Notes Chapter 4.2 “Bholi” Class 10 English Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – English Class 10

Author: K.A. Abbas

• About the Author: An Indian writer and filmmaker, pioneer of Indian neo-realistic cinema. Known for highlighting social issues.

Story Outline

1. Introduction to Bholi:
   • Real name: Sulekha, nicknamed Bholi (means simpleton).
   • Fourth daughter of Ramlal, a prosperous farmer.
   • Childhood incidents:
     • Fell off the cot, possibly damaging her brain.
     • Suffered smallpox at age two, leaving her face disfigured.
     • Stammered while speaking.
   • Neglected by family due to her perceived “flaws.”
2. Ramlal’s Decision:
   • A girls’ school opened in the village.
   • Tehsildar advised Ramlal to send his daughters to set an example.
   • Bholi was chosen due to her limited marriage prospects.
3. Bholi’s First Day at School:
   • Initially scared and unwilling to go.
   • Dressed decently for the first time, making her hopeful.
   • Encouraged by a kind teacher who treated her gently.
   • Learned to overcome her fears and gained confidence.
4. Bholi’s Transformation:
   • Over the years, Bholi became educated and self-reliant.
   • She developed self-confidence and clarity in her thoughts.
5. Marriage Proposal:
   • Bishamber Nath, a wealthy but greedy and older man, proposed marriage.
   • During the ceremony, Bishamber demanded dowry upon seeing her pockmarks.
   • Bholi boldly rejected the marriage, standing up for her self-respect.
6. Conclusion:
   • Bholi resolved to dedicate her life to her parents and teaching.
   • Her transformation symbolized the power of education and self-worth.

Character Analysis

1. Bholi:
   • Before Education:
     • Shy, stammered, ridiculed by others, lacked self-esteem.
   • After Education:
     • Confident, courageous, and self-reliant.
     • Refused to marry someone who didn’t respect her dignity.
2. Ramlal (Father):
   • A caring father but heavily influenced by societal norms.
   • Initially worried about Bholi’s marriage prospects, later proud of her courage.
3. Bholi’s Teacher:
   • Kind, encouraging, and supportive.
   • Played a crucial role in Bholi’s transformation.
4. Bishamber Nath (Bridegroom):
   • Greedy, selfish, and hypocritical.
   • Symbolizes social evils like dowry and discrimination.

Themes and Messages

1. Importance of Education:
   • Education empowered Bholi to gain self-confidence and challenge societal injustices.
2. Gender Equality:
   • Highlights discrimination against girls in education and marriage.
3. Dowry System:
   • Critiques dowry as a social evil and its degrading effect on women’s dignity.
4. Self-Respect and Courage:
   • Bholi’s rejection of the marriage proposal emphasizes the value of self-respect.

Moral Lessons

• Education is the key to self-reliance and empowerment.
• Self-respect and courage are more important than societal approval.
• Fight against social evils like dowry and discrimination.

Vocabulary

1. Simpleton: A person easily deceived.
2. Disfigured: Deformed, damaged in appearance.
3. Stammer: Speak with difficulty, repeating sounds.
4. Dowry: Money or gifts demanded by the bridegroom’s side.
5. Contemptible: Deserving scorn or disrespect.