Exploring Themes and Choices in Tagore's 'Punishment' Short Story

This assignment analyzes Rabindranath Tagore's short story, "Punishment." The student's response begins with a brief biographical overview of Tagore, highlighting his influence on Bengali literature and culture, as well as his contributions to education and the arts. The core of the assignment focuses on the short story, specifically addressing the pivotal choices made by the characters. The student identifies Chandara as making the most significant choice by accepting the blame for her sister-in-law's murder, even though she is innocent. This choice is considered psychologically realistic due to the oppressive circumstances and her desire to escape her marriage. The analysis contrasts Chandara's decision with other characters' choices and explores the motivations behind the characters' actions, suggesting that self-respect and a rejection of a dysfunctional relationship drive the characters' choices. The assignment also includes a significant quotation from the story, along with the student's interpretation of its importance.

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Name of student:
Name of University:

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Context
Born on May 7, 1861, Rabindranath Tagore was one of the legendary Indian, who
mastered his skills in poetry, patriotism, philosophy, and painting and in the field of
humanities. His writings and compositions majorly influenced the culture and the
traditions of Bengalis, by reforming and modernizing the Bengali literature and arts
during the era of late 19th century and the early 20th century. Viswabharati University in
Shantiniketan is one of the significant and unique contribution of Rabindranath Tagore
with the inclusion of four fold principles of the education, the creative self expression,
freedom, internationalism and active communion with humans and nature.
Work
In the light of the short story, punishment, Chandara made the most pivotal choice. She
accepted the lie that her husband stated that she killed Radha, her sister in law. Her
choice is a psychologically realistic. This is because she preferred to be hanged than to
continue the marriage with her husband, Chidam, who falsely accused her of the
murder. Regarding the notable choices made by other characters before the judge by
admitting the truth, Chandara sticked to her confession of the lie. As general rule that
motivates the readers towards the decision taken by Chandara in the story is self
respect and forsaking dramatic and false domestic bond.
Quotation
“ Tagore is not a writer who fits into the usual model of linear development in which the
later writing supersedes the earlier on the grounds of maturity” – Page 866

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This quote showcase the style of work by Rabindranath Tagore. The text is itself very
motivational and appraising. This quotation is not from a pivotal moment in story. The
quotation is inspirational, showcasing the quality and the influence of the works of
Tagore in the field of literature attracted my attention.