PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF “THE HOMECOMING”

“Children aren’t happy with nothing to ignore for and that’s why parents were created”.

          Childhood is considered as one of the most important and delicate phase of human life span. Seeking the first sense of knowledge, love and belonging, the child’s mind is curious to the level which we can’t think of. In the story, Tagore gives us a clear picture on how a child, when brought up  in an atmosphere like village can cause quite a lot of disturbance to people around him because of his curious and mischievous attitude.

1^st phase of the story

Phatik is known for his pranks and naughty behaviour, which often comes at the cost of disrupting the peace and well being of people in village. At home, the case is no different. His mother is shocked to see him hurt his younger brother with is mischievous pranks. Thus, considering him as a big threat and an unending problem to people around, Phatik’s mother decides to send him with his uncle to Calcutta for further education. Phatik is extremely interested with his mother’s idea and readily agrees to go with his uncle.

Factors causing Phatik’s behavior

1.     He is faced with immense freedom in his village.

2.     The age factor: Childhood is known for its great share of mischievous behavior from children.

3.     His mistakes are seen as burdens, instead of looked upon as the natural pranks of a boy growing up.

4.     His mother is not ready to reform his behavior( thus decides to send him with his uncle)

2^nd phase of the story

Phatik is introduced to an entirely different atmosphere when compared to the earlier one. Calcutta, which, in his mind was a place for him to play more, enjoy more and fulfill all his desires, comes as a great let down. The vastness of the city does not let him explore it on his own and thus prone to restriction. The feeling of homeliness eludes Phatik as his aunt is always full of complaints for whatever he does.Adding to the environmental changes; he is met with physical and mental changes in himself. He undergoes all the changes which a child will, when he/she is nearing adolescence is unable to get adjusted to the system of the modern schools and thus fails to match with the standards of academics.

Factors causing Phatik’s behaviour

1.     Restriction has a great impact on his mind.

2.     Lacks the much needed care, support and love of his mother.

3.     His thoughts and ideas are not reinforced by his guardians.

4.     Here also, he is considered as a burden and not seen as an important member of the family.

Significance of parenting during childhood

·        Be responsive to children, both emotionally and intellectually

·        Provide a warm and supportive atmosphere

·        Children should be allowed to make mistakes. They have to be corrected in the right manner by inculcating the right values in them.

·        Provide maximum opportunity to explore and investigate their environment.

·        Don’t push your children too hard.

·        Despite the rigors and demands of modern life, childhood should be a time for enjoyment and not viewed merely as a prelude to adulthood

·         Encourage and reinforce the efforts of children.

ARTICLE BY: VIVEK M.V.

                           2^ND YEAR, B.A. (PJOE)