1.

Athithi represents acceptance of diversity, inclusions of various cultures and learning from all
cultures. When Tagore talks about the guest being a messenger of a new dawn he gives an
example of culture being mixed. Tarpada running away from his initial place constantly and
learning new things while at it gives the story a deep meaning by showing how going out of
your comfort zone is going to open you up to a different new world. For example how
Tarpada learnt to play the flute, joint a theatre group, then a traveling minstrels where he
learnt to sing beautiful songs and even the gymnastics group. It teaches us that’s there is
more to life than just staying with your loved ones without exploring the world. It is very
important as Tarpada keep moving from place to place learning new cultures and being
accepted just for being a very good person and not according to his culture. The story shows
how accepting Indians and their families are and that they are not only bound by blood.

2. Tarpada was a well-loved child. No matter where he went and whom he met, they always
seemed to like his presence. Tarpada was respectful, helpful and caring at all times. Tarpada
would sing melodious songs to Motilal Babu, treat Annapurna like his own mother and help
out with all the house work. Tarpada inspired every person he went on meeting by his
undying desire to keep learning and staying active. Tarpada was also not afraid of saying no
nor listening to anyone command him.if he did not want to eat then that is the end of it.
Tarpada got involved in aactivities of getting provisions, rowing the boat and even cooking.
Anna purna loved him and Motilal felt like he had a great son, but Charushashi did not like
Tarapada in the beginning because of how much her parents loved him and showed him
attention.

3. There are various themes that emerge in this story such as the theme of hospitality that is
shown by Motilal Babu and Annapurna when they welcome him warmly, how Annapurna
feeds him and enjoys being with him. Its also shown by the theatre group, traveling minstrels
group and various other groups who never made Tarapada feel unwanted. Then the theme
of adaptability is shown by Tarapada because of how well he mingles and dwells with various
people of different cultures and gets adjusted well with the new people he meet. Tarapada
would never complain about anything, he would do more work than what is asked to be
done. The theme of change and continuous change shows us how Tarapada is continuously
on the move, being so inspired to keep learning and exploring. Tarapada faces few challenges
like how people would force him to eat more or do something which he just does not want
to, he would be bithered by the continuous annoyance by Charu locking him in the study
room so he does not get out and go to Sonamoni’s house and the jealousy she felt as
Tarapada was getting her parents love.