Question

Why was Bholi's father worried about her?

Hint:

To provide a complete answer, be sure to mention both the physical reason (pock-marks) and the mental reason (being a slow learner) that contributed to her father's anxiety about her marriage prospects.

Answer 1

Bholi's father was worried about her because she lacked both good looks and intelligence. An attack of smallpox had left her with pock-marks all over her face. Furthermore, a head injury in her childhood had made her a slow learner. Her father despaired that with these disadvantages, it would be extremely difficult to find a suitable husband for her.