Question

Why did Bholi refuse to marry Bishamber?

Hint:

This moment is the climax of Bholi's transformation. Emphasize that it was Bishamber's greed and the public humiliation of her father that gave her the final push to assert her independence.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the specific reason why Bholi made the decision to refuse to marry Bishamber at the wedding ceremony.
Step 2: Recalling the Details from the Story:
The refusal was triggered by Bishamber's actions at the wedding.

Greed: When Bishamber saw Bholi's pockmarked face, he demanded a dowry of five thousand rupees from her father.

Disrespect and Humiliation: This demand was a great act of disrespect towards Bholi and it deeply humiliated her father, Ramlal, who begged and placed his turban at Bishamber's feet.

Bholi's Self-Respect: Witnessing this, Bholi's education and newfound confidence empowered her to stand up for her dignity and refuse to marry such a mean and greedy man.


Step 3: Composing the Answer (Model Response):
Bholi refused to marry Bishamber because he was a greedy and disrespectful man. He demanded a dowry of five thousand rupees upon seeing her pock-marked face, humiliating her father. This greedy and mean behaviour prompted Bholi to exercise her self-respect and courageously refuse the marriage.