Girgit Summary Class 10
गिरगिट: सत्ता के गलियारों में बदलते रंग, अवसरवादिता और नैतिकता के पतन पर एक तीखा व्यंग्य।
In this girgit summary class 10 standard deep-dive, we analyze Anton Chekhov's
brilliant satire, 'Chameleon' (translated in Hindi as Girgit). The story is a sharp critique of
individuals who change their principles according to the social standing of those involved. Through
the character of Otchumyelov, a police superintendent, Chekhov exposes the corruption and moral
hollowness of the administrative machinery. The title 'Girgit' perfectly captures the essence of a
man who changes his "colors" (opinions) faster than the reptile itself.
The story begins in a marketplace where a dog has bitten the finger of a goldsmith named Hryukin.
Initially, Otchumyelov takes a strict stance, promising to punish the dog's owner for negligence. He
talks about law, order, and the rights of citizens. However, as soon as someone suggests that the dog
might belong to a high-ranking official like General Zhigalov, Otchumyelov’s demeanor shifts
instantly. The girgit class 10 summary highlights the comical back-and-forth
where he alternates between blaming the "vicious" dog and the "drunk" Hryukin based on the latest
rumor about the dog's ownership.
"सत्ता के सामने नैतिकता और न्याय अक्सर अपना रंग बदल लेते हैं।" (In front of power, morality and justice
often change their colors).
Every time the crowd suggests a different owner, Otchumyelov’s physical discomfort (requesting his
coat to be taken off or put back on) serves as a visual metaphor for his internal conflict. He is
not afraid of truth, but of authority. When it is finally revealed that the dog belongs to the
General's brother, Otchumyelov makes a complete U-turn, praising the dog's 'cuteness' and threatening
Hryukin for bothering such a 'noble animal'. This illustrates how justice is often subservient to
nepotism and sycophancy.
The core of this girgit summary class 10 is the psychological study of
Otchumyelov. He is not just a character; he is a symptom of a sick society. His repetitive
shuffling of his coat (ordering his subordinate, Yeldyrin, to take it off and put it on) symbolizes
his attempts to hide his own shame and lack of integrity. Each time he learns something new about
the dog's connection to the General, he literally 'sweats' from the fear of making a mistake. In
his world, 'Grandeur' is the only 'Truth', and 'Power' is the only 'Justice'. His behavior is
painfully funny, yet deeply tragic for the victims of such an administration.
"ओचुम्येलाव का कोट गिरगिट की उस चमड़ी की तरह है, जो उसे समाज में छिपने और जीवित रहने में मदद देती है।"
(Otchumyelov's coat is like the skin of a chameleon that helps him hide and survive in society).
Hryukin, on the other hand, represents the common man who is himself flawed. He is not looking for
justice so much as he is looking for compensation. Chekhov doesn't paint him as a noble hero, but
as a opportunistic person who gets crushed by a bigger opportunist. The entire marketplace scene is
a miniature version of the world where 'Right' is whatever 'Might' decides it to be. The story
leaves the reader with a sense of bitter irony as the 'Chameleon' walks away, having successfully
maneuvered another social crisis.
- ओचुम्येलाव (Otchumyelov): An official who values power over law. His
shifting stance throughout the story makes him a classic example of a sycophant.
- ख्र्युकिन (Hryukin): A goldsmith who wants to exploit the dog bite for
money. He represents the opportunism prevalent at even the lower levels of society.
- येल्दिरिन (Yeldyrin): The subordinate who silently witnesses and assists
in Otchumyelov’s charade, representing the complicity of the lower bureaucracy.
Master your revision with these expert-drafted answers:
Q1. कहानी का शीर्षक 'गिरगिट' क्यों रखा गया है?
A. 'गिरगिट' अपना रंग बदलने के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। यहाँ मुख्य पात्र ओचुम्येलाव भी परिस्थिति और शक्ति को
देखकर अपनी राय और न्याय की परिभाषा बदल लेता है। उसकी यह अवसरवादिता और सिद्धांतों का अभाव उसे
एक 'सामाजिक गिरगिट' बनाता है, इसलिए यह शीर्षक पूर्णतः सार्थक है।
Q2. ओचुम्येलाव के व्यवहार में कोट उतारने और पहनने का क्या महत्त्व है?
A. कोट उतारने और पहनने का कार्य ओचुम्येलाव की घबराहट और मानसिक द्वंद्व को दर्शाता है। जब उसे पता चलता
है कि कुत्ता किसी बड़े अधिकारी का हो सकता है, तो वह डर से पसीने-पसीने हो जाता है और अपनी इस
असहजता को छिपाने के लिए कोट का सहारा लेता है।
Q3. चेखव ने इस कहानी के माध्यम से किस व्यवस्था पर प्रहार किया है?
A. चेखव ने उस भ्रष्ट प्रशासनिक व्यवस्था पर प्रहार किया है जहाँ न्याय व्यक्ति के ओहदे को देखकर दिया
जाता है। यह कहानी दिखाती है कि कैसे कानून केवल कमज़ोरों के लिए होता है और ताकतवर लोग इसे अपनी
सुविधा अनुसार मरोड़ सकते हैं।
सच का सामना दर्पण में (Facing Truth in the Mirror)
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