A Pair of Mustachios Class 11 Notes: CBSE English (Woven Words) Chapter 2

About the Author:

Mulk Raj Anand (1905–2004), one of the most celebrated Indian novelists who wrote in English, was born in Peshawar and educated at the universities of Lahore, London, and Cambridge. His novels include The Untouchable, Coolie, The Sword and the Sickle, Private Life of an Indian Prince, Seven Summers and Morning Face. He also published several short stories which reveal a lively sense of humour, a keen eye for the pretensions of the people, and a feeling of warm compassion.

Synopsis:

A Pair of Mustachios is a satirical short story by Mulk Raj Anand that revolves around a seemingly trivial conflict between two men over the style of their moustaches. This seemingly inconsequential detail escalates into a battle of egos and social status. Through this absurd premise, the story offers a sharp critique of societal hierarchies and the superficiality of judging people based on external appearances.

Theme:

"A Pair of Mustachios" describes the superficiality of social distinctions and human pride. The story highlights how a seemingly trivial aspect of appearance, such as a moustache style, can become a symbol of social status and identity, leading to conflict and irrational behaviour.

Character Sketches:

1. Seth Ramanand: Seth Ramanand is portrayed as a rich grocer and money-lender, characterised by his newly acquired wealth and an inflated sense of self-importance. His desire to emulate the upper class is evident in his attempt to adopt a "tiger moustache," a style associated with higher social strata. He is presented as a satirical representation of the materialistic and status-conscious individual.

2. Khan Azam Khan: In contrast to Ramanand, Khan Azam Khan is depicted as a man of old money and aristocratic lineage. His moustache style is seen as a symbol of his social standing. While he initially appears as a proud and dignified figure, his obsession with maintaining the purity of his moustache reveals a certain degree of insecurity and vanity.

Chapter 2: A Pair of Mustachios Class 11 Summary

1. Introduction: "A Pair of Mustachios" by Mulk Raj Anand is a thought-provoking and humorous story that highlights the false motives and sentiments of people.

2. Story Structure:

• The story is divided into two parts.

• The first part describes various types of moustaches popular in the country.

• The second part focuses on a person's false notions about his decency.

3. Types of Moustaches: Moustaches symbolise pride and prejudice. Different types of moustaches are mentioned:

• Lion moustache: Represents Maharaja-type pride.

• Tiger moustache: Signifies the pride of the feudal gentry.

• Goat moustache: Worn by the commercial bourgeoisie and shopkeepers.

• Charlie Chaplin moustache: For lower middle class, clerks, and professionals.

• Curzon-cut moustache: Often worn by sahibs and barristers.

• Sheep moustache: Worn by coolies and the lower order.

• Mouse moustache: Worn by peasants.

3. Social Satire: The story satirises the false notions of people about their status based on their moustache styles.

4. Main Characters:

• Seth Ramanand: A grocer-cum-moneylender with a goat moustache.

• Khan Azam Khan: A middle-aged man with a tiger moustache, claiming descent from ancient Afghan nobility.

5. Conflict:

• Khan Azam Khan visits Ramanand to pawn his wife’s gold nose ring.

• Khan notices Ramanand's moustache tips resembling a tiger moustache and demands he lower them.

• Ramanand initially compiles but later tricks Khan by lowering only one side.

• Khan becomes furious and repeatedly demands both sides be lowered.

6. Escalation:

• Khan offers a valuable family necklace to make Ramanand lower his moustache tips.

• Despite various negotiations, Ramanand refuses to permanently lower his moustache.

• Khan becomes increasingly obsessed, offering all his possessions to see Ramanand’s moustache lowered.

7. Conclusion:

• Khan Azam Khan loses all his possessions due to his false pride and obsession over moustache symbolism.

• He ends up a pauper, still clinging to his pride, uttering "My father was a Sultan."

8. Moral:

• The story highlights the futility of false pride and the consequences of attaching too much importance to superficial symbols of status.

Learnings from English Woven Words Chapter 2 A Pair of Mustachios Class 11 Summary

• Pride and Appearance: Superficial pride based on appearance, like moustache styles, can lead to irrational behaviour.

• Social Classes: Moustache styles symbolise different social hierarchies, highlighting societal judgments based on looks.

• False Respectability: Characters' false notions of decency and status reveal the superficiality of societal values.

• Obsessive Pride: Obsession with status and honour can lead to self-destructive consequences, as seen in Khan Azam Khan's downfall.

• Satirical Message: The story humorously critiques societal norms, urging readers to reflect on true dignity and self-worth.

Importance of Class 11 English Chapter 2 (Prose) A Pair of Mustachios Summary PDF

• Revision notes provide a concise summary of the poem, saving time during revision by highlighting the main points.

• They highlight key themes and concepts, making it easier to understand and remember the importance of the chapter.

• Important quotes and simple explanations are included, helping students understand and remember the material better.

• The notes explain the characters and the story clearly, making it easier for students to understand the chapter fully.

• These notes help quickly review important points before exams, ensuring that students are well-prepared.

• A Pair of Mustachios Summary PDF covers the entire syllabus, ensuring that every topic is included and that the chapter is fully understood.

Tips for Learning Class 11 English (Woven Words) Chapter 2 - A Pair of Mustachios 

• Read carefully: Pay close attention to the characters, their actions, and the dialogue.

• Analyse the plot: Understand the sequence of events and how they contribute to the story's humour.

• Identify the themes: Recognize the underlying messages about human nature, such as vanity, conformity, and gullibility.

• Study the characters: Understand the motivations and personalities of Ramanand and Azam Khan.

• Analyse their interactions: Observe how their interactions contribute to the story's humour.

Conclusion

"A Pair of Mustachios" is a funny story that shows how silly people can be. It's about two men who argue over the style of their moustaches. The story makes fun of how important people think their looks are, and how they can fight over such small things. It's a lighthearted look at how people sometimes care too much about what others think of them. Vedantu's A Pair of Mustachios Summary PDF provides clear summaries and insights into the characters, helping students understand the chapter better and prepare effectively.

Important Study Materials for Class 11 English Chapter 2 (Prose) - A Pair of Mustachios 

Chapter-wise Revision Notes for English Class 11 (Woven Words - Prose)

Chapter-wise Revision Notes - Class 11 English Woven Words (Poem)

Chapter-wise Revision Notes for English Class 11 - Woven Words (Essay)

Important Study Materials for Class 11 English