“The Eyes Have It” is a charming short story by Ruskin Bond, a well-known Indian author whose works often explore the themes of nature, love, and the human spirit. This particular story, first published in 1957, is celebrated for its simplicity, evocative prose, and the subtle emotions it evokes. Through the eyes of the narrator, Bond weaves a tale that is both poignant and memorable.
Here are the eyes have it long question and answer
1. What is the significance of the title “The Eyes Have It”?
- Answer: The title is a play on words, sounding like “the ayes have it,” which refers to a majority decision. In the context of the story, it refers to the protagonist’s eye condition, which influences his perception of the world and the encounter with the girl on the train.
2. Who are the main characters in “The Eyes Have It”?
- Answer: The main characters are the unnamed protagonist and the girl he meets on the train.
3. What is the setting of “The Eyes Have It,” and how does it contribute to the story?
- Answer: The story is set in the hills of India, which contributes to the mood of tranquility and introspection. The setting also plays a role in the protagonist’s perception of the world outside the train.
4. Describe the protagonist’s eye condition and its significance in the story.
- Answer: The protagonist has a weak eyesight condition that prevents him from seeing clearly without glasses. This condition influences his interaction with the girl and his perception of the world around him.
5. How does the protagonist’s interaction with the girl develop throughout the story?
- Answer: At first, the protagonist listens to the girl describing the scenery outside the train. He then imagines what she describes, forming a connection with her through their shared experience of the journey.
6. What role does imagination play in “The Eyes Have It”?
- Answer: Imagination is central to the story as the protagonist imagines the scenes outside the train based on the girl’s descriptions. This imaginative act leads to a poignant realization at the end of the story.
7. What is the twist at the end of “The Eyes Have It”?
- Answer: The twist at the end reveals that the girl is also blind, and both characters have been imagining the scenes outside the train. This revelation adds depth to their interaction and emphasizes the power of imagination.
8. Why do you think the author chose to keep the characters unnamed?
- Answer: The author likely kept the characters unnamed to emphasize the universality of their experience. By focusing on their interaction rather than their identities, the story becomes more about human connection and perception.
9. How does Ruskin Bond create a sense of loneliness and isolation in the story?
- Answer: Bond creates a sense of loneliness through the protagonist’s condition and the girl’s shared experience. Both characters are isolated by their sight impairments, which brings them together in a unique way.
10. What is the significance of the train journey in “The Eyes Have It”?
- Answer: The train journey serves as a metaphor for the journey of perception and understanding. It brings the protagonist and the girl together, allowing them to connect through their shared experience and imagination.
11. How does the ending of “The Eyes Have It” affect the reader’s interpretation of the story?
- Answer: The ending reveals the true nature of the characters’ conditions and their imaginative connection. It leaves the reader with a sense of introspection and reflection on the power of perception and human connection.
12. What themes are explored in “The Eyes Have It” by Ruskin Bond?
- Answer: The story explores themes of perception, imagination, human connection, loneliness, and the power of the unseen.
13. How does Ruskin Bond use dialogue to develop the characters in “The Eyes Have It”?
- Answer: Bond uses dialogue to reveal the characters’ personalities, thoughts, and feelings. The conversation between the protagonist and the girl drives the story forward and deepens their connection.
14. What is the mood of “The Eyes Have It,” and how is it created?
- Answer: The mood is reflective and contemplative, created through the tranquil setting, introspective dialogue, and the characters’ shared experience of their journey.
15. How does “The Eyes Have It” reflect Ruskin Bond’s style as a writer?
- Answer: The story reflects Bond’s style through its simple yet evocative language, focus on human emotions, and the exploration of everyday experiences in a meaningful way.
The eyes have it saq question answer
Q1: Who is the narrator of the story “The Eyes Have It”?
- A1: The narrator of the story is a blind man who is traveling alone in a train compartment.
Q2: What happens when the narrator tries to start a conversation with the woman in the train compartment?
- A2: The woman in the compartment becomes nervous and quickly leaves the compartment after exchanging a few words with the narrator.
Q3: Describe the unusual incident the narrator recalls from his journey.
- A3: The narrator recalls an incident where he heard a couple talking and described what they were wearing and doing. Later, he realized that they were not talking but were actually silent.
Q4: What did the narrator realize about the couple after they had left the train?
- A4: The narrator realized that the couple was communicating through sign language, which was why they appeared to be silent.
Q5: Why does the narrator not speak to anyone during the journey?
- A5: The narrator is blind and prefers not to reveal his blindness to strangers, as it often makes people uncomfortable.
Q6: How does the story “The Eyes Have It” end?
- A6: The story ends with the narrator imagining various situations based on sounds and smells, reinforcing the idea that other senses can compensate for the lack of sight.
Overview of Ruskin Bond
Before delving into the story, it’s essential to understand the background of its author, Ruskin Bond. Born on May 19, 1934, in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, India, Ruskin Bond is a prolific writer of British descent who has made India his home. His literary career spans several decades, during which he has penned numerous short stories, novellas, essays, and novels that capture the essence of life in the Indian countryside. Bond’s writing is characterized by its simplicity, keen observations, and deep empathy for his characters.
Setting the Scene: “The Eyes Have It”
“The Eyes Have It” is set against the backdrop of a train journey through the picturesque hills of northern India. The story opens with the narrator boarding a train at Saharanpur station. As he settles into his compartment, he notices a young woman also preparing to board. What follows is a sequence of events that unfold during the train journey, which forms the crux of the narrative.
Detailed Analysis of “The Eyes Have It”
Plot Summary
The story is narrated from the perspective of a man who is traveling alone on a train. He suffers from poor eyesight and therefore, keeps his eyes closed to avoid staring at others. During the journey, a young woman enters his compartment, and he becomes aware of her presence through the sounds and movements she makes. He listens to her as she prepares to settle down, and he imagines her appearance based on her voice and mannerisms.
Character Analysis
The Narrator: The protagonist and narrator of the story is a young man with poor eyesight. He is observant and has a vivid imagination, as evidenced by his detailed descriptions of the young woman he encounters on the train.
The Young Woman: The young woman is never named in the story, and her physical appearance is imagined by the narrator based on the sounds she makes and her movements. She remains a mysterious figure, symbolizing beauty and intrigue.
Themes Explored
Perception and Imagination
One of the central themes in “The Eyes Have It” is the exploration of perception and imagination. The narrator, who cannot see well, relies on his other senses and imagination to create a picture of the young woman. This theme highlights the power of the mind to create its own reality, often more vivid and captivating than what is directly visible.
Loneliness and Isolation
The story also touches upon themes of loneliness and isolation. The narrator, traveling alone and with poor eyesight, is isolated both physically and emotionally. His encounter with the young woman, though brief and imagined, offers a fleeting connection that briefly alleviates his sense of loneliness.
The Power of Observation
Ruskin Bond’s skillful use of detail and description in “The Eyes Have It” underscores the power of observation. The narrator’s keen observations of the sounds, movements, and atmosphere around him reveal a world teeming with life and emotion, even within the confines of a train compartment.
Literary Techniques
Symbolism
Symbolism plays a significant role in “The Eyes Have It.” The title itself, “The Eyes Have It,” is a play on words, suggesting both the idea of vision and the notion of attraction or connection through the eyes. Throughout the story, the eyes serve as a symbol of perception, imagination, and human connection.
Imagery
Ruskin Bond’s use of imagery is another prominent feature of “The Eyes Have It.” His descriptions of the train journey, the sounds of the station, and the imagined appearance of the young woman create a vivid and sensory experience for the reader.
Irony
There is a touch of irony in the story as well. The narrator, who cannot see well, imagines the young woman’s appearance in great detail, while the reader is aware that his perceptions are based purely on imagination rather than reality.
Critical Reception
“The Eyes Have It” has been well-received by readers and critics alike for its evocative prose, subtle storytelling, and the poignant emotions it evokes. Critics have praised Bond’s ability to capture the essence of human connection and the power of the imagination in a short narrative.
Cultural Significance
As a part of Indian literature in English, “The Eyes Have It” holds cultural significance for its portrayal of everyday life in India and the universal themes of perception, imagination, and human connection that it explores.
“The Eyes Have It” by Ruskin Bond is a timeless short story that continues to captivate readers with its poignant narrative and evocative imagery. Through the eyes of the narrator, Bond explores themes of perception, imagination, and human connection, offering a glimpse into the power of observation and the complexities of human emotions. The story’s simplicity and depth have earned it a place as one of Ruskin Bond’s most beloved works, showcasing his mastery as a storyteller and his ability to capture the essence of life in the Indian countryside.
References
- Bond, Ruskin. “The Eyes Have It.” Published in various anthologies and collections.
- Saha, Sanjay. “Ruskin Bond: A Critical Study.” Atlantic Publishers & Distributors, 2002.
