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.
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.
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.
In exile, the postmaster's heart was ______ for those he missed.
In exile, the postmaster's heart was ______ for those he missed.
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 ______.
The postmaster first took up his duties in the village of ______.
The postmaster first took up his duties in the village of ______.
The proprietor of the indigo factory was an ______.
The proprietor of the indigo factory was an ______.
The postmaster felt like a fish out of water in this remote ______.
The postmaster felt like a fish out of water in this remote ______.
His office and living-room were in a dark thatched ______.
His office and living-room were in a dark thatched ______.
The men employed in the indigo factory had no ______.
The men employed in the indigo factory had no ______.
The postmaster's salary was ______.
The postmaster's salary was ______.
He shared his meals with Ratan, an orphan girl of the ______.
He shared his meals with Ratan, an orphan girl of the ______.
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?’
Flashcards are hidden until you start studying
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
