The Night Train at Deoli

1. Sketch briefly the character of the narrator .

A. Introduction : Ruskin Bond is probably one of the most popular modern writers . His works
are rich in themes and abound in artistic excellence . They mostly picture the bond between
man and nature . He employs selectively simple diction . And his narration glides on as
smoothly and sweetly as the Himalayan streams . We see clear evidence of all these superb
qualities in " The Night Train at Deoli " .

Main Answer : The narrator lives in Delhi . He loves nature . He visits his grandmother's
place in summer holidays . He is humane . His concern for others ' feelings is
commendable . He is a keen observer . He is algemotionally rich . He tells us one of his
experiences at Deoli station when he was eighteen . We get an insight into his inner nature
here . We see his readiness to help the basket selling girl . We also discover his willingness
to reconcile to life's realities . Readers get a chance to pick up a lesson or two .

2. Describe deoli station in your words

Main Answer : Deoli station flourishes in the lap of Himalayan forests . Lush green trees
surround this rustic station . It is a humble station with a single platform . The platform boasts
of a tea stall , fruit Bovendors and stray dogs . No coolies are ever visible there . No
passenger ever boarded or alighted a train here . A stationmaster's room and a waiting room
are all we see there . What is beyond the boundaries of this station , no one knows . This
simple station provides the setting to our lead characters ' rich experience .

3. Write a few words about the girl who stalled the narrator's heart with her expressive
eyes.

Main Answer : The young girl flashes just twice at Deoli station . She steals the narrator's
feeling heart with her eloquent eyes . She comes to the platform to sell her baskets . She
covers herself with a shawl . Her feet are bare . Her skin is pale . Her shiny hair makes up
for this . Her eyes are bright and eloquent . She is pursuasive . She easily convinces the
narrator to buy a basket . She is practical . She asserts that she has nowhere to go . She
steals , she smiles and she disappears !

4. Discuss they appropriateness of the title

Main Answer : Ruskin Bond's rich story has for its title " The Night Train at Deoli " . The title
is absolutely apt to the story . Deoli station plays a prominent part in the story . It presents a
rustic setting to the core theme of the story . And it is the night train that brings the lead
character to this prime place . It is again this night train that attracts the attractive eyed
basket - selling girl into the platform . It is here where the narrator lost his heart ilcuet ils lo
song And it is here where he reconciles himself to fate . Thus the name fits well to the tale .