Mahendra’s words, in which he dismisses ghosts and spirits as “figments of the imagination,” reflect his rational and skeptical nature. He speaks these words to express his belief in logic and the absence of evidence for supernatural phenomena. To him, the idea of ghosts or spirits is not grounded in reality, and he perceives them as mere creations of the mind.
Mahendra spoke these words because he firmly believed in logic, reason, and scientific thinking. He wanted to reject the fear and irrationality surrounding supernatural beliefs, possibly to maintain his sense of control and security in a world that he sees as governed by predictable rules. By calling ghosts a figment of the imagination, he was reinforcing his understanding of reality as something grounded in observable facts and dismissing the notion of the supernatural, which he found illogical and unproven.
Mahendra’s words may also have been spoken in an attempt to convince others (and possibly himself) that the supernatural does not exist. By verbalizing his beliefs, he is asserting his control over the situation and rejecting the fear that comes with uncertainty or the unknown. His statement could have been a defense mechanism to protect himself from the unsettling idea of the supernatural, something beyond his understanding or control.
In conclusion, Mahendra’s words reflect his belief in rationality and his desire to distance himself from the irrationality of supernatural beliefs. He spoke those words to assert his logical understanding of the world and to alleviate any fear or anxiety he might have felt toward the unknown. His confident dismissal of ghosts as figments of the imagination is indicative of his strong reliance on reason and his attempt to maintain control over his perception of reality.
Study the words in italics in the sentences below. They are formed by prefixing un – or in – to their antonyms (words opposite in meaning).
• I was a short boy with rather undistinguished looks. (un + distinguished)
• My austere father used to avoid all inessential comforts.(in + essential)
• The area was completely unaffected by the war.(un + affected)
• He should not spread the poison of social inequality and communal intolerance. (in + equality, in + tolerance)
Now form the opposites of the words below by prefixing un- or in-. The prefix in-can also have the forms il-, ir-, or im- (for example: illiterate –il + literate, impractical – im + practical, irrational – ir + rational). You may consult a dictionary if you wish.
| ____adequate | _____acceptable | _____regular | ____tolerant |
| _____demanding | ______active | ____true | ____permanent |
| ___patriotic | ____disputed | ____accessible | _____coherent |
| ____logical | ____legal | ______responsible | _____possible |