Discussion Topic
Baldeo's Courage and Responsibility in "The Tiger in the Tunnel"
Summary:
In "The Tiger in the Tunnel," Baldeo exemplifies courage and responsibility through his role as a railway watchman, performing dangerous duties for his family's welfare. Despite the risks, he diligently maintains the signal lamp and ensures the tunnel is clear. His courage is evident when he confronts a tiger, ultimately sacrificing his life. This bravery and sense of duty inspire his son, Tembu, who inherits his father's responsibilities, reflecting themes of legacy and maturity.
Describe Baldeo's courage at the signal post in "The Tiger in the Tunnel."
Baldeo demonstrates the courage to continue to do his job even in the face of overwhelming conditions.
One way in which Baldeo shows courage is in his persistence in doing his job. Baldeo works late hours at a station that is a station "in name only." He works very hard for a job that does not carry much in the way of prestige and little compensation. This can be seen when he has to get up in the middle of the night to carry out his duty:
"Still drowsy, Baldeo, groped for his lamp in darkness then fumbled about in search of matches. When he had produced a light he left the hut, closed the door behind him and set off along the permanent way."
It is courageous for anyone to do their job with so much diligence when there is little in the way of external reward, and Baldeo...
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Another instance where courage can be seen is in the moment of critical action. Baldeo knows that the tiger is waiting for him. Knowing this, Baldeo does not back down:
A low grunt resounded from the top of the cutting. In a second Baldeo was awake, all his senses alert. Only a tiger could emit such a sound. There was no shelter for Baldeo, but he grasped his axe firmly and tensed his body, trying to make out the direction from which the animal was approaching.
There is courage in Baldeo's willingness to directly face danger. In understanding "there was no shelter," Baldeo confronted death.
How does Baldeo display courage in his encounter with the tiger in "The Tiger in The Tunnel"? How does this relate to his family relationships?
Courage is something that Baldeo shows in his confrontation with the tiger. One of the most demonstrative aspects of this courage is that Baldeo only interacts with the tiger because he is earning extra income for his family. He shows courage in being able to make a sacrifice for his family. He knows that it is dangerous and that he could be threatened with the elements around him. Yet, he shows courage in embodying what he needs to do and is courageous in how he never flinches from his responsibility. Another layer of courage is seen in how Baldeo fights the tiger. He never runs away from the tiger. Knowing that there is no escape, Baldeo stands tall and meets the challenge posed by the tiger in the most direct way possible. The tiger attacks and Baldeo is waiting there to bring his axe down on the tiger. Courage is most visible in Baldeo's entire approach with the tiger.
Certainly, in creating a word sketch of Baldeo, one can see how this courage has transferred to his son. Tembu mourns for his father, but resumes his father's post at the tunnel. A word sketch might involve the words "courage," "son" and "responsibility" for the son sees his own notion of responsibility in the same light as the father. At the same time, I think that Tembu's coming of age is a reflection of his father's courage. Tembu recognizes the courageous nature of his father, and through his father's example, he understand what it means to "be a man." Tembu is able to assume his father's post and embrace his father's condition because of what he saw out of his father. A word sketch in this light could consist of words such as "man" "duty," and "legacy" for in the end, Tembu understands these elements from what Baldeo displayed.
How does Baldeo from "The Tiger in the Tunnel" exemplify a responsible family man?
Baldeo was a responsible family man because he worked hard to provide for his family. The family got some of their provisions from the rice fields, but it was barely enough to sustain them. Baldeo decided to take up another job as a railway watchman (Khalasi) in a dangerous part of their locale. He reported to his station every night and ensured that the signal lamp was burning. He also made sure that there were no obstructions in the railway tunnel.
Baldeo allowed his son to join him at the station when the boy was done with his chores. On the night when the tiger attacked and killed Baldeo, both father and son were at the station. However, Baldeo asked his son not to join him on his routine inspection because it was cold outside. His gesture showed that he was a responsible and caring father.
‘Shall I come too, Father?’ asked Tembu sleepily, still lying in a huddle in a corner of the hut.
‘No, it is cold tonight. Do not get up.’