The Postmaster Questions and Answers
The Postmaster
Characterization, Relationships, and Themes in Rabindranath Tagore's "The Postmaster"
In Tagore's "The Postmaster," the relationship between the postmaster and Ratan is emotionally imbalanced. The postmaster finds companionship and loyalty in Ratan, an orphan who immerses herself in...
The Postmaster
Discuss the relationship between Ratan and the Postmaster.
The relationship between Ratan and the Postmaster is marked by complexity and mutual need. Both characters, feeling adrift and alienated—Ratan as an orphan and the Postmaster displaced from...
The Postmaster
How is loneliness depicted in "The Postmaster"?
In "The Postmaster," loneliness is depicted as both a temporary and permanent state. The Postmaster's loneliness is temporary, stemming from his disconnect with the people of Ulapur. However, his...
The Postmaster
Characterization and Themes in "The Postmaster"
In Rabindranath Tagore's "The Postmaster," the theme of individual aspiration connects deeply with the characterizations of Ratan and the postmaster. Both characters are driven by dreams—Ratan by her...
The Postmaster
Why doesn't the postmaster take Ratan with him?
The postmaster does not take Ratan with him because of societal norms and concerns about reputation. Being unmarried, he risks gossip and a damaged social standing by returning to Calcutta with a...
The Postmaster
What are the differences between rural and urban life in "The Postmaster"?
The story contrasts rural and urban life through the postmaster's experiences. In the rural setting, he feels isolated and unable to appreciate the natural beauty, symbolizing the urban detachment...
The Postmaster
"The Postmaster" by Rabindranath Tagore: Context, Summary, and Human Aspects
Rabindranath Tagore's short story "The Postmaster" explores themes of loneliness, human connection, and socio-economic disparity. Set in the isolated village of Ulapur, the story follows a Calcutta...
The Postmaster
Explain the closing lines of Tagore's "The Postmaster."
The closing lines of Tagore's "The Postmaster" highlight the human tendency to cling to hope despite suffering. After the postmaster leaves, Ratan remains in the village, hoping for his return....
The Postmaster
How does Ratan react when the postmaster in Tagore's "The Postmaster" decides to leave the village?
Ratan reacts with deep distress when the postmaster decides to leave the village. She initially asks where he is going and if he will return, then asks to go with him, which he dismisses. She...
The Postmaster
The significance of the title and the anonymity of the postmaster in Rabindranath Tagore's story
The title "The Postmaster" highlights the central character's occupation rather than his personal identity, emphasizing the universality of his experiences. The anonymity of the postmaster...
The Postmaster
Discuss the concept of meetings and partings in Rabindranath Tagore's "The Postmaster".
In Rabindranath Tagore's "The Postmaster", meetings and partings are depicted as complex emotional experiences. The Postmaster and Ratan, both isolated, meet by chance and form a relationship out of...
The Postmaster
How does the postmaster feel out of place in the remote village?
The postmaster feels out of place in the remote village of Ulapur due to his urban background in Calcutta. He misses the intellectual and cultural environment, his family, and the convenience of city...
The Postmaster
Why is the postmaster described as a fish out of water?
The postmaster is described as a fish out of water because he feels out of place in the small village of Ulapur, preferring the sophisticated city life of Calcutta. He looks down on the villagers for...
The Postmaster
What is the tone of Tagore's short story, "The Postmaster?"
The tone of Tagore's "The Postmaster" is one of gentle melancholy and "humdrum grief," reflecting the small, humble lives and emotional pain of its characters. Tagore uses a plain, steady narration...
The Postmaster
How did the postmaster occupy his time in the village?
The postmaster found life in the village dull and lonely. To pass the time and keep himself occupied, he spent more and more time with Ratan, an orphaned girl who did odd jobs for him.
The Postmaster
Is the postmaster in the story a selfish character? Justify your viewpoint.
The postmaster is not entirely selfish. While he is snobbish and aloof towards the villagers, he forms a bond with Ratan, a young orphan girl, sharing personal stories, food, and teaching her to...
The Postmaster
Explain the following statement with reference to the postmaster in Tagore's "The Postmaster": 'He reflected...
The statement reflects the postmaster's rationalization of his actions in Tagore's "The Postmaster." After rejecting Ratan's request to accompany him and witnessing her heartbreak, he philosophically...
The Postmaster
What could be an alternative ending for "The Postmaster" by Rabindranath Tagore?
An alternative ending for "The Postmaster" could involve the Postmaster and Ratan leaving together, creating a hopeful and redemptive conclusion. Another possibility is Ratan confronting the...
The Postmaster
Is there a difference between the postmaster and others who abandoned the "lonesome waif"?
In "The Postmaster" by Rabindranath Tagore, the postmaster initially forms a bond with Ratan, an orphan girl, but ultimately abandons her when he resigns. Despite her pleas to accompany him, he...
The Postmaster
Describe the postman's outlook in "The Postmaster".
In "The Postmaster," the postmaster exhibits a romantic, positive, and realistic outlook. He nostalgically reminisces about his past, indicating a Romantic nature. Despite initial reluctance, he...
The Postmaster
How did the postmaster's thoughts and emotions differ from Ratan's when he left?
The postmaster's emotions were mixed with guilt and sympathy when he left Ratan, realizing too late the pain his departure caused her. He consoled himself with philosophical reflections on life's...
The Postmaster
Why did the postmaster in The Postmaster speak of his family to Ratan?
The postmaster speaks of his family to Ratan to reminisce about his past and feel connected to his home in Calcutta. This sharing also makes Ratan feel part of his family, offering her a sense of...
The Postmaster
What thoughts entered the postmaster's mind as his boat sailed?
As the postmaster's boat sailed, he felt a deep sorrow for leaving Ratan behind, picturing her grief-stricken face and contemplating taking her with him. Eventually, he shifted to philosophical...
The Postmaster
How did the postmaster entertain himself in Ulapur? Did Ulapur offer good opportunities for his hobbies?
The postmaster, displaced from urban Calcutta to remote Ulapur, finds little opportunity for his usual hobbies due to the lack of leisure and suitable companions. He attempts to write poetry, but the...
The Postmaster
Which event in "The Postmaster" does the sentence "But the unlettered Ratan had no philosophy to fall back on" refer to?
The sentence "But the unlettered Ratan had no philosophy to fall back on" refers to the emotional separation between the postmaster and Ratan when he leaves for Calcutta. The postmaster consoles...
The Postmaster
Does the postmaster love Ratan as a guardian or as a lover?
The postmaster's relationship with Ratan in Rabindranath Tagore's story is more akin to that of a guardian rather than a lover. In Satyajit Ray's film adaptation, titled Two Daughters, there is no...
The Postmaster
Who established the post office in Ulapur and why?
The post office in Ulapur was established by an Englishman who owned a nearby indigo factory. This suggests that Ulapur functioned as a company town, where the factory held significant economic and...
The Postmaster
What does the postmaster's decision to teach Ratan when he is idle reveal about him?
The postmaster's decision to teach Ratan reveals his need to occupy his time and assert control in a monotonous provincial town. Despite a lack of genuine warmth or fatherly attachment, he takes on...
The Postmaster
Why did Ratan feel crushed at the end of "The Postmaster"?
Ratan felt crushed at the end of "The Postmaster" because she was abandoned by her employer, who decided to return to Calcutta alone. Her loyalty and trust were betrayed, as she naively hoped he...
The Postmaster
Why do the words "what an idea" haunt Ratan in "The Postmaster"?
The words "what an idea" haunt Ratan because they symbolize the postmaster's rejection and indifference to her emotional attachment. Ratan sees the postmaster as family, but he remains emotionally...
The Postmaster
What does "lonesome waif, forsaken by the world" mean in The Postmaster?
"Lonesome waif, forsaken by the world" describes Ratan in "The Postmaster." Ratan is an orphan who feels abandoned after the Postmaster, her only companion, leaves her behind. This phrase highlights...
The Postmaster
How does the ending of Tagore's "The Postmaster" reflect the modern condition?
The ending of Tagore's "The Postmaster" reflects the modern condition by highlighting universal pain and suffering. Both the postmaster and Ratan experience pain through their separation,...
The Postmaster
How do "Girls" by Mrinal Pande and "The Postmaster" by Rabindranath Tagore reflect Indian society?
Both "Girls" by Mrinal Pande and "The Postmaster" by Rabindranath Tagore highlight the marginalization of women in Indian society. Pande's story critiques the internalized discrimination against...
The Postmaster
Why is the title "The Postmaster" appropriate?
The title "The Postmaster" is appropriate because it reflects the central perspective and themes of the story. The narrative is primarily viewed through the postmaster's eyes, highlighting his...
The Postmaster
Is the statement "The closing paragraph of 'The Postmaster' represents the entire theme of the story" valid?
The statement is only partially valid as the closing paragraph of "The Postmaster" encapsulates significant themes but does not solely represent the entire theme of the story. The last paragraph...
The Postmaster
How does the climax of "The Postmaster" highlight the contrast between individual thinking?
The climax of "The Postmaster" highlights the contrast in individual thinking between the postmaster and Ratan. The postmaster's decision to leave for Calcutta reflects self-interest and...
The Postmaster
Does the postmaster reveal his sadness about missing his family to the little girl?
The postmaster does hesitate in revealing his sadness at being away from his home and family to Ratan, the little girl. In fact, he never confides in her about it through conversation. He only...
The Postmaster
In "The Postmaster" by Rabindranath Tagore, what do we learn about Calcutta?
In "The Postmaster," Calcutta is portrayed as a desirable, cosmopolitan place compared to the rural village of Ulapur. The postmaster views Calcutta as more hygienic and culturally rich, aligning...
The Postmaster
In "The Postmaster," how were incessant rains affecting the village?
The incessant heavy rains in Ulapur make the roads impassable; trading has to be conducted in boats, and there is less to do about the place.
The Postmaster
Does the postmaster in Tagore's short story have adequate coping skills?
The postmaster in Tagore's short story lacks adequate coping skills. He struggles to adapt to life in Ulapur and does not engage with the community, showing emotional dependence on others, such as...
The Postmaster
How does "The Postmaster" redefine the concept of being "advanced"?
"The Postmaster" redefines "advanced" by contrasting the urban, educated postmaster with the rural, uneducated Ratan, highlighting how societal advancement often benefits only the privileged. The...