Question

British colonial servant in the 19th century wins his ideal job of serving in India. He thinks he will bring culture and enlightenment to the people in the country. However, he discovers that along with material improvements to the country, he is helping to turn India into a country that serves mostly to enrich Britain. Ashamed, he resigns his post.
Based on the summary, what can a reader assume about the story's theme as it relates to justice?
A. It is important to work for justice, even if one's role in the struggle is small.
B. Justice can only ever be achieved by a society, not an individual.
C. As long as one's goals are just, how they are achieved is unimportant.
D. Justice is a concept that is respected only in some societies.

Answer 1

A.  The British imperial agent clearly thought the conditions in India were unjust due to what, we can assume, he saw as mercantilism conditions when he actually arrived.  His resignation will not stop the expansion of the British Empire and it is unlikely that anyone who could actually change conditions will take note.  However, he is sacrificing his career and potential future wealth in order to make a point.  He has met his notion of justice, not society's, so B does not apply.  He does not really reach his goal in creating a just environment, so C is likewise not applicable.  D is also out because it seems to jump to a conclusion that one of the two societies found the arrangement unjust, but that is not supported by the limited information provided.