Podcast
Questions and Answers
Ratan would enter, with puffed-out cheeks, vigorously blowing into a flame a live ______ to light the tobacco.
Ratan would enter, with puffed-out cheeks, vigorously blowing into a flame a live ______ to light the tobacco.
coal
Her father had been fonder of her than her ______; him she recollected more vividly.
Her father had been fonder of her than her ______; him she recollected more vividly.
mother
Ratan would sit on the floor near the postmaster’s ______, as memories crowded in upon her.
Ratan would sit on the floor near the postmaster’s ______, as memories crowded in upon her.
feet
She had played at fishing with her little brother on the edge of the ______, with a twig for a make-believe fishing-rod.
She had played at fishing with her little brother on the edge of the ______, with a twig for a make-believe fishing-rod.
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Ratan would then hastily light the fire, and toast some unleavened ______, which was enough for their supper.
Ratan would then hastily light the fire, and toast some unleavened ______, which was enough for their supper.
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The postmaster too would call up memories of his own home, of his ______ and his sister.
The postmaster too would call up memories of his own home, of his ______ and his sister.
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In exile, the postmaster's heart was ______ for those he missed.
In exile, the postmaster's heart was ______ for those he missed.
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Ratan had a complete picture of each one of them painted in her little ______.
Ratan had a complete picture of each one of them painted in her little ______.
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The postmaster first took up his duties in the village of ______.
The postmaster first took up his duties in the village of ______.
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The proprietor of the indigo factory was an ______.
The proprietor of the indigo factory was an ______.
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The postmaster felt like a fish out of water in this remote ______.
The postmaster felt like a fish out of water in this remote ______.
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His office and living-room were in a dark thatched ______.
His office and living-room were in a dark thatched ______.
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The men employed in the indigo factory had no ______.
The men employed in the indigo factory had no ______.
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The postmaster's salary was ______.
The postmaster's salary was ______.
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He shared his meals with Ratan, an orphan girl of the ______.
He shared his meals with Ratan, an orphan girl of the ______.
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When the postmaster called out ‘______,’ Ratan would reply, ‘Did you call me, sir?’
When the postmaster called out ‘______,’ Ratan would reply, ‘Did you call me, sir?’
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Study Notes
Setting and Context
- Postmaster assigned to Ulapur, a small village near an indigo factory owned by an Englishman.
- Lives in a dark thatched shed, close to a green, slimy pond surrounded by dense vegetation.
- Feels isolated and out of place, struggling to connect with the local community.
Postmaster's Background
- Originates from Calcutta, lacks social skills for mingling with the villagers.
- Office duties are minimal, leading to feelings of boredom and loneliness.
- Attempts poetry as a creative outlet, reflecting on nature's beauty, yet longs for urban comforts.
Ratan, the Orphan Girl
- Ratan, an orphan, helps the postmaster with odd jobs and shares meals with him.
- Evening rituals include the postmaster calling for Ratan as he prepares to light his lamp.
- Their relationship grows through conversations, touching on shared memories and personal stories.
Memories and Emotional Bonds
- Ratan reminisces about her past, especially her father and lost siblings.
- The postmaster also reflects on his family, evoking a sense of melancholy for his distant home.
- Their shared experiences and discussions forge a deep emotional connection between them.
Daily Life and Interaction
- Evening routines become a significant space for bonding; the postmaster often delays cooking.
- Ratan's presence and willingness to assist provide the postmaster comfort in his solitude.
- Discussions involve nostalgia, allowing both to escape their realities temporarily.
Themes of Loneliness and Connection
- Isolation is a central theme, highlighted by the postmaster's limited social interactions.
- The friendship with Ratan symbolizes hope and emotional support in an otherwise dreary environment.
- Through storytelling, both characters find solace in their shared experiences and memories.
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Description
Explore the life of a postmaster in the remote village of Ulapur. This quiz delves into his experiences as he navigates through his duties in an unfamiliar environment near an indigo factory. Understand the challenges he faces and the dynamics of village life.
