The Story of My Experiments with Truth · Chapter
Arrival in Natal explained
Gandhi describes his departure for South Africa in 1893, the pang of parting from his wife Kasturbai, and his journey by sea.
What happens
Gandhi describes his departure for South Africa in 1893, the pang of parting from his wife Kasturbai, and his journey by sea. He recounts securing a berth through the captain's kindness, a chess partnership, a dangerous landing at Lamu, and a trial of chastity in Zanzibar, which deepened his faith in God.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Discipline and Simplicity
Gandhi's refusal of a deck passage despite being a barrister shows his evolving simplicity, and his moral trial in Zanzibar reinforces his commitment to self-discipline.
Truth and Self-Experimentation
Gandhi's honest reflection on his innocence in the Zanzibar incident and his gratitude to God for preserving his chastity exemplifies his quest for truth.
Characters to notice
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Narrator and protagonist; departs for South Africa, reflects on his relationship with his wife, and undergoes moral trials during the voyage.
- Kasturbai Gandhi
Gandhi's wife; he feels the pang of parting from her and reflects on their evolving relationship.
- Dada Abdulla
His agent arranges the passage; Gandhi interacts with the agent in Bombay.
Key passages
“Our love could not yet be called free from lust, but it was getting gradually purer.”
Gandhi acknowledges that his marital love still contained desire, but it was slowly becoming more spiritual.
Reflects his evolving views on celibacy and purity in relationships.
“I simply stood there dumb with shame. Heaven only knows what the poor woman must have thought of me.”
Gandhi was speechless with shame when taken to a prostitute's room, and he remained passive.
Highlights his innocence and the moral trial that strengthened his faith.