The Bell by Gita Krishnankutty: Explanation Paragraph wise with Meanings

The Bell by Gita Krishnankutty: Explanation Paragraph wise with Meanings: The lesson “The Bell” is very well written piece of literature. It is not easy to comprehend the ethos of the texts embedded with a good vocabulary. So here is a help to students in understanding the lesson “The Bell’ by Gita Krishnankutty.

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Paragraph Wise explanation & Word meanings

Page: 132

An unusual sense of excitement pervaded her visit to the temple this evening. There had been an argument over lunch, between her and the grown-ups, when she had announced her decision to ring the bell in front of the sanctuary at the hour of lamplighting. ‘If Thangam can ring it, so can I,’ she debated hotly. They protested in shocked voices, ‘Thangam is the daughter of the temple priest, she is permitted to touch the bell.’ She responded angrily that Thangam came over to play hide-and-seek every afternoon, and behaved no differently from any of them.

Explanation:

An unusual sense of excitement pervaded her visit to the temple this evening.

Explanation: She felt very excited in a way that was not normal for her when she went to the temple tonight.

• Unusual: Not common, out of the ordinary.
• Excitement: Feeling happy and eager.

There had been an argument over lunch, between her and the grown-ups, when she had announced her decision to ring the bell in front of the sanctuary at the hour of lamplighting.

Explanation: During lunch, she and the adults argued because she said she wanted to ring the bell in front of the holy place when the lamps are lit.

• Argument: A disagreement, a verbal fight.
• Grown-ups: Adults, people who are older.
• Announced: Declared, made it known.
• Decision: A choice, something you have decided to do.
• Bell: A hollow metal object that makes a sound when you hit it.
• Sanctuary: A sacred or holy place.
• Lamplighting: The time when lamps are lit, usually in the evening.

‘If Thangam can ring it, so can I,’ she debated hotly.

Explanation: She argued passionately, saying she should be allowed to ring the bell just like Thangam.

• Debated: Argued, discussed.
• Hotly: Intensely, with strong emotion.

They protested in shocked voices, ‘Thangam is the daughter of the temple priest, she is permitted to touch the bell.’

Explanation: The adults objected loudly and with surprise, saying that Thangam, who is the daughter of the temple priest, is allowed to touch the bell.

• Protested: Objected, disagreed.
• Shocked: Surprised and upset.
• Permitted: Allowed, given permission.

She responded angrily that Thangam came over to play hide-and-seek every afternoon, and behaved no differently from any of them.

Explanation: She replied in an upset way, saying that Thangam visits them every day to play, and she behaves just like everyone else.

• Responded: Answered, replied.
• Angrily: With anger, in an upset manner.
• Behaved: Acted, conducted oneself.
• Differently: In a way that is not the same.

Page: 134

‘Besides,’ she added, goading them deliberately, ‘we are all equal in the eyes of God.’ She was not quite sure whether they had heard this bit, for they had already turned away in disgust—but, after lunch, she caught them whispering about ‘that horrid English school she goes to’, which meant that they had heard… But she was sure that they had not taken her very seriously. That was the trouble with grown-ups: they always presumed that if they told her that she would understand everything when she was older, she would accept their wisdom and authority unquestioningly and not dream of going against them. Oh well, she would show them, this time…

Explanation:

‘Besides,’ she added, goading them deliberately, ‘we are all equal in the eyes of God.’

Explanation: She said this on purpose to provoke or challenge them. She wanted to make them think that everyone is equal in the eyes of God.

• Goad: To provoke or annoy someone on purpose.
• Deliberately: On purpose, intentionally.
• Equal: The same, having the same rights and opportunities.
• Eyes of God: This phrase symbolizes the idea that in the eyes of a higher power (in this case, God), everyone is equal and deserves equal treatment.

She was not quite sure whether they had heard this bit, for they had already turned away in disgust—but, after lunch, she caught them whispering about ‘that horrid English school she goes to’, which meant that they had heard…

Explanation: She wasn’t sure if they heard what she said, as they had already walked away looking disgusted. However, later she overheard them talking quietly about the English school she attends, confirming that they had heard her words.

• Disgust: Strong disapproval or dislike.
• Whispering: Speaking very quietly.
• Horrid: Extremely unpleasant or bad.

But she was sure that they had not taken her very seriously. That was the trouble with grown-ups: they always presumed that if they told her that she would understand everything when she was older, she would accept their wisdom and authority unquestioningly and not dream of going against them. Oh well, she would show them, this time…

Explanation: She believed that the adults didn’t believe her words seriously. She was frustrated because adults often thought that when she grew up, she would automatically accept their advice without questioning. But this time, she was determined to prove them wrong.

• Presumed: Assumed, took for granted.
• Wisdom: Knowledge and experience about life.
• Authority: Power, control, the right to give orders.
• Unquestioningly: Without asking questions or doubting.
• Determined: Having a strong intention to do something.

She therefore submitted with good grace to the suggestion that she accompany her grandmother to the tank for her evening bath, though she really preferred the makeshift bathroom at the back of the house. She hated the slippery stone steps of the tank, the dark green slime at their edges menaced her foothold; the water had a sullen, dangerous look, and always felt bitterly cold. But she endured it all today with no complaint, chattering brightly. She did not fuss even when the tiny fishes swarmed around her ankles, pecking at them viciously, threatening her precarious balance.

Explanation:

She therefore submitted with good grace to the suggestion that she accompany her grandmother to the tank for her evening bath, though she really preferred the makeshift bathroom at the back of the house.

Explanation: She agreed politely and willingly to go with her grandmother to the tank for her bath, even though she liked the temporary bathroom at the back of the house better.

• Submitted: Agreed, accepted.
• Good grace: Politeness and willingness.
• Suggestion: An idea or proposal.
• Accompany: Go together with.
• Makeshift: Temporary or improvised.
• Bathroom: A room with facilities for bathing and washing.

She hated the slippery stone steps of the tank, the dark green slime at their edges menaced her foothold; the water had a sullen, dangerous look, and always felt bitterly cold.

Explanation: She didn’t like the tank because the steps were slippery, there was slimy green stuff at the edges that made it dangerous to stand, and the water looked unfriendly and was very cold.

• Hated: Strongly disliked.
• Slippery: Smooth and difficult to stand on without slipping.
• Menaced: Threatened, posed a danger to.
• Foothold: A secure place to put your foot.
• Sullen: Gloomy, unfriendly.
• Bitterly cold: Very cold.

But she endured it all today with no complaint, chattering brightly. She did not fuss even when the tiny fishes swarmed around her ankles, pecking at them viciously, threatening her precarious balance.

Explanation: Despite her discomfort, she managed to go through the experience without complaining. She stayed cheerful and didn’t make a fuss even when small fishes gathered around her ankles, biting at them aggressively and challenging her balance.

• Endured: Tolerated, went through despite difficulties.
• Complaint: Expression of dissatisfaction or unhappiness.
• Chattering brightly: Talking happily and energetically.
• Fuss: To complain or show unhappiness.
• Tiny fishes: Small fish.
• Swarmed: Gathered in large numbers.
• Pecking: Biting or attacking in a quick manner.
• Viciously: Aggressively, with the intention to harm.
• Threatening: Posing a danger or risk.
• Precarious balance: Unstable position, where she might easily fall.

Back again at the house, she had to undergo the intensely uncomfortable ritual of hairdressing. They smoothed her hair with what felt like a whole jar of oil, separated each shining strand till it hung limp and straight and lifeless down her back, then tied it up in a tight, skin-stretching knot on the top of her head, securing it with a fibre of banana stem. She was thankful none of her school friends could see her like this. Droplets of oil, oozing down her temples, gave her tiny shivers of disgust, the back of her neck felt slimy, made her long to wriggle out of her skin. She bit back her annoyance, contenting herself with a savage swipe at her oily forehead with the edge of her skirt when they were not watching.

Explanation:

Back again at the house, she had to undergo the intensely uncomfortable ritual of hairdressing. They smoothed her hair with what felt like a whole jar of oil, separated each shining strand till it hung limp and straight and lifeless down her back, then tied it up in a tight, skin-stretching knot on the top of her head, securing it with a fiber of banana stem.

Explanation: When she returned home, she had to go through a very uncomfortable process of having her hair styled. They put a lot of oil on her hair, combed it until it was smooth, and tied it tightly on top of her head using a piece of banana stem, making her hair look flat and lifeless.

• Undergo: To experience or endure.
• Intensely uncomfortable: Very unpleasant and uneasy.
• Ritual: A set of actions performed in a specific order, often for a traditional or religious purpose.
• Smoothed: Made soft and even.
• Limp: Soft and lacking stiffness.
• Lifeless: Lacking vitality or energy.
• Tied up: Pulled and fastened together.
• Skin-stretching: Very tight, so tight it feels like it’s pulling the skin.
• Knot: A tied loop in a rope or string.
• Securing: Making sure something is tightly fixed in place.
• Fiber: A thread-like structure, here referring to a part of a banana stem.

She was thankful none of her school friends could see her like this. Droplets of oil, oozing down her temples, gave her tiny shivers of disgust, the back of her neck felt slimy, made her long to wriggle out of her skin.

Explanation: She felt grateful that her friends from school couldn’t see her in this state. The oil dripping from her hair made her feel disgusted and uncomfortable. Her neck felt slippery, and she wished she could escape from her own skin.

• Thankful: Grateful, feeling thanks.
• Droplets: Small drops.
• Oozing: Flowing slowly and steadily.
• Temples: The sides of the forehead.
• Shivers: Small trembles or shakes.
• Disgust: Strong disapproval or revulsion.
• Slimy: Slippery and wet in an unpleasant way.
• Long to: Strongly desire.
• Wriggle out of: Escape from.

Page: 135

She was ready before the evening flurry of lamplighting had started. The old, toothless major-domo of the household, Kelu Nair, was instructed to accompany her today. Why could they never understand how ridiculous she felt, being escorted by him? She had reminded her mother many times that she walked alone to school every day, when they were back in the town; that she even went by herself to the bakery at the end of the road to buy sweets and cakes. Her mother simply pretended not to hear. She alternately envied and detested the grown-ups for their loathsome habit of not hearing whatever they found inconvenient to answer.

Explanation:

She was ready before the evening flurry of lamplighting had started. The old, toothless major-domo of the household, Kelu Nair, was instructed to accompany her today.

Explanation: She was ready before the busy time of lighting lamps in the evening had begun. An elderly man named Kelu Nair, who managed the household but had lost his teeth, was told to go with her today.

• Flurry: A sudden, excited activity or movement.
• Lamplighting: The act of lighting lamps, often done in the evening.

Why could they never understand how ridiculous she felt, being escorted by him? She had reminded her mother many times that she walked alone to school every day, when they were back in the town; that she even went by herself to the bakery at the end of the road to buy sweets and cakes.

Explanation: She wondered why the adults couldn’t understand how silly she felt when accompanied by Kelu Nair. She had told her mother multiple times that she used to walk alone to school and even go to the bakery by herself when they lived in the town.

• Escorted: Accompanied, guided.
• Reminded: Told someone again, brought it to their attention.
• Bakery: A place where bread, pastries, and cakes are baked and sold.

Her mother simply pretended not to hear. She alternately envied and detested the grown-ups for their loathsome habit of not hearing whatever they found inconvenient to answer.

Explanation: Her mother ignored her complaints. She both admired and disliked the adults for their annoying habit of ignoring things they didn’t want to respond to.

• Pretended: Acted as if something was not true.
• Envied: Felt jealous of.
• Detested: Strongly disliked.
• Grown-ups: Adults.
• Loathsome: Hateful, disgusting.
• Inconvenient: Not convenient, not easy or suitable.
• Answer: Respond to a question or statement.

Sometimes, if she arrived at the strategic blend of authority and appeal, she could force Kelu Nair to walk a few steps behind her and pretend that he did not belong to her at all. But this was something she rarely achieved. Today he stuck obstinately to her side, imparting bits and pieces of information and advice that she tried to ignore. She quickened her steps as they reached the road, almost breaking into a run. Kelu Nair shouted at her to stop and wait for him. She did not care to explain to any of them that she tried to cover this stretch of road as quickly as possible because the gravel hurt her bare feet. At the temple entrance, she slowed down, grateful for the feel of the Sun-warmed stone.

Explanation:

Sometimes, if she arrived at the strategic blend of authority and appeal, she could force Kelu Nair to walk a few steps behind her and pretend that he did not belong to her at all.

Explanation: Occasionally, if she acted with a mix of confidence and charm, she could make Kelu Nair walk a little distance behind her and act as though he was not related to her.

• Strategic: Planned and carefully thought out.
• Blend: Combination.
• Authority: Power and control.
• Appeal: Charm, attractiveness.
• Force: Persuade someone to do something against their will.

But this was something she rarely achieved. Today he stuck obstinately to her side, imparting bits and pieces of information and advice that she tried to ignore.

Explanation: However, this rarely worked. On this particular day, Kelu Nair stubbornly stayed close to her, sharing small amounts of information and advice that she attempted to disregard.

• Rarely: Not often, almost never.
• Stuck: Stayed, remained.
• Obstinately: Stubbornly, firmly.
• Imparting: Giving, sharing.
• Bits and pieces: Small amounts, fragments.

She quickened her steps as they reached the road, almost breaking into a run. Kelu Nair shouted at her to stop and wait for him.

Explanation: When they reached the road, she walked faster, almost starting to run. Kelu Nair called out to her, telling her to stop and wait for him.

• Quickened: Increased the speed.
• Road: A paved or gravel path for walking and vehicles.
• Shouted: Called out loudly.

She did not care to explain to any of them that she tried to cover this stretch of road as quickly as possible because the gravel hurt her bare feet. At the temple entrance, she slowed down, grateful for the feel of the Sun-warmed stone.

Explanation: She didn’t bother telling anyone that she hurried along this part of the road because the small stones hurt her feet since she was not wearing shoes. When she reached the temple entrance, she slowed down, appreciating the warmth of the sun on the stones.

• Explain: Make something clear by describing it.
• Stretch of road: A particular length of the road.
• Gravel: Small stones used to cover paths.
• Bare feet: Feet without shoes or socks.
• Entrance: The way into a place.
• Grateful: Thankful, appreciative.

Page: 136

The usual knot of women was gathered around the three-tiered stone lamp at the outer door, talking earnestly in hushed voices, their faces grave and sad. Kelu Nair edged as close to them as he dared. She knew he drank in every whisper that he could distinguish and that he would impart it all, embellished with many scandalous details of his own invention, to her mother and great-grandmother over dinner tonight.

Explanation:

The usual knot of women was gathered around the three-tiered stone lamp at the outer door, talking earnestly in hushed voices, their faces grave and sad.

Explanation: A group of women had gathered around a lamp made of three layers of stone near the outer door. They were having a serious conversation, speaking quietly, and their expressions were serious and sorrowful.

• Knot: A group or cluster of people.
• Three-tiered: Having three layers or levels.
• Stone lamp: A lamp made of stone.
• Outer door: The entrance door on the outside of a building.
• Earnestly: Seriously and sincerely.
• Hushed voices: Speaking quietly and softly.
• Grave: Serious, solemn.
• Sad: Unhappy, sorrowful.

Kelu Nair edged as close to them as he dared. She knew he drank in every whisper that he could distinguish and that he would impart it all, embellished with many scandalous details of his own invention, to her mother and great-grandmother over dinner tonight.

Explanation: Kelu Nair moved closer to the women, trying not to be noticed. She was aware that he eagerly listened to every word and would later share the information, adding his own made-up, shocking details, with her mother and great-grandmother during dinner that evening.

• Edged: Moved carefully and slowly, trying not to attract attention.
• Dared: Had the courage to do something risky.
• Drank in: Absorbed, paid close attention to.
• Whisper: Speak very softly.
• Distinguish: Separate or recognize different sounds or voices.
• Impart: Share, communicate.
• Embellished: Decorated or enhanced with extra details, often exaggerating the truth.
• Scandalous: Shocking or disgraceful.
• Invention: Something created, often a story or explanation that is not true.
• Great-grandmother: One’s grandmother’s mother, another generation back.

As they started their ritual circling of the outer walls of the temple, she noticed that the football game had already begun in the courtyard beside the sanctuary of Krishna. She enjoyed watching the players, more so because of her obvious delight in the vigour of their game. Arriving at the sanctuary of Krishna, she saw the small door, obstinately closed. Kelu Nair had told her time and time again that the image inside was unimaginably beautiful. Today, she circled it hurriedly, her mind full of her secret mission, and almost ran along provoking an incomprehensible torrent of protest from Kelu Nair, who could not keep up with her.

Explanation:

As they started their ritual circling of the outer walls of the temple, she noticed that the football game had already begun in the courtyard beside the sanctuary of Krishna. She enjoyed watching the players, more so because of her obvious delight in the vigour of their game.

Explanation: They began their customary walk around the outer walls of the temple. She saw that a football game was in progress in the courtyard next to Krishna’s sanctuary. She liked watching the players, especially because she admired the energy and enthusiasm they put into the game.

• Ritual: A set of actions performed in a specific order, often for religious or traditional reasons.
• Circling: Moving in a circular path around something.
• Outer walls: The external sides of a building.
• Courtyard: An open area enclosed by walls, often within a building.
• Sanctuary: A holy or sacred place within a temple.
• Vigour: Energy and enthusiasm.

Arriving at the sanctuary of Krishna, she saw the small door, obstinately closed. Kelu Nair had told her time and time again that the image inside was unimaginably beautiful.

Explanation: When she reached the sanctuary of Krishna, she noticed that the small door was firmly shut. Kelu Nair had repeatedly described to her that the image of Krishna inside was incredibly beautiful, although she had never seen it herself.

• Sanctuary: A sacred place within a religious building.
• Obstinately: Stubbornly, firmly and unyieldingly.
• Closed: Not open or accessible.

Today, she circled it hurriedly, her mind full of her secret mission, and almost ran along provoking an incomprehensible torrent of protest from Kelu Nair, who could not keep up with her.

Explanation: On this day, she hurriedly walked around the sanctuary, her thoughts consumed by her secret mission. She moved so quickly that Kelu Nair, unable to match her pace, protested loudly, although she couldn’t understand his complaints.

• Hurriedly: Quickly, in a rush.
• Secret mission: A confidential task or objective.
• Provoking: Causing, eliciting a reaction.
• Incomprehensible: Difficult or impossible to understand.
• Torrent: A sudden, overwhelming flow of something.
• Protest: An objection or expression of disapproval.

The eastern façade of the temple always enchanted her. When she recalled it afterwards, as she often did, her memories were full of sound and colour. The river ran through here, the jade green of its water melting first into the rice fields beyond and then into the luminous evening sky. In the enclosed area where the women bathed, shrill voices rose above the wet slapping of cloth against stone.

Explanation:

The eastern façade of the temple always enchanted her. When she recalled it afterwards, as she often did, her memories were full of sound and colour.

Explanation: She found the front side of the temple facing east very captivating. Whenever she remembered it later, her memories were vibrant with sounds and colours.

• Façade: The front side or face of a building.
• Enchanted: Filled with delight and fascination.

The river ran through here, the jade green of its water melting first into the rice fields beyond and then into the luminous evening sky.

Explanation: A river flowed nearby, and the green colour of its water blended with the rice fields and then merged into the bright evening sky.

• Jade green: A shade of green, like the colour of jade stone.
• Melting: Blending, mixing smoothly.

In the enclosed area where the women bathed, shrill voices rose above the wet slapping of cloth against stone.

Explanation: In the designated space where women bathed, loud voices could be heard over the sound of cloth hitting the wet stone.

• Enclosed: Closed in, surrounded by walls.
• Shrill: High-pitched and piercing.
• Slapping: Hitting with a sharp sound, in this context, cloth hitting the stone.

Page: 137

The rock beneath her feet was turning cool. She remembered that the hour of lamplighting was near, and hurried back through the shadow-filled hall. Beyond the tall golden flagpole, tiny pinpoints of light pierced the warm darkness of the inner sanctuary. Kelu Nair, muttering angrily, was close upon her heels. Rounding the wall, she acknowledged with an involuntary intake of breath the sparkling rectangle of flame that outlined the door of the corner sanctuary of Ayyappa…

Explanation:

The rock beneath her feet was turning cool. She remembered that the hour of lamplighting was near, and hurried back through the shadow-filled hall.

Explanation: The ground beneath her was becoming cold. She realized that it was almost time to light the lamps, so she quickly walked back through the dimly lit corridor.

• Rock: Solid, hard substance beneath her feet.
• Turning cool: Becoming cold.
• Hour of lamplighting: The time designated for lighting lamps, often in the evening.
• Shadow-filled hall: A hallway with shadows, lacking light.

Beyond the tall golden flagpole, tiny pinpoints of light pierced the warm darkness of the inner sanctuary. Kelu Nair, muttering angrily, was close upon her heels.

Explanation: Past the tall flagpole made of gold, small points of light cut through the warm darkness inside the sanctuary. Kelu Nair, grumbling in annoyance, was following closely behind her.

• Golden flagpole: A pole made of gold, often used for decoration.
• Pinpoints of light: Small, bright dots of light.
• Pierced: Penetrated, went through.
• Warm darkness: Dark but cozy or warm in feeling.
• Muttering angrily: Speaking in a low, displeased voice.

Rounding the wall, she acknowledged with an involuntary intake of breath the sparkling rectangle of flame that outlined the door of the corner sanctuary of Ayyappa…

Explanation: Turning around the corner, she couldn’t help but gasp at the shining, rectangular flame outlining the door of the small sanctuary dedicated to Ayyappa.

• Rounding the wall: Turning around the corner of the building.
• Acknowledged: Recognized or noticed.
• Involuntary intake of breath: A sudden, surprised gasp.
• Sparkling rectangle of flame: Bright, glittering shape made by the flame.
• Corner sanctuary of Ayyappa: A small sacred area dedicated to the deity Ayyappa, located at the corner.

Inside the temple, her feet lovingly caressed the cool stone of the inner courtyard, revelling in its smooth, worn feel. She bowed a perfunctory greeting to the little doll like Parvati, crossed her arms and touched her ears before the dark, almost-invisible Ganesha, and came hurriedly upon the crowded main sanctuary. A familiar scent of hot oil and flowers, of vibhuti and wet clothes, welcomed her. The women of the Namboodiri household stood in front, in a tight, invisible circle that no one else must touch, their eyes closed, clutching their thatch umbrellas that obscured everyone’s vision, their lips moving in an ecstasy of prayer. She edged her way towards them, ignoring Kelu Nair’s shocked whispers of protest, almost bumping into one of the ridiculous umbrellas.

Explanation:

Inside the temple, her feet lovingly caressed the cool stone of the inner courtyard, revelling in its smooth, worn feel.

Explanation: Inside the temple, she walked barefoot on the cold stone floor of the inner courtyard, enjoying the comforting sensation of its smooth and worn texture.

• Lovingly caressed: Gently touched with affection.
• Inner courtyard: The central open area inside the temple.
• Revelling: Taking great pleasure in.
• Smooth, worn feel: The comforting, polished texture of the stone floor.

She bowed a perfunctory greeting to the little doll-like Parvati, crossed her arms and touched her ears before the dark, almost-invisible Ganesha, and came hurriedly upon the crowded main sanctuary.

Explanation: She gave a quick and routine greeting to the small statue of Parvati, then made a gesture of respect before the dark, barely visible statue of Ganesha. Afterward, she hurriedly entered the busy central area of the temple.

• Perfunctory: Done as a formality, lacking genuine enthusiasm.
• Doll-like: Similar to a doll in appearance.
• Ganesha: A Hindu deity, often depicted with the head of an elephant.
• Main sanctuary: The central and most important part of the temple.

A familiar scent of hot oil and flowers, of vibhuti and wet clothes, welcomed her. The women of the Namboodiri household stood in front, in a tight, invisible circle that no one else must touch, their eyes closed, clutching their thatch umbrellas that obscured everyone’s vision, their lips moving in an ecstasy of prayer.

Explanation: She was greeted by the familiar smell of warm oil, flowers, sacred ash (vibhuti), and damp clothes. In the main area, the women of the Namboodiri household stood together, forming an unspoken and exclusive circle. They closed their eyes, held traditional thatch umbrellas that blocked others’ view, and fervently prayed.

• Thatch umbrellas: Traditional umbrellas made from plant materials.
• Obscured: Blocked, made it hard to see.
• Ecstasy: A state of intense joy or delight.

She saw Thangam standing near the steps, looking remote and rapt with devotion. The rhythm of the edakka was mounting crazily: as the door was flung open, she blinked at the sudden vision of gold. Before she could regret her decision or go back upon it, she elbowed herself quickly through the untouchable circle of Namboodiri women, nearly floundering on the slippery steps. The sight of the big bell above her touched her with a heady excitement. She could distinguish Kelu Nair’s franticallywhispered threats, but she reached up, rang the bell with one resounding clang and was down the steps before he realised what was happening.

Explanation:

She saw Thangam standing near the steps, looking remote and rapt with devotion. The rhythm of the edakka was mounting crazily: as the door was flung open, she blinked at the sudden vision of gold.

Explanation: She noticed Thangam standing by the stairs, appearing distant and deeply absorbed in devotion. The beat of the drum (edakka) was getting faster and more intense. When the temple door swung open, she was momentarily stunned by the brilliant sight of gold.

• Remote: Distant, not close.
• Rapt: Completely absorbed or engrossed.
• Devotion: Deep religious commitment or dedication.
• Edakka: A traditional Indian drum used in religious ceremonies.

Before she could regret her decision or go back upon it, she elbowed herself quickly through the untouchable circle of Namboodiri women, nearly floundering on the slippery steps.

Explanation: Without giving herself a chance to change her mind, she forcefully maneuvered through the exclusive circle of Namboodiri women, nearly losing her balance on the slippery stairs.

• Regret: Feel sorry about a decision made.
• Untouchable: In this context, a symbolic term indicating exclusivity and strict social boundaries.
• Floundering: Struggling or stumbling.

The sight of the big bell above her touched her with a heady excitement. She could distinguish Kelu Nair’s frantically-whispered threats, but she reached up, rang the bell with one resounding clang and was down the steps before he realised what was happening.

Explanation: The sight of the large bell above her filled her with a thrilling excitement. Although she could hear Kelu Nair whispering threats in panic, she reached up, rang the bell loudly, and swiftly descended the stairs before he could grasp what was going on.

• Heady: Intense and exciting, often overwhelming.
• Resounding clang: Loud, clear sound.
• Realised: Understood, comprehended.

Dimly, she was aware of dark looks and subdued murmurs pursuing her as she permitted Kelu Nair to drag her away. Returning home in the gathering shadow, his imprecations grew louder and more vehement. Warnings of the great-grandmother’s terrible wrath were becoming real. She paid no heed at all, for she felt wondrously light-hearted, excitingly happy. As she climbed over the stone stile to enter the house, she turned for a last look at the temple. It gleamed back at her conspiratorially, blessing her happiness.

Explanation:

Dimly, she was aware of dark looks and subdued murmurs pursuing her as she permitted Kelu Nair to drag her away.

Explanation: She vaguely noticed unfriendly glances and quiet whispers following her as she allowed Kelu Nair to lead her away.

• Dimly: Not clearly, faintly.
• Dark looks: Unfriendly or angry expressions on people’s faces.
• Subdued murmurs: Quiet, hushed conversations.
• Pursuing: Following or accompanying.

Returning home in the gathering shadow, his imprecations grew louder and more vehement.

Explanation: When they were on their way back home as evening fell, Kelu Nair’s angry complaints became louder and more intense.

• Gathering shadow: Growing darkness as night approached.
• Imprecations: Strong expressions of disapproval or curses.
• Vehement: Passionate and forceful.

Warnings of the great-grandmother’s terrible wrath were becoming real. She paid no heed at all, for she felt wondrously light-hearted, excitingly happy.

Explanation: Warnings about her great-grandmother’s severe anger were turning into reality. However, she paid no attention because she felt incredibly cheerful and wonderfully happy.

• Paid no heed: Ignored, didn’t pay attention.
• Wondrously: Amazingly, wonderfully.
• Light-hearted: Cheerful and carefree.
• Excitingly: With excitement and enthusiasm.

As she climbed over the stone stile to enter the house, she turned for a last look at the temple. It gleamed back at her conspiratorially, blessing her happiness.

Explanation: As she climbed over the stone fence to enter the house, she glanced back at the temple one final time. It seemed to shine back at her as if sharing a secret, as if blessing her happiness.

• Stone stile: A set of steps or stones used as a barrier or fence.
• Gleamed: Shone brightly.
• Conspiratorially: Secretively, as if sharing a secret.
• Blessing: Giving good wishes or approval.

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She was in dire disgrace. Their tight-lipped silence was more eloquent than speech, as was the conspicuous absence of her favourite tiny pappadams at dinner, the pappadams specially ordered for her every holiday, and served regularly at every meal. She did not really care. For the silence seemed to be filled with a thousand voices singing within her. And she was quite, quite sure that the golden god within the temple, in whose eyes all are equal, had accepted her gesture with love.

Explanation:

She was in dire disgrace. Their tight-lipped silence was more eloquent than speech, as was the conspicuous absence of her favourite tiny pappadams at dinner, the pappadams specially ordered for her every holiday, and served regularly at every meal.

Explanation: She was in serious trouble. The silence of the adults spoke volumes, as did the noticeable absence of her favourite small crispy snacks, pappadams, which were customarily prepared for her on holidays and served during every meal.

• Dire disgrace: Severe shame or disgrace.
• Tight-lipped silence: A silence where people don’t speak, indicating disapproval or disappointment.
• Eloquent: Expressive and meaningful.
• Conspicuous absence: Clearly missing or not present.
• Pappadams: Thin, crisp Indian snacks made from lentil flour.

She did not really care. For the silence seemed to be filled with a thousand voices singing within her. And she was quite, quite sure that the golden god within the temple, in whose eyes all are equal, had accepted her gesture with love.

Explanation: She wasn’t bothered by the silence because she felt a thousand voices of joy within her. She was completely convinced that the golden deity in the temple, who sees everyone as equal, had accepted her action with love.

• Not really care: Not be deeply affected or concerned.
• Filled with a thousand voices: Filled with a strong sense of inner satisfaction and contentment.
• Golden god: Refers to the deity made of gold in the temple.
• Accepted her gesture with love: Believed that her action was welcomed and loved by the deity.