Sadhvi Aryal - Aug 09 2024 “The Post Office” is a play or an act that revolves around Amal, the main protagonist of the book. Amal is a child confined to his adopted uncle’s house by an incurable disease. Amal always dreams and fantasises about receiving letters from the king or being a postman.
Setting:
The setting of the book is contemporary rural Bengal. The story is set in a room where Amal, the protagonist, is kept by the elders on the recommendation of a doctor. There is a newly established post office in front of Amal’s room.
Plot Summary
The Post Office is a play written by Rabindranath Tagore. This novel was first published in 1912 in Bengali language but later on after a few years it was published in English and many other languages. This novel tells a story of a young boy Amal who is confirmed to have a serious and incurable disease. Due to this reason, he lives with his adoptive uncle. As Amal's health gets worse, his imagination starts to grow more and more as he imagines the King writing a letter to him and him being a postman to deliver mail door to door and see the emotion of many people as they receive mail.
Amal wasn’t really allowed to leave and go outside due to his deteriorating health. The only thing he would do was ask his uncle for permission to go outside and stare at his aunt in the backyard and admire squirrels jumping and playing around in the grass. During his final days he meets Sudha and asks her to make a promise to him that she will never forget him.
At last, in his deathbed, he dies peacefully still hoping to receive a letter from the king. Yet, even in death, Amal's spirit lives on, a testament to the enduring power of the human imagination and the resilience of the human spirit.
Character Analysis
Amal:
A bright, curious, and imaginative young boy who is very sick and has to stay inside his house. Despite his illness, he has a joyful spirit and loves to dream about faraway places and adventures.
Role: Amal is the main character who dreams of receiving a letter from the king. His dreams bring hope and happiness to him and everyone around him.
Flower Girl:
A cheerful girl who sells flowers in the village. She is friendly and often stops to talk to Amal, brightening his day with her flowers and stories.
Role: She represents the simple joys of life and the beauty of the outside world that Amal longs to experience.
Village Headman:
A stern but important man in the village. He sometimes talks to Amal and shares news about what's happening in the village.
Role: He symbolizes authority and the outside world that Amal is curious about.
Watchman:
A kind-hearted man who looks after the village at night. He often stops by to chat with Amal and tell him stories.
Role: He provides Amal with a sense of safety and connection to the world beyond his window.
Village Doctor:
A caring doctor who visits Amal regularly and advises him to rest. He is concerned about Amal's health but doesn't fully understand the power of his dreams.
Role: He represents the practical side of life, focusing on Amal's physical health.
Royal Physician:
A special doctor sent by the king to visit Amal. He is wise and kind, and he understands the importance of Amal's dreams.
Role: His visit brings a sense of magic and hope to Amal, making everyone realize the significance of Amal's dreams.
Amal's Family:
They are loving and caring, always looking after Amal. They support him and try to make him comfortable despite his illness.
Role: They provide a warm and supportive environment for Amal, showing the power of love and family.
Recommendation
The book tries to teach the readers about the value of life, ways of living a worthy life, and how a person should always be positive regardless of the situation. So, I highly recommend this book to all my friends.
Name: Sadhvi Aryal
Grade: VIII, Kang Guru
Roll no.: 29025
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