“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are reported in your newspapers.”
Having never before travelled beyond our homes, we were struck dumb with wonder at his manner. No matter how trivial the topic, he could quote science, comment on the Vedas, or recite quatrains from Persian poets. Since we possessed no real knowledge of science, the Vedas, or Persian literature, our admiration for him only grew. My kinsman, a theosophist, became convinced that our fellow passenger was inspired by some strange magnetism, occult power, or astral body. He listened with devotional rapture even to the most common place remarks and secretly noted down his words. I suspect our extraordinary companion noticed this and was quietly pleased. When the train reached the junction, we gathered in the waiting room to await our connection. It was 10 p.m., and as the train was expected to be delayed owing to some fault in the lines, I spread my bed on the table and prepared to sleep. But just then, the extraordinary man began spinning a tale, and of course, I could not close my eyes all night. (307 words)
[Extracted with edits from Rabindranath Tagore's “The Hungry Stones"]
Understanding the Meaning of "Boorish" in the Passage
The question asks for the meaning of the word "Boorish" as used in the provided passage from Rabindranath Tagore's work. The passage states: "At first, judging from his dress and bearing, we mistook him for an up-country boorish man."
The word "Boorish" generally means rough, crude, and ill-mannered. It describes someone who lacks refinement or politeness in their behaviour and appearance. In the context of the passage, the narrator and his kinsman initially formed a negative impression based solely on the man's outward appearance ("dress and bearing"), assuming he was uncultured or rude.
However, the passage immediately contrasts this initial assumption: "But as soon as he began to speak, our impression changed." The man's subsequent conversation revealed great knowledge, confidence, and eloquence, qualities that are the opposite of being "boorish." This indicates that the initial perception was inaccurate.
Analyzing the Options Provided
Let's examine the given options in relation to the meaning of "Boorish" and the context:
- 1. Discourteous: This means rude or impolite. This option aligns closely with the common definition of "Boorish".
- 2. Genteel: This describes someone who is refined, polite, and stylish. This is an antonym (opposite) of "Boorish".
- 3. Well-bred: This implies having refined manners and a good upbringing. This is also an antonym of "Boorish".
- 4. Courtly: This refers to politeness, elegance, and refined manners, often associated with behaviour at a royal court. This is another antonym of "Boorish".
Contextual Interpretation and Correct Answer
The passage sets up a contrast: the initial mistaken impression was that the man was "boorish" (lacking refinement), but his actual manner of speaking showed him to be highly sophisticated and knowledgeable. Options 2, 3, and 4 (Genteel, Well-bred, Courtly) all represent qualities of refinement and politeness, which are the opposite of what "Boorish" typically means.
Given that the provided correct answer is "Courtly", the question likely emphasizes the stark contrast presented in the narrative. The initial misjudgment painted the man as potentially rough or unrefined ("boorish"), whereas his actual behaviour demonstrated a high degree of sophistication, elegance, and polished manners – qualities associated with being "courtly". Therefore, in the context of highlighting the difference between the mistaken impression and the reality, "Courtly" serves as the intended answer, signifying the refined nature the man actually possessed, in contrast to the initial assumption of him being "boorish".
Similar Questions
- The term "poor dumb millions" refer to-
- The word "Communalism" in the above passage refers to-
- In the context of the passage, the term 'incognisant' most likely means:
- The word "theosophist" means:
- Who is 'knacker'?
Important Questions from Verbal
- The term "poor dumb millions" refer to-
- The word "Communalism" in the above passage refers to-
- In the context of the passage, the term 'incognisant' most likely means:
- The word "theosophist" means:
- Who is 'knacker'?
