IN LONDON IN MINUS FOURS
By Louis Fischer
Introducing the author
Louis Fischer (1896–1970) is
an outstanding American writer, columnist, and analyst of world affairs. He
occupies a unique place among Gandhiji’s admirers in the West. He has closely
studied the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi in his book Life of Mahatma
Gandhi (1950).
Question Answer
Unit-1
1.
Why was Gandhi chosen as the sole delegate of Congress to the Second Round
Table Conference?
Ans:
Gandhi was chosen as the sole delegate of Congress to the Second Round Table
Conference because he was the real spokesman of the organization. He also
represented the vast majority of Indians who loudly spoke in India's interest.
2.
How did Gandhi befriend the men and women of the slum areas of London?
Ans:
During his stay at Kingsley Hall in London, Gandhi used to go on his morning
walks. In the course of his morning walk he was going through the nearby slum
areas. On the way he met many men and women who were going to work. They were
drawn towards him. They smiled at him. He drew them into conversation. A loving
relation developed between them. Gandhi used to go to their homes and
ultimately made friendship with them.
Unit-2
1.
What was Gandhi's reply to the journalists' about his dress?
Ans:
When the journalists' questioned Gandhi about his dress, he replied that the
British people wear plus fours but mine are minus fours.
2.
How Gandhi dressed when he went to see King George V?
Ans:
Gandhi was dressed in his usual loincloth, sandals, a shawl and his dangling
dollar watch to went to see King George V.
3.
What did Gandhi say in reply to the question whether he had enough on during
his meeting with the King?
Ans:
During Gandhi's meeting with King George V, someone asked him if he had enough
on. Gandhi replied that the king had enough on for both of them.
4.
How did Gandhi enjoy himself in London?
Ans:
In London Gandhi enjoyed himself everywhere in the company of the most
dignified personalities of England. Among them were Lord Irwin, wartime Prime
Minister David Lloyd George, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Field Marshal
Smuts, Bernard Shaw, and the like. Winston Churchill refused to meet him.
Gandhi addressed many public meetings.
5.
What was Gandhi's idea of free India as a dominion in the Commonwealth?
Ans:
Gandhi's idea of free India as a dominion in the Commonwealth was unique.
Gandhi clearly but forcefully stated his stand on free India. The British
Emperor must leave India. Both would love to be an equal partner with the
Dominions.
6. What did Gandhi mean by 'creative interdependence' of the member nations of the commonwealth?
Ans: Mutual help among the member nations of the commonwealth, Gandhi said was to need of the hour. Gandhi would love to see these nations bound by the mystical bond of love, friendship, work, progress and security. To him 'creative interdependence' meant a better life.
Unit-3
1. Which qualities in Gandhi turned his opponents to friends?
Ans: Gandhi believed in love and not hatred. He would not hurt
the sentiments of his opponents. He was full of warmth. He was
extremely frank. He was a symbol of humanity. Everybody who came in contact
with him felt his love for the world and paid him back with love. He had faith
in himself. All these qualities in Gandhi turned his opponents to friends.
2. How did he make friends even among
those he hurt?
Ans: He made
friends even among those he hurt by maxing with them freely and lovingly.
3. What was Gandhi's work in London
outside the Round Table Conference?
Ans:
Gandhi’s work in London outside the round table conference was very important.
He aimed at softening the British attitude. He was trying his best to meet the
people and preach the concept of love and faith among them. The government was
treating human beings as beasts. He felt his meeting with the people outside
the conference would sow the seeds of love and friendship for the future. It
would help in changing the brutal British spirit in later years.
4. Why did the Second Round Table
Conference fail to bring about an agreement?
Ans: The
British government took a very tough stand in the second round table conference
on India's demand for freedom. A member of British delegation clearly stated
that Britain would never leave India while at the same time they would try
their best to keenly understand India’s views. The British policy was as
clear as crystal. India’s eagerness to be free met with Britain’s stubborn wish
to stay in the country therefore, the second round table conference failed to
bring about an agreement.
5. How did Gandhi treat the Scotland
Yard detectives?
Ans: The British government provided two Scotland Yard detectives to guard Gandhi in England. Gandhi was very close to them. He was very free and frank with them and visited their homes. He treated them with warmth of love. He treated them as a part of his family. Gandhi sent each a watch from India and this revealed his deep personal love for two Scotland Yard detectives.