SECOND YEAR - SEMESTER IV PAPER II – GENERAL ENGLISH - 2342E Lesson 2.2: Kabuliwala by Rabindranath Tagore

 SECOND YEAR - SEMESTER IV

PAPER II – GENERAL ENGLISH - 2342E

Lesson 2.2: Kabuliwala by Rabindranath Tagore

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Overview

"Kabuliwala" by Rabindranath Tagore is a touching short story about the bond between a dry fruit seller from Kabul, Afghanistan, and a little Bengali girl named Mini. The story explores themes of friendship, parental love, separation, and humanity. Through the life of the Kabuliwala, Tagore presents a tale that transcends cultural and social boundaries, emphasizing universal human emotions.

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Two-Mark Questions and Answers

1. Who is the author of "Kabuliwala"?

Ans: Rabindranath Tagore is the author of "Kabuliwala."

2. Who is Mini in the story?

Ans: Mini is a little Bengali girl who befriends the Kabuliwala.

3. What is the Kabuliwala’s profession?

Ans: He is a dry fruit seller from Kabul.

4. What does Mini enjoy doing with the Kabuliwala?

Ans: Mini enjoys chatting with the Kabuliwala and listening to his stories.

5. Why does the Kabuliwala get arrested?

Ans: He gets arrested for attacking a man who owed him money.

6. What reminds the Kabuliwala of his daughter?

Ans: Mini reminds the Kabuliwala of his own daughter back in Kabul.

7. How does Mini’s father feel about the Kabuliwala initially?

Ans: He is wary of the Kabuliwala but later appreciates his bond with Mini.

8. What does the Kabuliwala give Mini before leaving?

Ans: He gives her almonds and raisins as a token of his affection.

9. How does the story depict universal human emotions?

Ans: The story portrays love, longing, and parental bonds that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.

10. What is the climax of the story?

Ans: The climax occurs when the Kabuliwala meets Mini after many years and realizes she has grown up and forgotten him.

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Five-Mark Questions and Answers

1. Describe the bond between Mini and the Kabuliwala.

Ans:

Mini and the Kabuliwala share a unique friendship despite their cultural and age differences. Mini’s innocence and curiosity attract the Kabuliwala, who sees his own daughter in her. Their playful conversations and mutual affection highlight the purity and universality of human emotions.

2. What role does parental love play in the story?

Ans:

Parental love is a central theme in "Kabuliwala." The Kabuliwala’s longing for his daughter mirrors Mini’s father’s protective feelings for her. This shared emotion bridges the cultural gap between the characters, emphasizing the universality of parental love.

3. How does the story depict cultural differences and similarities?

Ans:

While the Kabuliwala and Mini’s family come from vastly different cultures, their bond showcases the shared humanity that transcends these differences. The story highlights themes of love and compassion that are common across all cultures.

4. What is the significance of the Kabuliwala’s character?

Ans:

The Kabuliwala symbolizes humanity and the deep emotional connections people can form despite barriers of language, culture, and distance. His story reflects themes of longing, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love.

5. What does the ending of "Kabuliwala" signify?

Ans:

The ending signifies the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The Kabuliwala realizes that Mini has grown up and moved on, but the love and memories he holds remain timeless. This poignant conclusion underscores the bittersweet nature of human relationships.

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Essay Question and Answer

Essay Question:

Analyze the themes of friendship, parental love, and cultural differences in Rabindranath Tagore’s "Kabuliwala."

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Introduction

Rabindranath Tagore’s "Kabuliwala" is a heartwarming tale of an Afghan dry fruit seller and his friendship with a little Bengali girl, Mini. The story explores themes of friendship, parental love, and the transcendence of cultural barriers. Through this narrative, Tagore emphasizes the universality of human emotions and the enduring power of love and compassion.

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Subtitles and Explanations

1. Theme of Friendship

The bond between Mini and the Kabuliwala is central to the story. Their innocent and joyful interactions highlight the purity of true friendship that transcends age and culture.

2. Parental Love and Longing

The Kabuliwala’s affection for Mini stems from his longing for his own daughter in Kabul. Similarly, Mini’s father’s protective nature reflects the universal love of a parent for their child.

3. Cultural Differences and Shared Humanity

Despite the differences in their backgrounds, the characters connect through shared emotions. The story shows that love and compassion are universal values.

4. Innocence and Childhood

Mini’s innocence and curiosity contrast with the Kabuliwala’s worldly experiences, creating a touching dynamic between the characters.

5. Sacrifice and Generosity

The Kabuliwala’s willingness to give Mini almonds and raisins despite his struggles showcases his selfless nature.

6. Time and Change

The story illustrates how time alters relationships. Mini’s growth and the Kabuliwala’s realization of this change add a bittersweet dimension to the narrative.

7. Symbolism of the Kabuliwala

The Kabuliwala represents enduring love and the bonds that connect people despite barriers.

8. Portrayal of Human Emotions

Tagore masterfully portrays emotions such as joy, longing, and nostalgia, making the story universally relatable.

9. The Role of Mini’s Father

Mini’s father acts as a bridge between Mini and the Kabuliwala, eventually understanding the depth of their bond.

10. A Reflection on Life and Relationships

The story encourages readers to cherish relationships and recognize the shared humanity that binds us all.

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Conclusion

"Kabuliwala" by Rabindranath Tagore is a timeless story that explores the depth of human connections. Through themes of friendship, parental love, and cultural unity, Tagore delivers a powerful message about the universality of emotions and the enduring value of compassion and understanding.