Atithi: ISC Class 12 English (Prism) summary, workbook answers

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Get notes, summary, questions and answers, workbook solutions (Beeta Publication/Morning Star), critical analysis, word meanings, extras, and pdf of Rabindranath Tagore’s story Atithi: ISC Class 12 English (Prism). However, the notes should only be treated for references and changes should be made according to the needs of the students. The title means “Guest” in English.

Summary

The story begins when a 15-16 year old fair-skinned, handsome teenage boy named Tarapada approaches Motilal Babu to request a lift on his boat. Motilal Babu is a wealthy landlord travelling on the boat with his wife Annapurna and 9-year old daughter Charushashi to his village Kanthalia where he is the zamindar.

Tarapada wants a lift to Nandigram. Motilal gladly allows him on board and even offers him lunch. On the journey, Annapurna questions Tarapada about his background. He reveals that despite being the darling of his family and villagers, he left home at a young age. He has a restless spirit and has joined and left various groups like a theatre troupe, panchali singers and acrobatic troupe, not staying at one place for long.

On the boat, Tarapada easily befriends the boatmen and helps with chores like cooking, rowing and steering the boat. One evening he impresses Motilal and Annapurna by enacting the story of Kush and Lav with songs on his flute. However, their temperamental daughter Charushashi feels jealous seeing her parent’s affection for Tarapada.

The boat reaches Kanthalia where Motilal is welcomed by the villagers. Tarapada charms them too, except Charushashi. She feels jealous when she learns her friend Sonamoni is already familiar with Tarapada. In anger, she destroys Tarapada’s flute but he remains unperturbed by her tantrums.

Impressed by Tarapada, Motilal and Annapurna decide to marry him to Charushashi to temper her wild nature. As wedding preparations begin, Tarapada starts learning English using Motilal’s books. Charushashi disturbs his studies and they share a love-hate relationship. Finally, on the wedding day, just as Tarapada’s family arrives, he mysteriously disappears, giving in to his eternal wanderlust once again.

In summary, the conflict between domesticity and quest for freedom is depicted through the charming yet detached Tarapada, who remains an elusive guest, leaving just before he is tied down by marriage. His restless spirit and wanderlust prevail despite people’s affection.

Workbook answers

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Why did Motilal Babu get his boat moored near a riverside market?

(a) To buy new clothes
(b) To get his retinue’s meal prepared
(c) To buy English language books
(d) All of the above

Answer: (b) To get his retinue’s meal prepared

2. Where did Tarapada want to go by boat?

(a) Kathaliya
(b) Charushila
(c) Nandigram
(d) Sonpur

Answer: (c) Nandigram

3. Which of following groups Tarapada did not join?

(a) Jatra-troupe
(b) Panchali-singers
(c) Gymnastics troupe
(d) Chariot-festival troupe

Answer: (d) Chariot-festival troupe

4. Why did Motilal Babu consent to Tarapada’s request of allowing him to sail with them in the boat?

(a) He would help them to prepare their meals
(b) He would entertain them on the way
(c) He was impressed by the pure and natural innocence in Tarapada’s expression
(d) His wife like him.

Answer: (c) He was impressed by the pure and natural innocence in Tarapada’s expression

5. Which of the following statement about Tarapada is NOT correct?

(a) He had voracious appetite
(b) He did everything according to his own wishes
(c) His family members doted on him
(d) He was wary of ties.

Answer: (a) He had voracious appetite

6. Why did Tarapada run away from his home?

(a) He was compelled by his poverty
(b) He was scolded by his brother
(c) He was annoyed with his mother
(d) He did so of his own free will.

Answer: (d) He did so of his own free will.

7. What was the reason that made Tarapada a wander lust?

(a) To travel with the jatra-groups
(b) A longing to be free
(c) To explore the outside world
(d) Both (b) and (c)

Answer: (d) Both (b) and (c)

8. Which figure of speech is used in the sentence given below?
Tarapada was as wary of ties as a young fawn.

(a) Metaphor
(b) Simile
(c) Personification
(d) Allusion

Answer: (b) Simile

18. What was Annapurna’s thought when she heard Tarapada sing about Lav and Kush?

(a) Charu will soften on hearing it
(b) Charu would be annoyed
(c) Charu would give up her temperament
(d) All of the above

Answer: (a) Charu will soften on hearing it

19. How could Tarapada ‘get to know’ people with amazing ease and speed?

(a) He knew many languages
(b) He was engaging and appeared divine
(c) He could read their minds
(d) He could lure people with his peptalk

Answer: (b) He was engaging and appeared divine

20. Which figure of speech is used in the line given below?
Poor Sonamani fumbled for false explanations.

(a) Simile
(b) Metaphor
(c) Personification
(d) Alliteration

Answer: (d) Alliteration

Complete the sentences

1. Motilal Babu moored his boat near a riverside market because ______

Answer: he wanted his retinue to get down and prepare the midday meal.

2. Motilal Babu consented to Tarapada’s request of giving him lift in the boat till Nandigram because ______

Answer: he was impressed by the pure and natural innocence in Tarapada’s expression, his pleasant looks, and his charming smile.

3. Tarapada ran away from his home because ______

Answer: he had an inborn urge to be free, explore the outside world, and break free from all ties, even those of love and affection.

4. Tarapada left the jatra-troupe because ______

Answer: the master of the troupe began to treat him like a son, and Tarapada, being wary of all ties, left as soon as he felt the bonds of affection forming.

5. Tarapada joined a group of panchali singers because ______

Answer: it was another step in his constant journey to explore the world and satisfy his wanderlust after he had left the jatra-troupe.

6. Tarapada’s family gave up searching for him because ______

Answer: he ran away repeatedly, and they eventually understood that they could not restrain his free spirit or tie him down.

7. Tarapada decided to give up gymnastics troupe and go to Nandigram because ______

Answer: he heard that an amateur jatra-group was being set up there, and his unquenchable thirst for new experiences impelled him to go.

8. Tarapada, despite having any connections with various groups remained unbound and uncorrupted because ______

Answer: he had a pure and detached nature, like a swan that can swim in murky waters without its wings getting soiled, and he remained unaffected by any habit or custom.

9. In contrast to his previous experiences Tarapada stayed in Motilal Babu’s house for almost two years because ______

Answer: it was perhaps his newfound thirst for knowledge in learning English, the comfort of a stable home, or his growing fondness for his study companion, Charushashi.

10. After initial reluctance, Motilal Babu decided to marry his daughter to Tarapada because ______

Answer: his daughter refused to meet another suitor, making him realize her interest in Tarapada, and he believed Tarapada would be a suitable husband for his defiant daughter, which would also prevent her from leaving home after marriage.

Short Answer Questions

1. Briefly describe the physical appearance of Tarapada.

Answer: Tarapada was a fair-skinned boy who was beautiful to look at, with large eyes and a smile that exuberated the grace of youth. His body looked as if it had been carved by a sculptor, and his calm, composed expression gave the impression that in a previous life he must have been a young sage whose pure devotion had removed all coarseness. He had long hair that came down to his neck and wore a sacred thread on his trunk. When he used to take a bath in the swollen river, he would look like a water-God.

2. Why did Tarapada run away from his house? Which troupes did he join and why did he leave them?

Answer: Tarapada ran away from his home because he had an inborn urge to break out of bonds, even the bonds of affection. He was a free-spirited person who was wary of ties, and his stars had made him a wanderer. He was intrigued whenever he saw strange boats on the river, a sannyasi from a distant region, or gypsies making mats and baskets by the river. This would increase his longing to be free and to explore the outside world, compelling him to run away of his own free will.

After running away from home, he joined a number of groups like a jatra-troupe, then a group of panchali-singers, and finally a troupe of gymnasts. He left these groups for the same reason he left his home: he was wary of all ties, including ties of love, and could not be bound in the labyrinth of close relationships. When the master of the jatra-troupe developed an affinity towards him and treated him like a son, Tarapada left. Similarly, when the leader of the panchali-singers began to consider him as his own, he disappeared from there.

3. Where did Tarapada meet Motilal Babu? What request did he make? Why did Motilal Babu accept his request?

Answer: Tarapada met Motilal Babu near a riverside market where Motilal Babu, a wealthy zamindar, had moored his boat. Tarapada made a request to Motilal Babu, asking if the latter could drop him at Nandigram, as the boat was passing that way. Motilal Babu accepted the request because he was attracted by Tarapada’s looks, his smile, and his large eyes that had the grace of youth. Furthermore, Nandigram was on his way to his own village of Kathaliya.

4. Explain Charushashi’s feelings for Tarapada initially.

Answer: Initially, Charushashi’s feelings for Tarapada were of immense jealousy and hostility. As the only child, she was used to getting all the love and attention from her parents and could not tolerate sharing it. She developed a sharp and forceful antipathy towards Tarapada and was particularly agonised by her parents’ affection for him, which made her more hostile. She was so envious of Tarapada that she could never accept his accomplishments and virtues. This envy manifested in her behavior, as she would shout, shriek, complain about the cooking, and object to everything.

5. Briefly describe the scene at the ghat on the moonlit evening which made Tarapada break all shackles and go away.

Answer: On a moonlit evening, Tarapada went to the river bank and saw a festival-like atmosphere on the swift flood-tide. There were numerous boats with merry-go-rounds and jatra troupes, as well as cargo boats, all rapidly making for the fair at Kurulkata. This excitement was suddenly interrupted when clouds from the east covered the moon with huge black sails. An east wind began to blow sharply, the river gushed and swelled, and darkness thickened in the swaying riverside trees. Frogs croaked and crickets rasped like wood saws. To Tarapada, the entire world seemed like a chariot-festival, with wheels turning and songs rising. The scene was completed by rumbles of thunder, slashes of lightning, and the smell of approaching torrential rain. This experience rejuvenated his subdued urge to explore the unknown and prompted him to break all bonds and disappear.

6. What all did Charushashi do to get Tarapada’s attention?

Answer: Charushashi did many things to get Tarapada’s attention as her feelings for him grew. She insisted on learning English with the same tutor, which was a ploy to remain close to him. She became very possessive, threatening to tell their teacher that he was not working on his lessons if he went to visit her friend Sonamani. When he went anyway, she locked him in a room and only opened it at mealtime. When he was about to leave without eating, she first begged him and then began to wail, forcing him to stay and eat. In a fit of jealousy, she smashed the bamboo flute Tarapada had made for Sonamani. She would also secretly pour ink on his exercise book and steal his pen. Finally, when prospective grooms came to see her, she shut herself in her room and refused to come out, an act that suggested her deep interest in Tarapada.

7. Describe briefly in your own words, the boat journey to Kathaliya.

Answer: The boat journey to Kathaliya lasted for about ten days on a houseboat. During this time, Tarapada actively participated in all the activities on the boat, from helping the retinue with cooking and shopping to sailing the boat. When not busy with chores, he would entertain Motilal Babu’s family by singing and playing the flute. Throughout the journey, he remained detached but always busy, taking a great interest in everything he saw.

The journey was set against a beautiful natural backdrop. The sights included sloping pastures, flooded jute-fields, green and rippling late-autumn paddy, and narrow paths leading from the river ghats into villages shaded by foliage. Tarapada felt an intimate connection to this natural world of water, earth, and sky. He was so absorbed in the journey that he did not even notice when the boat passed Nandigram, his original destination.

8. How was Tarapada influenced by his travels? Why?

Answer: Tarapada’s travels influenced him by allowing him to pick up a number of skills, but they did not change his fundamental nature. Through his association with groups like the jatra-troupe, panchali singers, and the gymnastics troupe, he learned to sing, play the flute, and perform. However, these connections and experiences could not corrupt him. He remained simple, detached, and unbound by any kind of habit or custom.

This was because his true nature could not be corrupted. The foul language he heard or the dreadful sights he saw during his travels could never taint his mind. The story describes him as swimming through the murky waters of the world with pure white wings, like a swan. His unconventionality was not an external affectation but was essential, internal, and spontaneous, which is why his core innocence and purity remained untouched despite his varied experiences.

Long Answer Questions

1. Why did Tarapada join different groups before coming to Kathaliya village? Why did he leave them? Which characteristic trait of Tarapada is revealed by his act of first joining and then leaving these groups?

Answer: Tarapada had an inborn urge to break out of bonds and a strong longing to be free to explore the outside world. This zeal compelled him to repeatedly run away from home and join a number of groups like the jatra-troupe, the panchali singers, and the gymnastics troupe. He was on his way to join an amateur jatra-group at Nandigram when he met Motilal Babu.

Tarapada was wary of all ties, even the ties of love. He could not be bound in the labyrinth of close relationships. He left the jatra-troupe without any prior intimation when the master of the company developed an affinity towards him and began treating him like a son. Similarly, he joined a group of panchali-singers, whose leader taught him songs and trained him. But when Tarapada found that his teacher had begun to consider him as his own, he disappeared from there. He left these groups out of a fear of the emotional bonds that were tying him down.

This act of first joining and then leaving these groups reveals that Tarapada was a free-spirited person who would not accept ties. His stars had made him a wanderer. He was an individualistic, separate, and strong person who was constantly on the move to explore the unexplored. He remained detached and unbound by any kind of habit, custom, or relationship.

2. “But he would not accept ties, even ties of love: his stars had made him a wanderer.” Substantiate the viewpoint portrayed through these lines with reference to Tarapada’s journey from his running away from his home to vanishing from Motilal Babu’s house and village.

Answer: The statement that Tarapada would not accept ties, even ties of love, because his stars had made him a wanderer is clearly demonstrated throughout his journey. From a young age, despite being a well-loved child in his family and neighbourhood, he ran away from home to join a touring jatra-troupe. Although he was brought back, he ran away again and again until his family and neighbours gave up on him.

His aversion to bonds continued with the groups he joined. He left a jatra-troupe as soon as its owner became fond of him. He then joined a group of travelling minstrels, but when the leader came to regard him as his own, Tarapada disappeared again. He could not be held by any encumbrance and remained simple and detached.

Even at Motilal Babu’s house, he initially remained indifferent to the maternal affection shown by Annapurna. While he stayed there for two years, captivated by his studies and his growing fondness for Charushashi, the prospect of a permanent bond through marriage proved to be too much. On a moonlit monsoon night, the sight of boats heading to a festival and the call of nature reawakened his subdued urge to uncover the unknown. The day before the wedding, before the bonds of love, affection, and domestic life could completely encircle him, Tarapada broke the shackles of love, security, and attachment and disappeared forever, proving that he was a true wanderer who could not be tied down.

3. Describe the character of Charushashi and her relationship with Tarapada.

Answer: Charushashi, the nine-year-old daughter of Motilal Babu, was an overindulged child. Being the only child and the sole claimant of her parents’ affection, she was quite wilful and obstinate, with her own opinions about food, clothes, and hairstyles. She could throw tantrums over a dress or her hair, but when in a good mood, she could also be receptive and show excessive love for her mother.

Charushashi was also jealous and envious. She was used to getting all the love and attention and could not tolerate it when her parents, especially her mother, displayed affection for Tarapada. She would complain about the cooking, slap the maid, and object to everything. She was so envious of Tarapada that she could not accept his accomplishments. This jealousy extended to her friend Sonamani; Charushashi was furious to learn that Tarapada had visited Sonamani and made a flute for her, and in a fit of rage, she smashed Tarapada’s flute.

Her relationship with Tarapada evolved from dislike to a possessive liking. Initially, she was hostile, but Tarapada was intrigued and amused by her. Gradually, her dislike changed to liking and admiration, and she wanted to be the sole claimant of his attention. She insisted on learning English with him to remain close to him. She even locked him in a room to prevent him from visiting Sonamani, and when he threatened to go without food, she wailed and forced him to eat. Her refusal to meet a prospective groom was a clear indication that she had fallen for Tarapada and agreed to her mother’s proposal of marrying him.

4. Describe the appropriateness of the title of the story, ‘Atithi’.

Answer: The title ‘Atithi/Guest’ is appropriate for the story. It justifies the literal meaning of the title and reflects the deeper meaning associated with the story’s theme. A ‘guest’ is a person who spends some time at another person’s house on their invitation. Tarapada, the protagonist, was definitely a guest of Motilal Babu. He requested a lift and was invited to join the family on their boat.

During his two-year stay, Tarapada was treated like a family member, yet he never fully shed his guest-like status. He endeared himself to Motilal Babu and his wife, but he remained an outsider who had come for a temporary stay. His final departure confirms this. On the eve of his wedding to Charushashi, a permanent bond that would have made him a part of the family, he disappeared. He untangled himself from the bondage of relationships and faded into oblivion, proving that he was just an ‘Atithi’, a guest who was there to stay for some time and not forever.

The title also has a symbolic meaning. It can be read as the eternal journey of the human soul, which stays for some time on earth as a guest and then moves on towards liberation. All human beings are mortals, and their stay on earth is for a limited period. When the physical body dies, the soul, which is the essence of human beings, lives on. Tarapada’s journey represents this spiritual quest of the soul, making the title ‘Atithi’ fitting on both a literal and a symbolic level.

5. Suppose you were in Tarapada’s place. What would you have done after staying for about two years in Motilal Babu’s house—remained a guest or had become a family member?

Answer: If I were in Tarapada’s place, after staying for two years in Motilal Babu’s house, I would have chosen to become a family member rather than remain a guest. While the idea of a life of complete freedom and exploring the unknown like Tarapada is appealing, the stability, love, and security offered by Motilal Babu’s family would be far more valuable to me.

Motilal Babu and his wife Annapurna offered me a home and treated me with great affection, filling the void of a family. They provided for my education by engaging a tutor, which opened up a new world of knowledge for me. This was a great opportunity for a better future, which a life of wandering could not guarantee.

Furthermore, I would have developed feelings for Charushashi. Despite her initial jealousy and tantrums, her actions showed a deep, possessive liking for me. The prospect of marrying her and building a life together would represent a chance for companionship and emotional connection. The bonds of love and the security of a home are, for me, more fulfilling than a life of constant uncertainty. Therefore, I would have accepted the marriage proposal and embraced the opportunity to become a part of their family, leaving the life of a wanderer behind.

6. Suppose you were Tarapada, describe how you felt about Charushashi and her antics. What did you do to pacify her?

Answer: As Tarapada, I was initially intrigued and amused by Charushashi. This bright-eyed girl was a riddle to me. Her natural fierceness and her erratic behaviour and tantrums fascinated me. While her jealousy and hostility were directed at me, I saw it as a mystery to be solved. Her possessiveness, like when she was furious that I knew Sonamani, was something I had not encountered before.

As time went on, my feelings for her changed. Her actions, like smashing my flute or pouring ink on my books, were met with amused tolerance. When she locked me in a room, I felt an electrifying thrill. I began to feel a subtle change in myself, a feeling of being bound and attached, which was like a new dream. It never occurred to me to laugh at her or beat her when she pestered me. This growing fondness for my unruly classmate was one of the main reasons I stayed in one place for so long.

To pacify her, I tried to win her over by telling her stories, singing her songs, and playing the flute for her. When she smashed my flute, I simply picked up the broken pieces and laughed. When she spoiled my exercise book, I just sat silent and sad, which proved to be a very effective punishment, as she later wrote an apology. When she locked me in the room and I threatened to leave without eating, her wild weeping forced me to give in and eat. I mostly tolerated her antics, but the story mentions that I would sometimes hit her when I could not bear it any more. Ultimately, I did not pacify her in a way that would lead to a life together; instead, I fled from the very bond she represented.

Extra MCQs

1. How old was Tarapada when he first met Motilal Babu?

A. About 12
B. About 15 or 16
C. About 18
D. About 20

Answer: B. About 15 or 16

2. What was Tarapada’s main characteristic that defined his behavior?

A. Aggressiveness
B. Wanderlust
C. Intelligence
D. Shyness

Answer: B. Wanderlust

3. What did Tarapada do after lunch with Motilal Babu’s family on the first day of their meeting?

A. He sang songs
B. He left immediately
C. He helped with cleaning
D. He took a dip in the river

Answer: D. He took a dip in the river

4. What was the profession of Motilal Babu?

A. Teacher
B. Zamindar or landlord
C. Shopkeeper
D. Musician

Answer: B. Zamindar or landlord

5. How did Annapurna, Motilal Babu’s wife, react upon first meeting Tarapada?

A. She was indifferent
B. She was curious
C. She was apprehensive
D. She felt maternal affection

Answer: D. She felt maternal affection

6. Why did Tarapada leave his family at a young age?

A. Due to a family feud
B. To join a traveling theatre group
C. To pursue higher education
D. To travel the world

Answer: B. To join a traveling theatre group

7. What was Tarapada’s talent that he showcased on the boat?

A. Cooking
B. Singing and acting
C. Storytelling
D. Dancing

Answer: B. Singing and acting

8. What was Charushashi’s reaction to Tarapada?

A. She was friendly
B. She was indifferent
C. She was jealous
D. She admired him

Answer: C. She was jealous

9. How did Tarapada contribute to the boat journey with Motilal Babu’s family?

A. By navigating the boat
B. By entertaining everyone
C. By cooking meals
D. By fishing

Answer: B. By entertaining everyone

10. What was the initial reason Tarapada joined Motilal Babu’s boat?

A. For a place to stay
B. To reach Nandigram
C. To escape from someone
D. To find work

Answer: B. To reach Nandigram

11. How did Tarapada’s family react to his habit of leaving home?

A. They were angry
B. They were indifferent
C. They were worried
D. They eventually gave up on him

Answer: D. They eventually gave up on him

12. What skill did Tarapada learn from the gymnastic group he joined?

A. Acrobatics
B. Playing the flute
C. Juggling
D. Martial arts

Answer: B. Playing the flute

13. What was Charushashi’s age when Tarapada met her?

A. 9 years old
B. 11 years old
C. 7 years old
D. 13 years old

Answer: A. 9 years old

14. What change did Tarapada undergo while staying with Motilal Babu’s family?

A. He became more introverted
B. He learned English
C. He decided to settle down
D. He lost interest in music

Answer: B. He learned English

15. What was Charushashi’s response to her parents’ affection for Tarapada?

A. She was happy
B. She felt neglected
C. She became rebellious
D. She was indifferent

Answer: C. She became rebellious

16. Why did Tarapada leave his gymnastic group?

A. He was unhappy
B. He missed his family
C. To join another group
D. His wanderlust

Answer: D. His wanderlust

17. How did Charushashi express her jealousy towards Tarapada?

A. By ignoring him
B. By arguing with him
C. By damaging his belongings
D. By complaining to her parents

Answer: C. By damaging his belongings

18. What did Tarapada’s family think of the marriage proposal from Motilal Babu’s family?

A. They were hesitant
B. They were excited
C. They refused it
D. They didn’t respond

Answer: B. They were excited

19. How did the story “Atithi” end with regard to Tarapada’s character?

A. He settled down in the village
B. He left the village suddenly
C. He married Charushashi
D. He became a teacher

Answer: B. He left the village suddenly

20. Where did Tarapada first meet Motilal Babu?

A. at his mansion
B. at a restaurant
C. by the riverside market
D. in a boat

Answer: C. by the riverside market

21. Which party did Tarapada go with first of all?

A. with gymnasts
B. with a panchali-singers
C. with a touring-jatra troupe
D. none of the above

Answer: C. with a touring-jatra troupe

22. What age was Charushashi when Tarapada met her?

A. 7
B. 9
C. 11
D. 8

Answer: B. 9

23. Tarapada would leave his home again and again to:

A. meet his old friends
B. explore the outside world
C. have his free will
D. meet his lady love

Answer: B. explore the outside world

24. In the company of the gymnasts Tarapada learnt:

A. beating drum
B. acrobatics
C. playing guitar
D. playing on flute

Answer: D. playing on flute

25. How did Tarapada answer searching questions of Annapurna?

A. satisfactorily
B. half-heartedly
C. laconically
D. willingly

Answer: C. laconically

26. What kind of girl was Charushashi?

A. adorable
B. jealous
C. kind-hearted
D. caring and compassionate

Answer: B. jealous

27. Tarapada’s parents were:

A. very poor
B. rich
C. haughty
D. high caste and poor

Answer: D. high caste and poor

28. At what age was Charushashi planned to be married?

A. 9
B. 10
C. 16
D. 11

Answer: D. 11

29. About Tarapada Charushashi’s attitude was:

A. infatuation
B. possessiveness
C. hatred
D. envy

Answer: D. envy

Extra questions and answers

1. Where was Motilal Babu travelling to?

Answer: Motilal Babu was travelling along the river with his family to Kanthalia, a place in rural Bengal of which he was the zamindar or landlord.

2. Who is the protagonist in the story? Where did he want to go?

Answer: The protagonist is Tarapada, a teenage boy around 15 or 16 years old. He is described as handsome and alluring, with a restless spirit. He wanted to go to Nandigram.

3. Who does Tarapada meet at the beginning of the story?

Answer: In the opening scene, Tarapada meets a man named Motilal Babu, a zamindar or landlord who is travelling by boat with his family.

4. Where does Motilal Babu meet Tarapada?

Answer: Motilal Babu first encounters Tarapada when his boat is stopped at a riverside market. Tarapada approaches him there asking for a ride.

5. Why didn’t Tarapada get down at Nandigram?

Answer: He didn’t get down at Nandigram because Tarapada did not even notice when the boat passed it.

6. Who are the members of Motilal Babu’s family mentioned in the story?

Answer: Motilal Babu’s family members described are his wife Annapurna, who is very loving and maternal, and his daughter Charushashi, an unpredictable nine-year-old.

7. How old is Motilal Babu’s daughter Charushashi?

Answer: Charushashi, Motilal Babu’s daughter, is specifically said to be nine years old when Tarapada meets the family.

8. What instrument does Tarapada play?

Answer: Tarapada is described as playing the flute beautifully. His musical skill attracts positive attention from Motilal Babu’s family.

9. What troupes had Tarapada joined before meeting Motilal Babu?

Answer: Before meeting Motilal Babu, Tarapada had been with:
(i) a travelling theatre troupe
(ii) a group of panchali singers
(iii) a troupe of gymnasts and acrobats.

10. Why did Tarapada stay so long at Kanthalia?

Answer: Unlike others, Charushashi did not come under his control and perhaps that is why Tarapada stayed on in this particular place far beyond his usual number of days at any one place.

11. How does Charushashi feel about Tarapada?

Answer: Charushashi feels jealous of the affection and praise her parents show toward Tarapada. She is used to being the only beloved child.

12. Who is Sonamoni?

Answer: Sonamoni is described as a friend of Charushashi’s, as well as a child widow that Tarapada befriends.

13. On what occasion does Tarapada disappear from the story?

Answer: Ironically, Tarapada disappears on the very day that he is supposed to marry Charushashi, fleeing his wedding.

14. How many children did Tarapada’s parents have?

Answer: It is mentioned that Tarapada’s parents had four sons and three daughters altogether, of which Tarapada was the fourth child.

15. What happened to Tarapada’s father?

Answer: Tarapada’s father passed away when Tarapada was very young, early in his childhood.

16. What does Tarapada do to help on the boat?

Answer: Tarapada helps on the boat by cooking, rowing, and even steering when needed. He easily befriends the boatmen.

17. How does Tarapada entertain Motilal Babu’s family one night?

Answer: One evening Tarapada sings and acts out a scene about Kush and Lav from the Ramayana epic, entertaining Motilal Babu’s family with his musical talents.

18. Why does Charushashi get jealous of Tarapada?

Answer: Charushashi gets very jealous because her parents praise Tarapada and pay attention to him, though she is used to being the only beloved child.

19. What does Charushashi do to Tarapada’s flute in a fit of anger?

Answer: In a jealous rage, Charushashi destroys Tarapada’s bamboo flute by smashing it repeatedly on the floor.

20. What does Tarapada decide to do to improve himself?

Answer: Tarapada dedicates himself to learning English, studying diligently and separating himself from others.

21. Who comes to visit right before Tarapada disappears?

Answer: Right before vanishing, Tarapada is visited by Sonamoni, who brings sweets and pickles from her mother.

22. How does the story end?

Answer: In the end, Tarapada mysteriously disappears amid the wedding preparations, true to his wandering spirit, leaving everyone behind. It is assumed that he left for Kurulkata where an annual fair was happening in one of the boats he saw the night before his family members arrived for his marriage.

23. Why does Tarapada endear himself to almost everyone he meets?

Answer: Tarapada is able to endear himself to almost everyone he encounters because of his charming, handsome appearance and his pleasant, helpful nature. He has an easygoing way with people of all ages and stations in life. His musical talents and eagerness to assist also attract positive attention.

24. How does Tarapada react to Charushashi’s destructive tantrums?

Answer: When Charushashi destroys his flute in a fit of jealous anger, Tarapada reacts with calmness and an amused tolerance. He does not get visibly upset or angry with her. His detached, unflappable nature allows him to endure her outbursts.

25. Why does Tarapada’s wandering lifestyle appeal to him?

Answer: Tarapada finds appeal in a wandering lifestyle because he has an innate curiosity and restlessness. He yearns to see more of life and the world around him. Settling down in one place holds little interest for him. His spirit compels him to keep exploring.

26. How does Charushashi feel conflicted about Tarapada?

Answer: Charushashi feels conflicted about Tarapada because part of her is drawn to him yet she also feels jealous of the affection he elicits. Her emotions vacillate between being possessive of him and wanting his attention to resenting him.

27. How does Tarapada feel about settling down and getting married?

Answer: Despite becoming close with Motilal Babu’s family, Tarapada still feels ambivalent about settling down permanently and getting married. His adventuresome spirit makes him uneasy with being tied to one place and role. In the end, his wanderlust wins out.

28. How does Tarapada’s restless spirit shape the events of the story?

Answer: Tarapada’s restless wandering spirit drives the events of the story, from his constantly leaving behind situations and people, to his disappearance at the end. His inability to settle propels him from a theatre troupe, to musicians, to acrobats, then onto Motilal Babu’s family. Though they care for him, his wanderlust prevails. His search for meaning out in the world ultimately leads him to disappear right before marrying Charushashi. His inner spirit determines his path.

29. Compare and contrast the personalities of Charushashi and Tarapada. How do they foil each other?

Answer: Charushashi and Tarapada have clashing personalities that highlight their differences. Charushashi is moody, possessive, and quick to outbursts of emotion. She becomes irrationally jealous of the attention Tarapada receives. In contrast, Tarapada remains detached and calm in the face of her tantrums. His placid, philosophical nature balances her volatility. His focus is internal while she fixates on external validation. Their differing approaches to life foil one another.

30. Which jatra troupe had Tarapada left before meeting Motilal Babu?

Answer: The gymnastic group. At the gymnastic displays, his job was to play the Banshee or bamboo flute at a fast rhythm, as an accompaniment to the performance of the gymnasts.

31. In spite of being a darling of his family and his neighbourhood, why had Tarapada left them?

Answer: Tarapada had an inherent urge to break out of bonds, even those of affection, which led him to leave his family and neighbourhood.

32. How did Tarapada make the most of his time on the boat?

Answer: Tarapada actively engaged in various activities like helping with cooking, rowing the boat, and entertaining everyone with his singing and flute playing.

33. How did Motilal Babu and his wife treat Tarapada? What did Annapurna want to learn about Tarapada?

Answer: Motilal Babu and his wife treated Tarapada with great affection, almost as a family member. Annapurna was curious about Tarapada’s background, how any mother could stay separated from such a child, and the reasons for his wandering lifestyle.

34. Why did Tarapada seek a lift on the boat in which Motilal Babu was going to his village?

Answer: Tarapada sought a lift on the boat to go to Nandigram, which was on the way to Motilal Babu’s village.

35. What kind of girl was Charushashi? What kind of feelings did she have about Tarapada?

Answer: Charushashi was a whimsical and moody girl. She felt jealousy and resentment towards Tarapada due to the attention he received from her parents.

36. Why did Charushashi smash Tarapada’s flute? What were her feelings afterwards?

Answer: Charushashi smashed Tarapada’s flute out of jealousy and anger. Afterwards, she felt remorse and sought to apologise for her actions.

37. What kind of girl was Sanamani? What kind of relation did she have with Charushashi and Tarapada?

Answer: Sanamani was a child-widow and a friend of Charushashi. She had a friendly and affectionate relationship with Tarapada, calling him ‘Dada’ or elder brother.

38. Why did Motilal Babu and his wife think of marrying their daughter to Tarapada?

Answer: Motilal Babu and his wife thought of marrying their daughter to Tarapada because they found him suitable and believed that marrying their daughter to him would spare him and his wife the pangs of separation from their daughter, and she, any criticism from in-laws.

39. What impelled Tarapada to make his disappearance amidst the marriage festivities?

Answer: Tarapada’s inherent wanderlust and desire for freedom impelled him to disappear amidst the marriage festivities, as he was unable to stay tied down to one place or relationship.

40. Discuss the love-hate relationship of Charushashi and Tarapada

Answer: Charushashi and Tarapada’s relationship is complex, marked by a blend of affection and antagonism. While Charushashi initially resents Tarapada for the attention he receives from her parents, her feelings evolve, indicating a deeper, albeit conflicted, emotional connection. This relationship oscillates between moments of jealousy, anger, and eventual understanding, reflecting the nuanced dynamics of a love-hate relationship where emotions are intense and often contradictory.

41. Discuss the suitability of the title of the story.

Answer: The title “Atithi” (The Guest) is profoundly suitable for the story. It encapsulates the essence of the protagonist, Tarapada, a teenager imbued with wanderlust and a transient existence. Just as a guest is not a permanent member of a household but a temporary visitor, Tarapada, too, never stays long in any place or forms lasting attachments.

His character symbolises the fleeting nature of human connections and the ephemeral quality of life. Throughout the story, Tarapada’s interactions and relationships are transient, reinforcing the idea of him being a guest in every setting he enters. This nomadic lifestyle and detachment from worldly affairs highlight the transient nature of human existence, making the title apt and reflective of the story’s central theme.

42. What made Tarapada an almost ascetic who was totally detached from worldly affairs? Discuss.

Answer: Tarapada’s detachment from worldly affairs and his ascetic-like demeanour stem from his innate restlessness and desire for freedom. From a young age, Tarapada exhibits a unique disinterest in materialistic and familial bonds, instead drawn irresistibly towards exploration and wanderlust. This detachment is not due to disenchantment or negative experiences; rather, it seems to be an intrinsic part of his nature.

His repeated departures from his family, despite their love and affection, and his unwillingness to settle down or adhere to societal norms, suggest a deep-seated yearning for something beyond the ordinary experiences of domestic life. Tarapada’s disposition towards life is almost spiritual, seeking a deeper understanding or experience that cannot be found in conventional living. This spiritual quest and his pursuit of freedom and new experiences lend him an ascetic quality, making him detached from regular worldly affairs.

43. What makes this story interesting?

Answer: The story “Atithi” captivates interest through its exploration of human nature, the concept of freedom, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. The protagonist, Tarapada, with his enigmatic personality and nonconformist lifestyle, serves as a focal point of intrigue. His refusal to adhere to societal norms and his constant quest for new experiences challenge conventional perspectives on life and relationships.

The narrative’s rich emotional tapestry, encompassing love, jealousy, wanderlust, and detachment, adds depth and complexity to the characters and their interactions. The story’s underlying themes, such as the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations, and the transient nature of human connections, resonate universally, making it a compelling read. Moreover, Rabindranath Tagore’s evocative writing style, with its poetic prose and vivid imagery, brings the characters and their emotions to life, creating an immersive and thought-provoking experience for the reader.

44. Do the different jatras undertaken by Tarapada symbolise something? Elaborate.

Answer: The different journeys and groups that Tarapada joins can be seen as symbolising his quest to explore and experience life:
(i) The theatre troupe represents Tarapada’s desire to observe and understand the human drama or stories that constitute life.
(ii) The acrobats symbolise the thirst for adventure and honing one’s talents.
(iii) Joining the panchali singers reflects Tarapada’s artistic spirit and love for music.

Each jatra allows Tarapada to gain something significant – whether understanding of human psychology, mastery over the physical self, or nurturing of his creative side. Through these experiences, the ever-curious Tarapada accumulates knowledge about the world and different facets of life.

His joining and leaving each troupe depicts the transient nature of life’s stations. It shows Tarapada’s belief that there is always more to learn and see, which propels him to keep seeking new adventures. His journey reflects the human quest for meaning which often requires exploring many different paths.

45. Does the restlessness of the youth convey any significance? Do you think Tarapada is doing right by not staying long at one place.

Answer: The restlessness and wanderlust depicted in Tarapada’s character conveys the significance of the eternal human yearning for freedom, exploration and experience. His inability to settle in one place for long shows his quest for meaning and adventure in life.

On one hand, Tarapada’s detachment allows him to experience life fully and not be tied down by mundane responsibilities. However, it also prevents him from forming deep relationships and commitments. Moderation between responsibilities and freedom is perhaps ideal. So while Tarapada’s restless spirit is understandable, staying a little longer in positive situations could have brought more enrichment too. But ultimately, Tarapada follows his unique calling, which cannot be judged as fully right or wrong. His life choices reflect an intrinsic human paradox.