Read the following passage and answer the question that follows by selecting the correct option:
In the quaint village of Malgudi, nestled between lush green fields and swaying palm trees, lived a man named Raghavan. He was known for his peculiar habit of collecting colourful pebbles from the riverbank every morning. The villagers, initially perplexed by this ritual, soon came to see it as a unique aspect of Raghavan's character.
One day, as the Sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, Raghavan discovered a pebble unlike any he had seen before. It shimmered with an iridescent glow, casting a magical aura around it. Intrigued, he decided to keep this special pebble in a small wooden box on his windowsill.
As days passed, rumours of the enchanted pebble spread across Malgudi, attracting visitors from neighbouring villages. They sought Raghavan's wisdom, believing that the mystical pebble held the answers to life's mysteries. Raghavan, a humble man, shared his insights with those who came, emphasising the beauty of simplicity and the magic within everyday moments.
Raghavan's neighbour, Murrku, jealous of his success, decided to rob him off the pebble and sell it off to a bidder at a good price. This was important as he would be able to buy the most expensive doll for his daughter Rae on her birthday. He spent days and nights planning for the robbery and was successful in fulfilling his target. But this did not make any difference in Rae's birthday celebration which had been complete with the simple toy made out of household stuff presented to her by Raghavan. Murrku understood Raghavan's simple philosophy of life. In the bid to get the most precious gift for his daughter, Murrku had forgotten Rae's birth day.
What symbolic meaning might the iridescent glow of the enchanted pebble hold in the context of the narrative?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Enlightenment and wisdom
After the glowing pebble was found, visitors "sought Raghavan's wisdom", believing the pebble "held the answers to life's mysteries". The glow, a kind of light, stands for enlightenment: the light of understanding and wisdom that Raghavan shared with them.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Power and authority — Incorrect. Contradicted: Raghavan is described as a humble man; the pebble gives him no power over anyone.
Option 3: Love and compassion — Incorrect. Wrong focus: the story ends on the love behind Raghavan's simple gift to Rae, but the glow is linked to answers, insight and wisdom, not to love.
Option 4: Misfortune and tragedy — Incorrect. Contradicted: the glow is called magical and brings seekers of wisdom; nothing tragic is linked to it.