Character Sketch from PSEB Class 10 English Literature (Supplementary Reader) Book Chapter 2– Half A Rupee Worth of Subbiah and the Poor Man
A character sketch defines what the character is like and how he/she evolves or develops throughout the story. In this post you can find the Character Sketch of Subbiah and the Poor Man from PSEB Class 10 English Literature (Supplementary Reader) Book Lesson 2 – Half A Rupee Worth
- Character Sketch of Subbiah
- Questions related to the Character of Subbiah
- Character Sketch of the Poor Man
- Questions related to the Poor Man
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Character Sketch of Subbiah
Subbiah is portrayed as a sly and greedy rice merchant who is opportunistic during a time of scarcity. He is wealthy, careful, and usually driven by profit and greed. Not only does he have considerable stock, but he also keeps storing rice in a hidden godown and uses bribes to keep the authorities from investigating him. Subbiah’s behaviour also illustrates his only connection to reality is money, again, as illustrated by the way he disposed of a poor man’s request for half a seer of rice. Subbiah’s demise is all of his own making – he is subsequently found dead under the sacks of rice in which he had hoarded, still clutching the half-a-rupee coin that he refused to exchange for food. Subbiah’s character is a sharp contradiction to the moral decay that lies beneath the curtain of material success.
Questions related to the Character of Subbiah
Q1. Describe Subbiah’s greed.
Q2. What led to Subbiah’s demise?
Character Sketch of the Poor Man
The poor man in the story has no name, but he represents the voice of a marginalised, neglected portion of society. He is completely humble and modest in his request, and very polite and honest; he only wants half a seer of rice as payment for a half-rupee coin; he maintains dignity. His character also stands in stark contrast to Subbiah’s greed. Though he is hungry, he does not aggressively beg or demand something for more than he can afford to pay. While he displays quiet dignity and patience, he is also an exemplar of integrity and human decency. His simple, honest request and the fact that it is ignored underscore the injustices suffered by those less fortunate and mark him as a powerful, albeit brief, presence in this story.
Questions related to the Character of the Poor Man
Q1. How was the poor man cheated by Subbiah?
Q2. What did the poor man need? Did he get it?