Target Exam

CUET

Subject

English

Chapter

Comprehension - (Narrative / Factual)

Question:

Read the given passage and answer the four questions that follow:-

In July 1973, Amitav Ghosh joined St. Stephen's College in Delhi. Like every other freshman, he was nervous about the first few weeks, when one was 'ragged' shorthand for being verbally harassed, harangued, interrogated, and intimidated - by seniors. Twenty-five years later, by now an established novelist, Amitav Ghosh wrote: The year I joined College, the word among us freshers was that the most terrifying ragger in College lived in Rudra Court, in L5. Terrifying because he wasn't the usual kind of bullying, bellowing senior. No, he was to them as the panther is to the elephant. He was bearded, and soft-spoken, so stealthy that you never sensed his presence until he had you square in his sights. Young Amitav was able to escape the clutches of this fearful senior for a fortnight. But then he 'was "nabbed while attempting to abscond" as the Indian Express used to say'. The 'legend of L5' caught hold of the fresher, and quizzed him about his interests. 'I like classical music, answered Ghosh, nervously. 'You do?' said the legend and walked him into his room in Rudra North. The legend put a record on the turntable and began to play it. He asked Ghosh to identify the composer and composition. Beethoven's Emperor Concerto answered the fresher, correctly. Three or four more records were played and all except one accurately identified. At this, 'The legend stuck out his hand. "I'm Rukun Advani," he said. "Let's go down to Maurice Nagar and have a cup of tea."

Why does the passage mention Beethoven's Emperor Concerto?

Options:

To illustrate that the senior used music to humiliate freshers.

To show that Amitav Ghosh was trained in classical music.

To emphasize that intellect and culture, rather than fear, shaped this form of ragging.

To demonstrate that the 'legend of L5', preferred classical music as a means of intimidation.

Correct Answer:

To emphasize that intellect and culture, rather than fear, shaped this form of ragging.

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (3) : To emphasize that intellect and culture, rather than fear, shaped this form of ragging.*

The mention of Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto appears during the “ragging” encounter, where instead of bullying or shouting, the senior quizzes Amitav Ghosh on classical music. This shows that:

  • The ragging was unusual,

  • It involved knowledge, taste, and culture,

  • It lacked the typical aggression associated with ragging.

This moment illustrates that the senior’s style of ragging was intellectual and refined, not humiliating or intimidating.

Why the other options are incorrect:
Option 1: The senior did not use music to humiliate anyone.
Option 2: The passage only shows that Amitav Ghosh liked classical music and could identify it. It does not say he was formally trained.
Option 4: The senior did not use music to intimidate. The tone of the interaction was calm and respectful.