the kingdom of cards
by rabindranath tagore
i need the following elements of fiction
1.The kingdom of cards authors biography
2.summary
3.themes
4.symbolism
5.setting
6.point of view
The correct answer and explanation is:
iturn0image0turn0image1turn0image2turn0image5Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941) was a Bengali polymath—poet, writer, composer, philosopher, social reformer, and painter—who reshaped Bengali literature and music, as well as Indian art, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born into a prominent family in Calcutta, India, he was the youngest son of Debendranath Tagore, a leader of the Brahmo Samaj, a religious and social reform movement. Tagore began writing poetry at the age of eight and published his first substantial poems under the pseudonym Bhānusiṃha (“Sun Lion”) at sixteen. He introduced new prose and verse forms and the use of colloquial language into Bengali literature, thereby freeing it from traditional models based on classical Sanskrit. In 1913, he became the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature for his work “Gitanjali” (“Song Offerings”). Beyond literature, Tagore was a social reformer and educationist, founding the Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, aiming to blend the best of Eastern and Western educational traditions. His contributions to music include composing India’s national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” and Bangladesh’s national anthem, “Amar Shonar Bangla.” Tagore’s legacy endures in his vast body of work, which continues to inspire and influence artists, writers, and thinkers worldwide. citeturn0search0
“The Kingdom of Cards” is a short story by Rabindranath Tagore that explores themes of conformity, freedom, and self-discovery. The narrative follows a prince who ventures into a peculiar land inhabited by living cards, where strict adherence to rules and routines governs daily life. The inhabitants, devoid of individuality, perform their roles mechanically, symbolizing a society constrained by rigid traditions and norms. The prince’s arrival introduces the concept of “Ichcha,” or desire, challenging the inhabitants to embrace their individuality and emotions. This awakening leads to a transformation as the cards begin to experience life beyond their predetermined roles, discovering the richness of personal choice and freedom. The story serves as an allegory for the human condition, emphasizing the importance of self-expression and the courage to break free from societal constraints. citeturn0search7
The central theme of “The Kingdom of Cards” is the tension between conformity and individuality. Tagore critiques a society that suppresses personal desires and enforces uniformity, illustrating the dehumanizing effects of such rigidity. The introduction of “Ichcha” represents the awakening of self-awareness and the pursuit of personal freedom. The story also delves into the theme of self-discovery, as the inhabitants learn to embrace their identities and emotions, leading to a more fulfilling existence. Through this narrative, Tagore advocates for a balance between societal order and individual freedom, highlighting the transformative power of self-expression and the importance of embracing one’s desires. citeturn0search9
Symbolism plays a significant role in the narrative. The kingdom of cards itself symbolizes a society bound by strict traditions and devoid of individuality. The cards’ mechanical actions represent the loss of personal freedom and the suppression of desires. The prince symbolizes change and the introduction of new ideas, challenging the status quo. The concept of “Ichcha” symbolizes the awakening of personal desire and the importance of self-expression. Through these symbols, Tagore critiques societal rigidity and advocates for the embrace of individuality and personal freedom. citeturn0search3
The setting of the story is a fantastical kingdom inhabited by living cards. This imaginative setting allows Tagore to explore complex social themes in an allegorical manner. The kingdom’s isolated nature symbolizes a closed society resistant to change, while its inhabitants’ mechanical existence reflects the suppression of individuality. The arrival of the prince from the outside world introduces new perspectives, challenging the kingdom’s rigid norms. The setting serves as a backdrop for the exploration of themes related to conformity, freedom, and self-discovery. citeturn0search7
The story is narrated from a third-person omniscient point of view, allowing the narrator to provide insights into the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters. This narrative perspective enables a comprehensive exploration of the kingdom’s societal structure and the internal transformations of its inhabitants. The omniscient point of view allows the reader to understand the contrast between the prince’s perspective and that of the card inhabitants, highlighting the themes of conformity and individuality. Through this narrative technique, Tagore effectively conveys the story’s allegorical messages and critiques of societal norms. citeturn0search7
In summary, “The Kingdom of Cards” is a thought-provoking allegory that critiques societal conformity and advocates for individual freedom and self-expression. Through its imaginative setting, symbolic characters, and exploration of themes related to conformity, freedom, and self-discovery, the story encourages readers to reflect on the importance of embracing one’s desires and the transformative power of personal freedom. Tagore’s narrative serves as a timeless reminder of the value of individuality and the courage required to challenge societal constraints.
For a visual representation of the story, you can refer to the cover image of “The Kingdom of Cards” available on Amazon. citeturn0search3