3. The New Constitution by Manto
1. EXPECTATIONS AND DISILLUSIONMENT OF USTAD MANGU (V.IMP)
Q. No. 1: What kind of change was Ustad Mangu expecting from the new Act 1935? Explain. OR What was new constitution? OR How was Mangu disillusioned on 1st April? OR How did Ustad Mangu feel when his hopes and expectations were not fulfilled?
Answer: “The New Constitution” refers to 1st April when India Act 1935 was to come into effect. The Indians thought that after the enforcement of this act, they would witness a new era of justice, equality and prosperity.
Ustad Mangu was the spokesman of the Indians. Through his character we come to know what the Indians were expecting from the new constitution. He was on seventh heaven and had many things in his mind. He expected to get freedom in all walks of life. He also expected to see everyone enjoying complete freedom. He said to himself, “The New Constitution was going to be like boiling hot water which will destroy these bugs who suck the blood of the poor.”
First April, however, did not show any change. In the morning fog, Mangu came on the road to see “Razzle-dazzle” but the people moved about as if nothing had happened. He was disillusioned. Mangu’s all hopes and expectations were dashed to ground. In fact, he had been befooled by his own desire. Ironically it happened on first of April which is known as “April Fool”. (Words: 185)
2. CHARACTER SKETCH OF USTAD MANGU (V.IMP)
Q. No. 2: Why does Ustad Mangu hate the British Imperialism? OR Draw the character sketch of Ustad Mangu?
Answer: Ustad Mangu is the central figure of the story. He has great interest in national as well as international politics. About the condition of the Muslims and the Hindus, he says, “It is no doubt the result of a holy man’s curse that the Hindus and the Muslims keep slashing each other up every other day.” He is a great torch bearer of equal human rights to everybody.
Ustad Mangu hates the British rulers from the depth of his heart. He gives them different names and sometimes calls them “Bastard.” He hates the British because they are cruel to them. Whenever he comes across a Gora soldier, he begins to nauseate. He remarks: “Their red faces remind me of decaying carcasses.” He hates them because of their immoral attitude of drinking and going to dancing girls’ bazaar. He cannot bear this immoral sight. On 1st of April, he is disappointed to see no change.
We can say without any hesitation that Ustad Mangu is justified in his antipathy against the British. (Words: 171)
3. MANGU AS A STUPID CHARACTER (V.IMP)
Q.No.3: In “The New Constitution” Ustad Mangu is at best a half-wit (Silly or stupid person). Elaborate.Answer: Mangu in “The New Constitution” was the representative of all the Indians. Throughout the story, he was at best a half-wit. Throughout the story, we observe that he longed for the freedom from the British for they were very cruel to the Indians. They treated the local insultingly as if they were the slaves of their father. He was innocent and proved himself a fool because he believed in hearsay by the fares. He thought that they would get equal rights in all the fields of life but in the end he was disillusioned. On 1st of April, he came on the road with new zeal to enjoy the enforcement of New India Act, 1935 but there was nothing else but disappointment. Another incident which shows that Mangu was at best a half-bit was his row with a Gora soldier. He believed that now they were free and in this confusion, he beat the Gora soldier but was put behind the bars. (Words: 162)
4. MANGU’S ENCOUNTER WITH THE GORA SOLDIER
Q. No.3: Why did Ustad Mangu quarrel with the gore soldier? What was its result? OR Was Mangu justified in beating the Gora soldier?
Answer: On 1st of April Mangu was excited to see the changes which, according to him, the new constitution could bring but he was disappointed to see no change. He had a bee in his bonnet. When he was going to cantonment, he came across a Gora soldier. This Gora was the same man who had insulted Ustad Mangu last year. Mangu had also recognized him. The Gora soldier wanted to go to dancing girls’ bazaar. Mangu demanded fare more than it should have been. The Gora soldier got furious, started insulting Ustad Mangu and hit him with a stick. It was the best time for Mangu to pay off his old scores. Mangu also started beating the Gora. Soon, two police men appeared and arrested Ustad Mangu. Mangu said: “Those days are gone, friends, when we were just good for nothing” but he was mercilessly told: “It’s the same old constitution, you fool.” Mangu was justified in beating the Gora soldier because the Gora soldiers treated local insultingly as if they were the slaves of their father. (Words: 177)
Rappaccini’s Daughter by Hawthorne: https://englishwithnaeemullahbutt.com/2025/07/18/rappaccinis-daughter-by-hawthorne/
Notes on American Literature: http://americanlit.englishlitnotes.com