The Postmaster by Rabindranath Tagore: A Summary

The Plot

A city-bred postmaster is transferred to the remote village of Ulapur. He feels out of place. His only companion is Ratan, an orphan village girl who does his housework.

The Bond

To pass time, he starts teaching Ratan to read. Ratan becomes devoted to him, seeing him as family. She nurses him when he falls ill.

Related: Sonar Tori by Rabindranath Tagore: Meaning and Metaphor

Related: Ekattorer Dinguli: Stories of Resilience

The Departure

The postmaster applies for a transfer and gets it. When he tells Ratan he is leaving, she asks if she can go with him. He laughs and says, "How is that possible?"

The Ending

He leaves by boat. Ratan wanders near the post office, weeping, hoping he might return. The postmaster feels a moment of sadness but consoles himself with philosophy ("Life is full of partings").

Themes

• Urban vs. Rural: The disconnect between the city man and village life.
• Loneliness: Both characters are lonely, but in different ways.
• Heartbreak: The innocence of Ratan vs. the practicality of the postmaster.