Jurmana - Premchand

Jurmana, written by Premchand, is a peek into the life of Alarakkhi who is a sweeper who is most probably employed by the Government under the sanitation department.

In the story Alarakkhi is shown to be in a state of constant turmoil as she is not paid in full by her boss, then she is always picked on by the inspector and is fined constantly. She is shown as an everyday mother who is working hard to sustain family. Towards the end of the story, as Alarakkhi is getting paid, her name is unusually called later on which erupts gossip among the other sweepers gathered at the Municipal office to collect the pay. After her name is called, she is given her salary in full amount. Instead of being happy for the money that she got, she feels guilty for having abused the Inspector.

Characters:-

Munshi Khairat Ali: The Inspector

Alarakkhi

Husseni: Alarakkhi’s Husband

The Baby

In Short:-

The inspector has over 1000 sweepers under him – the feeling while waiting in line for the pay is the same as a student waiting in line to get his grades while speculating over the amount of deduction – Alarakkhi scolding her daughter(still a baby) as she doesn’t want to leave her mother as the mother works – Alarakkhi abuses the Inspector – Inspector appears - Alarakkhi is scared – Asks her to leave the baby home next time – Baby has a fever– Inspector asks Alarakkhi as to why she was abusing him – Alarakkhi is scared – she tells the inspector that no such thing happened – Huseni alarakkhi go to collect the pay – Alarakkhi thinks she has been fired – Her name usually comes after Champa, but doesn’t this time – gossip in the room – Alarakkhi’s name finally comes – She collects her pay – leaves – guilty of abusing inspector – the end

Themes:-

Unfair treatment, lives of workers, Guilt, Happiness

Motifs:-

Suffering – We can see that throughout the short story Alarakkhi’s suffering continues and even at the end of the story when she should have been happy she brings herself down by feeling guilty. Guilty for having abused the inspector.