Gold Watch Test

Grace 9 Answer Key – February 2024 –Test 1 Term 2
SECTION A- PROSE
Answer the following question by writing a 5-paragraph essay. Follow the PEEAL strategy. Utilize the
answer sheet provided for submitting your response.
Q1. How does Mulk Raj Anand encourage you to feel sympathy for Srijut Sharma in The Gold Watch? [20]
Sample thesis: In "The Gold Watch," Anand evokes sympathy for Srijut Sharma as he is a character grappling with
the oppressive forces of colonialism and societal expectations. His character traits and the way he is treated cause
the reader to feel sympathy.
Para 1: PEEAL
- Sharma is a hardworking employee

- Has dedicated his life to his job
- Finds himself in a difficult situation where he has no control over his retirement plans, despite having five
more years of work ahead of him.
Para 2: PEEAL
- Theme of control and the extent to which individuals have autonomy over their own lives and choices.
- As part of this paragraph, students will explore this theme and examine the factors that contribute to an
individual's sense of control or lack thereof.
- They will also consider the impact of external factors such as workplace policies, economic conditions, and
societal norms on an individual's sense of control.
Para 3: PEEAL
- Students will analyze Sharma's disappointment regarding the gold watch he received as a retirement gift.
Although he had hoped that the watch would be a reward for his hard work and dedication, it did not live up
to his expectations. This raises questions about the theme of disappointment and the factors that contribute
to it which considers the reader to pity on the characters current situation.
- Students will consider Sharma's current state of confusion and stress and explore ways to cope with such
emotions and the language the writer uses to create sympathy for the character
OR
Q2. "Sharma wanted to voice his inner protest in words which would convey his meaning without seeming disloyal
for he did not want to obliterate the concession that sahib had made". How does this portray the theme of control in
the story? Provide evidence from the text.
This line portrays the theme of control as Acton controls his destiny but Sharma does not which is unfair.
 Acton has full control over his fate his livelihood and the future of his family
 Is ambivalent smile ominously foreshadowing his sealed fate
 Acton was devoted ‘to spreading the marmalade empire of King Henry & Co.’
 ‘twice or thrice a year was called into the cubicle by West Sahib for a reprimand because some letters or
packets had gone astray’ proves that Acton was domineering insensitive unconcerned attitude towards his
workers especially Sharma
 ‘no occasion for any break in the monotony of that anonymous, smooth working Empire’ an overbearing
boss who is indifferent and holds the key to the sustenance of his family yet breaks the news that he has
something for him from England
 ‘Sharma had been employed some twenty years ago, as a special favour, was not even a matriculate,…
though unwanted and constantly reprimanded by the West Sahib in the first few years…’ making him feeling
low and insignificant
 ‘the Sahib did not brush him aside, …smiled a broader smile and said “..I have brought you a gold watch for
inscription”
 foreshadowing some ominous occurrences that may take place in the future
 this leaves Sharma ‘not happy nor sad at this moment’ he had not done anything extraordinary to deserve a
prestigious gift ‘A gold watch with an inscription’ from Mr. Acton, but concludes that perhaps he wants him to
retire early
 ‘The revelation rose to the surface of his awareness from deep oppressive fear’ he ‘begins to palpitate
against his will as his body sozzled with sweat’ disrupting his thoughts and emotions and he chants ‘Shanti!’ to
calm himself
 depicts how Acton had the power to create havoc and perplexity in Sharma
 Acton had the power and control over his life and would stir any trouble within him just by hinting at what will
happen - an early retirement before his fifty-fifth year
 Later when he is called into his office, Mr. Acton reveals that ‘for his loyalty for Henry King & Co. and as his
retirement gift…’ he was being given a watch as he wanted him to retire early
 Promises him the provident fund along ‘with one month’s leave with pay before you retire’ which leads him to
think that it is best to accept the retirement instead of protesting as he had planned initially
 Mr. Acton is decisive about his fate and hence has control over it he is insensitive and unconcerned about his
future
 Though he is left with the feeling of helplessness and oppression he accepts his decision as fate even when his
head swirled with ‘wave of dizziness’ that overcame him

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Grace 9 Answer Key – February 2024 –Test 1 Term 2

- Sharma is a hardworking employee

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