The Story of My Experiments with Truth · Chapter
Homeward explained
Gandhi describes his departure from England to India with Mr.
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.
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 Rising action.
- 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
- 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.
Characters to notice
- 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 passages
“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.
