236. AEC 101/Alte- The Thief (4)
1. Summary
The story is about two friends Deepak (narrator) and Arun. It highlights the importance of learning and education and the consequences of its deficit.
Education can be a useful tool in grooming a person to think, do and conduct his affairs in a manner conducive to societal and personal good.
Education can be a useful tool in grooming a person to think, do and conduct his affairs in a manner conducive to societal and personal good.
Deepak & Arun- Deepak was an illiterate teenager who had developed a bad habit of stealing. Arun, on the other hand, was an educated and responsible adult and compassionate in his make-up.
Deepak meets Arun in a street scuffle and marks him as his next victim. He develops friendly conversation with him and talks him into giving him a job as his cook. However, he does not know how to cook. Arun not only helps him learn cooking but also teaches him basic writing.
Arun- Arun does not earn regularly so often could not pay Deepak. Instead he feeds him and teaches him to make up for his failed remuneration. Deepak starts to fancy himself as a writer, aspiring to become a very successful one. Also he finds a way of stealing a portion of the shopping money Arun gives him, as his personal stash.
However, things take a strange turn one night. Arun comes home carrying a lot of money (Rs5 denominations). He seems happy and goes to sleep, safekeeping the money under his care and covers it with the pillow.
Deepak’s Idea of Stealing- This attracts the thief in Deepak. Even though they both have developed strong ties of trust and care, Deepak finds it hard to resist the lure of easy money.
Stealing has been the skill he was best at. So he springs to Arun’s room, slides his hand under the resting body of Arun and steals the money without alarming his friend.
Now, with a mix of fear and guilt, he decides to run away. He escapes to the train station is all set to board the next departing train. However, in an unpredictable development, he does not.
He cannot find enough strength to get on the train. The train leaves and he is left without any place to go to. He wanders swimming in guilt to an open field. He rests his body on a bench still troubles by his sinful act.
To make matters worse, the rain clouds start pouring down and he gets completely drenched in clothes. He runs for cover under a stall. Now, the emotions get the better of him.
Shame & Guilt- He feels ashamed and guilty of breaching the faith of one person that actually cared for him and helped. He builds enough determination to face his victim and correct is blunder.
He sneaks back into the house and then into Arun’s room. He puts the money exactly where he took it from with Arun seemingly in deep sleep.
Next morning, Deepak wakes up to find Arun preparing breakfast. He woke up earlier than usual. He calls Deepak to his room and hands him a 5 rupee note. He assures him that now he will give him regular salary and he would not have to steal anymore.
Two Best Friends- Deepak is shocked to see the money still wet from the previous night’s downpour in the field. He realizes Arun’s magnanimity and love. More importantly, he still trusted him.
That day Deepak learns to write his own name and from thereon in, Arun and Deepak become even stronger friends.
2. Characterisation of Deepak and Arun
In Ruskin Bond's "A Service of Love," Deepak and Arun are two distinct characters with contrasting personalities, yet interconnected by the common theme of love and friendship. The narrative skillfully unfolds their individual traits, backgrounds, and the dynamics of their relationship, contributing to the depth and richness of the story.
Deepak, the protagonist, is portrayed as a sensitive and introspective young man. His character is defined by a profound connection with nature, as reflected in his fascination with the hills, trees, and the river. This connection symbolizes his inner world, where he finds solace and refuge from the complexities of life. Deepak's introspective nature is evident in his contemplative thoughts and observations, revealing a depth of emotion and perception that sets him apart.
Arun, on the other hand, serves as a foil to Deepak. Unlike the introspective and contemplative nature of Deepak, Arun is presented as an outgoing and practical individual. His character is marked by a pragmatic approach to life, and he is portrayed as someone who embraces the challenges and uncertainties that come his way. Arun's extroverted nature complements Deepak's introversion, creating a dynamic and harmonious friendship that forms the heart of the narrative.
The dichotomy between Deepak and Arun becomes particularly evident in their attitudes towards love. Deepak is characterized by a romantic and idealistic perception of love, often finding inspiration in the beauty of nature. His yearning for a deeper connection with the world around him mirrors his desire for a profound and meaningful romantic relationship. In contrast, Arun approaches love with a more practical mindset, emphasizing the importance of practical considerations and grounded decisions.
The interaction between Deepak and Arun serves as a vehicle for exploring the complexities of friendship and the diverse ways individuals navigate the terrain of love. Deepak's deep introspection and Arun's pragmatic outlook create a compelling dynamic that transcends clichés, offering a nuanced portrayal of the human experience.
As the narrative unfolds, the characters undergo a transformative journey, influenced by their interactions and the challenges they face. Deepak's introspective nature becomes a source of strength, enabling him to navigate the complexities of love and relationships with a sense of authenticity and emotional depth. Arun, in turn, learns to appreciate the beauty of introspection and the value of emotional connection beyond practical considerations.
In conclusion, the characterization of Deepak and Arun in Ruskin Bond's "A Service of Love" is a masterful exploration of the intricacies of human relationships and the diverse ways individuals approach love. Through their contrasting personalities, the narrative delves into the complexities of friendship, love, and self-discovery, offering a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.
3. Themes
Ruskin Bond's "A Service of Love" is a rich narrative that weaves together various themes, creating a tapestry of human experiences and emotions. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the scenic Himalayan hills, and within its folds lie themes of love, friendship, nature, self-discovery, and the passage of time.
One prominent theme in the narrative is the exploration of love in its various forms. Deepak's character, the protagonist, embodies a deep and profound connection with nature, showcasing a love for the natural world that goes beyond the ordinary. His introspective nature and poetic sensibilities are a testament to his romanticized perception of love, as he finds inspiration and solace in the beauty of hills, trees, and the river. The author uses Deepak's character to delve into the complexities of love, portraying it not only as a romantic pursuit but as a multifaceted and intrinsic aspect of the human experience.
Friendship emerges as another central theme in "A Service of Love." The camaraderie between Deepak and Arun is pivotal to the narrative, reflecting the significance of companionship in one's journey through life. Their friendship is characterized by a delicate balance of differences – Deepak's introspection complemented by Arun's practicality. This interplay of personalities enriches the theme of friendship, emphasizing the idea that true companionship thrives on understanding and accepting each other's uniqueness.
Nature serves as both a setting and a thematic element in the story. The Himalayan landscape becomes a metaphor for life's challenges and beauty, mirroring the characters' experiences. Deepak's connection with nature is not just a backdrop but an integral part of his character, symbolizing a spiritual and emotional sanctuary. Through the depiction of the natural world, Bond emphasizes the transformative power of nature in influencing the characters' perspectives and shaping their emotional landscapes.
Self-discovery is a theme interwoven with the characters' personal journeys. Deepak, in particular, undergoes a process of self-exploration and growth. His introspective nature becomes a tool for understanding himself and the world around him. The story suggests that self-discovery is an ongoing journey, often intertwined with the exploration of love, friendship, and the broader human experience.
The theme of time plays a subtle yet significant role in the narrative. The story spans different phases of the characters' lives, capturing moments of innocence, youthful enthusiasm, and the inevitable passage of time. The river, a recurring element in the narrative, becomes a metaphor for the flow of time. Bond skillfully incorporates the theme of time to underscore the transient nature of human experiences and relationships.
The author's exploration of societal expectations and individual choices adds depth to the narrative. Arun's pragmatic approach to love reflects the influence of societal norms, contrasting with Deepak's more idealistic views. The tension between societal expectations and individual desires becomes a thread running through the story, prompting reflection on the complexities of navigating personal relationships in the face of external pressures.
In conclusion, "A Service of Love" by Ruskin Bond is a literary canvas painted with diverse themes that resonate with readers on multiple levels. Love, friendship, nature, self-discovery, and the passage of time are intricately woven into the fabric of the narrative, creating a tapestry that captures the nuances of the human experience. Bond's storytelling prowess lies not only in crafting relatable characters but also in exploring these universal themes with depth, sensitivity, and a keen understanding of the human condition.
4. Style
Ruskin Bond's distinctive style in "A Service of Love" is characterized by its simplicity, evocative imagery, and an authentic portrayal of human emotions. The narrative unfolds with a graceful fluidity, seamlessly blending the scenic beauty of the Himalayan landscape with the inner landscapes of the characters. Bond's style is a harmonious marriage of vivid descriptions and subtle introspection, creating a literary experience that is both immersive and emotionally resonant.
One notable aspect of Bond's style is his masterful use of descriptive language to bring the setting to life. The Himalayan hills, depicted as "a vast amphitheater of hills, green and golden, grey and brown," become more than a mere backdrop; they transform into a living, breathing entity that shapes the characters' experiences. The author's ability to paint images with words invites readers into the story, allowing them to visualize the landscapes and feel the ambiance of the surroundings.
The simplicity of Bond's prose is a hallmark of his style. His sentences are concise yet laden with meaning, conveying complex emotions and observations with a straightforward elegance. This simplicity contributes to the accessibility of the narrative, making it relatable to a wide audience. Bond's writing style is devoid of unnecessary embellishments, allowing the essence of the story and characters to shine through without the distraction of ornate language.
The author's keen observational skills are evident in the way he captures the nuances of human behavior and relationships. Bond's characters come alive through subtle gestures, expressions, and dialogues that reflect the intricacies of their personalities. Deepak's introspective nature, for example, is revealed not through lengthy monologues but through quiet moments of contemplation and his interactions with the natural world.
Dialogues in "A Service of Love" are another aspect of Bond's style that adds authenticity to the narrative. The conversations between characters are natural and unforced, reflecting the cadence of real-life interactions. This realistic dialogue style enhances the reader's connection to the characters, making them feel like genuine individuals with distinct voices and perspectives.
The use of first-person narration contributes to the intimacy of the storytelling. Through Deepak's eyes, readers gain access to his thoughts, emotions, and observations, creating a personal and immersive reading experience. The first-person perspective allows Bond to delve into the inner workings of the protagonist's mind, providing insights into his motivations, fears, and desires.
Symbolism is subtly woven into Bond's style, enriching the narrative with layers of meaning. The river, for instance, serves as a metaphor for the passage of time, its flow mirroring the transient nature of human experiences. Nature itself becomes a symbol of solace and inspiration, reflecting the characters' emotional states. Bond's use of symbolism adds depth to the narrative, inviting readers to engage in thoughtful reflection on the themes woven into the story.
The pacing of the narrative is carefully crafted, allowing the story to unfold organically. Bond does not rush the plot; instead, he allows moments to breathe, giving readers the space to absorb the emotions and nuances of each scene. This deliberate pacing contributes to the overall immersive quality of the narrative, allowing readers to savor the journey alongside the characters.
The temporal structure of the story, spanning different phases of the characters' lives, aligns with Bond's exploration of the theme of time. The seamless transitions between past and present contribute to the fluidity of the narrative, reinforcing the idea that life, like the river, flows continuously, carrying the characters through various stages of growth and self-discovery.
In conclusion, Ruskin Bond's style in "A Service of Love" is a testament to his mastery of the craft. Through evocative imagery, simple yet profound prose, keen observations, and a skillful use of symbolism, Bond creates a literary experience that resonates with readers on both intellectual and emotional levels. His style serves as a vehicle for exploring the complexities of human relationships, the beauty of nature, and the timeless themes that make literature a powerful medium for understanding the human condition.