Atithi /Guest Question Answers (Important) | ISC Class 12 English Prism Book

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Atithi _Guest-ImpQns

 

ISC Class 12 English Chapter Atithi /Guest Important Question Answers from Prism book

 

ISC Class 12 English Atithi /Guest Question Answers – Looking for questions and answers for ISC Class 12 English Prism Book Chapter Atithi /Guest? Look no further! Our comprehensive compilation of important questions will help you brush up on your subject knowledge. Practising Class 12 English question answers can significantly improve your performance in the exam. Improve your chances of scoring high marks by exploring ISC Class 12 English Chapter Atithi /Guest now. The questions listed below are based on the latest ISC exam pattern. All the Questions Answers given at the back of the lesson have also been covered. 

 

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ISC Class 12 English Chapter Atithi /Guest Textbook Questions

 

ASSIGNMENT

Question 1
Choose the correct options for the following questions:
1. Why did Motilal Babu get his boat moored near a riverside market?
(a) To buy new clothes
(b) To get his retinue’s meal prepared
(c) To buy English language books
(d) All of the above
Ans. (b) To get his retinue’s meal prepared

2. Where did Tarapada want to go by boat?
(a) Kathaliya
(b) Charushila
(c) Nandigram
(d) Sonpur
Ans. (c) Nandigram

3. Which of the following groups Tarapada did not join?
(a) Jatra-troupe
(b) Panchali-singers
(c) Gymnastics troupe
(d) Chariot-festival troupe
Ans. (d) Chariot-festival troupe

4. Why did Motilal Babu consent to Tarapada’s request of allowing him to sail with them in the boat?
(a) He would help them to prepare their meals
(b) He would entertain them on the way
(c) He was impressed by the pure and natural innocence in Tarapada’s expression
(d) His wife like him.
Ans. (c) He was impressed by the pure and natural innocence in Tarapada’s expression

5. Which of the following statement about Tarapada is NOT correct?
(a) He had voracious appetite
(b) He did everything according to his own wishes
(c) His family members doted on him
(d) He was wary of ties.
Ans. (a) He had voracious appetite

6. Why did Tarapada run away from his home?
(a) He was compelled by his poverty
(b) He was scolded by his brother
(c) He was annoyed with his mother
(d) He did so of his own free will.
Ans. (d) He did so of his own free will.

7. What was the reason that made Tarapada a wander lust?
(a) To travel with the jatra-groups
(b) A longing to be free
(c) To explore the outside world
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Ans. (d) Both (b) and (c)

8. Which figure of speech is used in the sentence given below?
Tarapada was as wary of ties as a young fawn.
(a) Metaphor
(b) Simile
(c) Personification
(d) Allusion
Ans. (b) Simile

9. What was the thing that lured Tarapada when he ran away from home for the first time?
(a) The panchali-singers
(b) The music from the flute
(c) The songs of the jatra
(d) The skills of the gymnasts.
Ans. (c) The songs of the jatra

10. What was the attraction for Tarapada in going to Nandigram?
(a) The amateur jatra group
(b) The natural beauty of Nandigram
(c) The chariot-festival
(d) The Panchali reciters
Ans. (a) The amateur jatra group

11. What was the effect of various troupes on Tarapada?
(a) He learnt to use foul language
(b) He learnt to steal
(c) He remained unbound by any kind of habit or custom
(d) He learnt to sing and play the flute.
Ans. (c) He remained unbound by any kind of habit or custom

12. Which figure of speech is used in the line given below?
‘He was, deep down, entirely detached and free.’
(a) Simile
(b) Alliteration
(c) Metaphor
(d) Personification
Ans. (b) Alliteration

13. Why did Annapurna feel disturbed by Tarapada?
(a) He did not obey his commands
(b) He did not show any liking for her
(c) Due to his indifference to her hospitality
(d) Due to his negligent attitude
Ans. (c) Due to his indifference to her hospitality

14. Which of the following traits of Tarapada have been compared with Nature?
(a) Relentlessness
(b) Serenity
(c) Detachment
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Ans. (d) Both (b) and (c)

15. What was the impact on the listeners when Tarapada had finished singing Panchali?
(a) It took them into a trance
(b) They wished it would last forever.
(c) It seemed like a music from heaven.
(d) All of the above
Ans. (b) They wished it would last forever.

16. What were Charushashi’s initial feelings for Tarapada?
(a) Envy and Jealousy
(b) Handsome and Headstrong
(c) Inquisitive and Intelligent
(d) Rude and Robust
Ans. (a) Envy and Jealousy

17. Charushashi had which of the following traits?
(a) Flexible
(b) Receptive
(c) Obstinate
(d) Subservient
Ans. (c) Obstinate

18. What was Annapurna’s thought when she heard Tarapada sing about Lav and Kush?
(a) Charu will soften on hearing it
(b) Charu would be annoyed
(c) Charu would give up her temperament
(d) All of the above
Ans. (a) Charu will soften on hearing it

19. How could Tarapada ‘get to know’ people with amazing ease and speed?
(a) He knew many languages
(b) He was engaging and appeared divine
(c) He could read their minds
(d) He could lure people with his peptalk
Ans. (b) He was engaging and appeared divine

20. Which figure of speech is used in the line given below?
Poor Sonamani fumbled for false explanations.
(a) Simile
(b) Metaphor
(c) Personification
(d) Alliteration
Ans. (d) Alliteration

Question 2

Complete the following sentences by providing a reason for each in brief:

1. Motilal Babu moored his boat near a riverside market because ………………………………
Ans. Motilal Babu moored his boat near a riverside market because their meal could be prepared there.

2. Motilal Babu consented to Tarapada’s request of giving him lift in the boat till Nandigram because …………………………
Ans. Motilal Babu consented to Tarapada’s request of giving him lift in the boat till Nandigram because he was impressed by the pure and natural innocence in Tarapada’s expression.

3. Tarapada ran away from his home because …………………………………………………
Ans. Tarapada ran away from his home because he did so of his own free will at the age of seven or eight, driven by a longing to be free and explore the outside world.

4. Tarapada left the jatra-troupe because ………………………………………………………
Ans. Tarapada left the jatra-troupe because the master began to treat him almost as a son, and the members, along with the people where they performed, especially women, started to make a special fuss of him, which he was wary of.

5. Tarapada joined a group of panchali singers because ………………………………………
Ans. Tarapada joined a group of panchali singers because he was impelled by his passion for music, as melodies sent a trembling through his veins and rhythms made his body swing.

6. Tarapada’s family gave up searching for him because …………………………………………
Ans. Tarapada’s family gave up searching for him because he had run away two or three times already, leading them and the villagers to lose hope of him returning.

7. Tarapada decided to give up gymnastics troupe and go to Nandigram because …… …………………………………………
Ans. Tarapada decided to give up the gymnastics troupe and go to Nandigram because he had heard that the zamindars at Nandigram had founded an amateur jatra-group on a lavish scale.

8. Tarapada, despite having any connections with various groups remained unbound and uncorrupted because …………………
Ans. Tarapada, despite having any connections with various groups remained unbound and uncorrupted because his nature was deep down entirely detached and free, allowing foul language and dreadful sights to pass him by without fixing in his mind, like a pure white swan in murky waters.

9. In contrast to his previous experiences Tarapada stayed in Motilal Babu’s house for almost two years because. …………
Ans. In contrast to his previous experiences Tarapada stayed in Motilal Babu’s house for almost two years because maybe his studies had a hold on him, or he was changing as he grew up and a stable existence in a comfortable house had more appeal, or the beauty of Charushashi was exerting an unconscious influence.

10. After initial reluctance, Motilal Babu decided to marry his daughter to Tarapada because…………………………………
Ans. After initial reluctance, Motilal Babu decided to marry his daughter to Tarapada because he realized Tarapada was good to look at and good in every outward aspect, and that Charushashi’s aggressive nature might not be received well by in-laws, meaning his daughter would not have to go to someone else’s house.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Answer the questions briefly in about 100-150 words.

1. Briefly describe the physical appearance of Tarapada.
Ans. Tarapada was a fair-skinned boy, not more than fifteen or sixteen years old, and was remarkably beautiful to look at. His smile and large eyes had a youthful grace. His body, bare except for a stained dhoti, was described as being free of any excess, as if lovingly carved by a sculptor. His ‘gleaming, Brahminical perfection’ suggests a clean and refined appearance. He had long hair which he sleeked away from his forehead and down to his neck, and he adjusted a glistening sacred thread. Overall, he possessed a pure and naturally innocent expression that deeply impressed Motilal Babu.

2. Why did Tarapada run away from his house? Which troupes did he join and why did he leave them?
Ans. Tarapada ran away from his home of his own volition at the young age of seven or eight. He was not compelled by poverty, scolding, or lack of love; in fact, his family doted on him. His reason for leaving was an inherent longing to be free and to explore the outside world, as his stars seemed to have made him a wanderer. He initially joined a jatra-troupe, but he left when the master began to treat him like a son, and other members and even local people grew too fond of him, as he was wary of ties. Later, he joined a group of panchali-singers and then a gymnastics troupe. He would leave these groups too once strong attachments or expectations began to form, driven by his fundamental desire for independence.

3. Where did Tarapada meet Motilal Babu? What request did he make? Why did Motilal Babu accept his request?
Ans. Tarapada met Motilal Babu near a riverside market where Motilal had moored his boat to prepare their meal. Tarapada approached Motilal Babu and requested if he could drop him at Nandigram on the way. Motilal Babu readily accepted his request because he was immediately impressed by the pure and natural innocence in this runaway boy’s expression. Tarapada’s charming demeanor, beautiful appearance, and confident yet not assertive manner disarmed Motilal, who invited him without any doubt or question, even offering him a meal with his family.

4. Explain Charushashi’s feelings for Tarapada initially.
Ans. Initially, Charushashi’s feelings for Tarapada were dominated by envy and jealousy. As the only child, she was accustomed to being the sole focus of her parents’ affection. When Tarapada arrived and quickly charmed everyone, especially her parents, she could not tolerate sharing their attention. She scowled at meals, complained about cooking, and showed outright hostility towards him. She refused to admit he had any good qualities, and his accomplishments only made her angrier. She saw him as an intruder and wished for him to leave, even though a subtle, unacknowledged attraction also began to stir within her.

5. Briefly describe the scene at the ghat on the moonlit evening which made Tarapada break all shackles and go away.
Ans. On a moonlit evening, Tarapada went to the ghat and saw a vibrant, exciting scene. Boats laden with merry-go-rounds, jatra-troupes, and cargo were rapidly heading towards a famous chariot festival at Kurulkata. He heard a Calcutta orchestra practicing loudly and a jatra-troupe singing to violin accompaniment, with boatmen from western lands making loud music with cymbals and drums. This excitement was then intensified by the onset of a monsoon storm: clouds covered the moon, an east wind blew sharply, the river swelled, and darkness thickened amidst the sounds of frogs and crickets. To Tarapada, the entire world seemed to transform into a grand chariot-festival of movement, sounds, and elements. This overwhelming display of dynamic freedom and raw nature reawakened his deep wanderlust.

6. What did Charushashi do to get Tarapada’s attention?
Ans. Charushashi employed various methods, often negative, to get Tarapada’s attention. She would disrupt his English studies by deliberately spilling ink on his exercise books, stealing his pen, or even tearing out pages he needed to learn. She would burst into his room like a cavalry-charge, disturbing him with crossness, eagerness, or scorn. In a fit of intense jealousy, she even destroyed his beloved flute by jumping and stamping on it. When these aggressive tactics failed to fully control him, she resorted to more desperate measures, such as secretly locking him in his room to prevent him from visiting Sonamani, and even wailing to force him to eat before he left.

7. Describe briefly in your own words, the boat journey to Kathaliya.
Ans. The boat journey to Kathaliya was slow and peaceful, lasting about ten days. After stopping at a riverside market to prepare a meal, the large boat, sometimes sailing and sometimes being towed, proceeded gently along rivers and their smaller tributaries. The days flowed at an easy pace, allowing passengers to enjoy the calm and beautiful scenery of green fields, flooded jute-fields, and distant villages. In the long afternoons, people spent time bathing and eating. As dusk fell, the boat would moor at a quiet village ghat, surrounded by trees buzzing with crickets and glowing with fireflies, creating a serene atmosphere for the travelers.

8. How was Tarapada influenced by his travels? Why?
Ans. Tarapada was significantly influenced by his travels, which broadened his experiences and honed his unique character. By mixing with various groups like jatra-troupes, panchali-singers, and even stallholders, he learned all sorts of delightful accomplishments with astonishing ease. This included singing, playing the flute, understanding various folk tales and religious songs, and even practical skills like making sweets, weaving, or using a potter’s wheel. Despite witnessing foul language and dreadful sights, his nature remained uncorrupted and unbound by any habit or custom. This was because, deep down, he was entirely detached and free. His travels allowed him to experience the world fully without being soiled by it, like a swan swimming in murky waters with pure white wings, continually exploring without forming lasting attachments.

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
Answer the questions briefly in about 200-250 words.
1. Why did Tarapada join different groups before coming to Kathaliya village? Why did he leave them? Which characteristic trait of Tarapada is revealed by his act of first joining and then leaving these groups?
Ans. Tarapada joined various groups before arriving at Kathaliya village primarily because of his inherent love for music, curiosity, and an unquenchable desire to experience the world. His very first departure from home was spurred by the captivating songs of the jatra, which sent a trembling through his veins. He was drawn to the excitement and artistic expression offered by such troupes. After the jatra, his passion for melodies led him to a group of panchali singers, where he diligently learned songs and recitations. Later, his curiosity about their skills made him join a gymnastics troupe. For Tarapada, these groups were not just sources of entertainment or livelihood; they were pathways to exploration and new experiences, constantly feeding his inquisitive spirit. However, Tarapada invariably left these groups for the same fundamental reason he was wary of ties. As soon as the masters or members of these troupes grew too fond of him, treating him almost as a son or showering him with excessive affection, he would quietly disappear. He could not tolerate feeling bound by emotional attachments or the responsibilities that came with them. This consistent pattern of first joining wholeheartedly and then leaving abruptly reveals his most defining characteristic: an unyielding spirit of wanderlust and an absolute need for freedom. He was deep down, entirely detached and free, unable to be corrupted or confined by any habit, custom, or, most importantly, any kind of lasting human connection, even those rooted in love and care. His life was a continuous journey of temporary engagements, always moving towards the unknown.

2. “But he would not accept ties, even ties of love: his stars had made him a wanderer.”
Substantiate the viewpoint portrayed through these lines with reference to Tarapada’s journey from his running away from his home to vanishing from Motilal Babu’s house and village.
Ans. The quote perfectly captures Tarapada’s unique character and the central theme of ‘Atithi’. From his earliest childhood, Tarapada embodied the spirit of a true wanderer, consistently rejecting any form of emotional or social ties, even ties of love. This viewpoint is strongly substantiated throughout his journey. He first ran away from his home at the tender age of seven or eight, not due to any neglect or ill-treatment, but purely of his own volition. His family adored him, yet his inherent longing for freedom propelled him away from their doting affection, demonstrating his inability to be tied down even by unconditional love. His pattern continued as he joined various artistic troupes. He was drawn to the jatra’s music and the panchali singers, but when the troupe leaders and members grew fond of him and treated him like family, he would vanish without a word. He resisted becoming emotionally indebted or confined, always prioritizing his freedom. His time at Motilal Babu’s house further tests this trait. Annapurna showers him with maternal affection, and Motilal wishes to adopt him as a son, offering comfort and education. Even Charushashi, with her complex and possessive love, begins to stir a strange stirring in his heart. Despite finding a measure of comfort and even a new dream in Kathaliya, the impending marriage proposal, the ultimate tie, becomes the final catalyst for his departure.The dramatic scene at the ghat, with the sounds of the chariot festival and the onset of a monsoon storm, acts as an irresistible call to his wandering spirit. On the night of his wedding, Tarapada disappears, confirming that his stars had indeed made him a wanderer, choosing the vast, unconstraining embrace of nature over human bonds.

3. Describe the character of Charushashi and her relationship with Tarapada.
Ans. Charushashi is a complex, contradictory, and deeply intriguing character. As the only child of Motilal Babu and Annapurna, she is accustomed to being the sole focus of her parents’ affection, which has made her spoiled, willful, and obstinate. She is prone to intense tantrums, demanding her way in everything from clothes to hairstyles, and can be very difficult to manage. She often expresses her strong feelings through outward hostility, scowling, complaining, and even physical aggression towards others, like slapping the maid. Her relationship with Tarapada is a central dynamic in the story and is marked by a tumultuous blend of intense jealousy, hatred, and a powerful, though unacknowledged, attraction. Initially, she views Tarapada as an intruder who steals her parents’ attention. Her envy manifests in active malice: she refuses to admit his virtues, sabotages his studies, and even destroys his beloved flute in a fit of rage. She actively tries to keep him away from others, especially her friend Sonamani, showing extreme possessiveness. However, beneath this hostility lies a secret fascination. She covertly watches him when he swims, drawn by his grace. As time passes, her antics become a desperate way to seek his attention. Tarapada, initially amused by her, begins to feel a strange stirring and a new dream towards her, indicating a complex, almost magnetic bond. Despite her attempts to control and bind him, her passionate and erratic nature ultimately clashes with his need for freedom, though she remains deeply attached to him.

4. Describe the appropriateness of the title of the story, ‘Atithi’.
Ans. The title ‘Atithi’, which means ‘The Guest’ in Bengali, is profoundly appropriate for Rabindranath Tagore’s story as it perfectly captures the essence of Tarapada’s character and the central theme of the narrative. Tarapada is literally a guest in Motilal Babu’s household, welcomed and cared for, but never truly becoming a permanent resident. From the moment he steps onto the boat, he is treated with hospitality, yet his stay is always temporary, just like a guest’s. Metaphorically, Tarapada is a guest in every aspect of his life. He joins various troupes like jatra, panchali, gymnastics, but never fully integrates or commits. He learns their ways, enjoys their company, and contributes his talents, but he always leaves when he senses any form of ties or attachment forming. He is a ‘guest’ to every experience, observing and participating without allowing himself to be permanently influenced or bound. His purity of spirit, uncorrupted by the murky waters of the world, further emphasizes his detached, transient nature; he passes through without absorbing impurities, just as a guest passes through a house without becoming part of its permanent structure. His ultimate act of vanishing on the eve of his wedding solidifies this identity, affirming that he is an eternal guest to life itself, prioritizing absolute freedom over any form of belonging. The title thus captures his inherent wanderlust, his inability to be tied down by love or societal expectations, and his unique journey as a transient soul.

5. Suppose you were in Tarapada’s place. What would you have done after staying for about two years in Motilal Babu’s house-remained a guest or had become a family member?
Ans. If I were in Tarapada’s place, after spending almost two years in Motilal Babu’s comfortable and loving home, the decision would be incredibly difficult, but ultimately, I believe I would have chosen to remain a guest, even if it meant leaving. The house offered immense comfort, stability, and affection that I had never known for so long. Annapurna’s maternal love, Motilal Babu’s kindness and the opportunity to learn English, which opened up an inaccessible realm, were truly appealing. I would have appreciated the calm existence and the chance to satisfy my intellectual curiosity. However, my inherent nature, the very core of who I am, is freedom. I thrive on movement, new experiences, and the absence of emotional chains. While the growing feelings for Charushashi were powerful and stirring, they also represented the ultimate tie that threatened my independence. The sounds of the chariot festival and the wild monsoon night would serve as an irresistible call, a reminder of the vast, unconstraining world outside. Despite the warmth and security, the thought of being confined by marriage and domestic responsibilities, of sacrificing the limitless possibilities of the open road, would become unbearable. The comfort, while tempting, would eventually feel like a cage. My true identity is that of a wanderer, and I would choose to remain true to that deepest part of myself, vanishing into the freedom that my soul craves, rather than becoming a permanent, bound member of a family.

6. Suppose you were Tarapada, describe how you felt about Charushashi and her antics. What did you do to pacify her?
Ans. If I were Tarapada, my feelings towards Charushashi would have been a fascinating mix of amusement, intrigue, and eventually, a powerful, complex attraction. Initially, her fiery nature and intense tantrums, her scowls and complaints, would have struck me as quite unique and even amusing. It was odd to see such a small girl with such strong, volatile emotions. Her attempts to disrupt my studies, like spilling ink or stealing my pen, and her dramatic act of smashing my flute, would mostly elicit laughter from me because they seemed so absurd in their intensity. I was fascinated by her natural fierceness and found myself making efforts by telling her stories, singing, playing the flute, to try and win her over, though with little success at first. As time passed, my perspective shifted. I couldn’t laugh at her antics in the same light-hearted way. There was a strange stirring in my heart, a sort of electrical impulse, and a new dream began to form. This indicated a profound and growing attraction. When she was bad, the thought of beating her never crossed my mind anymore. To pacify her, my methods were varied. Sometimes, I simply bore her disruptions with amusement. When she ruined my exercise book, I just sat silently, and my very inaction seemed to put her in a quandary, making her desperate to seek forgiveness by writing a note. Later, when her passionate, overwrought pleas and tears forced me to eat after she locked me in, it was not true pacification but a temporary surrender to her intense emotion, driven by the nascent feelings growing within me.

 

ISC Class 12 English Chapter Atithi /Guest Extra Question and Answers

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q1. Motilal Babu moored his boat near a riverside market so that their _________ could be prepared.
A. clothes could be washed
B. new supplies could be bought
C. meal
D. boat could be repaired
Ans. C. meal

Q2. The fair-skinned boy, _________, was beautiful to look at and not more than fifteen or sixteen.
A. Motilal
B. Tarapada
C. Kush
D. Lav
Ans. B. Tarapada

Q3. Tarapada had run away from home of his own volition at the age of _________ or _________.
A. five, six
B. nine, ten
C. seven, eight
D. thirteen, fourteen
Ans. C. seven, eight

Q4. Tarapada was as wary of ties as a young _________.
A. bird
B. fawn
C. lion
D. fish
Ans. B. fawn

Q5. The songs of the _________ were what had first lured Tarapada away from home.
A. panchali-singers
B. boatmen
C. jatra
D. gymnasts
Ans. C. Jatra

Q6. Annapurna felt disturbed by Tarapada’s indifference to her _________.
A. commands
B. questions
C. hospitality
D. family
Ans. C. hospitality

Q7. The little girl, _________, was full of envy and jealousy towards Tarapada.
A. Annapurna
B. Sonamani
C. Charushashi
D. Kumudini
Ans. C. Charushashi

Q8. When Tarapada sang about Kush and Lav, the tearful Annapurna longed to _________ him.
A. scold
B. question
C. press him to her breast
D. ask him to leave
Ans. C. press him to her breast

Q9. Charushashi deliberately smashed Tarapada’s beloved _________ in a fit of rage.
A. book
B. pen
C. flute
D. sacred thread
Ans. C. flute

Q10. In a cloudy monsoon night, Tarapada vanished before love and emotional ties could encircle him completely, returning to the unconstraining, unemotional arms of _________.
A. his family
B. his jatra troupe
C. his mother Earth
D. the new village
Ans. C. his mother Earth

Extract-Based Questions

Answer the following extract-based question.

A.
When everyone had eaten, Annapurna sat him next to her and asked him about his background. She didn’t gather much. All she could establish was that the boy had run away from home of his own volition at the age of seven or eight.
“Isn’t your mother alive?” asked Annapurna.
“She is,” said Tarapada.
“Doesn’t she love you?” asked Annapurna.
Tarapada seemed to find this question peculiar. ‘Why shouldn’t she love me?’ he said, laughing.
“Then why did you leave her?” said Annapurna.
“She has four more sons and three daughters,” said Tarapada.

Q1. What did Annapurna do after everyone had eaten?
Ans. After everyone had eaten, Annapurna sat Tarapada next to her and asked him about his background.

Q2. What was the main piece of information Annapurna was able to learn about Tarapada’s past?
Ans. The main information Annapurna could establish was that Tarapada had run away from home of his own free will when he was seven or eight years old.

Q3. Did Tarapada’s mother love him? How did Tarapada react to this question?
Ans. Yes, Tarapada stated that his mother was alive and loved him. He found the question peculiar and laughed when asked why his mother wouldn’t love him.

Q4. Why did Annapurna ask Tarapada, “Then why did you leave her?”
Ans. Annapurna asked this question because Tarapada had confirmed his mother was alive and loved him, making his reason for leaving unclear to her.

Q5. How many siblings did Tarapada say he had?
Ans. Tarapada said he had four more brothers and three sisters.

B.
Motilal Babu, zamindar of Kathaliya, was returning home with his family by boat. One afternoon he moored the boat near a riverside market so that their meal could be prepared. A Brah-min boy came over and asked, ‘Where are you going, Babu?’ The boy was not more than fifteen or sixteen.
“Kathaliya,” replied Motilal Babu.
“Could you drop me at Nandigram on the way?”
Motilal consented. “What’s your name?” he asked.
“Tarapada,” said the boy.
The fair-skinned boy was beautiful to look at. His smile and his large eyes had the grace of youth. His body – bare except for a stained dhoti – was free of any excess: as if lovingly carved by a sculptor, or as if in a previous life he had been a young sage whose pure religious devotion had removed all grossness, honed him to gleaming, Brahminical perfection.
“Come and wash, baba,” said Motilal Babu tenderly. “You can eat with us.”

Q1. Who was Motilal Babu, and what was he doing when he moored his boat?
Ans. Motilal Babu was the zamindar of Kathaliya. He was returning home with his family by boat when he moored it near a riverside market.

Q2. Why did Motilal Babu moor his boat near a riverside market?
Ans. Motilal Babu moored his boat near a riverside market so that their meal could be prepared.

Q3. Who approached Motilal Babu, and how old was he?
Ans. A Brahmin boy approached Motilal Babu. The boy was not more than fifteen or sixteen years old.

Q4. What was the boy’s name, and what request did he make to Motilal Babu?
Ans. The boy’s name was Tarapada. He requested Motilal Babu to drop him at Nandigram on his way.

Q5. Describe Tarapada’s physical appearance as described in the passage.
Ans. Tarapada was a fair-skinned boy, beautiful to look at, with a graceful smile and large eyes. His body was bare except for a stained dhoti, and it was described as being free of any excess, almost as if lovingly carved by a sculptor, reflecting a gleaming, Brahminical perfection.

Extra Questions

Short Answer Questions

Q1. Who is Tarapada, and what is unique about his nature when he first meets Motilal Babu?
Ans. Tarapada is a young boy, about fifteen or sixteen years old, who is very handsome and has a charming personality. He first meets Motilal Babu’s family by a river, where he asks for a ride. What makes Tarapada unique is his strong and inherent desire to wander and be free; he cannot be tied down by people, places, or emotional connections. Even though he comes from a loving home where everyone doted on him, he ran away at a young age simply because he longed to explore the outside world and avoid any strong ties. He has a pure and innocent expression that immediately impresses Motilal Babu, despite his mysterious background. Tarapada is also very talented and adaptable, quickly showing skills in cooking and later in music and other crafts. His uniqueness lies in his complete detachment, even while he fully engages with the world around him.

Q2. How did Annapurna and Motilal Babu feel about Tarapada, and what did they wish for him?
Ans. Annapurna, Motilal Babu’s wife, felt a deep sense of motherly love and concern for Tarapada. She was very drawn to his innocent beauty and wondered why such a lovely boy had left his home. She genuinely wished to nurture him, trying to feed him special foods and offering him comfort. She was disturbed by his indifference to her hospitality, especially when he refused milk. Annapurna was deeply moved by his singing, which often brought tears to her eyes, and she secretly longed to hold him close. Motilal Babu also grew very fond of Tarapada, admiring his talents and intellectual curiosity. He even wished that Tarapada could be like a son to him, as he had no sons of his own. Both wished for Tarapada to stay and become a part of their family, showing their warmth and affection towards the young wanderer.

Q3. Describe Charushashi’s feelings and actions towards Tarapada.
Ans. Charushashi, Motilal Babu’s only daughter, had very complex feelings towards Tarapada, mostly driven by jealousy and possessiveness. Since she was used to being the sole focus of her parents’ attention, she resented Tarapada’s presence and the affection he received. She refused to admit he had any good qualities and would scowl or throw tantrums when he was praised. Charushashi actively tried to disrupt Tarapada’s life and studies, spilling ink on his books, stealing his pen, or even tearing out pages. In a fit of rage and jealousy, she even broke his beloved flute. Despite all her hostile actions, Charushashi also felt a secret attraction to Tarapada, especially when she saw him swimming, though she tried hard to hide this interest. Her behavior showed her strong will and her difficulty in sharing attention or affection.

Q4. What kind of life did Tarapada lead when he stayed in Kathaliya village?
Ans. When Tarapada stayed in Kathaliya village, he quickly became very popular and well-liked by everyone. He easily made friends with all the villagers, young and old, regardless of their social standing. He was adaptable and could fit into any situation or task, whether it was minding a sweet shop, making sweets, or learning about weaving and pottery. He would chat with people, help out with their work, and engage fully in local life as if he had always been there. This ability to mingle and adapt, combined with his natural charm and skills, made him reign over the entire village. Despite his deep engagement with daily life and the people, he maintained his inherent detachment and freedom, as if the village’s influences couldn’t truly bind or corrupt his spirit.

Q5. Why did Tarapada ultimately leave Motilal Babu’s house, even when a marriage was arranged for him?
Ans. Tarapada ultimately left Motilal Babu’s house because his deep-seated and inherent wandering spirit could not be contained by emotional ties or the prospect of a settled life, even with growing feelings for Charushashi. Motilal Babu had arranged his marriage to Charushashi, keeping it a secret from Tarapada. While Tarapada had started to feel a strange attraction towards Charushashi and was experiencing new emotions, his fundamental nature was to be free and unattached. The sounds and sights of a distant chariot festival, combined with a stormy monsoon night, seemed to awaken his old urge to wander. On the very morning his mother arrived for the wedding and the wedding supplies arrived, Tarapada disappeared quietly. He left before love and emotional ties could fully encircle him, returning to the unconstrained freedom of the natural world, true to his lifelong calling as a wanderer.

Long Answer Questions

Q1. Describe Tarapada’s personality and explain why he could not be bound by emotional ties or settled life.
Ans. Tarapada is portrayed as a remarkably handsome and uniquely charming young boy with an inherent and profound desire for freedom. He possesses a gentle demeanor and a natural innocence that immediately draws people to him. Despite his youth, he displays astonishing adaptability and a wide range of skills, quickly learning anything from cooking to weaving, playing the flute, and even English. However, his most defining characteristic is his deeply ingrained wanderlust. He is described as being ‘wary of ties as a young fawn’ and his nature is like a ‘joyous wave on life’s unending stream’, always moving forward.
Tarapada could not be bound by emotional ties or a settled life because of this fundamental aspect of his being. Even as a child, he ran away from a loving home where he was doted upon, not out of neglect, but of his own will. Whenever he sensed that people, whether jatra troupe masters, panchali singers, or Annapurna and Motilal, grew too fond of him and tried to tie him down with affection or a sense of belonging, he would quietly disappear. The story suggests that his stars had made him a wanderer, implying a destiny that prioritizes absolute freedom over conventional relationships and domesticity. His purity of spirit remained untouched by the world’s harshness, enabling him to float serenely through life without impediment, making him ultimately unwilling to be confined by any emotional or social bonds, even love.

Q2. How do Annapurna and Motilal Babu try to embrace Tarapada into their family, and what does this reveal about their characters?
Ans. Annapurna and Motilal Babu both try in their own ways to embrace Tarapada into their family, revealing their kind and nurturing natures, as well as Motilal’s practical side. Annapurna, the wife, immediately feels a strong maternal affection towards Tarapada. She is deeply concerned for his well-being, trying to feed him, questioning him about his indifference to hospitality, and longing to nurture him like a son. Her appreciation for his artistic talents, especially his singing, is profound, and she often sheds tears of joy while listening to him. Her actions highlight her compassionate and affectionate character, as she yearns to fill the void of a son and shower him with motherly love. Motilal Babu, the zamindar, is also captivated by Tarapada, particularly by his natural innocence, charm, and intelligence. He is a practical man who sees potential in Tarapada. He not only provides him with a home but also arranges for him to learn English, hoping to give him a stable future. He initially considers Tarapada a good replacement for the son he never had. While he is initially hesitant about marrying his daughter to a boy with an unknown family, his paternal love for Charushashi, combined with his observation of Tarapada’s good qualities and Charushashi’s difficult nature, makes him eventually agree to the match. Their efforts reveal them as benevolent, loving parents and hosts who genuinely wish to provide a home and a future for Tarapada, even if their attempts to tie him down ultimately fail.

Q3. Discuss the complex character of Charushashi and how her feelings for Tarapada evolve throughout the story.
Ans. Charushashi is a complex and highly contradictory character, deeply affected by being her parents’ only child and the sole recipient of their affection. Initially, she is portrayed as a spoiled, willful, and obstinate girl, accustomed to getting her own way and prone to tantrums. Her jealousy is a dominant trait, especially when Tarapada arrives and gains her parents’ attention. She expresses this through sullenness, complaints, and even outright hostility, actively trying to disrupt Tarapada’s studies and interactions with others. Her hatred is so intense that she deliberately destroys his beloved flute. However, beneath this outward hostility, Charushashi harbors a secret attraction and growing possessiveness towards Tarapada. She covertly watches him when he swims, fascinated by his physical grace. Her jealousy stems not just from her parents’ attention, but from an unconscious desire to have Tarapada solely for herself, a feeling she struggles to understand and express. Her attempts to sabotage his studies eventually give way to a desire to learn alongside him, showing a hidden wish for connection, even if driven by competition. As the story progresses, her complex feelings evolve into a strong, though still volatile, attraction that influences her parents’ decision to arrange her marriage to Tarapada. Her inability to articulate her true feelings and her reliance on destructive acts reveal her immaturity and internal conflict, making her a puzzle even to herself.

Q4. Explain the significance of music and learning in Tarapada’s life and how these elements contribute to his character.
Ans. Music and learning are profoundly significant elements in Tarapada’s life, acting as both a catalyst for his wandering spirit and a means of engaging with the world while maintaining his unique detachment. His very first act of running away from home is attributed to the songs of the jatra, highlighting music’s powerful allure for him. He possesses an innate talent for music, quickly mastering the flute and singing panchalis, kirtans, and jatra pieces. These artistic skills not only bring him immense personal joy, sending a trembling through his veins but also allow him to effortlessly charm and connect with people, captivating audiences like Annapurna and Motilal. Beyond music, Tarapada exhibits an extraordinary curiosity and a keen intellect. His fascination with Motilal Babu’s English illustrated books leads him to eagerly embrace formal learning, which opens up an inaccessible realm. This pursuit of knowledge becomes a new anchor for him, keeping him in Motilal Babu’s house for an extended period, which is unusual for his wandering nature. Music and learning are not just hobbies for Tarapada; they are integral to his identity. They provide him with means of expression, allow him to explore new worlds both physical and intellectual, and enable him to remain serene and detached, yet always busy. These elements underscore his unique character, showing that his engagements are driven by inner passion and curiosity rather than external ties.

Q5. Describe the ending of the story. What does Tarapada’s final disappearance signify about his character and the themes of ‘Atithi’?
Ans. The ending of ‘Atithi’ reaches its highest development in Tarapada’s mysterious disappearance on the very night before his arranged wedding to Charushashi. Motilal Babu had carefully planned the wedding, summoning Tarapada’s family and arranging all necessities, keeping the news from Tarapada himself. On a moonlit evening, Tarapada witnesses the festive activity of boats heading to a chariot festival, filled with jatra troupes and musicians. This scene, combined with the wild, stormy monsoon weather, evokes a powerful sense of universal movement and freedom. The sounds and sights of the approaching fair profoundly stir his innate wanderlust. Tarapada’s final disappearance, just as love and emotional ties could encircle him completely, powerfully signifies his unyielding commitment to absolute freedom. It reveals that his core nature as a wanderer is stronger than any societal expectation, family affection, or even the newly emerging romantic attraction he felt for Charushashi. The ending reinforces the central theme that some individuals cannot be bound by conventional domesticity or personal relationships. He returns to the unconstraining unemotional arms of his mother Earth, symbolizing his ultimate rejection of human ties in favor of an untamed, independent existence. His departure confirms that he is truly an ‘Atithi’ in every sense, unable to become a permanent part of any family or home.

 

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