ATITHI/GUEST
Introduction
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 Kanthaliya 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 Kanthaliya where Motilal is welcomed by the villagers. Tarapada charms them too, except
Charushashi. She feels jealous when she learns her friend Sonamani 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.
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.
Story in detail
In the short story "Atithi" (Guest) by Tagore, we meet a teenage boy named Tarapada who is always on the move.
Unlike other boys his age, Tarapada never wants to settle down in one place. He represents the essence of life itself.
Tarapada is simple, natural, and free from artificiality. His uniqueness lies in his internal and spontaneous
unconventionality. He is deeply connected to nature, loves humanity, and finds beauty in everything around him.
However, Tarapada refuses to be tied down by close relationships. Instead, he prefers to keep moving forward, much
like a river that flows continuously, carrying life along with it.
This offspring of Nature cannot be tied down by human relationships. He is generally unthreatened and unfrightened
by the unknown. Relationship with the unknown seems to be the only stable relationship that he is capable of
maintaining. Exploring the unexplored seems to be of exceptional promise to him. Tarapada accepts it, is more
comfortable with it and is more drawn towards the unknown than the known. Tarapada lives more in the real world of
nature than the human.
Tarapada, the fourth son of his parents was still a baby when his father expired. He is loved dearly by his family
members as well as the entire neighbourhood. In his childhood, Tara joins a touring yatra (drama)-troupe and leaves
his village without a thought. When the master of the company grows an affinity towards him like a son and other
members of the troupe show their love for him, he leaves the company one day without prior intimation. “But his stars
had made him a wanderer”. If he sees strange boats on the river, or sanyasi (Saint) from a distant region under the
local peepul tree or gypsies sitting by the river, making mats or baskets, his heart would stir with longing to be free, to
explore the outside world. And after he has run away two or three times, family and villagers gave up hope of him.
The narrator speaks of Tarapada's restlessness as a young fawn, and his love for music is comparable to a deer. His
passion for music compels him to join a group of ‘panchali’ singers next. The master of the group likes him and under
his guidance, Tarapada learns to recite panchali. But when the relationship matures, he vanishes from the group once
again. Finally, he joins a group of gymnasts. He learns to play the flute very well. He even plays Lucknow ‘Thumris’
in his flute during gymnastic display. But, again, one day he flies away from the group.
The fifteen year old Brahmin boy then, comes to know that the zaminders at Nandigram have started an amateur yatra-
group. So he sets for Nandigram to join the group and on the way he meets Motilal Babu, a zaminder of Kathaliya and
his family with their household on a boat. Knowing that the boat is heading towards Kathaliya, the boy asks him if he
can be dropped at Nandigram on the way. Motilal Babu agrees and invites Tarapada. Both Motilal Babu and his wife
Annapurna show great concern for this boy. Specially, Annapurna takes great care to feed the boy and inquires him
about his whereabouts. Both the husband and the wife are really impressed by him and start loving him like their son.
However, the boy’s detachment from her maternal affection evokes a sense of despair in her. But their love for
Tarapada hurt their only little daughter Charushashi. The little girl is filled with jealousy and hatred. Being the only
child, Charushashi is the sole claimant of her parents love. Being whimsical and headstrong, Charu is always inclined
to give opinions about every little thing concerning her like eating, dressing or doing hair-styles. Her parents' affection
for Tarapada agonizes her thus making her more and more hostile towards him. Annapurna realizes her daughter's
jealousy and stops showing her affection overtly for Tarapada in her presence.
As the boat passes by, Tarapada feels a strong emotional tie binding him closely with the water, land and the horizon
as if they are his close relatives. Their existence, full of life, limitless and impregnated with versatility and novelty
intrigues him but they fail to hold back the boy with their strong bond of affection. Tarapada very easily becomes
friends with the boatmen. He at times helps them in their hard work and at others entertains them by chanting verses
from the Ramayana.
However, Tara takes no notice of Nandigram when they pass by it. The boat arrives at Kathaliya after ten days where
the Babu is given a ceremonial welcome. Tarapada at once surveys the village and is spellbound by its exquisite
beauty. He is also able to establish friendly relations with everyone in the village addressing them Dada or ‘Khura’ or
‘Didi’ or ‘Mashi’ (brother or uncle or elder sister or aunt) as appropriate. A deep feeling of identification, sympathy
and affection for human beings in general characterizes Tarapada. His relations apparently display more warmth. He
can be and is friendly with anyone of suitable character regardless of class, caste or age. Inspite of his easy going
temperament and his ability to win over the hearts of many people, Tarapada is a unique person who stands out for
being both very individualistic and extremely caring towards others. He deeply loves all people and is very social.
Sometimes, he seems to blend his sense of self with others, but he still maintains his own strong identity. It's like he
balances between feeling connected to others and being his own person. He makes friends easily because he doesn't
have any strong attachments or commitments to any particular place.
Sonamani is Charu’s childhood friend. Charu refrains to tolerate Tarapada’s concern for Sonamani. Her initial dislike
towards him gradually assumes the hue of love and admiration. Charu wishes to be the sole claimant of Tarapada’s
attention and admiration. She engages herself into a battle with Sona for no reason and then gets into Tara’s room and
stamps on his flute and breaks it. Tarapada remains calm and doesn't get angry with Charu, despite her behavior
towards him. He has a quality of accepting himself and others, including their faults, without getting upset. He takes
people's weaknesses and the bad things they do in stride, just like he accepts the characteristics of nature without
complaint. He's able to stay distant, quiet, and peaceful, which helps him handle personal problems without losing his
temper like most people would. Even in difficult or embarrassing situations, he manages to keep his dignity.
The hitch between Tarapada and Charushashi continues. Quite contradictory to his nature, Tarapada amazingly stays
at this house almost for two years. Possibly he stays with the family because he fails to fathom the little girl. More he
fails to unravel the mystery within the girl’s psyche, more he feels attracted towards her. Charushashi also starts
showing a little bit of liking for Tarapada. To quench Tarapada’s thirst for knowledge, Motilal Babu makes
arrangement for his tuition in English .Tarapada is seen to be engrossed in his academic endeavor and derives sheer
joy from exploring the unknown.
In the meantime, Charushashi reaches almost eleven years of age. Motilal Babu has already sought for two or three
matches for his daughter. One day Annapurna suggests that Tarapada is a worthy boy and Charushashi actually has an
affinity towards him. Motilal Babu is surprised and is reluctant to consider Tarapada as the bride-groom of their only
daughter on the ground that they know nothing about his family background. Finally, the husband and wife together
send a messenger to Tarapada's village to find out about his ancestry. They come to know that the family is poor
though belongs to high-caste. So Motilal Babu sends a formal proposal to Tarapada's mother and elder brother. They
are overjoyed at the proposal and accept it at once. The wedding date gets fixed up in the month of Shravan
(monsoon). Arrangements are made for Tarapada's mother and elder brother to be brought over from the village but
Tarapada is not made aware of this. Everything is concealed from him. The arrangement for the wedding has been
ready- even a trumpet-and-drum band has been hired from Calcutta to mark this special occasion.
Meanwhile, on the Nag family estate, at Kurulkata, a famous chariot-festival is due to be held. One moonlit evening,
Tarapada reaches local ‘ghat’ (riverside) and witnesses the rendezvous of life. The swift flood-tide, boats with merry-
go-rounds, jatra-troupes, and cargo-boats rapidly making for the fair. An orchestra from Calcutta practicing loudly as
it passes by; the jatra-troupe singing to tunes of violin; boatmen from lands to the west split the sky with cymbals and
thudding drums. Tarapada is fascinated to perceive the continuity of life being celebrated to the fullest. Early monsoon
clouds fill up the sky. The rustic limitation is suddenly consumed and replaced by larger world; everything attains
activity; the bustle of distant cities overflow this sleepy region, and the whole sky appears to reverberate.
To Tarapada the whole world seems like a chariot festival: wheels churning, flags flying, earth trembling, clouds
swirling, wind rustling, river flowing, boats sailing, songs rising! There are clamours of thunder, flashes of lightning
appearing in the sky: the fragrance of torrential rain emerging from the dark distance but Kathaliya village in the river
bed is oblivious of the rejoice of life echoing loud; the eternal ceremony of motion. The village shutting her doors
turns out her lamps and fades into the spell of slumber.
The next morning when his mother and brother reach the village, Tarapada is nowhere to be seen. He has once again
lost himself into the fathomless unexplored unknown world, leaving behind the shackles of certainty and secure bond
of relationships.
Tarapada becomes one and unified with nature. Tarapada has moments of deep spiritual experiences where he feels
like he's moving beyond ordinary life. He feels a powerful mix of emotions, like being both stronger and more
vulnerable at the same time. These experiences fill him with intense joy, wonder, and amazement. He lets go of his
connections with others and disappears into a world of his own, proving that Tarapada was just an ‘Atithi’, a guest,
who was here to stay for just a few days, not forever.
Themes
1. Freedom and Detachment: Tarapada embodies a sense of freedom and detachment from worldly
attachments. Despite various attempts to tie him down or influence him, he remains unbound by societal
norms or personal relationships.
2. Wanderlust and Adventure: Tarapada's constant urge to explore the world and experience new things drives
much of the narrative. His wandering nature leads him to join various groups and embark on different
journeys, seeking adventure and new experiences.
3. Social Conventions vs. Individuality: The story explores the tension between societal expectations and
individual desires. Tarapada's unconventional lifestyle challenges traditional norms and expectations,
highlighting the conflict between conforming to societal standards and living authentically.
4. Family and Relationships: The dynamics within Matilal Babu's family, particularly the interactions between
Tarapada and Charushashi, illustrate the complexities of familial relationships. Tarapada's presence disrupts
the family dynamic, sparking jealousy and conflict, yet also fostering unexpected connections and affection.
5. Identity and Self-Discovery: Through Tarapada's journey, the story delves into themes of identity and self-
discovery. Tarapada's exploration of different roles and experiences contributes to his personal growth and
understanding of himself.
6. Love and Compassion: Despite the challenges and conflicts that arise, moments of love and compassion are
evident throughout the story. Characters like Annapurna demonstrate kindness and empathy towards
Tarapada, while Tarapada himself shows compassion towards others, even in the face of hostility.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Where did Tarapada first meet Motilal Babu?
A) at his mansion B) at a restaurant C) by the riverside market D) in a boat
2. 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
3. What age was Charushashi when Tarapada met her?
A) 7 B) 9 C) 11 D)8
4. 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
5. In the company of the gymnasts Tarapada would:
A)beat drum B) do acrobatics C) play guitar D) play the flute
6. How did Tarapada answer searching questions of Annapurna?
A) satisfactorily B) half-heartedly C) laconically D) willingly
7. What kind of girl was Charushashi?
A) adorable B) jealous C) kind-hearted D) caring and compassionate
8. Tarapada's parents were:
A) very poor B) rich C) haughty D) high caste and poor
9. At what age was Charushashi planned to be married?
A) 9 B) 10 C) 16 D) 11
10. About Tarapada Charushashi's attitude was:
A) infatuation B) possessiveness C) hatred D) envy
11. How old was Tarapada when he first met Motilal Babu?
A) About 12 B) About 15 or 16 C) About 18 D) About 20
12. What was Tarapada's main characteristic that defined his behavior?
A) Aggressiveness B) Wanderlust C) Intelligence D) Shyness
13. 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
14. 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
15. What is the primary motivation driving Tarapada's actions throughout the story?
A) Wealth and material possessions B) Wanderlust and a desire for adventure C) Revenge against Motilal Babu
D) Obligation to his family's expectations
16. How does Tarapada's presence affect Motilal Babu's family?
A) It brings them closer together and strengthens their bonds. B) It creates tension and jealousy among family
members. C) It leads to financial prosperity for the family. D) It has no noticeable impact on the family dynamics.
17. What role does societal convention play in Tarapada's life?
A) He adheres strictly to societal norms and expectations. B) He challenges and rejects societal norms in favor of
personal freedom. C) He seeks approval and validation from society. D) He is indifferent to societal conventions.
18. How does Tarapada's character contribute to the theme of self-discovery?
A) By conforming to the expectations of others. B) By remaining stagnant and unchanging throughout the story. C)
By exploring different roles and experiences, leading to personal growth. D) By avoiding new challenges and
experiences.
19. Which character demonstrates kindness and compassion towards Tarapada?
A) Motilal Babu B) Charushashi C) Annapurna D) Sonamani
20. What is the central conflict in the story?
A) Tarapada's struggle to find a stable job B) The rivalry between Tarapada and Matilal Babu C) The tension between
tradition and modernity D) The clash between individual freedom and societal expectations
21. How does Tarapada's perception of himself change throughout the story?
A) He becomes more confident and self-assured. B) He becomes increasingly insecure and doubtful. C) He remains
unchanged in his self-perception. D) He becomes arrogant and egotistical.
22. What role does the setting play in shaping the events of the story?
A) The rural setting symbolizes Tarapada's longing for a simpler life. B) The urban setting represents the challenges of
modernity and progress. C) The setting has no significant impact on the story. D) The setting reinforces the
importance of tradition and family ties.
23. How does Tarapada's relationship with his family evolve throughout the story?
A) He becomes estranged from his family due to his wanderlust. B) He becomes more appreciative of his family's
support and sacrifices. C) He becomes increasingly critical and distant from his family. D) He remains indifferent to
his family's influence on his life.
24. How do the other characters perceive Tarapada's lifestyle choices?
A) They admire his courage and independence. B) They criticize him for being irresponsible and selfish. C) They
envy his freedom and lack of attachment. D) They are indifferent to his actions and decisions.
25. What does the resolution of the story suggest about Tarapada's character development?
A) He finds contentment and fulfilment in his new lifestyle. B) He regrets his choices and seeks reconciliation with
his family. C) He realizes the importance of tradition and returns to his roots. D) He continues to search for meaning
and purpose in his life.
Short Answer Questions
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. What kind of girl was Sonamani? What kind of relation did she have with Charushashi and Tarapada?
Answer: Sonamani was a child-widow and a friend of Charushashi. She had a friendly and affectionate relationship
with Tarapada, calling him 'Dada' or brother.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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 [Link] 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.
Long Answer Questions
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 poetic prose and vivid
imagery brings the character and their emotions to life, creating an immersive and thought-provoking experience for
the reader.
4. Do the different jatras undertaken by Tarapada symbolise something? Elaborate.
Answer: The different journeys and groups that Tarapada joins like the theatre troupe, acrobats, and panchali singers
can be seen as symbolising his quest to explore and experience life. The theatre troupe represents Tarapada's desire to
observe and understand the human drama or stories that constitute life. The acrobats symbolise the thirst for adventure
and honing one's talents. 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 [Link] 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.
5. 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.