Question

Naunkaka managed to travel in 2nd class on a ticket of............ (Choose the correct option)

• A. 1st class
• B. General class
• C. Sleeper class
• D. Third class

Hint:

R.K. Narayan’s characters often reflect humor, wit, and subtle social critique through simple everyday incidents.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Context of the story.
This question refers to R.K. Narayan’s short story “Naunkaka,” which humorously describes the bureaucratic experiences of an elderly gentleman, Naunkaka, who visits Delhi to meet a government minister.
Step 2: Travel situation.
Naunkaka managed to travel in the second-class compartment even though he only had a third-class ticket. This was due to his persuasive and confident manner, reflecting the author’s subtle satire on human behavior and social hierarchy.
Step 3: Analyzing the options.
- (a) 1st class: Incorrect — he didn’t travel in first class.
- (b) General class: Incorrect — not mentioned in the story.
- (c) Sleeper class: Incorrect — not applicable to that period’s travel system.
- (d) Third class: Correct — he had a third-class ticket but traveled in second class.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Hence, Naunkaka managed to travel in second class with a third-class ticket, showing his cleverness and social confidence.