ATITHI

Atithi Themes
A. Wanderlust and Freedom
Tarapada’s character embodies the theme of wanderlust and the longing for
freedom. Despite his loving family and comfortable home, Tarapada feels drawn
to the outside world and yearns for exploration. His desire to break free from
societal expectations and experience the unknown reflects the human longing for
personal freedom. He could not be bound in the labyrinth of close relationships.
Tarapada represents a spirit of independence and detachment. He seemed to be
quite unusual as compared to other boys of his age. That Is why he did not even
think once while leaving his house at the age of 7 or 8, when he joined a jatra-
troupe. He was like an ever-flowing river that carries life along with it. It flows
continuously without stopping before it reaches its destination.

B. The Transient Nature Of Guests

In conformity with the definition of a guest, Tarapada was definitely a guest of
Motilal Babu, The word guest means a person who visits somebody’s place and
stays there for a while and then goes back. If one looks at the deeper meaning of
the title, it can be read symbolically, as the journey of man staying for some time
on Earth and then taking a stride for the path towards liberation (moksha).

C. Innocence and Purity

Tarapada’s innocence and purity are recurring themes in the story. Despite his
exposure to the harsh realities of the world, he remains untainted by its negative
aspects. His character represents an idolized innocence, protected from societal
norms and prejudices. Tarapada’s pure spirit stands in contrast to the
complexities of human nature and serves as a source of fascination and
admiration for those around him.
Give an example for each theme.

The Cookie Lady

1) Ernie Mill laughed and laughed on seeing Bubber going towards the old lady’s
house because it was unusual for a young boy, to visit an old lady on a regular
basis .Ernie Mill who was fixing papers for his route was really suspicious about
Bubber’s friendship with that old lady and wanted to enquire the truth by
mocking him.
2) Bubber’s mouth began to water on reaching Mrs Drew’s house because he
could smell cookies and he had irresistible cravings for cookies, and could do
anything for a plate of cookies. This visit offered him a comforting escape,
delightful homemade cookies and a connection with Mrs Drew, who shared her
company and attention with him.
3)When Bubber had finished eating the cookies, he glanced toward the kitchen
again because he could see rest of the baked cookies on the stove, and he
yearned for those cookies.
4) The old lady asked Bubber to stay and talk to her for a while because she
happened to be a lonely woman who had been living in a deserted house. Nobody
seem to visit her except the mailman who came with her pension cheque, the
garbage men and sometimes she would go to shopping mall where she would
meet other people. So the old lady wanted to execute her wicked plan of draining
Bubber’s youth in order to rejuvenate her.
5) When Bernard left Mrs Drew’s house after having filled his pockets with
cookies, he felt tired because the old lady or Mrs Drew would steal
his(Bernard’s)life force, to regain her youth.
6) Tears blurred the old lady’s eyes when Bernard left her house because Mrs
Drew realised all her youthful beauty disappeared as soon as Bernard left her
house. His visits not only provided her company but also seemed to restore her
youth temporarily.
7)Same as answer (5).
8) The sight of a woman drinking a big chocolate soda made Bernard to increase
his pace a little towards his destination because as Bernard sees a woman
drinking a big chocolate soda, his mouth waters indicating his desires for those
irresistible cookies. The desire reflects his innate human cravings and serves to
emphasize on his vulnerability and susceptibility to temptation.
9) The old lady had removed the table and the lamp from the living room because
she did not want, the boy to know about, her plans to get a permanent
transformation from an old to a young lady while she would execute her wicked
plan on him. Only darkness will help to make this ritual possible.
10) The old lady trembled with fear when she touched her forehead and found
her skin dry and brittle like old paper because Bernard told Mrs Drew that he is
visiting him for her last time, and she would not be able to regain her youth if the
boy does not come back.
11)When Bernard visited the old lady’s house for the last time , she hurriedly
went to her room because she already could experience a magical transformation
back to her youth, a time when she was filled with life and vigorous youth, so she
went to bedroom to-look at her in the mirror
12) Mrs Drew laughed gaily when she bid good-bye to Bernard on his last visit to
her house because Sitting close to him and by gently touching his arm she could
steal from him all his youthfulness And regained her youth. She gained what she
desired for, she realised also that this time her transformation would not go as it
happened during Bernard’s previous visits.
QUESTIONS
Q 1. Identify and explain any two messages that predominantly stand out as
lessons for all, in the Story, ‘ The Cookie Lady’.

The author focuses on the responsibility of the parents in guiding their children.
Both parents failed To control the obsessive desire of their son to relish cookies.
The innocent boy falls into the trap of an Unethical lady who under the pretext of
providing him his favourite cookies filled with nuts and Raisins, exploits his youth
and sends him back, deprived of all his energy. The Surles despite being Aware
that it was not right for their son to be spending such a lot of time with a strange
old lady do Little to show genuine concern to probe the reason for their son’s
actions.The author stresses on the result of over- exploitation of the innocent by
evil minded unscrupulous People. The old lady, Mrs Drew exploits Bubber’s
innocence and craving for cookies to drain out his Youth to regain her own youth.
It shows how neglect on the part of parents can lead children to fall Prey to sly,
unprincipled people like Mrs Drew who sucks Bubber’s youth and vitality and
exploits him To the extreme.

Q2. Discuss the impact of Bubber’s visits on Mrs Drew. How does her demeanour
and behaviour Change when he is around?

Bubber’s visits have a profound impact on Mrs. Drew, bringing about a noticeable
change in her Demeanour and behaviour. When Bubber is around, Mrs Drew’s
loneliness and weariness seem to Fade away, replaced by a sense of joy and
vitality. Her face lights up with a smile, and she becomes More animated and
engaged in conversation. Bubber’s presence fills the void in her life and provides
Her with the companionship she craves. His presence also lends her a feeling of
youthful vigour, Which becomes absent when he leaves. It helps her escape from
the aged body and mind that she Has for some time. When Bubber comes she
goes out of her way to make him feel welcomed and loved, baking fresh Cookies
and pouring him a glass of milk. Mrs Drew’s transformation is evident in her
physical Appearance as well. She regains her youth and vitality. Bubber’s visits
give her a sense of purpose And allow her to escape the isolation and monotony
of her everyday life.
Q3. How does Dick use the character of Mrs Drew to convey themes of both
comfort and stability as Well as deception in his story ‘Cookie Lady’?

The Cookie Lady represents a consistent and comforting presence in Bubber’s

lonely existence. Her Kitchen, with its warm atmosphere and delicious cookies,
provides a refuge to Bubber, a friendless Boy not much cared by his parents and
ridiculed by his friend who refers to Mrs. Drew as ‘your lady Friend’. Mrs Drew
presents a grandmotherly figure, who waits for him to come and bakes cookies
for Him where he can temporarily escape from his troubles and find solace in her
company
The routine of visiting the Cookie Lady’s home becomes a stabilizing force in
Bubber’s life. His regular Visits to her home and the familiarity of Mrs. Drew’s
kitchen and the ritual of eating her cookies and Chatting with her offers a sense of
normalcy and routine. As the story progresses, the readers find Bubber’s
perception of the Cookie Lady as a comforting Figure may be an illusion. The
readers get an insight into the workings of Mrs Drew’s mind and Question her
motives. To fulfil her evil designs, she is on a look out for someone, whom she
could Exploit, a soft target. Bubber, a chubby teenage boy, who has no siblings
and is not given due Attention by his parents falls prey to her sinister designs. She
lures Bubber to her house by providing Him freshly baked cookies. She realizes
that his proximity has been bringing some changes in her old Fragile body. She is
regaining her youth and this happened almost every time Bubber visited her
House and sat near her. Her actions and words contribute to the reader’s growing
paranoia and sense Of unease. This aspect of her character adds a layer of
mystery and tension to the story, prompting The readers to question her true
intentions.

Q3. Describe the house where Mrs Drew was living and how foreshadowing as a
technique being Used to give the readers an inkling of some impending disaster?
The house where the old lady, Mrs Drew was living is described as a little grey
box, shabby and Unpainted.The front of the house was overgrown with weeds,
old dry weeds that rustled and Chattered in the wind. The house itself was a little
gray box, the porch steps sagging. There was an Old weather-beaten rocking chair
on the porch with a torn piece of cloth hanging over it. The description of the
house conveys a sense of dilapidation and abandonment. The grey colour and
Lack of maintenance suggest a lack of care and attention. The overgrown weeds
add to the unkempt Appearance, symbolising the passage of time and neglect.
The sagging porch steps reflect the wear And tear that the house has endured
over the years. Overall, the physical state of the house mirrors Mrs Drew’s own
isolation and aging, emphasising the themes of isolation and decay.
Foreshadowing as a literary device is used by the author to give an inkling of some
impending Disaster. The description of the house created an eerie atmosphere
suggesting something dangerous Is likely to happen when Bubber would step
inside the house. This foreboding is further conveyed When the author describes
the Cookie Lady, Mrs Drew as old, very old, a little dried up old lady , like Weeds
that grew along the house. This prepares the readers for the disaster that is going
to happen Later in the story when Mrs Drew’s background is stated as her being
alone for a long time and its Effect being ‘ she found herself saying strange things
and doing strange things’. Despite its shabbiness, the house becomes a place of
solace and connection for Mrs Drew and Bubber. It is within this humble dwelling
that the warmth of the cookies is baked and shared, Creating a sense of comfort
and companionship. This is where Bubber loses his life force and she Gains a new
lease on life and youthful appearance
There will come soft rains
Sarah Teach details there will come soft rains during World War One talks about
nature’s establishment of a new peaceful order that will be indifferent to the
outcome of the war on mankind extinction. Despite taking place against the
backdrop of World War One, the poem turns away from the carnage of the
battlefield and instead focuses on the beauty and serenity of nature, a place filled
with soft rains and animals whose singing will continue.
The title of Bradbury’s story connects the theme of Man and Nature and the
destructive force of war and its connection to technology. The history behind this
could be the events of the atomic bomb. The story was published 5 years after
the USA detonated 2 atom bombs over the Japanese cities- Hiroshima and
Nagasaki. Bradbury took the title from Sarah Teasdale’s poem. While Sarah
Teasdale’s poem talks about the existential insignificance of the human species in
an idyllic post- apocalyptic world when nature would continue to exist peacefully
after the extinction of human race, Bradbury’s depiction of nature is quite violent
as the fire, which symbolizes nature, consumes the automated house that
represents technology. The death of the automated machines at the hands of
nature remind the readers that nature is permanent while technology is
temporary which cannot overpower nature.
The story was published in 1950 and is set in a futuristic world of 2026. The
setting is of a neighborhood in Allendale in California. Despite the destruction, an
automated house belonging to the McClellan family continues its preprogrammed
routines even though it’s inhabitants are not there. Bradbury therefore tries to
convey that war and technology will end human race and not protect. He projects
a dystopia world.
1. The house continues to function despite the absence of its human inhabitants
because it was programmed to perform its daily tasks automatically, illustrating how
technology can persist after humans have disappeared.
2. The line “there will come soft rains” is echoed in the story to symbolize nature’s
indifference to human existence, as the natural world continues on with its own cycles,
unaffected by humanity's destruction.
3. The house repeats "Today is August 5, 2026" to show that it is stuck in a loop,
continuing to carry out its functions without recognizing that its human occupants are
gone, emphasizing the theme of technology’s mindless persistence.
4. The fire is significant because it symbolizes the destructive forces of nature and the
consequences of human actions, destroying the house despite its advanced technology
and serving as a reminder of the fragility of human civilization.
5. The dog’s death is important because it highlights the impact of the atomic disaster
on all life forms, showing that even animals, once a part of the home, have been erased
from existence, reinforcing the theme of humanity's annihilation.
6. The clock’s announcement of the time every hour is crucial because it symbolizes the
passage of time and the mechanical, unfeeling nature of the house, continuing its
routines despite the absence of life or human purpose.
7. The house’s attempt to save itself from the fire is ironic because, despite all its
advanced technology and ability to function independently, it ultimately cannot prevent
its own destruction, highlighting the limits of technology in the face of natural forces.
8. The absence of human characters is significant because it emphasizes the theme of
human extinction and the idea that, after humans are gone, the world and its
technologies will continue on without them, indifferent to their absence.
9. The house's automatic cleaning process is symbolic because it represents the
mindless and repetitive nature of technology, which operates without consideration of
the greater human context, continuing its tasks even after those it was designed to
serve are gone.
10. The final scene of the house collapsing into ruins is important because it symbolizes
the inevitable decay and destruction of human creations, illustrating how, despite all
efforts to preserve technology, everything eventually succumbs to time and nature.

Indigo
Give reasons
Ans 1. Aniruddha did not take up writing as a profession because three of his
stories that had been published in magazines, although were well appreciated,
but he knows that he lacks the capability of earning a livelihood just by writing.
A2. Anirudha had not been writing for the last few months because he was
engrossed reading books about indigo plantations in Bengal and Bihar in the 19th
century- how the British exploited the poor peasants and how the peasants rose
in revolt and finally how with the invention of synthetic indigo in Germany the
cultivation of indigo was wiped out from the country.
A3. Aniruddha said that he was not an unworthy candidate for getting the job in
the advertising agency because he was a good student, he spoke English fluently
and knew how to carry himself in an interview.
A4.Aniruddha used to take solo trips to various places from Monghyr because he
had an overpowering desire to go far away from the hectic life of Calcutta from
time to time.
A5. Anirudha would not be able to forget the date April 29th because that was the
date when he packed to set off for Dumka to stay with his friend Promode for a
week who got a job in the forest department there.
A.6 Anirudha would not give uncle Mohit a short shift because he was his father’s
old friend who came to his house after 10 years.
A.7 After waiting for a quarter of an hour on the road when his second tyre
became flat, Anirudha realised that he had taken a wrong turn because no other
vehicle bad passed by in all that time.
A.8. Aniruddha recalled Bhola Babu’s warning after he had taken a wrong turn
because he was feeling miserable being there all alone after his second tyre got
punctured. He then recalled Bhola Babu’s warning who must have gone through a
similar experience and therefore advised him to take a driver along .
A.9. Aniruddha felt relieved when the chowkidar said that there were no ghosts in
the Dak bungalow because the Dak bungalow was constructed during the British
Raj time. The bedroom was larger with a high ceiling. The furniture consisted a
charpoy, a table set against the wall on one side and a chair with a broken arm, all
of which have him an eerie feeling.
A.10. Aniruddha congratulated himself after reaching the Dak bungalow because
he had found shelter without too much trouble.
A.11. When Aniruddha looked into the mirror, the person reflected in it was not
he because he had been metamorphosed into the English indigo planter. He
found that his hands had become pale, his voice was like that of an Englishman
and the clothes that he was wearing had changed.
A.12 The English Indigo planter did not go back to his country because he did not
live a blameless life at home and he was worried about his dog Rex for he was
sure that Rex would be stoned to death in his absence.

QUESTIONS

Q1. Discuss the significance of the indigo plantations and their historical context
in the story.

The indigo plantation and their historical context hold great significance in the
story as they serve as a backdrop for exploring themes of exploitation, rebellion
and the impact of colonialism. The story delves into the dark history of indigo
cultivation in Bengal and Bihar during the nineteenth century. It highlights how
the British colonial powers exploited the poor peasants, leading to uprisings and
eventually the decline of indigo cultivation with the invention of synthetic indigo
in Germany. The indigo plantations symbolise the harsh realities of colonial rule,
the oppression of the working class and the eventual loss of cultural and
economic aspect of India.

Aniruddha considers himself an expert on the subject of indigo plantations due to

his extensive research and knowledge he has gained over time. He mentions that
he has read a lot about the history of indigo cultivation and has become
something of an authority on the topic. By immersing himself in the history of
indigo, Aniruddha gains a sense of connection to the past and helps him
understand the socio economic dynamics that have shaped his country.
Q2. Analyse the character of Bhola Babuand hs role in the story.

Bhola Babu plays a supportive role in Aniruddha’s journey. He is portrayed as

Aniruddha’s neighbour and appears to be a caring individual. Bhola Babu shows
genuine interest in Aniruddha’s well- being and questions his decision to embark
on a long journey alone.His concern for Aniruddha’s safety and suggestion to
arrange for a driver reflect his role as a well- wisher and a voice of reason.

Bhola Babu’s presence and advice impact Aniruddha’s journey by highlighting the
importance of companionship and caution. Bhola Babu’s warning serves as a
foreshadowing of the difficulties Aniruddha faces during his trip such as one of his
tyres got flat and he got out of the car to fix it. A few miles later he encountered a
heavy thunderstorm and another flat tyre and got stranded at a remote location.
With no spare tyres and the night falling, he decided not to go ahead. Bhola
Babu’s role in the story reinforces the idea that individuals can have a significant
impact on other’s journeys and even through brief interactions.

Q 3. How does the story explore the consequences of one’s actions and decisions?

The story explores the consequences of one’s actions and decisions, highlighting
how they can shape the trajectory of one’s life. Aniruddha’s journey serves as a
powerful exploration of cause and effect, illustrating how choices can have far-
reaching repercussions. His decision to embark on a solo trip and rely solely on his
own judgment leads him to face various challenges and experiences that
ultimately altered his perspective.

Aniruddha’s encounter with the Englishman’s diary and pistol becomes a turning
point in the story. The indigo planter who was a greedy Englishman exploited the
poor Indian labourers working on his indigo plantations. He amassed wealth by
forcing the workers into indentured labour and harshly punishing those who
resisted. The planter’s guilty conscience evident from the letter Aniruddha writes
in a trance- he knows people will not mourn his death and he has been unfair to
his family. His wife and son have left him and returned to England. He dies a
lonely death with only his dog for company. The consequences of the
Englishman’s actions, as revealed through the diary, serve as a cautionary tale for
Aniruddha. It prompts him to reflect on his own choices and consider the
potential consequences of his decisions.

THE MEDICINE BAG

Give Reasons

1. Martin always bragged about grandpa because….

Martin belonged to a mixed race. His father being a white man, his mother a
native American, he used to suffer from an identity crises. He did not like his
mixed ancestry which threatened his modern identity and because of that he felt
embarrassed. So he used to brag about his grandfather telling concocted stories
about him and create an image in keeping with the one they had formed about
the native Americans from movies and television.

2. Martin felt so ashamed and embarrassed when grandpa made a sudden

visit to their house because…
He knew that the glamorous tales he told about his grandfather did not align with
his real appearance.
 3. Martin’s mother moved forward to embrace grandpa but checked herself
from doing so because…
Such a display of affection is unseemly to the Sioux and would embarrass him.

4. The scuffed old cowboy boots that grandpa was wearing were tight
because…
Each one was stuffed with money, he had saved for his funeral, but now he
wanted Martin’s mother to buy groceries with it so that he would not be a burden
to the family.

5. Soon after Martin and his family’s visit, grandpa decided to visit their
house in Iowa because…
He wanted to see where his only living descendants lived and what their home
was like but also sheepishly admitted that he was lonesome after they left.

6. Martin felt proud of grandpa because…

Grandpa, an 86 year old man who had never been away from the reservation took
the courage to travel so far alone from South Dakota to Iowa travelling on bus for
two and a half days.

7. Grandpa gave the 100 dollars he had saved for his funeral to Martin’s
mother because…
He did not want to be a burden on them and asked Martin’s mother to spend it
on buying groceries.

8. Grandpa said that he would not have come earlier with them because…
Anything would be done when it was the right time to do it and that’s the way it
was.

9. Martin and his family felt guilty when grandpa travelled all by himself for
two days to meet them because…
They felt they should not have left him alone and apologised for not thinking
about bringing him to their house before.

10.Martin’s mother ensured that every summer Martin and his sister spent a
week with their great- grandfather on the reservation because…

11.Grandpa gave the money he had saved for his funeral to Martin’s mother
because…
Same as question 7.

12.Martin made excuses to his friends so that they would not visit grandpa not
fearing they would laugh at grandpa but because…
He(grandpa) was not tall and stately like the TV Native Americans and appeared
different than Martin’s concocted tales about him, hence Martin’s lies would be
caught.

13.The first Iron Shell kept the peace of iron with him at all times because…
He believed that it gave him protection from evils of those unhappy days.

14.Iron shell’s son did not take the medicine bag with him in the battle
because…
He was afraid he would lose it.

15.Iron shell realise the significance of seeing a white man’s iron in his scared
dream because…
When he came down the hill, he found the remains of a campfire and the broken
shell of an iron kettle . He felt that it was a sign which reinforced his dreams.

QUESTION ANSWERS

Q1. Describe the circumstances under which grandpa decided to pass the
medicine bag to Martin.

Ans- Grandpa decided to pass the medicine back to Martin when he realized that
his time was nearing. He was old, tired, and unwell. He decided to come and pass
the medicine back to Martin because he was the only male successor to his family
line.

Certain traditions and rituals would only pass to a male member of the future
generation. Since his only own son died in the war, Martin, his great-grandson, is
the only living male member of his family. Another reason was his desire to
preserve and continue his legacy. The medicine bag held significant traditional
and spiritual importance. It contained objects belonging to their ancestors, i.e., a
broken piece of iron kettle, a pebble from the high butt, and a piece of sacred
sage. Acting as a tangible link to their past and heritage, by passing it to Martin,
Grandpa was ensuring that legacy, values, and beliefs of their ancestors would not
be lost. It would protect and give guidance. The bag has purifying and protective
properties. Additionally, Grandpa also recognized that Martin was mature enough
to appreciate the significance of the medicine bag. He believed that he was grown
up enough to learn about their heritage, and that he could trust him to respect
and preserve the cultural traditions represented by the medicine bag.

Q2 Q. What are the three items kept in the medicine bag?

Ans- .A broken piece of iron kettle. This item traces back to the vision quest of the
first Iron Shell, great-grandpa’s father. He found this after his quest, taking it as a
sign that reinforced his dream.

Second, is a pebble from the high butt. This pebble was from the location where
Iron Shell conducted his vision quest. The pebble serves as a reminder of this
sacred event and location.

Third, is a piece of sacred sage. This item is significant in many Native American
cultures for its purifying and protective properties. This sage was to be replaced
by Martin once he took ownership of the bag.

Thus, these items collectively symbolize the cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs
of Martin’s ancestors. They were intended to guide and protect the carries and
pass down from generation to generation. The medicine bag thus represented the
continuity of traditions acting as a bridge between the past and the present.

Q3Analyze the ending of the story, The Medicine Bag.

Answer- The ending of the story, Medicine Bag, is deeply significant and reflective
of Martin’s personal growth and understanding of his cultural heritage. When
Martin’s great-grandfather passed away, Martin takes up the responsibility of his
Sioux heritage, returning alone to the reservation to add the sacred sage to the
Medicine Bag as per his great-grandfather’s instructions.

The actions contrast with his initial feelings of embarrassment and disconnection
from his tribal culture. Martin felt awkwardly disconnected from his native
American roots as he wanted to fit in with his American friends and environment.
However, by the end, he embraces his cultural heritage and respects the
traditions and rituals associated with the Medicine Bag.

The story's conclusion Is a powerful statement about the importance of accepting

one’s cultural identity and upholding family traditions. Martin’s action of going to
the reservation to get the sacred sage demonstrates his maturity and respect for
his ancestors. He understands the profound significance of the Medicine Bag, not
just as an object, but as a symbol of his family legacy and wisdom and spiritual
belief. The Medicine Bag becomes the token of his responsibility to keep the
culture and traditions of his ancestors alive.