Chapter 11

THE BETRAYAL OF FAITH


. Anwer the following questions each in about 30-40 words: 

1. Why did Brathwaite not think to acquire American citizenship? 

Answer: Braithwaite believed strongly in the British way of life and its ideals of fairness and freedom. His loyalty to Britain made him feel no need to acquire American citizenship, even while living in the U.S.


2. Why did he valunteer for service with the British Royal Air force? 

Answer: He volunteered in 1940 to serve in the Royal Air Force because he believed in and was willing to fight for the British ideals of democracy, justice, and freedom, which had guided him throughout his life.


3. What is the British way of Life? 

Answer: The British Way of Life refers to ideals such as fairness, tolerance, justice, freedom, and democratic principles that Britain claimed to uphold, and which many colonial people believed to be genuinely practiced by all Britons.


4 Which subjects does the colonial student learn in an academic institution of Britain? 

Answer: Colonial students in Britain learn to heal, debate, paint, and think critically—essentially gaining academic and intellectual training in fields like medicine, arts, law, and sciences.


5. Which type of work is expected from a negro in Britain?

Answer: Negroes were expected to perform lowly, menial jobs and be content with substandard housing. Society expected them to show polite subservience and did not encourage their advancement to professional roles.


 6. Why did Braithwaite resist any criticism of British policy?

Answer: He resisted criticism of British policy because of his deep faith in British ideals. He was loyal and emotionally invested in the belief that Britain represented fairness and justice, even when evidence contradicted it.


 7. What does the expression "labouring like a black suggest? 

Answer: The expression reflects a racist stereotype that associates black people with hard, physical labour. It implies they are naturally suited for exhausting, low-status work, reinforcing prejudiced views.


8. State how Braithwaite reacts to Domocracy and Human Rights. 

Answer: Braithwaite feels disillusioned. He sees the British talk of democracy and human rights as empty and deceptive—similar to fake product guarantees—because these ideals were not genuinely practiced, especially toward black people.


9. What is difference between a British and a Briton?

Answer: According to Braithwaite, a person like him from a British colony could be British in citizenship or upbringing, but not considered a "Briton"—a term he felt was reserved by society for white natives of Britain. 


 10. Why did Braithwaite voluntarily offer his service to the British Royal Air Force? 

Answer: He offered his service because he sincerely believed in the British ideals and was ready to sacrifice his life to protect the values of freedom and justice that he thought Britain stood for.

. Answer the following question each in about 60 words: 

 1. "Yes, it is wonderful to be British until one comes to Britain". Explain.

Answer: Braithwaite's statement highlights the disillusionment he faced upon arriving in Britain. He had idealized Britain for its values of fairness, tolerance, and freedom, but upon living there, he encountered racism and prejudice. The reality of how colonial people, especially black individuals, were treated starkly contradicted the idealized image he had formed. 


 2. How did the reading of English literature, poetry and prose influence the thinking of Braithwaite?

Answer: Reading English literature, poetry, and prose instilled in Braithwaite a deep admiration for British culture, values, and heroes. It shaped his identity and created an emotional attachment to British ideals. He adopted these values, believing they represented the best of humanity. This belief continued even when he faced discrimination, influencing his resistance to criticism of Britain.


 3. Describe his views on freedom. 

Answer: Braithwaite viewed freedom as the ability to live and work in an environment that was free from racial or social prejudice. He believed in the right to choose one's living conditions and profession based on merit and capability, without racial discrimination. His disillusionment came from the stark contrast between the ideals of freedom he believed in and the reality of discrimination he experienced.


4. What is the nature of anti-negro tedency in America?
 
Answer: In America, anti-Negro prejudice was overt and open. While discriminatory practices existed, they were not hidden. Black Americans fought openly against racial injustices through legal and social means, and their struggles often led to positive changes. Despite frequent violence and opposition, their efforts were aimed at securing civil rights and equality, bringing about gradual improvements in their position.



5. Comment on the nature of anti-negro policy noticed in Britain.

Answer: In Britain, anti-Negro prejudice was more covert and subtle. While black people were technically free to live, work, and travel, they faced social exclusion, subtle racism, and were often relegated to menial jobs. The rejection was polite but clear, with many Britons unwilling to admit any racial prejudice. This form of discrimination was masked by charm and civility but was deeply entrenched.

. Find one word for each of the following expressions from the words given below: betrayal, Briton, pigmentation, phinomenon, niavete

 1. colour of the skin.

Answer: Pigmentation

 2. natural innocence in speech and behaviour.

Answer: Naivete

 3. breach of trust 4 thing that appears to or experienced by the senses. 

Answer: Betrayal

4. thing that appears to or experienced by the senses.

Answer: Phenomenon

5. a native of Britain.

Answer: Briton

Join the following sentence using the conjuctions given in brackets:

1. More ATM booths will be opend. People need them. (if)

Answer: More ATM booths will be opened if people need them.


 2. The wheat crop will be adversely affected. The rains fail. (if)

Answer: The wheat crop will be adversely affected if the rains fail.


3. Complete your homework. You will not be allowed to enter the class. (unless)

Answer: You will not be allowed to enter the class unless you complete your homework.


 4. You cannot drive a motorcycle. You should wear a helmet. (unless)

Answer: You cannot drive a motorcycle unless you wear a helmet.

 5. We can see the rainbow. The weather should be clear. (provided that)

Answer: We can see the rainbow provided that the weather is clear.


 6. You will be proved guilty. The court will punish you. (if) 

Answer: The court will punish you if you are proved guilty.


7. Don't hoard the currency notes, you may be arrested. (if)

Answer: If you hoard the currency notes, you may be arrested.


 8. I shall go to see the Nahargarh fort. My parents will permit me. (provided that)

Answer: I shall go to see the Nahargarh fort provided that my parents permit me.


 9. You should read the history of Mewar. You will be influenced by Maharana Pratap. (if)

Answer: If you read the history of Mewar, you will be influenced by Maharana Pratap.


 10. You should read Indian philosophy. You will learn the depth of spiritualism. (if)

Answer: If you read Indian philosophy, you will learn the depth of spiritualism.