Key Words
| 1. Travel writing | 8. Soup etiquette | 15. Urban life |
| 2. Cultural representation | 9. Driving habits | 16. Leisurely pace |
| 3. Japan | 10. Pedestrians | 17. Streets and pavements |
| 4. Brazilian traffic | 11. Overcrowding | 18.Speeding |
| 5. Manners | 12. Courtesy | 19. Traffic chaos |
| 6. Bowing | 13. Ceremonial | 20. Humour |
| 7. Privacy | 14. Hierarchy | 21. behaviour |
Major Theme
- Cultural Differences: The text explores the contrasting manners and habits of people in Japan and Brazil, highlighting how different societies approach everyday actions like bowing in Japan and driving in Brazil.
- Manners and Etiquette: The intricate details of Japanese bowing and its role in social hierarchy, as well as the paradoxical nature of eating soup in Japan, are central to understanding Japanese politeness.
- Privacy in Public Spaces: The Japanese approach to privacy; especially in public spaces such as when using a telephone, is discussed as a cultural adaptation to overcrowded conditions.
- Leisure vs. Speed: The leisurely pace of Brazilian pedestrians contrasts with the dangerously fast driving habits in Brazil, presenting a humorous juxtaposition of national characteristics.
- Humour in Observing Cultures: The writer uses humour to describe his observations, whether it’s the bowing deer in Japan or the amicable yet dangerous driving behaviour in Brazil.
- Traffic and Urban Life: Both Japan and Brazil’s urban environments are central to their cultural identity, with Japan’s crowded spaces and Brazil’s chaotic traffic reflecting different ways of coping with modern life.
- Representation of Foreign Cultures: The text reflects on how travel writing can shape and sometimes exaggerate cultural stereotypes, while still offering insight into everyday life in other countries.
- Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each.
(2 Marks Questions)
- What does the author notice about Japanese manners when he arrives in Japan?
Answer: The author notices that the Japanese people are very well-mannered and respectful.
- Why do people in Japan bow to each other so often?
Answer: Bowing is a sign of respect and is a key part of Japanese etiquette.
- How does the author describe the telephone manners in Japan?
Answer: The author says that people talk on the phone in public but respect each other’s privacy by not listening in.
- What is the author’s opinion on the traffic in Brazil?
Answer: The author finds the traffic in Brazil to be chaotic, with drivers moving recklessly but in a good-natured way.
- What contrast does the author make about Japanese people’s behavior at bus stops?
Answer: He contrasts their polite bowing with their aggressive pushing when the bus arrives.
- How does the author describe the pace of life in Brazil?
Answer: The author describes Brazilians as relaxed and leisurely in their daily lives.
- Why does the author find bowing in Japan complicated?
Answer: He finds it complicated because there are specific rules about how deeply and for how long people should bow, depending on social rank.
- How do Brazilians react when they are almost hit by a car?
Answer: Brazilians seem to take it lightly, smiling at the drivers even when they have to jump out of the way.
- What humorous observation does the author make about a deer in Japan?
Answer: The author humorously observes that a deer bowed to him before snatching food from his hand.
- Why are the pavements in Brazil beautifully decorated, according to the author?
Answer: The author believes Brazilians have time to appreciate beauty and so they decorate even the pavements they walk on.
- Why do Japanese people need to be courteous, according to the author?
Answer: The Japanese need to be courteous because they live in a very crowded space with little privacy.
- What problem does the author face with bowing in Japan?
Answer: The author struggles with bowing correctly, as it involves a complicated set of rules.
- How do Japanese conductors behave on the Tokaido Line?
Answer: They bow to passengers before checking their tickets.
- What happens when Japanese people are at bus stops?
Answer: At bus stops, people bow politely but push each other once the bus arrives.
- What is unique about the pavements in Brazil’s Copacabana?
Answer: The pavements are decorated with beautiful black mosaics.
- How do Brazilian drivers treat pedestrians?
Answer: Brazilian drivers treat pedestrians like targets, aiming at them and forcing them to jump out of the way.
- What does the author find strange about the deer’s behavior in Japan?
Answer: The author finds it strange that the deer bowed to him like a human.
- How does the author describe the traffic on Avenida Presidente Vargas in Brazil?
Answer: The author describes it as slow-moving but somehow still terrifyingly fast.
- Why do Japanese mothers bow with their babies on their backs?
Answer: Because bowing is an important part of Japanese manners, even babies seem to bow with their mothers.
- What question does the author hear one man shout to another across Avenida Presidente Vargas? Answer: The man shouts, “How did you get to the other side?” because crossing the street seems so difficult.
- What is the importance of showing respect in different cultures?
Answer: Showing respect, such as bowing in Japan, helps maintain social harmony and respect for others.
- How can different cultural practices, like bowing or shaking hands, be misunderstood by visitors? Answer: Visitors may not know the proper way to follow these customs and can accidentally be disrespectful.
- What does the author mean when he says Japanese bowing is “infectious”?
Answer: He means that after seeing everyone bow, you start bowing too, even if you’re not used to it.
- Answer the following questions in about 60 words each
(3 Marks)
- What is the main purpose of travel writing as a genre?
Answer: Travel writing focuses on describing one’s experiences in visiting new places, and it is a way to share observations of different cultures and landscapes. Historically, it was used to document voyages and adventures, and today it remains popular for sharing personal perspectives on unfamiliar places through books, TV, and the internet.
- Why is bowing such an important custom in Japan?
Answer: Bowing in Japan is an important social custom that shows respect and politeness. It is part of their cultural etiquette and has many rules, such as how deep to bow and for how long, depending on the person’s social standing, age, and relationship with the other individual.
- How does the author describe the privacy in Japan despite the overcrowding?
Answer: The author notes that Japan is very crowded, but people respect each other’s privacy through politeness and courtesy. For example, even though there are no phone booths, people respect the privacy of others by not listening to their phone conversations, treating the phone as a personal, private space.
- What contradiction does the author find in Japanese soup etiquette?
Answer: The author finds it contradictory that in Japan, making loud noises while eating soup is considered a sign of appreciation. However, this seems strange because in most cultures, eating noisily is seen as bad manners. This creates a situation where the guest feels unsure about what is polite and what isn’t.
- How does the behaviour of Brazilian drivers differ from their usual relaxed lifestyle?
Answer: While Brazilians are generally relaxed and easy-going, this changes dramatically when they get behind the wheel of a car. Drivers speed and engage in risky behaviour, such as overtaking and cutting in front of others. Despite this, the interactions between drivers are friendly, as if it’s a game where winning or losing doesn’t lead to anger.
- Why is crossing the Avenida Presidente Vargas in Brazil a challenge?
Answer: Crossing the Avenida Presidente Vargas is difficult because of the chaotic traffic, where cars move slowly but dangerously. Pedestrians often feel trapped on one side of the road, as if there is no safe opportunity to cross, which makes the traffic seem like a confusing puzzle.
- How does the author describe the mosaic pavements in Brazil?
Answer: The author admires the beautiful black mosaics that decorate the pavements in Brazil, particularly in Copacabana. These designs reflect the Brazilian people’s appreciation for beauty and show how they take the time to make even ordinary things like streets visually appealing.
- What does the author say about the growing number of cars in Brazil despite their high cost?
Answer: The author explains that cars in Brazil are extremely expensive due to high import taxes, making it difficult for most people to afford them. However, despite the cost, the number of cars on the road keeps increasing, causing more traffic and making life dangerous for pedestrians.
- Why do Brazilian drivers smile after dangerous driving manoeuvres?
Answer: Brazilian drivers smile even after committing risky driving behaviours, such as cutting in front of others or overtaking dangerously. This reflects their friendly and non-confrontational nature. They don’t show anger on the road, which makes driving in Brazil chaotic but oddly good-natured.
- What humorous interaction does the author have with a deer in Japan?
Answer: The author humorously describes how a deer in Japan, after bowing politely as if imitating the Japanese people, steals a food bag from his hand. The author is surprised by the deer’s behaviour, suggesting that even animals in Japan adopt the culture of bowing.
- Why does the author mention the lack of phone booths in Japan?
Answer: The author mentions the lack of phone booths to highlight how people in Japan respect each other’s privacy despite the public nature of phone conversations. The idea is that while anyone could overhear, no one does, because privacy is maintained through courtesy, even in crowded spaces.
- How does the author describe the bowing etiquette in Japan within families?
Answer: In Japanese families, there is a clear hierarchy in bowing. For example, the wife bows to her husband, the child bows to his father, and younger siblings bow to older siblings. This reflects the structured way that respect is shown within Japanese society, even among close family members.
- What makes eating soup in Japan tricky for foreigners, according to the author?
Answer: The author finds that foreigners may struggle with Japanese soup etiquette because, on one hand, making loud slurping noises is expected as a sign of appreciation, but on the other hand, making such noises may go against their own cultural habits. This creates confusion about what is considered polite.
- How do Japanese store attendants show respect to customers?
Answer: Japanese store attendants, often called “bowing girls,” show respect by standing at escalators and bowing to customers as they pass. This is seen as a way to welcome and show gratitude to the customers, reflecting the high level of courtesy found in Japanese culture.
- How does the author contrast Brazilian walking and driving behaviours?
Answer: The author contrasts the leisurely and calm way Brazilians walk with their aggressive and fast driving habits. While they take their time when walking, they seem to turn into speed-loving drivers when they get behind the wheel, creating a funny but puzzling difference in behaviour.
- What does the author mean when he says pedestrians in Brazil are “fair game”?
Answer: When the author says pedestrians are “fair game” for drivers in Brazil, he means that drivers seem to treat pedestrians as targets, speeding up when they see someone trying to cross the road. However, this is done in a humour ous and playful way, not with malicious intent.
- What surprising fact does the author share about the growing number of cars in Brazil?
Answer: The author shares the surprising fact that despite the high cost of cars due to import taxes, more and more cars are appearing on Brazilian roads. This rapid increase makes it harder for pedestrians to cross safely and adds to the chaos of city traffic.
- How does the author describe the relationship between drivers and pedestrians in Brazil?
Answer: The relationship between drivers and pedestrians in Brazil is described as playful and competitive. Drivers try to speed up when they see a pedestrian, and pedestrians have to jump out of the way. Despite this, there is no anger, and both parties seem to find humour in the situation.
- What humorous scene does the author witness on Avenida Presidente Vargas?
Answer: The author humorously describes a scene where a man, unable to cross Avenida Presidente Vargas, shouts to his friend on the other side, asking how he got there. The friend jokingly replies that he was born on that side, showing how difficult and dangerous it is to cross the busy road.
- What cultural insight does the author gain from the deer bowing in Japan?
Answer: The author gains the insight that bowing is so common in Japanese culture that even animals, like the deer he encountered, seem to adopt the behaviour. This amusing interaction reflects how deeply ingrained manners are in Japan, making bowing a natural part of life.
- What does the author suggest about how people in Japan manage privacy in crowded places?
Answer: The author suggests that in Japan, people manage privacy by being extremely polite and respectful. Since physical privacy is difficult in crowded spaces, they maintain a sense of personal space by not intruding on each other’s conversations or actions, like when using a public telephone.
- Why is bowing in Japan described as “infectious” by the author?
Answer: The author describes bowing as “infectious” because after spending some time in Japan, even foreigners feel compelled to start bowing. This shows how natural and widespread the practice is, and how quickly one can adapt to cultural norms when immersed in them.
- What lesson about cultural differences can be learned from the author’s description of Japanese soup etiquette?
Answer: The lesson about cultural differences is that what may be considered polite in one culture can be seen as impolite in another. In Japan, slurping soup shows appreciation, while in other cultures, it might be seen as rude. This highlights the importance of understanding and adapting to different cultural customs.
- How does the author use humour to describe the challenges of crossing the Avenida Presidente Vargas? Answer: The author uses humour by portraying the chaotic traffic as a nearly impossible challenge, where people joke that they were “born on the other side” because crossing seems so difficult. This light-hearted approach helps show the extreme nature of the traffic without being overly serious.
- What does the author imply about Brazilian drivers’ attitude toward traffic laws?
Answer: The author implies that Brazilian drivers don’t take traffic laws very seriously, as they drive recklessly, cutting in front of others and overtaking on both sides. However, they remain friendly and don’t show anger, treating driving as more of a game than a serious activity.
- Why does the author describe the behaviour of Brazilian drivers as “good-tempered”?
Answer: The author describes Brazilian drivers as “good-tempered” because even though they drive aggressively, they smile and remain friendly, never showing frustration or anger. This reflects a playful attitude toward driving, where even dangerous manoeuvres are done in good spirits.
- How does the deer’s behaviour reflect the cultural importance of bowing in Japan?
Answer: The deer’s behaviour reflects the importance of bowing in Japan by showing how it is a universally recognized gesture of respect, even among animals. The fact that a deer “bows” before stealing food humour ously mirrors the respectfulness that is expected in human interactions.
- What does the author suggest about how the Japanese balance courtesy and personal space?
Answer: The author suggests that Japanese people balance courtesy and personal space by being extremely polite and considerate, even in overcrowded places. For example, they don’t listen to other people’s phone conversations, and they avoid physical contact as much as possible, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect.
(FROM QUESTION BANK)
a) overconfident. b) overcrowded c) overjoyed.
Answer: b) overcrowded.
a) leisurely characters. b) ill-mannered louts. c) well-mannered people.
Answer: c) well-mannered people.
- What does Mikes call ‘a man’s castle’ in Japan?
Answer: Mikes calls a man’s private space or his “privacy” in Japan ‘a man’s castle.’ This is because the Japanese highly respect each other’s personal space, even in crowded areas.
- What do the people of Japan highly respect according to Mikes?
Answer: According to Mikes, the people of Japan highly respect personal privacy and courtesy in public spaces.
- How long does it take in Japan to get convinced that one is among exquisitely well-mannered people? Answer: Mikes says it takes only an hour in Japan to get convinced that one is among exquisitely well-mannered people.
- What is the mania in Japan according to Mikes?
Answer: According to Mikes, the mania in Japan is bowing, as it is done frequently and with precision in all social interactions.
a) thanking b) bowing c) kissing
Answer: b) bowing.
- Who bows to all brothers in a Japanese family according to Mikes?
Answer: According to Mikes, the oldest brother in a Japanese family bows to all his brothers.
- What do mothers in Japan carry their babies in according to Mikes?
Answer: Mothers in Japan carry their babies on their backs according to Mikes.
- Which place in Japan is connected to Tokyo by the Tokaido line?
Answer: The place connected to Tokyo by the Tokaido line is Osaka.
a) singing girls b) dancing girls c) bowing girls
Answer: c) bowing girls.
- Who enter the carriage in a slightly theatrical scene as noticed by Mikes in Japan?
Answer: According to Mikes, bowing girls enter the carriage in a slightly theatrical scene in Japan.
- Which animal bowed to Mikes in Japan ?
Answer: A deer bowed to Mikes in Japan.
- Where did Mikes meet a deer in Japan?
Answer: Mikes met a deer in Nara, Japan.
- What did the deer do after bowing to Mikes in Japan ?
Answer: After bowing to Mikes, the deer snatched a bag of food from his hand.
- Who are transformed into savages as soon as a bus arrives in Japan?
Answer: The polite, bowing people are transformed into savages as soon as a bus arrives in Japan, according to Mikes.
a) an early American traffic law. b) page-boys turning revolving doors c) Tokaido line that connects Tokyo and Osaka.
Answer: b) page-boys turning revolving doors.
- What did the deer snatch from Mikes’s hand in Japan ?
Answer: The deer snatched a bag of food from Mikes’s hand in Japan.
a) savages. b) slaves. c) servants.
Answer: a) savages.
- What must one do while eating soup in Japan according to Mikes?
Answer: According to Mikes, one must make a loud slurping noise while eating soup in Japan, as it shows appreciation for the food.
a) depreciation. b) appreciation. c) disregard.
Answer: b) appreciation.
- Who enter the carriage on the Tokaido line in a slightly theatrical scene in Japan?
Answer: The bowing girls enter the carriage in a slightly theatrical scene on the Tokaido line in Japan.
a) page-boys. b) Maidservants. c) security guards.
Answer: a) page-boys.
a) pink granite slabs. b) grey cobble stones. c) beautiful black mosaics.
Answer: c) beautiful black mosaics.
- Whose life is becoming hazardous every day in Brazil according to Mikes?
Answer: According to Mikes, pedestrians’ lives are becoming hazardous every day in Brazil due to reckless driving.
a) regards him as fair game, b) greets him and smiles, c) ignores him and moves on.
Answer: a) regards him as fair game.
- What according to George Mikes do the driver and pedestrian finally do in Brazil?
Answer: According to George Mikes, the driver and pedestrian finally smile at each other after a near-collision, making light of the dangerous situation.
a) a wonderful place. b) an auspicious place. c) the worst place.
Answer: c) the worst place.
- Answer the following questions in about 100 words each
(4 Marks)
Answer: George Mikes explains that despite Japan being an overcrowded country, its people have developed a unique way of respecting each other’s privacy. This is not due to physical space but through a deep-rooted sense of courtesy. For example, even though public telephones are used in open spaces without booths, nobody eavesdrops on conversations. People respect others’ personal space through their actions, ensuring they do not intrude on others’ privacy, making it seem like they have their own private space even when surrounded by others.
- How does George Mikes describe bowing to be a quainter and infectious trait of Japanese people?
Answer: George Mikes describes bowing as a charming and uniquely formal aspect of Japanese culture. He finds it quaint because it differs from Western customs like handshakes or cheek-kissing. Bowing is also highly ritualistic and graceful, done with solemnity and respect. Mikes notes that the practice is infectious, as visitors often find themselves bowing after just a few hours in Japan, but they rarely get it right. The complexity of bowing, including how deeply and for how long one should bow, adds to its distinctiveness and makes it seem more foreign to outsiders.
Answer: Mikes humorously contrasts the extreme politeness of the Japanese with their sudden change in behaviour when a bus arrives. He observes that while Japanese men may be bowing gracefully and respectfully to each other at bus stops, as soon as the bus comes, they abandon their courtesy. They begin pushing and shoving to get on the bus, much like “savages.” This sharp contrast highlights the complexity of human behaviour, where even in a culture known for politeness, practicality and impatience can take over in certain situations.
- Why is a pedestrian’s life hazardous in Brazil according to George Mikes?
Answer: According to George Mikes, pedestrian life in Brazil is hazardous because drivers treat them like “fair game.” The moment a pedestrian steps off the sidewalk, drivers aim at them, forcing them to jump or run to avoid being hit. While this may seem dangerous, it is done in a playful and good-natured way. There is no anger involved, and pedestrians and drivers often exchange friendly smiles. Nevertheless, the unpredictability and lack of safety for pedestrians make crossing streets in Brazil perilous, adding a sense of danger to an otherwise relaxed culture.
Answer: George Mikes explains that drivers in Brazil do care about pedestrians but in a rather unconventional way. Instead of showing concern through caution, they actively look out for pedestrians as if engaging in a friendly game. When a pedestrian steps off the curb, drivers accelerate and aim toward them, forcing pedestrians to leap and dodge. This behaviour is part of an unspoken game between drivers and pedestrians, where no one is genuinely angry or hostile. Both parties acknowledge the dangers but play along, exchanging smiles as if it were an amusing challenge rather than a life-threatening situation.
Answer: George Mikes vividly describes the chaos of attempting to cross a busy street in Brazil, particularly on the Avenida Presidente Vargas. The traffic moves at a slow crawl but at the same time feels frighteningly fast due to the erratic driving patterns. Pedestrians are forced to wait endlessly for an opportunity to cross, sometimes for hours. Mikes humour ously recounts an exchange between two men on opposite sides of the road, where one asks how the other managed to get across, and the second replies that he was “born on this side.” This illustrates the sheer difficulty and danger of crossing Brazilian streets.
- Bowing in Japan is quainter, formal, and oriental. Why does George Mikes say so? Discuss.
Answer: Mikes refers to bowing in Japan as “quainter” because it is a uniquely Japanese custom that contrasts sharply with Western greetings like handshakes or cheek kisses. It feels formal and traditional, almost like a performance with specific rules about depth, duration, and hierarchy. The practice is steeped in the cultural values of respect and politeness, making it feels both exotic and elegant to outsiders. The “oriental” aspect highlights its roots in Eastern traditions, which emphasize ceremonial respect in everyday interactions.
- The Japanese follow a complicated hierarchy in bowing. How is this presented by Mikes?
Answer: Mikes presents the hierarchy of bowing as a detailed, almost ritualistic custom, where subtle differences in social rank, age, and standing are reflected in the depth and duration of the bow. For instance, a wife bows to her husband, and younger brothers bow to elder brothers. The bow’s length and depth vary based on these relationships, and it is essential to get it right, or it could be seen as disrespectful. This hierarchy, though complicated for outsiders, is natural and effortless for the Japanese, demonstrating the cultural importance of deference and respect.
- Bowing in Japan is so infectious that it leads to a few comic situations. How does Mikes bring this out?
Answer: Mikes humorously notes that bowing is so pervasive in Japan that even outsiders quickly adopt the habit, often leading to awkward or amusing situations. He shares that after only a few hours in the country, visitors find themselves bowing too much, too little, or at the wrong time, creating comical scenarios. For example, a visitor might bow to the wrong person or hold the bow for too long. These moments highlight how ingrained the custom is in Japanese society and how it can be difficult for foreigners to fully grasp the nuances.
- A natural behaviour looks peculiar when seen from an outsider’s eyes. How does Mikes prove this with reference to Japanese bowing?
Answer: Mikes proves that what is natural for one culture can appear strange to an outsider by using the example of bowing in Japan. While bowing is a simple, everyday gesture of respect for the Japanese, Mikes, as a foreigner, initially finds it quaint, overly formal, and difficult to execute properly. He observes the complexities of bowing, such as how deeply or for how long one should bow depending on rank or relationship. This intricate system, while perfectly natural to the Japanese, seems elaborate and amusing to him as an outsider.
- George Mikes brings out the contrast between leisurely characters and dangerous drivers in Brazil. Explain. Answer: Mikes contrasts the laid-back, leisurely nature of Brazilians with their aggressive driving habits. On foot, Brazilians take their time, enjoy their surroundings, and never rush. However, once they get behind the wheel, their behaviour changes completely. They drive at breakneck speeds, making traffic dangerous for pedestrians. Despite their fast and reckless driving, drivers remain cheerful and playful, treating driving as a competitive game. This contrast between their relaxed demeanour and hazardous driving highlights the paradoxical nature of human behaviour in Brazil.
- People display contrasting patterns of behaviour. Substantiate in the light of ‘Japan and Brazil Through A Traveler’s Eye’.
Answer: In ‘Japan and Brazil Through A Traveler’s Eye,’ Mikes highlights the contrasting behaviour patterns of people in both Japan and Brazil. In Japan, people are extremely polite, bowing to one another and maintaining a sense of privacy even in crowded spaces. However, when public transportation arrives, the same courteous individuals push and shove to get on the bus. In Brazil, people are leisurely and relaxed on foot but become aggressive and reckless behind the wheel. These contrasts show that human behaviour can change dramatically depending on the situation, reflecting adaptability and the complexities of social norms.