Rabindranath Tagore, the legendary Indian poet and playwright, delved deep into the human psyche in his play The Post Office. The contemplation of life and death takes centre stage among the various themes explored. Through the character of Amal, a young boy confined by illness, Tagore prompts the audience to reflect on the transient nature of life, the fragility of existence, and the significance of cherishing every moment. This essay explores how The Post Office serves as a poignant reminder of the essence of life and the universal inevitability of death.
Amal’s illness: A catalyst for reflection
Amal, the play’s young protagonist, is portrayed as an innocent and imaginative boy confined to his room due to an incurable illness, as the physician says, “on no account must he be let out of doors”.
His physical limitations are a stark reminder of the vulnerability and fragility of life. Through his character, Tagore evokes a sense of empathy and compassion in the audience. Using the physician’s words, “If there’s life in his fate, then he will live long, ” Tagore urges the audience to ponder the transitory nature of existence. This idea of the transience of life is further enforced in the play when Madhav, the adoptive father, talks about the death of Amal’s parents: “He has had no mother since infancy; and now the other day he lost his father as well”.
Fleeting moments and impermanence:
As Amal yearns for the world beyond his room, he highlights the significance of each passing moment. He yearns to travel to the far-away hill that is seen through the window of their house. The play encourages the audience to recognise the value of time and the importance of living fully in the present. This is emphasised through Amal’s love for talking to strangers and his idealisation about the occupation of the man with a “bamboo staff on his shoulder” and a “small bundle at the top”. Amal’s confinement becomes a metaphor for the limitations of our mortal existence, urging us to make the most of our time.
Amal’s death: Shows us the value of life
Despite his confinement, Amal finds solace in his vivid imagination and his interactions with the post office clerk. For instance, Amal tells his uncle, “it seems to me because the earth can’t speak it raises its hands into the sky and beckons,” and those living far away can see the signal.
He holds on to hope, embraces his dreams, and seeks connection with the outside world. Amal longs to travel to the place “where the water flows under the fig tree”. His yearning to know about the Curd-seller’s village and his trade, his love for the flowers that Sudha fetches and his wish to become a mail carrier for the Raja showcase his imaginative desires that accumulate due to his confined existence.
Furthermore, it is seen that Amal lives and has fun by seeing the village boys play in front of his window. He accomplishes this by offering his toys in exchange for seeing them play. These expose his deep and imaginative desire to enjoy life and its gifts. In the end, when Sudha comes and calls out for Amal, the physician replies, “he’s asleep”, indicating the boy’s demise.
Conclusion:
Through Amal’s character, Tagore reminds us that the transience of life is what makes it more beautiful. One never knows the last time they would smell their favourite flower, hug the person they love or feel the dew drops on the edges of a leaf. Amal reminds us of the beauty and importance of life and exhorts us to live.
It is also interesting to listen to Tagore’s Rabindrasangeet, which is available on Phalguni Mookhopadhaya’s Youtube Channel — https://www.youtube.com/@pmbrainware/videos
Listen to Ei korechho bhalo, nithuro hey -এই করেছ ভালো, নিঠুরহে:
