Snapshots Chapter 3 – Ranga’s Marriage
Who is the narrator of the story?
A village elder from Hosahalli, Karnataka, who is witty, observant, and proud of his culture. He narrates the story of Ranga’s unexpected marriage.
Who is Ranga?
A well-mannered, educated boy from the narrator’s village who had recently returned from Bangalore after studying English.
Why were villagers excited about Ranga’s return?
Because he was among the first to study in the city. Everyone was curious if modern education changed his values.
How did Ranga greet the narrator?
Respectfully, with traditional manners, folding his hands and touching the narrator’s feet, impressing the villagers with his unchanged nature.
What was Ranga’s opinion about marriage?
He believed in marrying a mature girl, someone he admired and understood—showing modern thinking influenced by English education.
Why was the narrator disappointed by Ranga’s views?
Because Ranga rejected arranged marriage and preferred a love match, which the narrator felt went against traditional Indian values.
What plan did the narrator make?
To cleverly change Ranga’s mind and get him to marry Ratna, a young, well-cultured village girl.
Who was Ratna?
A pretty and talented girl from a distant town, staying at her uncle Rama Rao’s house, known for her sweet singing.
How did the narrator introduce Ratna to Ranga?
He arranged for Ratna to sing while Ranga visited, hoping Ranga would fall in love at first sight.
What was Ranga’s reaction to seeing Ratna?
He was visibly smitten, impressed by her beauty and voice, though he tried to hide his emotions.
How did the narrator manipulate the situation?
He lied that Ratna was already engaged, just to provoke Ranga’s feelings and make him realize his love.
How did Ranga react to the news of Ratna’s engagement?
He became visibly upset and distracted, proving he had developed feelings for her despite his earlier beliefs.
Who was Shastri?
An astrologer whom the narrator involved to “predict” Ranga’s future, using it to confirm his plan.
What role did Shastri play in the plan?
He acted as though the stars had revealed Ranga’s love for a girl named Ratna, reinforcing Ranga’s emotions.
What does the narrator say about astrology?
He admits it was all a staged drama. He gave Shastri the needed cues beforehand to fool Ranga.
How did Ranga finally agree to marry?
Realizing he had deep feelings for Ratna, and with the narrator’s emotional nudging, he let go of his modern ideas.
What happened to Ratna and Ranga eventually?
They got married and had a child named Shyama (after the narrator), showing their respect and affection.
What does the narrator reveal at the end?
That he had orchestrated everything and proudly shares the story as proof of his clever matchmaking.
What theme does the story explore?
Traditional vs. modern values, love vs. arranged marriage, and the clever use of cultural understanding to influence people.
What is the narrator’s tone?
Humorous, nostalgic, and clever. He takes pride in preserving traditions while being playful in his storytelling.
What does the story suggest about Indian society?
That community involvement in personal matters like marriage is common and sometimes driven by affectionate manipulation.
Why did Ranga name his son Shyama?
To honor the narrator, who played a key role in his marriage and guided him like family.
How is the village life portrayed?
Simple, connected, respectful of elders, and full of community spirit, with people closely involved in each other’s lives.
Why is the story relatable?
It reflects common Indian experiences—matchmaking, societal expectations, and the blending of modern education with traditional values.
What is the significance of Ratna’s singing?
It symbolizes beauty, tradition, and the qualities valued in an ideal Indian bride. It also helped Ranga fall for her.
How does the narrator’s plan reflect wit?
He used subtle psychological cues, storytelling, and social tricks to influence Ranga—without force, but through clever emotional nudges.
What’s the cultural message in the story?
Indian marriages often involve family and community decisions. The story shows how cultural traditions adapt to change yet retain influence.
Why is Ranga’s attitude at first surprising?
Because, despite his English education, he maintained respect for elders yet believed in individual choice for marriage.
How does the story highlight generational differences?
Ranga represents a new educated generation, while the narrator shows how wisdom and tradition still play a powerful role.
Why is the story titled “Ranga’s Marriage”?
Because the plot revolves around Ranga’s change of heart, his unexpected love, and his eventual marriage—guided by wit and village tradition.