Chapter 3
3. Human Relations
I. Answer the following questions.
1. 'After spending a leisurely Sunday at home, the very thought of returning to work on Monday is tiring. Do you agree? Have you ever felt so?
Answer: Yes, I agree. After spending a relaxed and carefree Sunday at home, the idea of returning to a structured and demanding work or school schedule on Monday can indeed feel tiring or even overwhelming.
Personally, I have felt this way, especially after long holidays or weekends. Getting back into the routine, waking up early, and facing responsibilities can feel like a burden at first. However, once the day starts and I get back into the rhythm, it usually becomes easier to manage. It’s a common feeling many people experience — often called the “Monday blues.”
2. The last sentence of the first paragraph and the first sentence of the second paragraph appear to contradict each other. What could be the reason for the change in the decision?
Answer: You're right — the last sentence of the first paragraph says, "Obviously I did not want to go," while the first sentence of the second paragraph says, "However, I finally did decide to go." This does appear contradictory at first, but it reflects an internal struggle and change in the narrator’s thinking.
The reason for the change in decision lies in responsibility and practicality. Even though he didn't want to leave his newly-wed wife and return to a far-off workplace, he realized that:
- He had responsibilities as a married man.
- He had already taken a long leave and thought of extending it, but that would mean unpaid leave, which he couldn’t afford.
- He was already in debt, which added pressure to resume work and earn a steady income.
This shift shows how duty and financial necessity often override personal emotions and desires. It's a relatable situation for many people who have to make tough decisions for the sake of their future.
3. Why did the author get into debt? Think of some possible reasons.
Answer: The author got into debt likely due to expenses related to his marriage. Here are some possible reasons:
- Marriage Expenses: Even though it was arranged according to tribal customs, weddings often involve significant spending on rituals, food, clothing, and gifts for relatives.
- Setting up a New Household: After marriage, he may have had to spend money on setting up a home for himself and his wife—buying basic furniture, utensils, clothing, or other essentials.
- Extended Stay at Home: He stayed at home for six months, possibly without salary or only partial pay, which could have made his financial situation tighter.
- Gifts and Traditions: Tribal or cultural marriage traditions sometimes involve giving gifts or fulfilling community expectations, which can be financially demanding.
- Travel and Logistics: Since he lived in a remote hilly area with no motorable roads, travel might be costly and logistically complex.
So, while the author doesn’t explicitly mention all the details, these are likely contributing factors to his financial stress and debt after the marriage.
4. Why was the author reluctant to carry his own luggage? What would you do if you were in the author's place?
Answer: The author was reluctant to carry his own luggage because of his sense of pride, self-consciousness, and societal pressure. Being an educated government officer, he felt that people might look down on him or laugh at him if they saw him doing physical labor like carrying a trunk. He believed that his status required him to avoid such tasks, even if it meant letting his elderly father carry the load.
If I were in the author's place, I would:
- Put aside my pride and carry the luggage myself, especially knowing my father was old and tired.
- Understand the value of dignity in labor—there’s no shame in carrying one’s own belongings.
- Show gratitude by helping my father instead of letting him do the hard work.
It’s a moment of self-reflection. The author's guilt shows he knew what the right thing was—he just struggled with the expectations of status and pride.
