"Baking was indeed a profitable profession in the old days in Goa." Support this statement with reference to 'A Baker from Goa', discussing the social standing, economic stability, and importance of the baker in Goan village life.
Answer
Baking was a lucrative profession because bread was an essential part of daily life and social traditions; bakers never starved and their plump physique was open testimony to their prosperity.
Step-by-step solution
- Highlight the cultural importance of bread in Goan traditions, such as 'bol' for marriages, sandwiches for engagement parties, and 'bolinhas' and cakes for Christmas.
- Explain the economic aspect: demand for bread was constant for both daily meals and special occasions, providing a steady income.
- Mention how financial accounts were recorded on walls in pencil and collected monthly.
- Describe the physical appearance of bakers as mentioned in the text: their jackfruit-like plump physique was open testimony that the baker and his family never starved.
- Summarize how these points demonstrate that baking was a respected and profitable profession in Goa.
Common mistake: Writing only about the types of bread without connecting them to how they ensured financial prosperity and social standing for the baker.
Concept tested: Economic and social status of Goan bakers
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Related questions
- 1 Why was bread considered an indispensable part of Goan culture and special occasions in 'A Baker from Goa'?
- 2 How did the baker announce his arrival in the morning, and what were the children eager to get from him in 'A Baker from Goa'?
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