Mary Allen
Introduction: Tiger in the Tunnel
“Tiger in the Tunnel” is a short story written by Ruskin Bond. The story is set in India, where Baldeo, a tunnel guard, protects the railway tracks that run through a dense forest. The story revolves around the relationship between Baldeo, his son Tembu, and a tiger that roams the forest.
Overview of the characters
The story has three main characters: Baldeo, his son Tembu, and the tiger. Baldeo is an experienced tunnel guard who has been working for several years to protect the railway tracks. Tembu, Baldeo’s son, is a young boy who idolizes his father and dreams of becoming a tunnel guard like him. The tiger is a wild animal that roams the forest and poses a threat to Baldeo and Tembu’s safety.
Who is Tembu?
Tembu is Baldeo’s son and the main protagonist of the story. He is a young boy who is fascinated by his father’s job as a tunnel guard. Tembu is curious, brave, and adventurous. He is always eager to learn from his father and wants to follow in his footsteps. Tembu is also very protective of his father and wants to help him in any way possible.
Tembu’s role in the story
Tembu plays a crucial role in the story. He is the one who discovers the tiger’s presence in the forest and informs his father about it. Tembu’s curiosity and adventurous spirit lead him to explore the forest, which eventually leads to his encounter with the tiger. Tembu’s bravery and quick thinking help him escape from the tiger and save his father from danger.
Tembu’s relationship with the tiger
Tembu’s relationship with the tiger is one of fear and respect. He is afraid of the tiger but also admires its strength and beauty. Tembu understands that the tiger is a wild animal and poses a threat to his and his father’s safety. However, he also realizes that the tiger is an integral part of the forest ecosystem and deserves to be respected.
Tembu’s personality traits
Tembu’s personality traits include curiosity, bravery, and a sense of adventure. He is always eager to learn and explore new things. Tembu is also very protective of his father and wants to help him in any way possible. He is not afraid to take risks and face challenges, which is evident when he confronts the tiger in the forest.
Tembu’s importance to the plot
Tembu is essential to the plot of the story. His curiosity and adventurous spirit lead him to discover the tiger’s presence in the forest, which is the main conflict of the story. Without Tembu, Baldeo would not have known about the tiger, and the story would not have developed in the same way. Tembu’s bravery and quick thinking also help him save his father from danger, which is the climax of the story.
Tembu’s impact on other characters
Tembu’s impact on other characters is significant. He inspires his father to be more cautious and alert while guarding the tunnel. Tembu also helps his father realize the importance of respecting the tiger and its place in the forest ecosystem. The tiger’s encounter with Tembu also changes its behavior towards humans, which is evident in the tiger’s reluctance to attack Baldeo at the end of the story.
Tembu’s symbolism
Tembu’s character symbolizes the next generation of tunnel guards. He represents the curiosity, bravery, and adventurous spirit that are essential to the job. Tembu’s character also symbolizes the importance of passing down knowledge and experience from one generation to the next.
Tembu’s significance to Indian culture
Tembu’s character is significant to Indian culture because it represents the country’s youth and their potential to carry on tradition and culture. India has a rich history and tradition that is passed down from one generation to the next. Tembu’s character embodies this tradition and represents the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Conclusion: Tembu’s legacy in the story
Tembu’s legacy in the story is one of bravery, adventure, and respect for nature. He inspires his father to be more cautious and alert while guarding the tunnel. Tembu also helps his father realize the importance of respecting the tiger and its place in the forest ecosystem. His bravery and quick thinking also help him save his father from danger, which is the climax of the story.
Final thoughts: Tiger in the Tunnel’s enduring themes
“Tiger in the Tunnel” is a story that explores themes such as bravery, respect for nature, and the passing down of knowledge from one generation to the next. These themes are enduring and relevant in today’s world. The story’s message of respecting nature and preserving tradition is essential in a world where these values are often overlooked. “Tiger in the Tunnel” is a reminder of the importance of these values and the potential of future generations to carry them on.