inter second year study material
MY ELDER BROTHER
MUNSHI PREMCHAND
SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION: ‘My Elder Brother’ is a lighthearted comic tale written by Munshi Premchand in Hindi. He is regarded as the emperor of Hindi novelists. This story was translated in English by Madan Gopal. The lapses in our education system form the core issue of the story.
CONTENT AND MEANING: ‘My Elder Brother’ is an endearing story about two brothers who differ in their approach to studies. The elder brother, who is fourteen, takes his studies very seriously. He constantly guides his younger brother to study. The younger brother, who is nine, is playful and fun loving. He finds it difficult to study continuously even for an hour. He tries to impress upon his brother that it needs all his sweat and toil to perform. The boy feels ashamed and it leads to resolve to mend his ways. He cannot resist going out and enjoying the open air and the green fields. He draws up a time table for studies every now and then. But he is able to follow it for only a day or two. He studies only when it is absolutely necessary. Ironically, the elder brother fails in every class while the younger brother passes with flying colours. Yet the elder brother chides the younger brother and warns him that success should not make him proud. He cites the example of Ravana who was destroyed by pride. The elder brother repeatedly warns the younger brother to study hard and not waste time.
The elder brother notices the younger brother flying a kite. He delivers a long sermon on how he should stop wasting his time and, instead, concentrate on his studies. Though he is only one class ahead of him difference in their age cannot be erased or forgotten. Experience has made him wiser and he still retains the right to advise his brother. The elder brother cites the examples of their parents. They may not know many historical or scientific facts, but possess a lot of practical wisdom. Suddenly he begins to cry. He says that he too would like to fly kites. But, as the elder brother, he believes he should set a good example. He would not like to fail in his duty. Just then a kite passes over their heads. The elder brother jumps, catches it and runs with joy as it flies in the air. Thus, it is clear that the elder brother too, like all children, likes to play and enjoy himself. But he suppresses his desire as he feels he should be a role model for his younger brother.
CONCLUSION: The story satirizes the idea of elders forcing the younger ones to study without providing them an opportunity to enjoy their childhood. The younger brother’s reaction to the sermon is a solid evidence of the ill-conceived notions of elders. This story also focuses that study and relaxation yields better results that mindless pouring over books.
English Study Material 