Student Question
How does Ruskin Bond illustrate "life has to go on" in "The Tiger in the Tunnel?"
Quick answer:
Ruskin Bond illustrates the theme "life has to go on" through the character of Tembu, who, after his father Baldeo's death, takes on his father's responsibilities as a night watchman. Despite the tragedy, Tembu does not succumb to grief but instead matures and assumes greater responsibility for his family. This theme is further highlighted when Baldeo faces the tiger without a weapon, showing that life continues even amidst challenges and loss.
One way that the idea of "life has to go on" is brought out in Bond's story can be in Tembu himself. Tembu does not shut down as a result of his father's death. He does not wall himself in a room and continually mourn. Rather, he demonstrates the truth in the idea that "life has to go on" when his father dies. He understands that he must take up his father's post at the tunnel. Tembu recognizes that "life has to go on" in the way he takes on added responsibility for the family. While Baldeo's death is terrible, Tembu understands that he must mature beyond his years. He might have been scared at one point, but in recognizing what he has to do, Tembu shows growth and the sustaining life force that subsumes all.
In having to assume greater responsibility, Tembu demonstrates how life has to go...
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on. At the end of the story, he is no longer afraid as he used to be. He will be the next night watchman. Life has continued on, moving him into the position that his father used to hold. Tembu's growth demonstrates how life has to go on. It must continue despite pain and suffering, something that is evident in Tembu's new found responsibility.
Describe incidents in "The Tiger in the Tunnel" that show life must go on.
Two moments where "life has to go on" can be seen when Baldeo loses his weapon in his fight with the tiger and when Tembu must assume responsibility for his family's welfare.
The moment when Baldeo comes face to face with the tiger is a significant one. He draws his weapon as the animal makes towards him, and then brings "his axe down on the animal's shoulder." This wounded the animal, but also ensured that "Baldeo was left without a weapon." Baldeo was placed at a tremendous disadvantage, however, "life has to go on." He was forced to fight the tiger without a weapon, resulting in his death.
Another situation that shows "life has to go on" is when Tembu must assume his father's duties. Tembu is the one who discovers his father's lifeless body. He has to guard it from "from jackals and hyenas." He and his mother and sister mourn for days. Despite such intense pain, Bond writes that "life had to go on, and a living had to be made." Tembu takes over his father's job as the night watchman. It is clear that grief over death does not stop the business of daily life, as taking care of the family becomes Tembu's primary responsibility.