Introduction:
The novel ‘The Post Office’ is written by Rabindranath Tagore. One of India’s best poets and playwright who was born in Bengal. The book originally was published in Bengali in 1912. The genre of the book is drama. The book shows a boy who is ailing due to his sickness. Which does not allow him to be free, outside of his house and when he grows up he wants to be free.
Plot:
Overall, there are majorly Amal (the sick boy), Madhav (Amal’s adoptive father), gaffer (Devil according to Madhav), Sudha (flower picking girl), watchman (Amal’s friend), (headman:The person who says that the king will come). As mentioned above, Amal is Madhav’s adopted son but Madhav loves Amal fondly. Madhav never wanted a kid but now after having Amal he feels joy treating, curing his diseases. Amal is not allowed to be outdoors. So he sits beside his window talking to random people he sees outside. Amal meets Gaffer and promises Madhav that he will help Amal be free one day. Amal always looks to the far hills he wants to cross barefoot.
Amal meets Sudha one day while staring outside his window. Sudha was a daughter of a flower seller and Sudha would be so tired by the end of the day by making garlands. Sudha wanted Amal’s life and vice versa. Both of them had different personalities. But Sudha was in a rush that day so she went off. But they made a promise that they would not forget each other. The doctors started losing hope and started very complicated medicines assuming that would help. Amal always hoped to grow up and be free. Just like other days he talked to the watchman of the post office built right in front of Amal’s house window. Watchman said that the king made this post office so he could send Amal letters. That's why it was right in front of Amal’s window. When Amal shared the feeling of freedom the watchman said that the ultimate freedom is final and everyone reaches there, which made Amal even more happy. Then the gaffer enters disguised as Fakir who also says that there will be a fine morning the king will deliver a letter to Amal. But Madhav became intensely worried because the rumor that the king himself would deliver the letter reached the king's ear. But luckily the king did not take offence to it, instead he was happy. Then the doctor comes for the last checkup and tells Madhav to close all the curtains and make Amal sleep. But then the headman of the post office comes and says that the king and the state physician are about to come. But looking at Amal’s pale face they did not need to feign for a long time now. Soon Amal starts dozing and for the last time Sudha comes and tells Fakir to whisper in Amal’s ear that Sudha has not forgotten him. Amal reaches his ultimate freedom.
Critical Analysis:
This book is all about freedom and its importance in one’s life. No one would want to be trapped inside the house with several restrictions to be followed everyday. The play does not use the word ‘death’ a single time but also the book is all about death and the ultimate freedom which all living creatures have to face one day.
Recommendation:
I will recommend this book to everyone who is interested in reading about spiritual items. This book is for those who enjoy peace and the book does not even take much time to read. This book is also for fast readers and learners.
Conclusion:
For the conclusion this book ends tragically. The book is fascinating. Amal receives what he wanted all his life, from the beginning of the journey to end. He is ‘free’. He will meet the king one day and he too will be very grateful to have a follower like him.
Reviewed by: Suvani Karki
Roll no: 29055
Class: VIII, Gaurishankhar
Deerwalk sifal school
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