What a story, Nishant! I remember reading Rabindranath Tagore when I was in college, but nothing quite like that. I love the little drawings that capture that feeling of isolation. And of course, great sketch of the boats with that delightful tangle of lines nicely composed on the page!
On a related note, I think with Tagore I came to understand how translations can miss the mark when trying to communicate imagery and emotion. I think this is especially true for Indian languages translated into English. There is a musicality in the original due to the way things are said in Bangla (and Hindi) - images laid upon images, metaphor on metaphor, until you are surrounded by the emotions but never quite grasp them with your fingers. Though my preferred language of expression is English, saying things in English has always felt like reaching out to a feeling in the air, pinning it to the table, and dissecting its parts.
I found 3 different translations of the story until I saw this one, with the exact words that I had read in middle school. The "swollen river" is maybe the best image for the heart of the postmaster and the girl Ratan.
What a story, Nishant! I remember reading Rabindranath Tagore when I was in college, but nothing quite like that. I love the little drawings that capture that feeling of isolation. And of course, great sketch of the boats with that delightful tangle of lines nicely composed on the page!
Thank you, Virginia!
On a related note, I think with Tagore I came to understand how translations can miss the mark when trying to communicate imagery and emotion. I think this is especially true for Indian languages translated into English. There is a musicality in the original due to the way things are said in Bangla (and Hindi) - images laid upon images, metaphor on metaphor, until you are surrounded by the emotions but never quite grasp them with your fingers. Though my preferred language of expression is English, saying things in English has always felt like reaching out to a feeling in the air, pinning it to the table, and dissecting its parts.
I found 3 different translations of the story until I saw this one, with the exact words that I had read in middle school. The "swollen river" is maybe the best image for the heart of the postmaster and the girl Ratan.
I loved that story. I'd never read it before, thank you so much for sharing. I spotted the figure in your wonderful drawing!
Thank you, Renee! And congratulations on finding the boat-man! 😊