Review of Rabindranath Tagor’s short story “Leave”

Written by Mohammed Sadman Hahriar (@MSSK91)

Rabindranath Tagore, pioneer of Bengali short stories, has produced some magnificent work of art throughout his life. He contributed in all kinds of literary branches including poems, novels, and short stories. Among all his creations, his short stories created strong emotional attachment among readers.

This review is all about one of his most heart touching short stories. It is titled “Leave.” Tagore played the part of a narrator to describe the life of a boy who has been mentally tortured until his untimely demise. His name was “Fotik.” He was a fearless, wild, self-respectful rural boy who spent most of his time playing and performing his so-called mischievous deeds. As such, his mother is so worried and concerned about him. In a family without a father, he was supposed to take responsibility of the family (as the eldest of three brothers), but he showed disregard to his duty to the family.

One day, one of his maternal uncles from western Calcutta arrived at his place. His mother took her privilege to share her woes to her brother about her eldest son. Her brother offered to take Fotik away with him to the city. He assured that Fotik would be ensured of a quality educated life there and become a better man. Without a second thought, Fotik’s mother accepted to let her son go. Quite surprisingly, Fotik said yes too.

With a lot of excitement, Fotik reached the city with his uncle. His enthusiasm is soon shattered; his aunt considers him an “undesirable family increment.” His aunt was always disgraceful to him. He was prepared to do more than his aunt asked, yet he was insulted for not being sincere in doing his usual chores.

There was no affection and love for him there. He started missing his mother and the village where he had enough freedom to live like a king. Here, he was like a trapped bird dying to fly away.

Moreover, he was a terrible student at school. He was inattentive towards lessons. As such, he was being embarrassed and beaten mercilessly for not being able to prepare his daily study tasks. The situation got worse and his cousins started ignoring him as their family.

Soon his misery turned into fever. A nerve-wracking fever spread through his body. At that point, he felt he had to see his mother and set out for the village alone in burning condition. It was raining heavily that day.

He failed in his endeavor; he was returned back to his uncle by police, drenched and in poor health. In his broken condition, his aunt spit out inhuman words, “Why care for someone else’s son? Send him back home.”

Without further delay, his uncle summoned his mother. His mother hurried to arrive to her son. She immediately went close to him and started to cry out of motherly love, “My son!” In reply, Fotik faced his front to opposite side and asked, “Can I take my leave?”

At the end of the story, Tagore kept the fate of the boy unclear as he mentioned, “Short stories end with a never-ending result.” This means readers are kept interested and are left to assume with full freedom the fate of the boy.