SVKM J.V.

PAREKH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

GRADE 9A/B/C PROSE ENGLISH LITERATURE

The Gold Watch by Mulk Raj Anand

 Mulk Raj Anand (1905-2004) is one of the most outstanding story teller, by virtue of his
sumptuousness and variety of theme and moods, tone and technique which
characterises his short stories.
 He has so far provided more than half a dozen collection of short stories.
 The range and variety of Dr. Anand's short stories are evinced not only in mood, tone
and spirit, but also in locale, characters and form.
 The men, women and children that move through these narratives come from different
strata of society. With all his limitations, Anand's contribution to the Indian short story is
truly impressive.
 His stories are a museum of human nature and have a wide range and ample variety of
mood and tone. Among the Indian writers of the short story in English, he has few
peers.

Third person narration

Summary & Analysis

 The Gold Watch is a revealing comment on race relations. The dominant impression
produced by the story is that of social criticism which remains subordinated to the pathos
of the situation of the protagonist.
 Sharma, a poor clerk, is dismissed from his office before the time of his retirement,
which was five years later.
 His European boss, Mr. Acton, believes that ‘a gold watch’ can compensate his
remaining working period.
 Anand wants to show how the authorities failed to look deeper into the issue and
understand that the job was extremely important to Sharma to support his family.
 The story seems to be a simple incident in the life of a working class Indian in
colonial India. But, at an ulterior level, it reveals the oppression faced by the Indians at
the hands of the Europeans.
 Anand brings out minutely all the emotions of the protagonist Srijut Sharma. The
anticipations of Sharma because of the suspense created by his General Manager about
‘something’ the Sahib has brought for him from London is coloured with slight fear of
losing his job.
 We also see Sharma’s failed attempt to conceal his panic and confusion from his family.
  His wife smells of the adverse situation, though Sharma manages not to reveal it to her
before he gets it confirmed on the coming Monday.
 He just tells them about the gold watch, hearing of which, his son insists on taking his
silver watch. Sharma agrees after some hesitation.
 The scene set in the Sahib’s office when Sharma has been called to receive the watch is
full of pathos. The reader, too, feels the pain of Sharma.
 The speechlessness, the hidden frustration and bitterness in Sharma’s character is
totally justified.
 The fake concerns of his colleagues, their interest in the gold watch and their inability to
understand Sharma’ grief, further add to the pity, but we also see Mr. Banaji, a
considerate fellow-worker, signaling the others to move away and let Sharma go
peacefully.
 Finally, when Sharma is on his way to home, he finds out that the gold watch ticks only
when shaken: some part of it had broken when Sharma had accidently dropped it on Mr.
Acton’s table.

Themes - control, innocence, anxiety, acceptance, disappointment, change and connection.

Srijut is totally reliant on his employer and it seems to be a case that he has no choice
when it comes to his retirement. Despite the fact that Srijut believes he has another five
years left to work. If anything Srijut’s employer is dictating the direction in which Srijut
must go. Srijut has no option but to retire. Which may leave some readers to suggest
that Srijut has no control over whether he should retire or not. The matter has been
taken out of his hands by Mr Acton. This may be important as Anand may be suggesting
that many people due to their position in life have no choice but to follow the path that is
dictated to them by their employer. Also Anand may be exploring colonialism and the
affects that colonialism had on the average Indian person. Not only was India ruled by
the British but the lives of everyday Indians like Srijut were also ruled by the British
(Henry King & Co).

The fact that Srijut first thinks that he is being rewarded in some way when Mr Acton tells
him that he has something for him is also interesting as it may suggest that Srijut is
somewhat innocent. It would be unusual if not rare for an employer to have a present
for an employee that was a product of the employee’s efforts. It is only later on when Mr
Acton tells Srijut that he is giving him a gold watch. That Srijut realises he is being forced
out of his job. Something which obviously causes anxiety to Srijut. He believes he has
five years left in his job however Mr Acton feels differently. Again there is a sense that
Srijut is being controlled rather than being in control of his circumstances. It is also
interesting that Srijut doesn’t really voice his concerns with his wife or Hari. Rather he
allows Hari to take his silver watch as Srijut believes he will have no use for it anymore.
Throughout the story Srijut internalizes the anxiety he feels.

The fact that Srijut goes to Mr Acton’s office as soon as Mr Acton comes to work might
also be significant as it may be a case that Anand is suggesting that Srijut is accepting
his fate. He knows that he cannot do anything but accept the position he finds himself
in. Though it is noticeable that Srijut wishes to object to the fact that his retirement is
being forced on him. However so anxious or shocked is Srijut he does not challenge Mr
Acton. Who appears to see nothing wrong with what he is doing. This too may be
important as it may suggest that Mr Acton is disconnected from Srijut. That he is thinking
of Henry King & Co first. Where some critics might suggest that Srijut’s feelings should
come first. It is also possible that Mr Acton believes that he is doing Srijut a favour by
retiring him five years early. However some readers might suggest that Mr Acton’s
decision is based solely on business and the fact that it is easier (and cheaper) to retire
Srijut at fifty rather than at fifty five.

The fact that Srijut accidently breaks the gold watch may also be significant as it could
symbolically suggest that Srijut is no longer in synchronisation with his fellow workers or
he is out of time. Also it could suggest that the gold watch itself is a useless gift to Srijut
as he no longer needs a watch to monitor his time-keeping. The watch might have a nice
appearance but the reality is that Srijut no longer has a need for a watch. Throughout the
story there has been a sense that Srijut has been a victim. Not only because he is
essentially being fired from his job but because he has no control over what will happen
to him. If anything Srijut has been left to struggle. With Hari still in school and a lower
pension than Srijut may have thought he would receive. Despite his loyalty to Henry King
& Co it would not be wrong of the reader to suspect that Srijut is disappointed. His life
has been changed completely and he is ill prepared for the future. It doesn’t help Srijut
that the watch is broke but in many ways the condition of the watch matches Srijut’s
condition. Srijut himself leaves Henry King & Co a broken man. Defeated by a system
that no longer considers him to be useful at fifty years old.