Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

G. K. Gokhale

Indian leader Gokhale, who founded the Servants of India Society, is Gandhi's mentor in politics. We don't learn too much about their relationship, but we find out that Gandhi lives with him for a month and that Gokhale introduces the author to plenty of important people and gives him tips on how to conduct relationships with them.

The author thinks very highly of Gokhale, as is illustrated when Gandhi cleans the leader's scarf (3.9.7-9) and prizes Gokhale's approval of his laundry job. Word to the wise: even Gandhi needed a mentor…and even Gandhi knew the importance of well-washed scarves. Laundry and mentorship, folks—the path to world-shaping success.