A tragedy

In the chapter named, 'A tragedy' Gandhi describes how he was once strayed from the path of vegetarianism by a friend. The significance of this event is easily shown through the title, as it implies that he felt this detour was a terrible mistake, and one of huge importance. Gandhi further shows the tragedy of this event in the sentence 'I was beaten.' as the battle like language used here suggests that he was forced into straying from vegetarianism, and he knew that he really didn't want to do it, he was simply swayed by others. This is further emphasised by the use of the short, emphatic sentence.

'Every time I dropped off to sleep it would seem as though a live goat was bleating inside me, and i would jump up full of remorse'

This shows how much Gandhi regretted his behavior after he ate meat for the first time,  and is particularly emphasised by the simile of the goat. It also suggests that although he believed (at that time) it was right to eat meat, he did not believe it was morally correct, and it suggests that he did not enjoy his meals of meat for the year they lasted.