The Story of My Experiments with Truth · Chapter
To South Africa Again explained
Gandhi returns to South Africa after a brief period in Bombay, leaving his family behind and taking several youths, including Maganlal Gandhi, with him.
What happens
Gandhi returns to South Africa after a brief period in Bombay, leaving his family behind and taking several youths, including Maganlal Gandhi, with him. He reflects on the uncertainty of life and the pursuit of Truth.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Gandhi’s physical…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Truth and Self-Experimentation
Gandhi reflects on the uncertainty of life and the quest for Truth as the supreme goal.
- Family and Personal Relationships
Gandhi separates from his wife and children, prioritizing his work and ideals over family stability.
Characters to notice
- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Narrates his return to South Africa, his professional life in Bombay, and his decision to leave his family behind.
- Maganlal Gandhi
One of the youths Gandhi takes with him to South Africa, whom he later guides successfully.
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Visits Gandhi frequently in Bombay, making plans for him and introducing him to friends.
- Manilal Gandhi
Mentioned as having been restored to health, prompting the move to a better bungalow.
- Kasturbai Gandhi
Left behind in Bombay with the children when Gandhi returns to South Africa.
Key passages
“I think it is wrong to expect certainties in this world, where all else but God that is Truth is an uncertainty.”
Gandhi believes that expecting certainty in life is misguided, as only God, who is Truth, is certain.
Reflects Gandhi's philosophical view on the transient nature of worldly life.
“The quest for that Truth is the summum bonum of life.”
The search for Truth is the highest purpose of life.
Highlights Gandhi's central spiritual and moral principle.
