Jalebis | Class 8 English Notes

I

The first section of the chapter 'Jalebis' introduces us to the narrator, a young boy in the fifth standard attending a government school in Kambelpur (now Atak). On this particular day, he carries four rupees in his pocket, money intended to pay his school fees and fund. However, upon arrival, he learns that the teacher responsible for collecting fees, Master Ghulam Mohammed, is on leave, so the fees will be collected the next day. Throughout the school day, the coins remain silent in his pocket, but once school ends and he steps outside, the coins seem to come alive, jingling and 'speaking' to him. They tempt him to spend the money on jalebis, a sweet treat freshly made and sold in the market nearby. The coins personify temptation, urging the boy to enjoy the jalebis, suggesting that money is meant to be spent, especially by those who like jalebis.

The boy resists, reminding himself that he is a good boy with responsibilities. He reflects on his family's modest means and the importance of the money for his fees. He fears the consequences of spending the fees money, both from his strict teacher, who punishes students by making them stand on benches, and from a moral standpoint, fearing judgment from Allah on the Day of Judgment (Qayamat). The coins, displeased by his refusal, create a noisy clamor, attracting the attention of passersby. The boy, feeling overwhelmed, grabs the coins tightly, silencing them temporarily. After a few steps, he loosens his grip, and the oldest coin tries to convince him again, arguing that if he spends the fees money on jalebis today, he will receive scholarship money tomorrow to pay the fees. The boy debates internally, acknowledging the jalebis' tempting qualities but ultimately decides against spending the money, valuing his reputation as a promising student and the respect he commands in school.

This section vividly portrays the internal conflict between temptation and responsibility, using the literary device of personification to give voice to the coins. It highlights the boy's moral values, his awareness of consequences, and the social context of his life, including his academic achievements and family background.

📊 Diagram: Reprint 2024-25

🧪 Activity: Comprehension Check with questions about why the boy didn't pay fees, what the coins said, and his reasons for resisting temptation.

🔗 Connection: Leads to the next section where the boy eventually succumbs to temptation and buys jalebis, exploring the consequences of his choice.