3.3.2 - The Postmaster By Rabindranath Tagore

Book Back Questions

1. Why did the postmaster speak of his family to Ratan?

The postmaster spoke of his family to Ratan because he felt lonely in the remote village of Ulapur. He was from the city of Calcutta and found it difficult to adjust to rural life. He had no friends in the village, and the plantation workers were not good company for him. Ratan was the only person who spent time with him and listened to him patiently. When Ratan shared her memories of her parents and little brother, the postmaster also felt like sharing his own memories. Talking about his family gave him comfort and reduced his loneliness. It created a bond between them. Thus, he spoke of his family to Ratan to overcome loneliness and to feel emotionally connected.

2. Why did the postmaster decide to leave Ulapur?

The postmaster decided to leave Ulapur because he was unable to adjust to village life. He felt homesick and constantly missed his family in Calcutta. The rural surroundings did not interest him, and he disliked the lonely life in the village. His wages were low, and he had to cook for himself. Due to homesickness, he fell ill, and even after recovering, his desire to return home increased. Since he did not get a transfer, he chose to resign from his job. He believed that life in the city would be more comfortable and familiar. Thus, his loneliness, illness, and strong attachment to Calcutta made him leave Ulapur.

3. “Friendship and separation are an inevitable part of life.” Comment with reference to the story “The Postmaster”.

The story “The Postmaster” shows that friendship and separation are unavoidable in life. The postmaster and Ratan develop a close bond due to loneliness and shared memories. Ratan begins to see the postmaster as her family and calls him ‘Dadababu’. However, their friendship does not last forever. When the postmaster decides to leave the village, Ratan is deeply hurt. Though she requests him to take her to Calcutta, he is helpless and leaves her behind. This separation causes great sorrow to Ratan. The postmaster also feels uneasy and confused but still leaves. Thus, the story clearly shows that friendships may be meaningful but separation is often unavoidable.

4. Sketch the character of the postmaster.

The postmaster is a gentle and sensitive man from the city of Calcutta. He is not comfortable in the rural surroundings of Ulapur and feels lonely and homesick. He lacks social skills and does not mix easily with others. Though he is kind-hearted, he is weak in decision-making. He shares his food with Ratan and teaches her to read. He enjoys talking to her and sharing memories. However, when the time comes, he fails to take responsibility for her future. He leaves the village without taking her along. His character shows kindness, loneliness, emotional weakness, and detachment. Thus, he is caring but not strong enough to face emotional responsibilities.

5. What were the usual stories discussed by the two?

The postmaster and Ratan usually discussed stories about their families and past memories. The postmaster would ask Ratan about her parents and childhood. Ratan remembered little about her parents but spoke about her little brother with whom she used to fish. In return, the postmaster shared memories of his own family in Calcutta. These conversations gave both of them emotional comfort. As the postmaster had no friends in the village, these talks helped him overcome loneliness. For Ratan, these stories made her imagine the postmaster’s family as her own. Thus, their conversations mainly revolved around family, childhood memories, and personal experiences.