UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >  Passage- IFor fourteen and half months I live... Start Learning for Free
Passage- I
 
For fourteen and half months I lived in my little cell or room in Dehradun jail, and I began to feel as if I was almost a part of it. I was familiar with every bit of it, I knew every mark and dent on the whitewashed walls and on the uneven floors and on the ceiling with the moth eaten rafters. In the little yard outside I greeted little tufts of grass and odd bits of stone as old friends. I was not alone in my cell, for several colonies of wasp and hornets lived there, and many lizards found the home behind the rafters, emerging in the evening in the search of prey.
 
 
Q. The author of the passage seems to suggest that
  • a)
    It is possible to adjust one-self to uncongenial surroundings.
  • b)
    The conditions in Indian prisons are not bad
  • c)
    It is not difficult to spend one's time in prison
  • d)
    There is a need to improve the conditions in our jails.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Passage- IFor fourteen and half months I lived in my little cell or ro...
Solution: a) The prisoner familiarized himself with his surroundings. He befriended his natural environment as a means of survival and to overcome his aloofness. So most appropriate option is (a).
View all questions of this test
Most Upvoted Answer
Passage- IFor fourteen and half months I lived in my little cell or ro...
Introduction:
The author of the passage describes their experience of living in a prison cell for over a year and a half. They state that they have become familiar with every aspect of their surroundings, including the walls, floors, and ceiling. They also mention the presence of insects and lizards in their cell.

Main Body:
1. Adjusting to Uncongenial Surroundings:
The author's description of feeling like a part of their prison cell suggests that they have adjusted themselves to their uncongenial surroundings. Despite being confined to a small space, they have become intimately familiar with every detail of the cell. This indicates their ability to adapt and find comfort even in difficult circumstances.

2. Familiarity with the Surroundings:
The author's statement about knowing every mark and dent on the walls, floors, and ceiling highlights their deep familiarity with the prison cell. This level of familiarity can only be achieved by spending a significant amount of time in the same environment. It shows the author's ability to make the best of their situation and find solace in their knowledge of the surroundings.

3. Connection with Nature:
The author's mention of greeting tufts of grass and stones in the yard outside as old friends suggests a sense of connection with the natural world. Despite being confined, they have found comfort in observing and acknowledging the presence of these elements. This demonstrates their ability to appreciate the small joys and find beauty even in restricted surroundings.

4. Coexistence with Insects and Lizards:
The author's description of wasp colonies, hornets, and lizards living in their cell suggests that they have developed a sense of companionship with these creatures. They observe their activities, such as the lizards emerging in the evening for prey. This indicates the author's ability to find companionship and observe the natural world even within the confines of their cell.

Conclusion:
The author's description in the passage suggests that it is possible to adjust oneself to uncongenial surroundings. Despite the challenging conditions of living in a prison cell, the author has managed to find familiarity, connection with nature, and a sense of companionship with the creatures sharing their living space. This highlights the human capacity to adapt and find solace even in restrictive environments.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Question Description
Passage- IFor fourteen and half months I lived in my little cell or room in Dehradun jail, and I began to feel as if I was almost a part of it. I was familiar with every bit of it, I knew every mark and dent on the whitewashed walls and on the uneven floors and on the ceiling with the moth eaten rafters. In the little yard outside I greeted little tufts of grass and odd bits of stone as old friends. I was not alone in my cell, for several colonies of wasp and hornets lived there,and many lizards found the home behind the rafters, emerging in the evening in the search of prey.Q. The author of the passage seems to suggest thata)It is possible to adjust one-self to uncongenial surroundings.b)The conditions in Indian prisons are not badc)It is not difficult to spend one's time in prisond)There is a need to improve the conditions in our jails.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Passage- IFor fourteen and half months I lived in my little cell or room in Dehradun jail, and I began to feel as if I was almost a part of it. I was familiar with every bit of it, I knew every mark and dent on the whitewashed walls and on the uneven floors and on the ceiling with the moth eaten rafters. In the little yard outside I greeted little tufts of grass and odd bits of stone as old friends. I was not alone in my cell, for several colonies of wasp and hornets lived there,and many lizards found the home behind the rafters, emerging in the evening in the search of prey.Q. The author of the passage seems to suggest thata)It is possible to adjust one-self to uncongenial surroundings.b)The conditions in Indian prisons are not badc)It is not difficult to spend one's time in prisond)There is a need to improve the conditions in our jails.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Passage- IFor fourteen and half months I lived in my little cell or room in Dehradun jail, and I began to feel as if I was almost a part of it. I was familiar with every bit of it, I knew every mark and dent on the whitewashed walls and on the uneven floors and on the ceiling with the moth eaten rafters. In the little yard outside I greeted little tufts of grass and odd bits of stone as old friends. I was not alone in my cell, for several colonies of wasp and hornets lived there,and many lizards found the home behind the rafters, emerging in the evening in the search of prey.Q. The author of the passage seems to suggest thata)It is possible to adjust one-self to uncongenial surroundings.b)The conditions in Indian prisons are not badc)It is not difficult to spend one's time in prisond)There is a need to improve the conditions in our jails.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Passage- IFor fourteen and half months I lived in my little cell or room in Dehradun jail, and I began to feel as if I was almost a part of it. I was familiar with every bit of it, I knew every mark and dent on the whitewashed walls and on the uneven floors and on the ceiling with the moth eaten rafters. In the little yard outside I greeted little tufts of grass and odd bits of stone as old friends. I was not alone in my cell, for several colonies of wasp and hornets lived there,and many lizards found the home behind the rafters, emerging in the evening in the search of prey.Q. The author of the passage seems to suggest thata)It is possible to adjust one-self to uncongenial surroundings.b)The conditions in Indian prisons are not badc)It is not difficult to spend one's time in prisond)There is a need to improve the conditions in our jails.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Passage- IFor fourteen and half months I lived in my little cell or room in Dehradun jail, and I began to feel as if I was almost a part of it. I was familiar with every bit of it, I knew every mark and dent on the whitewashed walls and on the uneven floors and on the ceiling with the moth eaten rafters. In the little yard outside I greeted little tufts of grass and odd bits of stone as old friends. I was not alone in my cell, for several colonies of wasp and hornets lived there,and many lizards found the home behind the rafters, emerging in the evening in the search of prey.Q. The author of the passage seems to suggest thata)It is possible to adjust one-self to uncongenial surroundings.b)The conditions in Indian prisons are not badc)It is not difficult to spend one's time in prisond)There is a need to improve the conditions in our jails.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Passage- IFor fourteen and half months I lived in my little cell or room in Dehradun jail, and I began to feel as if I was almost a part of it. I was familiar with every bit of it, I knew every mark and dent on the whitewashed walls and on the uneven floors and on the ceiling with the moth eaten rafters. In the little yard outside I greeted little tufts of grass and odd bits of stone as old friends. I was not alone in my cell, for several colonies of wasp and hornets lived there,and many lizards found the home behind the rafters, emerging in the evening in the search of prey.Q. The author of the passage seems to suggest thata)It is possible to adjust one-self to uncongenial surroundings.b)The conditions in Indian prisons are not badc)It is not difficult to spend one's time in prisond)There is a need to improve the conditions in our jails.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Passage- IFor fourteen and half months I lived in my little cell or room in Dehradun jail, and I began to feel as if I was almost a part of it. I was familiar with every bit of it, I knew every mark and dent on the whitewashed walls and on the uneven floors and on the ceiling with the moth eaten rafters. In the little yard outside I greeted little tufts of grass and odd bits of stone as old friends. I was not alone in my cell, for several colonies of wasp and hornets lived there,and many lizards found the home behind the rafters, emerging in the evening in the search of prey.Q. The author of the passage seems to suggest thata)It is possible to adjust one-self to uncongenial surroundings.b)The conditions in Indian prisons are not badc)It is not difficult to spend one's time in prisond)There is a need to improve the conditions in our jails.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Passage- IFor fourteen and half months I lived in my little cell or room in Dehradun jail, and I began to feel as if I was almost a part of it. I was familiar with every bit of it, I knew every mark and dent on the whitewashed walls and on the uneven floors and on the ceiling with the moth eaten rafters. In the little yard outside I greeted little tufts of grass and odd bits of stone as old friends. I was not alone in my cell, for several colonies of wasp and hornets lived there,and many lizards found the home behind the rafters, emerging in the evening in the search of prey.Q. The author of the passage seems to suggest thata)It is possible to adjust one-self to uncongenial surroundings.b)The conditions in Indian prisons are not badc)It is not difficult to spend one's time in prisond)There is a need to improve the conditions in our jails.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Passage- IFor fourteen and half months I lived in my little cell or room in Dehradun jail, and I began to feel as if I was almost a part of it. I was familiar with every bit of it, I knew every mark and dent on the whitewashed walls and on the uneven floors and on the ceiling with the moth eaten rafters. In the little yard outside I greeted little tufts of grass and odd bits of stone as old friends. I was not alone in my cell, for several colonies of wasp and hornets lived there,and many lizards found the home behind the rafters, emerging in the evening in the search of prey.Q. The author of the passage seems to suggest thata)It is possible to adjust one-self to uncongenial surroundings.b)The conditions in Indian prisons are not badc)It is not difficult to spend one's time in prisond)There is a need to improve the conditions in our jails.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev