mr Henry was to be transferred to Nausori.
 Men tie and beat up Amar Singh.
 Morale improved and there was a noticeable change in the attitudes of foremen in the
fields.
 Peter suggests they lock Amar in the storeroom.
 It is revealed Jamuna is Amar’s saviour.
 Prem Singh’s house in Wailailai was burnt down.

58 | P a g e
  Amar’s friends want to kill those who were going to kill Amar.
 All gatherings including religious ones were no longer allowed.
 A letter arrives from Bihari.

Vocabulary: Learn the following words - your teacher will give you a spelling test.

1. morale 12. retaliated 23. spite

2. uncharacteristically 13. unpalatable 24. demise
3. cumbersome 14. rationalise 25. livid
4. intoxicating 15. prevalent 26. innuendo
5. sovereigns 16. trussed 27. aspersions
6. vacancy 17. zealous 28. notoriety
7. incite 18. hitherto 29. scruples
8. folly 19. castigated 30. vicinity
9. fickle 20. vestige 31. speculating
10. rapidity 21. gist 32. mooted
11. feigning 22. petrified 33. prerogative

Questions:

1. What were some of the changes that took place after the protest by the labourers?
2. How long did these changes last?
3. Was Mr Henry able to bring about any change? Explain
4. How was the morale of the labourers affected by the series of misfortunes?
5. What is Bihari’s news from India?
6. Apart from farming how did the labourers who had finished their Girmit earn a living?
7. Identify some products and services which were on sale at the stalls near the lines.
8. How had Shamu ended up in Rarawai?
9. Why does Shamu warn Amar to be careful?
10. What warning does Bechu give Amar?
11. Why does Amar regret getting into the jeep?
12. How do they plan to kill Amar?
13. Why does Amar beg not to die or be made to die in this manner?
14. Who were the people Amar Singh recognized as being involved?

59 | P a g e
15. What courses of action were suggested in retaliation for the abduction and attempted murder of
Amar Singh?
16. Where had Jamuna been?
17. How has Jamuna changed? What promise did she make to Raheem?
18. How did Jamuna find out about the plot and what did she do about it?
19. Who were the five people left behind who swore that they would work to end the coolie system
no matter how long it took?
20. What do the closing lines of Chapter 19 represent? Explain in your own words.

Confused pairs:

1. The increased ______________ (sense/cents) of unity among the labourers was obvious to the
foremen in the fields.
2. Peter and Maan Singh were _____________ (quite/quiet) but this lasted only for about a week.
3. The next _________________ (incidence/incident) was the burning of Prem Singh’s house in
Wailailai.
4. Bihari had taken my _______________ (advice/advise) and was an agent no more.
5. Home-grown tobacco ______________ (leaves/lives) were sold in short lengths.
6. There also sat a barber ready to _______________ (cell/sell) his services on the spot.
7. Peter and the other overseers think that you two are trying to ______________ (incite/insight)
the labourers to revolt.
8. In Fiji the women are as fickle as the ______________ (whether/weather).
9. Bechu warned Amar “If you ever stick your nose into my ________________
(personal/personnel) affairs I will cut you into small pieces.
10. The Mill Manager wanted to _______________ (discuss/discus) some important matters.
11. “The ______________ (message/massage) is already spreading in the lines,” Amar answered.
12. Only _______________ (resently/recently) Amar had stopped Ramaya from hanging himself.
13. My ___________________ (turbine/turban) had been used to gag me.
14. The lovely face of Shanti came before my eyes and I was glad that I had not _______________
(allowed/aloud) her to come to Fiji.
15. What outraged my friends the most was the method that had been ___________________
(devised/deviced) for my death.
16. The person who told me of tonight’s incident extracted from me a ___________________
(premise/promise) that I would never ________________ (divulge/deluge) his name to anyone.

60 | P a g e
17. Amar became worried about Jamuna being able to hide her injuries and more importantly the
reason for their _______________ (presence/presents).
18. Feeling everyone had become serious Amar tried to _______________ (raise/rise) everyone’s
spirits by making fun of Peter.
19. Within a week everyone ____________ (new/knew) of Amars’ intended hanging.
20. People came and read the message written in green on my door ____________ (which/witch) I
had written with ink made by grinding leaves.

Parts of Speech:
Identify the parts of speech underlined in each of these sentences:
1. Peter and Maan Singh were also uncharacteristically restrained.
2. It was a letter from Bihari.
3. The letter made me sad for a few moments.
4. The stalls consisted of jute bags spread over rough scaffolding.
5. In one corner was a stall selling yaqona.

Punctuate the following sentences correctly:

1. how are you amar singh asked shamu

2. nowhere in particular i answered what about you
3. may I have a look at it please I asked I want to hold it in my hand
4. peter suggested to lock him in the storeroom.
5. parmatma prakash was unmoved I will avenge todays outrage all of you are gutless.

61 | P a g e
Identify the figure of speech used and try to explain each one briefly.

1. As she continued her story I found all my doubts, fears, suspicions and complaints about her
vanishing like a stain being laundered from a piece of pure white material.
2. “Let us finish him off today. If there is no bamboo there won’t be a flute.”
3. But Bechu was not going to miss his opportunity to turn the knife.
4. A tailor was trying to woo customers.
5. The field foremen felt furious, fuming at our boldness.

Extra exercise for Research:

Chapter 19 is unusually long and could indeed be split into two or even three chapters. If you were
an editor how would you split this chapter up? Which incidents would you include in which chapter?
What would the titles of the new chapter(s) be?

62 | P a g e
Chapter 20 – Mistreatment of Peter

Chapter Summary:

The kidnapping and attempted murder of Amar Singh serves to increase tension between the
overseers/foremen and the labourers. These tensions come to a boil as we see within this chapter.

Violence escalates firstly with the peace loving Raheem being involved in a fight started by Bechu
who was drunk and tried to force Jamuna to go with him. When she refused Raheem stepped in and
when Bechu would not listen to reason they fought with Bechu being worse off.

Peter probably fearing for his safety asked for a transfer and was sent from Rarawai to Veisaru to
manage the women’s crew made up of 30 women including Jamuna.

One day he tried to rape Jamuna by tricking her to work late but she fought back with such strength
and violence Peter was taken aback and does not continue this pursuit.

The next day still in a foul mood Peter punishes the women by making them work late not allowing
them to leave until around nine o’ clock at night. He thought he had re-established control over the
group however his actions had the exact opposite effect.

The women were enraged and arriving early the next morning planned to teach him a lesson.

63 | P a g e
The lesson they taught Peter that day was one he would never forget. They beat him up thoroughly
till he fainted and when he asked for water no mercy was shown. He was rolled into a drain, the
bridge of his nose nicked/ cut and to further add insult the women took turns to urinate on him.

Questions:

1. Who was quietly looking for a way to murder Peter and Maan Singh?
2. While one party was secretly plotting to murder the cruel foremen and overseers, what course
of action did Amar Singh and his friends take?
3. How can children become old even before reaching adulthood?
4. Were expectant mothers treated differently from ordinary labourers? What became of some of
them?
5. Why was Amar surprised Raheem had been in a fight?
6. What was Raheem’s fight about?
7. How did Peter trick Jamuna into being alone with him?
8. What were the two views of the women in the group on hearing of the attempted rape of
Jamuna?
9. Why did Peter force the women to work longer than usual?
10. Answer in a paragraph: Was what happened to Peter justified? Give a reason and provide
examples for your answer. Be as clear and precise as possible.

Fill in the missing words using the word list:

regarded incident unwelcomed personality relieved establish

I was pleased and ______________ to hear Raheem’s story. The _______________ had also made
Jamuna a stronger _______________. It had served to ________________ her respectability in the
eyes of the public. I hoped that she would no longer be _________________ as “fair game” for
anyone’s _______________ attention.

64 | P a g e
Chapter 21 – Love In Prison

Chapter Summary:

After the beating he had received from the women Peter disappeared. Rumours were plenty as to
his whereabouts. In response Amar Singh, Raheem, Gaj Raj and Jamuna were arrested and tried for
the ‘death’ of Peter Fletcher.

Kept in a cell next to Jamuna, Amar Singh talks to her. The more they talk the more Amar Singh
realises that not only does Jamuna love him but he also loves her. Amar asks Jamuna to marry him
no matter what the verdict.

At the trial a very content Jamuna maintains that they did beat Peter Fletcher up but they did not kill
him. As luck would have it Ram Singh (Rama) saved them. He managed to track down that Peter
Fletcher had fled to Sydney.

Concrete proof was a letter Peter had written explaining everything to the Mill Manager.

However the proof he provided was obtained by having a shootout with Mr Black the man who had
taken Peter to the wharf in the middle of the night. Although Ram Singh was shot in the shoulder Mr
Black was shot twice.

65 | P a g e
Thus although the chapter has a happy ending with the four prisoners being set free and Amar Singh
marrying Jamuna coinciding with the festival of Holi there is also sadness. Mr Black dies from his
wounds and Ram Singh is arrested for murder.

Ram Singh’s trial which was held in Suva lasted a month. The labourers managed to secure an
excellent European lawyer who fought hard and got the verdict 15 years jail with hard labour and
not a death sentence.

Vocabulary:

1. jocularity 6. contention
2. assailant 7. pandemonium
3. farsightedness 8. adherence
4. subdued 9. unstinting
5. supress 10. dignity

Word forms:

Use the correct form of the words in brackets to complete the sentences:

1. When Simi shaved his beard and cut his hair he looked quiet ______________ (dignify).
2. A silenced gun uses a ________________ (supress) to make it quiet.
3. The police officer who interrupted a robbery was able to _______________ (subdued) the
thieves.
4. To be a law abiding citizen you have to _______________ (adherence) to the letter of the
law.
5. After escaping from his cell, Simi climbed to the roof only to find a high wall he had to
___________ (contention) with.
6. Sharon was _________________ (farsightedness) enough to remember to take her umbrella
as she left to go to work in case it rained in the afternoon.
7. The ______________ (assailants) who robbed Mr Kaur were later arrested by the Police at
the market.
8. Talei-Grace was in a ____________ (jocularity) mood on the eve of the school holidays.
9. There was ___________________ (pandemonium) in the stadium as the tsunami warning
was announced.

66 | P a g e
 10. The school Principal told the U14 rugby team that they _______________ (unstinting) had
the financial support of the school.

Questions:

1. What did the people think happened to Peter Fletcher?

2. Why were Gaj Raj, Amar Singh and Raheem arrested?
3. What reason had Ram Singh given for joining the Police Force?
4. Why was Parmatma Prakash disappointed in Amar Singh saying he had not shown
farsightedness?
5. What does love mean to Jamuna?
6. What does Amar Singh mean when he responds “I have desired you from the day we met …
(but) the problems of my life had sealed my lips tight” (pp216-217)?
7. In what sense is “The polluted Jamuna has been cleansed …” (p217)?
8. State two ways the word ‘noose’ is used.
9. Where did the trial of Amar, Gaj Raj, Raheem and Jamuna take place?
10. Describe Jamuna’s behaviour at the trial.
11. What proof did Ram Singh present as evidence Peter Fletcher was still alive?
12. Why do you think Mr Black was reluctant to give up this evidence?
13. What reason did Peter Fletcher give in his letter for his departure?
14. Describe the wedding of Amar Singh and Jamuna.
15. Why was Ram Singh called ‘The Lion’?

Research:

Select a topic using the resources available to you such as the internet, school library and teachers.
Find out what you can about the topic.

Prepare a brief two minute oral presentation on your findings. Remember to limit your topic to
something manageable with the time given and try not to cover too much.

Topics:

1. Who is Guru Gobind Singh?

2. What is the Heer Ranjah tale?

67 | P a g e
 3. Describe the Festival of Holi.
4. Find out more about the Bhojpuri song presented.

Language:

Put a square around the 5 pronouns in the passage. Underline the 6 articles used in the passage.

That afternoon I was taken back to the Police Station. I saw that Raheen and Gaj Raj were giving a
statement. Both denied any knowledge of Peter. Jamuna had also given her statement. She admitted
that the women in the field had given Peter a hiding and also volunteered the information that she
herself had perhaps been the most vigorous assailant.

Rewriting:

1. “Ram Singh,” Amar said, “the change is totally false. I have not done anything to Peter.”(Join into
one sentence).
2. The two cells were separated by a wooden partition. (Begin: A wooden partition …)
3. Amar Singh repeated his earlier assertion that he had not taken any part in any assault. (Rewrite
in direct speech).
4. Using one of her two strong brass bangles, Jamuna loosened the corner of the screen. I saw her
hand coming into my cell. (Join into one sentence).
5. “We have come to arrest you. Mr Black has died in hospital,” explained the constable. (Rewrite
in reported speech).

Resource Interpretation: Bio-data

Using the information provided in the last few chapters (19, 20, 21) review the bio-data you wrote
on Jamuna in chapter 9. What new information can be added and what can be deleted or modified?

68 | P a g e
Chapter 22 – The Strike

Summary Writing:

Select/ highlight the main points of Chapter 13 and write your own short summary. Use 150 – 200
words.

Steps for preparing a summary:

e. Read chapter 13 (Do not take notes just read it)

f. Re-read the chapter and on a piece of paper jot down the important parts of the story.
g. Try to organise your points into a list of occurrences/ events that link up to form the plot.
h. Draft a coherent paragraph.
i. Revise draft and submit to your teacher for marking.

It is best to list the important events occurring in the chapter first before attempting to write the
summary.

69 | P a g e
Vocabulary:

1. tracts 6. mutely
2. robust 7. impetus
3. harboured 8. grievances
4. retaliate 9. shirk
5. prominent 10. assurance

Fill in the blanks using the words from the vocabulary list:

1. The Prime Minister’s _____________ to the squatters was that the land would be subdivided
into __________________ for each of them.
2. When the Prefects tried to ________________ their responsibilities the only way the Head
Prefect could think to _______________ was to tell them off.
3. At the trial the prisoner who had been beaten by the guards _______________ many
__________________ against his attackers.
4. One look at Jone’s _______________ built and the spectators were sure he would be a
________________ figure in the game.
5. With the _______________ lost by that last try and the final whistle, the home crowd could only
watch ________________ as the visiting Captain lifted the winner’s trophy.

Questions:

1. When Amar Singh’s ‘Girmit’ expired in 1904 why did he not try to return to India?
2. What was the size of the land Amar Singh leased at Wailailai and why was it difficult to secure a
lease?
3. Describe the hut Jamuna and Amar built.
4. After Girmit how did the labourers earn a living?
5. What is significant about Madho’s story (p227)?
6. What was the ‘prevalent attitude’ on how to deal with insult or physical abuse by the overseers
and foremen?
7. In what year was the temple at Wailailai completed? Which annual festival was celebrated
there?
8. How far would people come from to attend celebrations at the temple?

70 | P a g e
9. What was the important thing discussed at the week-long celebration at the temple?
10. How long did the strike last?
11. Why did the labourers choose to remain on strike until their demands had been met?
12. Who was the main speaker at the Diwali celebration?
13. What were the conditions that the CSR agreed to?
14. Why did Raheem caution the labourers to not get drunk and become unruly?
15. Why did Amar think that this was the first Fiji Diwali which was celebrated with such enthusiasm
and joy?

Writing:
Imagine you are a reporter listening to Raheem’s speech. Write a newspaper article (using
approximately 200 words) on the speech and the labourers reactions.
This activity allows students to be creative especially in formulating their newspaper reports. Areas
that can be quite fun would include coming up with a headline, creating eyewitnesses to interview,
drawing a picture/ image, etc… BE CREATIVE!

Resource Interpretation:
Chapter 22 is filled with numerous examples of violence by the foremen, overseers and the
labourers. Copy and fill out the table below:

Incident Reaction Retaliation (2) Retaliation (3)

Kaushalya Devi wife Mata Prasad and his The overseer reacts Mata Prasad and his
of Mata Prasad is friends beat up the by tying Mata Prasad friends ambush the
harassed by a foreman responsible to a tree and overseer while he
foreman whipping him in was out driving and
front of his family beat him up severely
Mr Knox cuts off a
dogs’ head and
tosses it into the
room of Shahadat
An overseer called
Johnny humiliates
and insults a
labourer by kicking

71 | P a g e
 over the food he is
preparing in his
room
Five Indian Pathans
were humiliated by
an overseer called
Brown

What do we learn from the above table?

Research:
Using the resources available to you (Internet, School Library, Teachers, Local Community, Friends,
etc …) Find out all you can about one of the following celebrations:
 Ram Lila
 Diwali
Prepare a poster on the festival you have chosen. Work and research can be carried out in groups.

Word Forms:

Fill in the blanks using the correct form of the words in the brackets.

1. When Finau read her results and found out she had _____________ (pass) she was so overjoyed.
2. Very few people have ______________ (travel) to the moon.
3. While Mr Lal was ________________ (conduct) the school choir his trousers fell down.
4. The Police were unable to complete their _______________ (investigate) because of insufficient
information.
5. When Wong made a racist comment unknowingly he knew immediately it was ______________
(particular) inappropriate.
6. Mr Sili was very angry when he found out his shop had been burnt down because he said he had
done nothing to warrant this act of ________________ (provoke).
7. James felt _______________ (humiliate) when his teacher told him off in front of the class.
8. Climbing Mt. Everest is a very _______________ (challenge) undertaking.
9. Before he entered the rocket Neil Armstrong needed a lot of __________________ (assure) that he
could return to earth safely.
10. I was happy when the student council accepted my _______________ (suggest) regarding free
internet at school.

72 | P a g e
Chapter 23 – Shanti In India

Chapter Summary:

As a result of the strike for the next few years changes were slow but there was an improvement of
the labourers’ quality of life. However, with more labourers arriving and the high turnover rate of
overseers the situation did not change as quickly as expected.

Amar Singh and his friends realized that the only hope they had to gain respect was for “India to gain
independence from British rule” (p240) so that there could be an end to the Girmit system.

Being far away from India and Britain did not dampen their spirits, the labourers decided to be
proactive. Those who had finished their Girmit and were able to return to India were encouraged to
meet with prominent leaders and speak to them about the experience of Girmit. They were also
encouraged to go to the big cities and to speak to the media.

Labourers in Fiji who were proficient in Hindi or Urdu were also asked to write letters and articles for
Indian newspapers. This with help from the Methodist Mission saw this drive gain more exposure
and support.

73 | P a g e
Despite this increase in exposure, the labourers in Fiji still had to be careful so newspapers would
not be sent directly to them but be delivered to somewhere else for them to pick up. They were
afraid to receive the newspapers in their own homes.

One such newspaper contained an article called “The two dark sides of society as seen by Indian
women” by an Amar Shanti speaking out calling all women to rise and fight to end the coolie system.
Amar was surprised and wondered if it was Shanti who was the writer.

Another Indian newspaper in Urdu clarified matters. It was indeed Shanti and she had been arrested
by Police and beaten so severely one of her arms had been broken. This was the result of her anti-
government articles.

When questioned she explains the meaning of her pen name Amar Shanti which closes Chapter 23.

Vocabulary:

Match the words in column A with their correct meanings in column B.

COLUMN A
1 prone
2 impetigo
3 salvaging
4 imperative
5 deception
6 perpetrated
7 abolition
8 emancipation
9 deplorable
10 behove
COLUMN B
A Befit
B very bad
C Committed
D Free
E figure out
F lying face down
G rescuing
H contagious skin infection
I being deceived
J urgent
K end

Questions:

1. What improvements had taken place in the months and years following the strike?
2. What was the one problem that remained?
3. Why were there short intervals between welcome and farewell parties for the overseers?

74 | P a g e
4. Why does Raheem say “… beating up the Browns, the Johnnies, the Knoxes, the Daltons and the
Peters …” (p240) would not solve anything?
5. What does Raheem believe the solution is?
6. What course of action was decided upon to bring about the solution Raheem was advocating?
7. How were the labourers able to receive feedback on how their campaign was progressing?
8. Why was Shanti arrested?
9. How does Shanti see or remember Amar Singh?
10. Why does Raheem have many questions? Why is Amar embarrassed?

Research:
Three European missionaries are mentioned as providing help to voice labourers’ plight and speak
out against the ‘Girmit’ or coolie system.

Using the resources available to you (internet, school library, teachers, local community, friends,
etc…) find out what you can about these three individuals:
 Miss Hannah Dudley
 Rev. J. W. Burton
 Rev. C.F. Andrews

Compile a short report and present your findings to the class. This activity can be carried out as
group work.

Extra Research: Select one of the following ships and write a brief paragraph on whatever
information you can find on each one:

 Wardha
 Fultala
 Fazilka

75 | P a g e
Resource Interpretation - Matching:

Match the correct name to the correct comment using the information available in Chapter 23.

Raheem Girmit system based on cheating, deception and

fraud.
Miss Hannah Dudley The two dark sides of society as seen by Indian
women.

Mr Gopal Krishna Gokhale Demand that coolie be forbidden by law.

Rev. C.F. Andrews Violence must be met with violence
Rev. J.W. Burton Coolie system is fraudulent, unjust and
inhumane
Amar Shanti Only solution was to end the coolie system
Abolition the indenture system.

Fill in the blanks:

In Fiji these women _________ treated ___________animals. I will not write _________ their
conditions _______ detail ________ the story _______ truly heart – breaking. They work ________
sunrise to sunset and many ___________ ill-treated ________ night. What oppression, that
injustice! _________ live in the Dark Ages!

(Answers on p246 of the novel)

Rewriting:

1. The beauty of youth will be consumed by the conflagration of greed in this war. (BEGIN: The
conflagration of greed …).
2. Rev. Andrews asked the Indians to work together on this issue and speak with one voice
whether they are Hindus, Moslems or Christians and told them that there would not be any
compromise on this issue. (BREAK UP INTO TWO COMPLETE SENTENCES).
3. “This evil has two roots. One in London and the other in Delhi. We are thousands of miles from
both,” Gaj Raj commented sadly. (REWRITE IN REPORTED SPEECH)
4. Because of lack of co-operation from them we were unable to create a better atmosphere in the
lines. (BEGIN: We were unable …).
5. “Are you the woman who writes to the newspaper under the name of Amar Shanti?” asked the
Police Officer, slapping Shanti Devi’s face. (REWRITE IN REPORTED SPEECH)

76 | P a g e
Figures of Speech: Identify the following ‘figures of speech’ below:

1. Time marched on and years passed.

2. The evil has two roots one in London and the other in Delhi.
3. No hand has all fingers equal. All people of the world are not of the same nature.
4. In Fiji these women are treated like animals.
5. As Raheem read the report I responded by reclining my hand.
6. If we speak with one voice our cries will reach across the sea.
7. “You miserable wretch,” said the Officer slapping her again.
8. Only by removing the entire Coolie and Kolumber system from the colonies.
9. Miss Hannah Dudley wrote to Delhi about all the despicable, deplorable, details, detainees
under coolie faced day in and day out.
10. Rev. C.F. Andrews said the indenture system was just like slavery.

77 | P a g e
Chapter 24 – Indenture System Abolished

Chapter Summary:

th
The Grand Council in Delhi voted on the 16 March 1916 to end ‘Girmit’ and the British Government
had promised to honour the arrangements. The labourers were overjoyed and began preparations in
earnest for a huge celebration. However before the celebration can be held devastating news
arrives: pressure from the CSR, independent planters and other parties saw the end deferred for a
few more years.

As expected the backlash to this deferment was both vocal and violent from all corners – in fact “The
Indian leaders forgot the subject of independence for a while and concentrated all their energies on
the abolition of the indenture system.” (p252)

In the end the deferment was overturned and the decision was made that there would be no more
st
new recruits and those who had signed already would see out their 5 year term. “Thus by January 1
1920 every labourer would become a free man.” (p255)

Everyone celebrated but the biggest celebration was held at Wailailai temple in Fiji where the
labourers who had experienced ‘Girmit’ came together to burn an effigy of a Kolumber and a Coolie
to symbolize the ending of a system which had oppressed Indians for so long.

78 | P a g e
Indeed the labourers who had suffered and struggled for so long felt that “a long night had ended
and (they) were witnessing the dawn of a new day (and) a new era.” (p260)

Vocabulary:

1. dispirited 7. cowered
2. ascendency 8. pyre
3. iniquitous 9. effigy
4. advocates 10. enmity
5. lag 11. animosity
6. degradation 12. anxiety

Fill in the blanks using the words from the vocabulary list:

1. At Gay Falks celebrations an ____________ is usually burnt at a _____________.

2. While Britain and Germany were at war there was a lot of ________________ and
_____________ between its citizens.
3. There was a lot of ______________ when the _________________ of the free bus fare program
decide to hand out money to all students even those in primary schools.
4. It was no surprise that Chandra’s dogs’ _____________ in fear after the __________ he had
subjected them to by cruel treatment.
5. The ____________ performance by the Western Force Super Rugby team saw them _________
behind on the points table.
6. The labourers in the fields were unhappy that the ____________ of some individuals were
achieved through such an ____________ system as ‘Girmit’.

Questions:

1. When was the vote passed to end ‘Girmit’? How long after did Amar find out about the result?
2. Who was Raheem’s source for this information?
3. Why was it, a few days later, that the Officers of CSR and Independent Planters seen
congratulating themselves?
4. Apart from the usual newspaper articles, political speeches and violent riots how else was
attention drawn to ‘Girmit’?

79 | P a g e
5. What approach did the women of India take?
6. What was the final outcome of the processions, protests, demonstrations and picketing?
7. Which two ships were the only ones to bring labourers to Fiji by the end of 1916?
8. Why did Raheem say that “The effigy should be a kolumber”?
9. What advice did Raheem give as meaning for burning the effigies so that the kolumbers would
not be offended?
10. Who was a surprise arrival at the celebrations after being released early from prison for good
behaviour?
11. How did they ensure that the large effigy (Ravana’s) last rites were conducted properly?
12. What faiths were represented at the effigy burning?
13. From that day which word was never used again to describe an Indian worker?
14. Why does Amar Singh feel that they were witnessing the dawn of a new era?
15. How is this final statement connected to the title of the novel: “The Morning”?

Research: A number of prominent individuals are mentioned in this chapter. Below is a list of these
people:

1. Pandit Moti Lal Nehru

2. Lord Bishop of Madras
3. Paanarsi Das Chaturvedi
4. Pandit Tota Ram Sanadhya
5. Mrs Sarojini Naidu (Nightingale of India)
6. Mohan Das Karam Chand Ghandhi

Find out all you can about the following individuals. The class can be divided into small groups and
each group assigned one personality to research. Compile your findings into a poster to present to
the class.

Pronouns: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate pronouns:

On the morning of the day of celebrations the sky was clouded. It gave ________ cause for anxiety.
_________ thought that if it started raining, ________ programme would be spoiled. Perhaps God
helped _________ that day. By ten o’clock the clouds lifted and _________ had clear blue skies.

Articles: Fill in the blanks using the correct articles:

80 | P a g e
In the glow of _______ fire I could see _______ henna-coloured smiles, dancing on ______ lips of
________ hundred men and women standing there.

When I looked down at my hands, I felt as if _______ unusual colour was blossoming on ________
palms of my hard brown hands.

Was/Were Fill in the blanks using was or were:

1. The cane harvest ________ about to begin. Preparations _________ being made to start the
mill.
2. There ________ stalls selling home-made sweets and other goods. A large group _______
singing religious songs on the eastern side of the ground.
3. The whole compound ________ brightly lit with the fire. It seemed as though a long night had
ended and we _________ witnessing the dawn.

81 | P a g e
Chapter 25 - Amar Singh’s Visit to India

Chapter Summary:

In 1924 Amar begins to feel the urge to go back to India to visit his mother. So in September of that
year with arrangements made for Prem Singh to look after their house and farm Amar Singh
accompanied by Jamuna and Krishna their son they leave for Rajpur.

After an uneventful ocean crossing he arrives in Rajpur and is reunited with his mother who he
hasn’t seen for 25 years.
Many things have changed and everyone has grown older. Amar’s mother is now blind but she is
nevertheless overjoyed that she has lived to see her son grow up and meet her daughter-in-law
(Jamuna) and 20 year old grandson Krishna.

Just about a week after their reunion, and an unsuccessful operation to restore Amar’s mothers’
sight tragedy strikes. Amar’s mother passes away yet Amar is content he travelled to see his mother
and got to spend time with her before she passed.

82 | P a g e
Amar also spends time catching up with old friends and makes times to visit Shanti and Bihari. He
finds out Bihari was serving a 10 year sentence for being involved in an assassination attempt and
bombing incident. Shanti and Bihari also have a daughter Radha Devi who has been spending her
short school break from Delhi in Rajpur.

In a series of chance meetings and good fortune the trip is not only about reunions but it becomes
about forging new bonds – Amar’s son Krishna is marries Shanti’s daughter Radha.

The rest of the chapter is devoted to Shanti and Amar talking about the old days, missed
opportunities and the new hope offered by the union of their children.

After just under one year they return to Fiji because it took five months to prepare a passport for
Radha.

Vocabulary:

1. silted 6. serene
2. anguish 7. radiated
3. supress 8. imminent
4. adolescence 9. contented
5. solace 10. immigration

Word Forms:
Use the correct form of the words in brackets to complete the sentences:
1. The pond where Amar used to play as a child was dry and full of ________ (silted).
2. The _________ (supress) of labourers’ rights was what led to the drive to end the indenture
system.
3. As an ________ (adolescence) Amar did well in school before his father died.
4. At her trial Jamuna’s _________ (serene) was the reason why Amar asked her to marry him.
5. While Peter Fletcher was beaten his ________ (anguish) cries fell on deaf ears.
6. Returning to Fiji Amar brought back a new ________ (immigration) Radha; Krishna’s wife.
7. Despite Bihari being in prison, Shanti was not _________ (contented) to sit by; she continued
her fight for Indias’ independence.

83 | P a g e
8. The temple at Wailailai was a place where labourers could find _________ (solace).
9. When the end of Indenture was postponed it was __________ (imminent) clear that the
reactions would be loud and violent.
10. The sunrise after the end of Indenture was __________ (radiated) and full of hope.

Questions:

1. What triggered Amar’s desire to go to India? And why does he want to touch his mother’s feet?
2. Who is Maya, the name that Amar’s mother calls out as they arrive?
3. What operation did Amar’s mother undergo shortly after their arrival?
4. How long after Amar’s mother’s death were he and Jamuna away from Rajpur?
5. What happened to Krishna in the meantime?
6. Who are the writers of the letters?
7. In which part of Delhi did Shanti live?
8. What did Shanti regard as the price she paid for India’s Independence?
9. What small problem still worried Shanti?
10. How is this problem resolved?
11. How do Shanti and Amar feel about their children being married?
12. Why did it take so long for Radha to get a passport?
13. Why did Shanti have to return to Delhi immediately after the wedding?
14. How does Amar and his family plan to spend their time while waiting for Radha’s passport?
15. When did they return to Fiji?

Identify the following figures of speech:

1. I began to enjoy the music of the rustling leaves.

2. “…let us look at the moon which is smiling at us.”
3. The breeze and moonlight conveyed the message to my heart.
4. After the day’s hustle-bustle and excitement I could not sleep.
5. The moonlight had spread its silvery carpet on the field.
6. As the leaves fluttered in the breeze it was just as if they were dancing.

Punctuate the following sentences:

84 | P a g e
1. death is very near wrote his mother come home amar and see me before it takes me away
2. come to me my daughter-in-law let me embrace you said my mother extending her right arm
and asking hasn’t krishna come
3. whose letters are these i am afraid your son might be falling in love with a village lass around
here jamuna said excitedly but with some annoyance.
4. my daughter radha is unmarried if only we could find a suitable young man our worry would be
over exclaimed shanti
5. why have you come here shanti asked amar abruptly in a low voice

Rewriting:

1. In September of that year, I travelled to Rajpur, accompanied by Jamuna and Krishna. (BEGIN
USING: Jamuna and Krishna …)
2. I ran to her and embraced her. She felt my face, my head, and my shoulders with her trembling,
bony hands. ( JOIN INTO ONE SENTENCE USING: … as … )
3. With heavy hearts we cremated her at the village cemetery. ( BEGIN USING: At …)
4. “Schools and colleges are closed for three days. She has gone to Rajpur,” Shanti replied when
Jamuna asked about her daughter. (REWRITE IN REPORTED SPEECH)
5. After about a month the marriage ceremony was performed. It was held in the presence of our
friends, relatives and other important members of the village. (JOIN INTO ONE SENTENCE USING:
… which …)

Recap – Data Interpretation (Dates)

1. When was Amar Singh born? How old is he now?
2. When did Amar leave India?
3. When did Amar arrive in Fiji? When did hid ‘Girmit’ end?
4. When was Krishna born?
5. When did ‘Girmit’ end?
6. How many years have passed since ‘Girmit’ ended?
7. How old is Krishna now?

85 | P a g e
Writing: Formal Letter:

Imagine you are the director of Immigration in India. Write a letter to Amar Singh and in it mention
the following points:

 Your office has received the application for Radha Devi’s passport
 Your office is unable to prepare the passport in two weeks as Radha Devi’s
mother is a person of interest to the police.
 Apologize for the inconvenience

Use the name: Mr Carlyle Tompson, PO Box 213234, Colonial Offices, Delhi. And write to the address
Amar Singh, PO Box 468, Rajpur Village, Utter Pradesh.

86 | P a g e
Chapter 26 – Reflections

Chapter Summary:

The beginning of the story recounts Amar Singh’s birth thus it is only fitting that it ends with his final
days. He is very old; he has lived over a century. His friends Ram Singh, Raheem, Gaj Raj, Sudama
have all passed away. Shanti died 30 years ago and Jamuna 20 years ago.

Having lived such a long life he is content. Despite old age he has had a full life achieving a lot from
struggling quite young to making his fortune in a new land.

We leave him as he makes preparations for his death … his grandson Anil Kumar is to read the
message which he has lived by his entire life…

The chapter ends with the poem which we come across in parts throughout the book written out in
full.

Vocabulary:

Match the words with their appropriate meanings and state which part of speech each word belongs
to:

87 | P a g e
 COLUMN A
1 sarcastically
2 overwhelmed
3 abode
4 tottering
5 erratic
6 brood
7 optimist
8 incessant
9 pulsated
10 bondage
COLUMN B
A worry or ponder
B throb or vibrate
C Inconsistent
D Imagination
E Dwelling
F Constrained
G derisive language
H Overcome
I Repeatedly
J Unsteadily
K Hopeful

Questions:

1. How do readers know a lot of time has passed?

2. In what way has the passage of time affected Amar Singh?
3. What does Amar mean when he says “… it is a far better thing to have had some stars, though
temporary and vanishing, than a dull empty sky…”?
4. We know Amar Singh has one grandson Anil Kumar. Is this his only grandson? Provide evidence
to support your answer.
5. What is the message Amar wants read as the people gather for his last rites?

88 | P a g e
Poem Analysis

The morning will come. The morning will come.

When the sun will shine in our lives. Somehow this black night will disappear

The stone strewn path will not hinder us, And the clouds of suffering melt away.

The scattered thorns will fly away, The winds will change their direction,

And the chains of bondage break. And the moon and stars will smile.

The morning will come.

The morning will come.

At one time or another fields will waken. The sky will be clear again.

Then sweat and blood will emit a fragrance, The faded flowers will regain their lustre,

The knives and hoes will find a voice, The dry trees their foliage,

The courtyards of this land sing in happiness. And a light will glow upon the mountain.

Poem Analysis – Style

 Language:

The language is simple and quite straight forward. For readers it is not too difficult to understand
particularly when it is incorporated into the novel.

The poem is written with sentences running onto the next line. So, one sentence is spread over as
many as four lines. There is only one ‘incomplete’ sentence which is “When the sun will shine in our
lives.”

The poem is also written in ‘Free Verse’ which does not really adhere to notions of rhythms and
rhymes.

 Figures of speech:

This poem is an extended metaphor – the whole comparison is between the end of suffering and the
dawn of a new day and this is the subject matter for the entire poem.

89 | P a g e
Apart from the above extended metaphor the poem is also full of personification such as:

I. The knives and hoes will find a voice,

II. The courtyards of this land sing in happiness
III. And the moon and stars will smile.

 Defining the Poem:

The poem above serves as Amar Singh’s motto. This is how he has faced all the challenges because
these words give him hope. Just as night must give way to the sunrise in the morning, if one holds on
long enough (to their dignity, temper, sanity, hope, etc…) things will improve and get better. Amar
Singh is living proof.

Throughout the novel, we come across it: firstly stanza 1 at the end of chapter 3 (p38), after Amar
physically assaulted Seth Karorimal. As he is running away from the law, not knowing whether he is
destined to spend his life on the run, or even meet his mother again, these words give him hope.

Stanza 2 appears at the end of 15 (p146) and the hope that the morning will come is getting
stronger, this is such because a Brahmin and an Untouchable call one another ‘brother’ with the
Brahmin claiming no superiority. This would be unheard of before as the Brahmin was a Pundit and
the caste system was still very much alive at this time.

We come across stanza 3 at the end of chapter 19 (p200) after Amar Singh’s kidnapping. He has
been through a lot. Especially when we consider that the individuals who kidnapped him were going
to kill him and dishonour his memory by making his death look like a suicide. He could have been
filled with rage and hate demanding revenge, however the words of the poem, the support of his
friends especially Shamu (who we assume tipped Jamuna off) and his new found respect and
attraction to Jamuna save his soul and restore his hope. After all as the saying goes “it is always
darkest before dawn.”

The last stanza ends chapter 22 (p238). In chapter 22 Amar Singh’s indenture period has ended, he
has a new born son, has secured 10 acres of land to farm on and to top it all off they have led a
successful strike. The dawn he has lived his life looking forward to is well and truly coming. Despite
the hardships and struggles things are definitely looking better. Labourers’ conditions are to
improve, he is free from indenture, he has the love of a good attractive woman(desired by many
men in the lines) and the birth of a son.

90 | P a g e
Things do continue to improve: Amar Singh lives to see Indenture abolished, he travels back to India
to see his ailing mother before she dies and despite missing his opportunity with Shanti, by happy
coincidence Amar and Shanti are brought together with the marriage of Krishna (Amar’s son) and
Radha (Shanti’s daughter). The morning has come. When we come to chapter 26 Amar’s “sun has
set” but he has no regrets he has lived his life well and is ready to move on making way for the next
generation leaving behind wise advice on how to live their lives.

Despite the hard uphill struggle Amar Singh had in life, his story is proof that good things do happen
to good people.

91 | P a g e
Brief Notes:

Predominant Themes:
The story of Amar Singh is a simple story with simple themes which are quite easy to identify.
Throughout his life he has lived by his principles and although he may not be rich physically he is rich
in the experiences he has had and shared with his numerous friends.

1. Responsibility
Amar’s father died while he was in class 7. Being the only son he had to take up the responsibility of
providing for his mother and sister. He could have run away to one of the many cities in India but he
chose to stay and act responsibly. Half of their farm was in debt so whatever was planted and
harvested there went to the landlord and shortly after the other half was mortgaged to pay for his
second sister’s wedding. He continued to provide for his mother for over three years. (pp10-11)

Secondly, he always behaved responsibly around women especially Shanti and later on with Jamuna.
(When he first meets Shanti he sends her home first and then follows her there.(pp26-27) His
encounter with Jamuna by the river bank sees him uncomfortable and trying hard to keep his
composure. (p149)) In fact at the wedding of Krishna and Radha he is still careful around Shanti; that
she says, “You are still the same after twenty-five years. Haven’t you overcome your fears even after
all this time?” (p267)

Thirdly once Amar has arrived in Fiji and experienced for himself the conditions and situations in the
lines and fields he is no longer the same. He is moved to try to improve their situation. In fact when
Shanti writes to him still speaking of her love for him, Amar replies “My heart was full of love for
you. Now the same heart is broken by the sadness which I see in the lives of my oppressed
countrymen. Sadness, despair, hardship and loneliness have come to occupy much of my heart and
mind.” (p109) Being in Fiji he makes it his responsibility to try to improve everyone’s quality of life.

2. Hard Work and Honesty

Amar Singh despite the hard backbreaking work, hostile environment and low remuneration his
work ethic is admirable. He works hard and does it well. Amar takes pride in all he does so he makes

92 | P a g e
sure that work given is completed well. We never come across Amar being beaten or verbally
abused because his work is incomplete or he is slacking off work.

When Amar, on his first day at Rarawai, is stung in the head by 3/4 hornets causing him to scratch
his hands, he only stopped work for five minutes to treat his injuries and continues working. In fact
he even makes fun of the incident saying he has been ‘kissed’ in the fields. (p88)

His work ethic is verbalized in chapter 14: “What we must do is not contribute to our own downfall
by losing our priorities and sense of values.” (p133)

Raheem, another of the same mould, expresses it better saying: “I would further suggest that it is
our duty to work honestly in the fields. We must not shirk our duties; we should give value for
money which is paid to us in wages.” (p137)

3. Every great journey begins with a single step.

This is realised through the end of Girmit. In chapter 19 Raheem first floats the idea that in order for
life to improve then the coolie system must end. (p198) At this gathering five of them swear an oath
that they will see to it that Girmit ends: Raheem, Gaj Raj, Karam Chand, Jamuna and Amar Singh.
This would be occurring around 1902 – 1903.

The struggle from humble beginnings really progressed when Raheem suggested that they be pro-
active. Despite being far away from India and Britain they could still have their voices heard. They
encouraged labourers returning to India to meet political leaders, the media anyone who would
listen and tell their story. The remaining labourers would continue the fight by writing letters and
reports to be sent to the media in India and abroad. (pp240-241)

th
This gained momentum and in 1916 “On the 16 of March the Grand Council in Delhi voted to
(abolish Girmit). It is said that the British Government has promised to honour the arrangements.”
(p250)

Yes there was a setback that could have demoralised them but they did not lose hope, not with the
end so close and they won out. The fight which had humble beginnings had taken about 12 years.

93 | P a g e
 4. Loyalty and Friendship

When individuals face hardships together united in a common struggle they are forever bonded by
their shared experience. We see it with students that come from boarding schools and groups that
spend time together for extended periods of time like the solders that are deployed abroad for
peace-keeping duties and sporting teams that camp, train and tour.

Amar Singh and his band of friends not only share the experience of Girmit they share a lifetime.
United by their struggles, their suffering, their compassion, their common decency, pride and their
hopes and dreams for “The Morning” they are much more than the group of people living together
at the lines, they are family.

It is also because of this loyalty that when Amar faults his friends remain loyal. For example the fight
Amar started with Raheem over Jamuna in chapter 17. Amar got the wrong impression and punched
Raheem who as a good friend did not retaliate although he could have.

Another example was Jamuna saving Amar Singh while he was kidnapped. Remember Jamuna was
the woman who said to Amar “… I want to be yours, only yours. I shall remain yours forever.” (p150)
He rejected her then but she did not remain bitter. Instead as a good friend she saved his life,
literally. (Chapter 19)

Probably the most striking example of loyalty and friendship is displayed by Ram Singh (Rama) in
risking his life to obtain proof that Peter Fletcher was still alive. Indeed he does sacrifice his career in
the Police Force and his freedom; going to jail for 15 years. (Chapter 21)

Fortunate indeed is the person who can boast that he/ she has friends such as these.

94 | P a g e
Narrator/ Narrative Style

The narrator is the main character Amar Singh.

As such the style is FIRST PERSON NARRATION. This is one of the conventional ways of telling a story
because it allows for a more believable story, particularly as it is historically significant. Readers are
more ready to believe the story as it is told by someone who was there and saw it unfold. From India
to Fiji, from Girmit to the end of it, Amar Singh was there. For the other incidences the author
cleverly uses other characters to tell their own stories in their own words so it still comes across as
quite believable.

Characters:

The main character is Amar Singh from Rajpur Village in the state of Utter Pradesh (what is now
called ‘United Provinces’) in India. This is his story and he is the one telling it.

He is supported by a small group of friends namely Raheem, Jamuna, Gaj Raj, all fellow labourers
under the Girmit system, and Bihari (a former agent recruiting labourers) and Shanti (his first love)
back in India who throughout the story provide support and encouragement.

Each of Amar’s friends has something to offer and indeed to teach. Raheem and Gaj Raj teach us the
value of patience and they are always seeking a solution that would end the problem, not make it
worse. Jamuna teaches us the value of hope. Despite so much suffering and hardship which
constantly kept her on the brink of suicide, she never lost hope that she would eventually get a
break and end life better off.. Bihari and Shanti teach us about honesty and compassion.

If there is an antagonist then it would have to be Peter Fletcher (the cruel Australian overseer)
supported by his equally cruel foremen Maan Singh and Bechu.

The other characters in the book, and there are many, have a more practical purpose: they are the
ones that provide us with the rich tapestry of human experience and suffering by their own
experiences. After all one cannot expect all this misfortune to happen in Amar Singh’s life only.

95 | P a g e
Character Comments:

 Raheem
Probably one of the unsung heros of the novel. He is a very humble person who always weighs
things carefully before acting. Some labourers have labelled him cowardly for not acting but he
demonstrate a patience that influences everyone. In fact if we look at the results the action
Raheem does take, when he has weighed the options, provide more permanent solutions where
all the labourers are content.
Raheem is the brains behind calling the first meeting to talk about their behaviour (p132), He
also is the one who floats the idea of ending the coolie system (p199) he is also a key speaker
alongside Amar Singh.

 Jamuna

A very strong character who despite suffering so much has remained hopeful of a better future.
She has her own struggles and her demons but instead of committing suicide to take the easy
way out, she struggles on and her “morning” does come: she is loved by someone she respects
and is able to transform herself from someone who was gossiped about to one who was
respected.

Probable the sad note is that we lose sight of her as an independent character after she is
married to Amar. She more or less disappears into the background. Jamuna enters into the story
in a very strong way which leaves us saddened that she disappears so suddenly, only appearing
as a token character.

96 | P a g e
LITERATURE QUESTIONS:

The following series of questions are typical of the type of questions you will encounter in
examination papers. They have been included to allow you to practice answering questions of these
formats which are quite different from the regular chapter review questions you have covered
already.

Question 1:

Select a character you admire.

I. Identify two characteristics you admire in this character. (2 marks)

II. Provide two examples from the novel to support your answer. (6 marks)
III. How can these characteristics help you? (2 marks)

Question 2:

“The Morning is a novel that is all about struggle and hardship.”

I. Identify two examples of the main character struggling. (4 marks)

II. Discuss how the main character was able to overcome each challenge. (4 marks)
III. What lessons can you learn from the above examples? (2 marks)

Question 3:

‘Stories allow us to explore the lives of other people living in worlds sometimes quite different from
our own.’

I. Write down the names of two characters who told their stories. (2 marks)
II. Briefly relate what their stories were about. (4 marks)
III. Discuss how the lives of these people give a message to you. (4 marks)

97 | P a g e
Question 4:

‘Good stories have a surprising twist that play with readers expectations.’

Select any two stories you have come across in the novel and for each,

I. Write down the names of the story tellers. (2 marks)

II. What was the surprising twist at the end of each story? (4 marks)

III. What did you feel at reading the ending and why? (4 marks)

Question 5:

Identify two examples where the hope of a ‘new morning’ is realised

I. Where in the text can you find these examples. (4 marks)

II. Discuss how hope is created. (4 marks)

III. Make a recommendation for a better ending. (2 marks)

Question 6:

This question discusses the passage of time in the novel.

I. . (2 marks)

II. How much time passes in each story? Describe briefly. (4 marks)

III In what way does this help the suspense of the story? (4 marks)

Question 7:

“The Morning is a useful book because it teaches readers a lot about the experience of Girmit.”

I. Discuss your response to the statement above using specific examples form the text to
support your answer. (10 marks)

98 | P a g e
Question 8:

“This novel is predominantly about violence.”

With reference to the novel,

I. Describe a violent situation a character was subjected to. (4 marks)

II. Explain the subject of violence and its significance to the novel. (4 marks)

III. How different or similar is the situation in the novel from your experience today? (2 marks)

Question 9:

With reference to the novel,

I. Describe the author’s main purpose in writing the novel. (2 marks)

II. Identify three ways by which this purpose is achieved. (6 marks)

III. Comment on the ending and make a recommendation for a different ending. (2 marks)

Question 10:

With reference to the novel choose two paragraph beginnings and write at least 50 words...

I. The major theme in the novel is....

II. The setting in the story is important because...

III. The main character ______________________ impressed me because...

IV. I was surprised by the ending of this story because...

V. The novel taught me a lot about the Indian culture such as...

Question 11:

With reference to the novel,

I. Describe the theme of the novel. (3 marks)

II Is this an appropriate theme to be studying at your level? (3 marks)

III. What other life-lessons can you take from this novel? (4 marks)

99 | P a g e
Question 12:

If you were to take a scene from the novel to stage as a short play,

I. Which scene would you choose? Why? (4 marks)

II. Which character would you like to portray? Why? (4 marks)
III. Describe visually what the stage for the scene will look like. (2 marks)

Question 13:

I. Describe the attitude of “being humble” as seen in one of the characters in the novel and
describe what happens to him/ her. (4 marks)
II. Discuss what you have learnt from this character’s attitude. (2 marks)
III. Mention one incident, and explain why, you found it most interesting in the novel? (4 marks)

Question 14:

“Amar Singh is very fortunate to have a group of loyal friends.”

Pick 2 characters from the following: Jamuna, Raheem, Gaj Raj and Ram Singh

I. How do they help/ advise Amar Singh? (4 marks)

II. Discuss what you have learnt from this character. (2 marks)
III. Mention one incident, where these characters really stand out for you. (4 marks)

Question 15:

I. Describe the treatment of women in the novel. (4 marks)

II. How many female characters appear in the novel? Name them. (2 marks)
III. Mention one incident involving a female character, and explain why, you found it most
interesting in the novel? (4 marks)

100 | P a g e