Chapter 7
The Home-Coming
Comprehension Questions
(1) Answer the following questions in your own words:
1. Who was Phatik?
Answer: Phatik Chakravarti was a 14-year-old boy and the protagonist of Rabindranath Tagore's story The Home-Coming. He was the ringleader among the boys in his village, known for his mischievous and impulsive nature. Phatik had a complicated relationship with his family, especially with his younger brother, Makhan, whom he often teased. He was rebellious, lazy, and wild, which made him difficult to manage at home. Phatik's mother, in particular, had a prejudice against him and often treated him harshly.
Answer: The new mischief Phatik thought of was to move a heavy log that was lying on the mud-flat of the river, which was intended to be shaped into a mast for a boat. Phatik and the other boys planned to shift the log by using their combined strength and roll it away, hoping to make the owner of the log angry and surprised. The boys would find this to be fun and amusement.
However, as they were about to carry out the plan, Phatik’s younger brother, Makhan, unexpectedly sat on the log and refused to move. Phatik's reaction to this disruption led to a series of events, including him eventually ordering the boys to roll the log with Makhan on it, which resulted in Makhan getting angry and causing trouble for Phatik.
3. Why were Phatik and his friends annoyed with ?
Answer: Phatik and his friends were annoyed with Makhan, Phatik's younger brother, because he refused to move when they tried to roll the log for their mischievous plan. While the boys were preparing to shift the log for fun, Makhan sat on it calmly and seemed uninterested in their plan. When one of the boys tried to push him aside, he remained unconcerned and acted as if he was meditating on the futility of their mischief. This behavior angered Phatik, who was determined to maintain his dignity as the leader of the group. His annoyance grew as Makhan showed no fear or concern about Phatik’s threats.
4. What was Phatik's 'new manoeuvre"?
Answer: Phatik's new manoeuvre was to roll the log along with Makhan on it. When Makhan refused to get up from the log, Phatik realized he could still carry out the plan by having the other boys roll the log and his brother together. This would embarrass Makhan and make the situation more amusing for the other boys. Phatik gave the command to roll the log, and even though Makhan clung to it, he was rolled over with the log, which made him angry and led to him rushing at Phatik in rage.
5. Why did Phatik beat Makhan even in the presence of his mother?
Answer: Phatik beat Makhan in the presence of his mother because he was angry and frustrated. His brother had falsely accused him of hitting him earlier, and Phatik could not bear the injustice. He felt that Makhan was lying to their mother, so in his rage and frustration, he decided to punish Makhan. Even though his mother tried to stop him and took Makhan's side, Phatik's temper got the better of him, and he physically retaliated, which further angered his mother.
6. Was Makhan speaking the truth?
Answer: No, Makhan was not speaking the truth. Although he told their mother that Phatik had beaten him, Phatik had not actually hit him. It was just Makhan's way of avoiding conflict with their mother and siding with her in the situation. Phatik, however, was furious at being wrongly accused, which led him to beat Makhan out of frustration and anger. So, Makhan's statement was a lie, even though it was accepted by their mother.
7. Why did Phatik's mother want to send him away to her brother's house?
Answer: Phatik's mother wanted to send him away to her brother Bishamber's house in Calcutta because she found it increasingly difficult to handle him. She viewed Phatik as wild, disobedient, and troublesome, and felt that he was a constant source of stress and worry for her. In contrast, Makhan, the other boy, was obedient and well-behaved, and she thought that sending Phatik away would help him receive better discipline and education. She also believed that her brother, who had established himself in Calcutta, could provide Phatik with a more structured environment that might improve his behavior and future prospects.
8. How was Phatik received by his aunt?
Answer: Phatik was not warmly received by his aunt when he arrived at her house. She was unhappy and displeased with the addition of another child to her family, especially a village boy who was about fourteen years old. Her own children were enough to manage, and she felt that having Phatik in their midst would disturb the family routine. She viewed him as a burden rather than a welcome guest and was very critical of him, calling him a "clumsy, country lout".
Phatik’s aunt showed no affection or kindness toward him, and she only tolerated him out of obligation. Her treatment of him was harsh, and she did not make an effort to make him feel at home or wanted in her house. This lack of warmth made Phatik feel isolated, unwelcome, and distressed in a strange city away from his home.
9. Why couldn't Phatik do well at school in Calcutta?
Answer: Phatik couldn't do well at school in Calcutta for several reasons:
- Lack of Preparation and Support: Phatik was not prepared academically for the challenges of school in Calcutta. Coming from a rural background, he was not accustomed to the rigorous academic standards of the city. His uncle's family did not provide much support for his education, and Phatik felt isolated in a strange environment without guidance.
- Language Barrier and Difficulty with Lessons: Phatik struggled with his lessons. He was backward in studies compared to other students and found it hard to follow along in class. He didn’t have the tools or resources to catch up, and his schoolwork became overwhelming for him.
- Lack of Motivation: Phatik had low self-esteem and felt unwelcome at his aunt’s house. This affected his ability to focus and be motivated at school. His negative feelings towards his aunt and the new environment contributed to his lack of enthusiasm for his studies.
- Emotional Distress: Phatik was emotionally disturbed by his aunt’s unfriendly treatment, which caused him to be in a constant state of distress. He was homesick and longed to return home, which took his mind off school and contributed to his poor performance.
- Poor Health: Phatik also faced health issues, including a headache and fever, which affected his ability to concentrate and study properly.
All these factors led to Phatik’s struggles in school, making it difficult for him to perform well academically.
10. How did Phatik's aunt behave on learning about the loss of his book?
Answer: Phatik's aunt behaved with great contempt and anger when she learned about the loss of his book. She criticized him harshly, calling him a "clumsy, country lout" for losing the book. She expressed her disdain by saying that she couldn't afford to buy new books for him repeatedly, as she had her own family to look after. Her response was dismissive, and she showed no sympathy for Phatik's plight. This reaction further reinforced Phatik’s feelings of neglect and alienation in her house.
11. What was the immediate reason for Phatik's departure from his uncle's house?
Answer: The immediate reason for Phatik's departure from his uncle's house was that he fell ill. He started showing symptoms of malaria with a headache and a shivering fit. His condition worsened, and he became feverish and delirious. This made his aunt and uncle realize that he was in a critical state, and they decided to call for his mother to come. Despite his illness, Phatik's aunt was still focused on how much trouble he had caused, but his physical condition became the reason for his return home.
12. Why did Bishamber send for his sister?
Answer: Bishamber sent for his sister because Phatik's condition had become critical. After Phatik fell seriously ill and was delirious, Bishamber realized that his nephew's life was in danger. Phatik's fever increased, and he was in a delirious state, crying for his mother. Bishamber, deeply concerned about Phatik's health, decided to send for his sister to be with her son in his time of need. He hoped that Phatik's mother's presence would provide comfort and care for him during this critical time.
13. What were Phatik's last words?
Answer: Phatik's last words were: "Mother, the holidays have come."
1. How does Phatik feel when he is at Calcutta?
Answer: When Phatik is in Calcutta, he feels unwelcome, lonely, and distressed. He is constantly slighted and mistreated by his aunt, who sees him as a burden rather than a member of the family. He feels like an outsider and is deeply unhappy in the strange environment. He longs for the warmth and familiarity of home, and he even becomes miserable at school, where he struggles to keep up with his lessons. Phatik also craves attention and affection but is often ignored or reprimanded. The lack of love and care in his aunt's house makes him feel unwanted, and he desperately wants to return home.
2. Why does Bishamber want to take Phatik to Calcutta?
Answer: Bishamber wants to take Phatik to Calcutta because he believes that Phatik's mother is struggling to handle him. According to his sister, Phatik is a wild, disobedient, and lazy boy, whereas Makhan, his younger brother, is well-behaved and obedient. Bishamber, feeling sympathy for both his sister and Phatik, offers to take him to Calcutta and provide him with a better education and a more structured environment. He hopes that the change of surroundings and a different upbringing would help Phatik improve his behavior and future prospects. Additionally, Bishamber likely wants to relieve his sister of the burden of raising Phatik.
3. Who is responsible for Phatik's death?
Answer: Phatik's death cannot be attributed to any one person, but rather to a combination of circumstances and neglect. Several factors contributed to his tragic end:
- His mother’s decision to send him to Calcutta: Although Bishamber wanted to help Phatik, his mother’s lack of understanding and affection towards him played a role. She saw Phatik as a nuisance and was eager to send him away, believing that his departure would bring her relief, but this emotional detachment and harsh treatment may have contributed to his mental distress.
- His aunt’s mistreatment: Once Phatik arrived at his uncle’s house, his aunt's cold and dismissive attitude towards him further exacerbated his sense of alienation. She didn't show him affection or kindness, and constantly belittled him. This neglect and emotional abuse made Phatik feel unwanted, leading to depression and a loss of hope.
- The harsh school environment: Phatik struggled to fit in at school and faced constant bullying and punishment for not performing well academically. His low self-esteem and emotional distress led to his mental and physical decline.
- The illness and neglect: When Phatik fell ill, the lack of proper care and his fear of being a burden led to his deteriorating condition. His aunt's indifference and the stress of being away from home made it difficult for him to recover. He didn't receive the necessary emotional support or comfort during his illness, which contributed to his untimely death.
Ultimately, Phatik's tragic fate is a result of emotional neglect from the people around him, particularly from his mother and aunt, who failed to provide him with the love and care he needed.
4. Write a character-sketch of
a. Bishamber
Bishamber is portrayed as a kind-hearted and responsible individual, though at times, he seems to be out of touch with the emotional needs of those around him. He is Phatik’s maternal uncle, who lives in Calcutta, and initially, he offers to take Phatik into his home in hopes of providing the boy with better opportunities. Despite his good intentions, Bishamber is somewhat naive when it comes to understanding Phatik's emotional turmoil. He is caring, yet his lack of sensitivity towards Phatik's feelings makes his actions ineffective. He expresses deep concern when Phatik falls ill and calls for a doctor, but he struggles to understand the emotional burden that Phatik faces due to the lack of affection in his life. Ultimately, Bishamber’s failure to truly empathize with Phatik’s mental and emotional distress contributes to the tragic outcome.
b. Makhan
Makhan is Phatik's younger brother, who is quiet, obedient, and gentle in nature. He is the opposite of Phatik in terms of behavior and disposition. Makhan is described as a docile and well-behaved boy who enjoys reading and is loved by everyone in the family. Unlike Phatik, who is filled with restlessness and mischief, Makhan is calm and peaceful. He is innocent and naive and often becomes the target of Phatik's frustration. Despite being treated poorly by his elder brother, Makhan never retaliates or shows resentment. He is also the one who is most affected by Phatik’s eventual departure and death, although his gentleness prevents him from fully expressing his grief. Makhan is depicted as the ideal child in the family, loved by all but lacking the boldness and outspoken nature of his older brother.
c. Phatik's aunt
Phatik’s aunt is a stern, unloving, and indifferent woman who seems to have little patience or affection for her nephew. She finds herself overwhelmed by the task of looking after Phatik and sees him as an unnecessary burden rather than a child in need of care. She is highly critical of Phatik and frequently belittles him for his shortcomings. Phatik’s poor academic performance and his awkwardness make him a source of irritation for her. Her treatment of him is cold and harsh, and she is unable to offer him the support and affection he so desperately craves. When Phatik falls ill, instead of showing concern, she berates him for the trouble he causes. She lacks compassion and is mostly focused on her own family’s needs, neglecting to understand the emotional pain Phatik is going through. Her character represents the cruelty and neglect often faced by children who are already emotionally vulnerable.
d. Phatik's mother
Phatik’s mother is a complex character, caught between responsibility and emotional neglect. She initially seems to care about her son, but the circumstances of her life have made her emotionally distant. After losing her husband, she is left to raise two children on her own, and Phatik's misbehavior only adds to the emotional burden she carries. While she sends him to his uncle’s house in Calcutta, her primary motivation seems to be to get rid of him and relieve herself of the responsibility of dealing with his unruly behavior. She does not understand or recognize Phatik’s deep emotional pain, nor does she offer him the love and comfort he needs. However, when she hears of Phatik’s condition, her love and maternal instinct finally resurface. She is deeply distressed by his condition and shows genuine grief when he is on his deathbed. Her character shows the tension between maternal love and emotional distance, and how unresolved conflicts can lead to tragic consequences.
5. Give a pen-portrait of Phatik.
Answer: Pen Portrait of Phatik:
Phatik is a 14-year-old boy who embodies the restlessness and emotional turmoil of adolescence. He is full of energy, mischief, and a desperate desire for love and recognition, but unfortunately, he is often misunderstood by those around him. Phatik is a boy caught between childhood innocence and the weight of growing up. He longs for affection, but the relationships in his life are strained and distant.
At the core of his character is an innate sense of pride, which manifests in his desire to lead and be admired by his peers. In his village, he is the ringleader of the boys, known for his boisterousness and often reckless behavior. However, despite his apparent arrogance and self-assuredness, there is a deeper insecurity that drives him. His actions are fueled by a need for attention and validation that he never truly receives, whether it is from his family or peers.
Phatik's relationship with his family is strained. He is harshly treated by his mother, who sees him as a burden and is quick to blame him for any trouble. His aunt in Calcutta only worsens his situation by rejecting him completely. Phatik’s heart yearns for a sense of belonging, but all he finds is disappointment. He is sent away to Calcutta with the hope of a better life, but instead, he faces a cold, unwelcoming environment.
Despite the mistreatment, Phatik's generosity shines through. His unselfishness is revealed when he bequeaths his belongings to his younger brother, Makhan, showing his deep sense of attachment and love for him. Phatik’s gesture is a reflection of his immense emotional depth and his desire to care for others, even when he himself is left alone and unloved.
However, the harshness of life and the emotional neglect he experiences takes its toll on him. Phatik’s lack of confidence in school is not just due to his academic struggles but is deeply rooted in his sense of isolation and alienation. He is not just failing in school, but he is also failing to understand himself in a world that seems indifferent to his needs.
Phatik’s tragic end is the result of the complex interplay between physical illness and emotional neglect. When he falls seriously ill, his delirium exposes his inner turmoil, as he calls out for his mother and longs to go home. His last words, “Mother, the holidays have come,” reflect the deep sorrow of a boy who never truly found peace or love in his short life.
In his death, Phatik becomes a symbol of the loneliness and neglect that many children face in a world that often fails to understand their emotional needs. His life, though short and filled with suffering, leaves behind a poignant reminder of the need for compassion and the vital role that love and care play in shaping a child's well-being.
6. Describe the quarrel between Phatik and Makhan.
Answer: The quarrel between Phatik and Makhan occurs as a result of Phatik's growing frustration and anger at his circumstances. Phatik, feeling rejected and unimportant, becomes a bully toward his younger brother, Makhan, who is the innocent recipient of his emotional outbursts.
The root cause of the quarrel stems from Phatik's desire for attention and his jealousy toward Makhan. Phatik is struggling with the overwhelming sense of being ignored by his mother and others, and his emotions boil over when he sees his younger brother receiving attention from their mother. Makhan, who is much younger, represents the innocence that Phatik has lost, and his mere presence serves as a painful reminder of Phatik's own lost childhood.
The quarrel intensifies when Phatik, in a fit of anger, hits Makhan. His emotions, which are bottled up from feeling like an outcast and being overwhelmed with the harshness of life, lead him to act out. He strikes Makhan in a way that seems excessive for the situation, driven more by his emotional pain than any wrongdoing from his younger brother.
Makhan, as the victim, is hurt and confused, not fully understanding why Phatik is angry with him. However, he accepts his elder brother's violent actions without questioning them much, perhaps out of fear or the natural reverence that younger siblings have for older ones.
The quarrel between them highlights the emotional strain Phatik is under. He is struggling with unresolved frustration over his situation, and his aggression toward Makhan is a manifestation of this internal turmoil. It also reveals the lack of communication between Phatik and his family, as Phatik's painful emotions go unnoticed or unaddressed, leading to outbursts that hurt those closest to him.
In the end, the quarrel is a tragic expression of Phatik’s growing despair and the lack of understanding that surrounds him, leaving both brothers in an uncomfortable and sad relationship.
