# Homeward explained — The Story of My Experiments with Truth

> Chapter companion for The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi.

## What happens

Gandhi describes his departure from England to India with Mr. Kallenbach, who is denied a passport due to German surveillance. They travel second class, and Gandhi reflects on the racial distance between English and Indian passengers. He arrives in Bombay after ten years abroad, greeted by Gokhale, but feels fate has other plans.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Discipline and Simplicity

Gandhi preferred third class but settled for second; maintained a diet of nuts and fruits, and endured discomfort from the plaster until it became unbearable.

### Social Justice and Anti-Colonialism

Gandhi observes the conscious or unconscious racial divide between English and Indian passengers, attributing it to the ruler-subject dynamic.

## Character check-ins

### Hermann Kallenbach

Accompanied Gandhi to England but denied passport to India; returns to South Africa.

### Dr. Jivraj Mehta

Bandaged Gandhi's ribs with plaster before the voyage.

### Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Arranged a reception for Gandhi in Bombay despite his own delicate health.

## Key lines

> We wanted a third class passage, but as there was none available on P. and O. boats, we had to go second.

Gandhi and Kallenbach desired third class tickets but settled for second class due to unavailability.

_Reflects Gandhi's preference for simplicity and frugality._

> I was eager to reach home and get free from this atmosphere.

Gandhi longed to return to India to escape the racial tension on the ship.

_Highlights the oppressive colonial atmosphere Gandhi felt._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xliii-homeward
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters