B.Ed First Year Some Important Short Questions-Answers. From the One Act Play 'The Passer-by'

The Passer-by

- Lu Xun

Q) What is the gist of the play?

- The play tries to show the two ways of life. One way of life is of young people who are progressive and another way of life is of old people who are pessimistic towards their life. The two ways of life symbolize the different life aspects of different people. Young people are dynamic and optimistic, so they try to see the beauty of their life. But old people think that their life journey is meaningless because it is full of difficulties. They never think about external world rather they try to enjoy their internal world. They see darkness and sufferings everywhere. But young people have courage to lead their life facing any difficulties and dangers even if they have to pay any cost.

Q) Bring out the picture of setting and background of the play?

- In the play, the father and his daughter are going inside their house. The daughter sees someone passing nearby their house. The setting has no certain name and time. The activities of the three characters the old man, the girl and the passer-by can be seen in some evening time.

Q) Is the old man mad or forgetful or a philosopher? Justify.

- The old man is neither mad nor forgetful. Rather he sounds philosophic because he has experienced many ups and downs of life. He wants a corrupt free society. He thinks that though future is uncertain, he wishes to go ahead in search of better future.

Q) What is the old man’s philosophy? Elaborate.

- The old man’s philosophy is revolution. He wants to see people revolting against any corrupted societies for better future. He does not want to live in the place where there is tyranny. He does not like the place where only landlords are respected and valued, and poor are left to suffer. So, his philosophy is to revolt against any exploiters.