Question

What is the main purpose of this passage? Write a short argument to answer the question.

Answer 1

A Visit to Europe by T. N. Mukharji, an Indian civil servant who came to London in 1886 to work in the Indian and Colonial Exposition. In the passage, Mukharji describes an encounter with a British family.

Once, I was sitting in one of the swellish restaurants at the Exhibition, glancing over a newspaper. . . . At a neighbouring table sat a respectable-looking family group evidently from the country, from which furtive glances were occasionally thrown in my direction. I thought I might do worse than having a little fun, if any could be made out of the notice that was being taken of me. . . . Perhaps, no symptom being visible in my external appearance of the cannibalistic tendencies of my heart, or owing probably to the notion that I must have by that time got over my partiality for human flesh, or knowing at least that the place was safe enough against any treacherous spring which I might take into my head to make upon them . . . the party . . . tried to attract my attention towards them. The latter duty ultimately devolved upon the beauty of the party, a pretty girl of about seventeen. . . . I heard her say— "Oh, how I wish to speak to him?" Could I withstand such an appeal? I rose and . . . asked— "Did you speak to me, young lady?" . . . The young lady soon got over her bashfulness, . . . expressed her astonishment at my knowledge of English, and complimented me for the performance of the band brought from my country, viz., the West Indian band composed of Soupes and Mulattos, which compliment made me wince a little, but nevertheless I went on chattering for a quarter of an hour.

Answer 2

@Vocaloid Im not really getting this

Answer 3

this is what I have so far:

I think the main purpose of this passage is to talk about how Indians are not less able than a typical British or American family.

Answer 4

@hero @Angle I know this isn't your specialty but would you mind taking a look at this passage? it's not entirely clear to me either

Answer 5

Don't have time, sorry. Maybe later @zarkam21

Answer 6

@Shadow

Answer 7

Shadow's busy w/ exams but I think you're on the right track, it seems like one of the central ideas is that the British have certain expectations of the narrator, as he is Indian and they expect him to be less civilized, although he is well-spoken, knows English, and calm/well-composed

Answer 8

I agree with vocaloid's explanation

some small quotes you can include as "evidence" for your argument can include:
- "furtive glances .. in my direction"
- ""Oh, how I wish to speak to him?""
- "expressed her astonishment at my knowledge of English"