Part of: West Bengal Gk set 40

In the selection from A Long Way Home, how does the narrator use Google Earth to search for his original home?

Category: West Bengal Gk

Hint: Consider the narrator's methodical approach to finding his home.

Correct Answer: B) He starts at Kolkata and searches the train lines working outward.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

In "A Long Way Home," the narrator employs a methodical and systematic approach to locate his original home using Google Earth. The narrative technique used here is a form of non-fiction storytelling that emphasizes the narrator's logical and structured thinking. The narrator's method of starting from Kolkata and searching along the train lines is a strategic choice that reflects his familiarity with the area and the importance of train lines as a significant landmark in his memory.

The use of Google Earth as a tool for this search is a modern and effective method that allows the narrator to visualize and explore the landscape in a way that would have been impossible without such technology. By starting from Kolkata, a major city and a known point of reference, the narrator can systematically expand his search outward, following the train lines that he remembers from his past. This approach is not only logical but also emotionally resonant, as it connects the narrator to his past through familiar landmarks and routes.

The choice of starting from Kolkata and using train lines as a guide is significant because it provides a clear and tangible path for the narrator to follow. Train lines are often associated with travel and movement, and in the context of the narrative, they serve as a metaphorical and literal connection to the narrator's past. This methodical approach also underscores the narrator's determination and the importance of the search for his original home.

It is important to note that the narrator's use of Google Earth and his methodical search strategy are not just practical tools but also serve to enhance the narrative structure of the story. The systematic approach adds a layer of credibility and authenticity to the narrative, making the reader more engaged and invested in the narrator's journey. This technique is a hallmark of non-fiction literature, where the author's personal experiences and methods of discovery are central to the storytelling.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect because the narrator does not focus on every train station in India. Instead, he starts from a specific location and works outward, using train lines as a guide.
  • Option B: This option is correct. The narrator begins his search in Kolkata and uses the train lines as a systematic way to explore the surrounding areas, working outward from a known point.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect because the narrator does not scan the entire map of India. He uses a more focused and methodical approach, starting from Kolkata and following train lines.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because the narrator does not trace the rivers of India from the sea inland. He uses train lines as a more direct and familiar landmark to guide his search.

Mnemonic: Kolkata to Home: Train Tracks

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