Rabindranath Tagore’s “The Last Bargain” is a profound yet simple poem that explores the quest for true happiness through a man’s encounters with various figures offering power, wealth, and fleeting joy. Crafted for Class 8 English students, this blog post delves into the poem’s narrative, its vivid imagery, and its timeless message about the value of simplicity and innocence.
What the Poem is About
“The Last Bargain” follows a man’s journey to find true happiness, as he encounters different people offering worldly temptations. Through these interactions, he discovers what truly matters in life.
- A man is looking for true happiness in life.
- He meets different people who offer him things.
- He learns what really matters at the end.
The King’s Offer (Morning)
In the morning, a powerful king offers the man authority and position, but the man rejects it, recognizing the fleeting nature of power.
- A powerful king comes in his royal chariot.
- Offers the man a high position and authority.
- Shows his sword as a symbol of his power.
- The man thinks: “Power doesn’t last forever.”
- He refuses the offer politely.
The Rich Man’s Offer (Noon)
At noon, a wealthy old man tempts the man with gold coins, but the man declines, understanding that money cannot buy lasting peace.
- An old man comes with bags full of gold coins.
- Offers the man great wealth and money.
- Carefully counts each gold coin.
- The man thinks: “Money can’t buy real peace.”
- He walks away from this offer too.
The Lady’s Offer (Evening)
In the evening, a beautiful woman offers happiness through her smile, but the man sees through her hidden sorrow and chooses not to accept.
- A beautiful woman meets him in a garden.
- Offers him happiness through her smile.
- But her smile hides her sadness inside.
- The man thinks: “This joy isn’t real.”
- He decides not to accept her offer.
The Child’s Offer (Sunset)
At sunset, a child playing on the beach offers nothing but companionship, and the man accepts, finding true happiness and freedom in this simple gesture.
- A little child playing on the beach.
- Doesn’t offer money or power.
- Just asks him to come play together.
- The man feels truly happy at last.
- Accepts this simple offer with joy.
- Finds real freedom and peace.
What We Learn
The poem imparts valuable lessons about the emptiness of power and wealth and the enduring worth of simplicity and innocence.
- Important things the poem teaches us:
- Power and position aren’t everything.
- Money can’t buy true happiness.
- Fake smiles don’t bring real joy.
- Simple things matter most in life.
- Freedom and innocence are precious.
Why This Poem is Special
The poem’s simplicity belies its profound message, encouraging readers to cherish life’s simple joys and seek true freedom.
- Easy story but with deep meaning.
- Shows what really makes us happy.
- Teaches us to value simple joys.
- Reminds us to keep our hearts light.
- Helps us understand real freedom.
Questions & Answers
- Who is the speaker in the poem?
- Answer: The speaker is a man. He’s looking for work. He wants a meaningful reward.
- “The king, sword in hand” suggests
- Answer: (ii) power. The sword shows the king’s might. It’s about control, not wealth.
- The old man offered the speaker a lot of money. Why did he turn down the offer?
- Answer: The speaker didn’t want money. He thought money was worthless. He sought true happiness.
- Find in the poem, lines that match the following. Read both one after another.
- I have nothing to give you except goodwill and cheer:
- Answer: “I hire you with nothing.”
- Her happiness was no more than sorrow in disguise:
- Answer: “Her smile paled and melted into tears.”
- The king’s might was not worth much:
- Answer: “His power counted for naught.”
- I have nothing to give you except goodwill and cheer:
- How did the speaker feel after talking to the child on the beach?
- Answer: He felt happy and free. The child’s offer fulfilled him. He became a “free man.”
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