The Postmaster

This is a comparative study of the conflict and the theme of separation and relationship between ‘The Postmaster” and ‘The Castaway’. Both have written by Rabindranath Tagore. ‘The Postmaster’ as suggested by the title revolves around the life of a Postmaster and his servant named Ratan in a small isolated village. ‘The Castaway’ revolves around the relationship between a small boy Nilkanta who gets separated from his theatrical group in a storm and finds comfort and motherly love from a woman named Kiran.
CONFLICT:
The Postmaster Although the Postmaster and Ratan had grown quite close, he was lonely in the isolated village and longed to go back home. He had applied for a transfer but it was rejected. Unable to stay any longer he quit his job. When he broke the news to Ratan, she was devastated since she had fallen in love with him asked him to take her along with him. Amused with such a request, he scoffed at her not knowing about her feelings for him. The next day, he gave her his years’ salary as a gift but she burst out weeping and told him not worry about her and ran away.
The Castaway After his short arrival Nikanta had become Kiran’s favourite. Shortly after Nilkanta’s arrival, Sharat’s younger brother, Satish Shortly after Nilkanta’s arrival, Sharat’s younger brother, Satish came to spend his days with them. Kiran was greatly pleased at finding fresh amusements in the company of Satish. They were of same age and they spent leisure time in games, amusements, quarrels, laughter and even in tears. Nilkanta started to think that he was neglected and got jealous.
Now Sharat and family decided to go back to their native place. Kiran sent for Nilkanta and with kind words advised him to go back to his house. His reply was a burst of tears. It was hard for him to leave her. Seeing him cry, Satish only teased him calling him a fool. Now Nilkanta’s jealousy and anger to Satish made him steal his fine inkstand, which was in the shape of a boat pulled by a