The Missing Mail - English Literature Reader

Summary

"The Missing Mail" centers round Thanappa, a conscientious postman. He holds personal relationships dearer than his duty. He feels personally involved in the lives of the people of Vinayak Mudali street. Of these, he is most attracted to Ramanujam and his family

Thanappa knew that Ramanujam was worried about his daughter’s marriage. Though Ramanujam’s father in law had saved rs.5000 for her marriage but still He couldn’t find a proper match for her. Thannapa suggested a match in Delhi. The parents of the boy wanted to see Kamakshi. The match was fixed. The wedding had to be solemnized before a particular date i.e. 20th may as the boy couldn’t marry after that for three years.

In the mean time, Thanappa received a letter and a telegram for Ramanujam, just before the marriage. The news of Ramanujam’s uncle’s death was in the telegram. Thanappa suppressed both the letter and the telegram as he knew that if he gives them to Ramanujam again the marriage will be postponed.

Thannapa confessed the truth to Ramanujam after the marriage. But Ramanujam felt cheated and angry. How ever he condoned Thannapa’s mistake as his intention was noble.

Sample Q's And A's

Question 1

Question: Why was Thanappa liked by the people in the town?

Answer: Thanappa not only delivered letters to the houses in Malgudi, but was also a lively person who showed a genuine concern towards the people he delivered letters to. He used to sit for hours with the families, allowing himself to get involved in their domestic matters, being a part of their happiness and sorrow, and used to give advices whenever necessary. This made him a lively and a very likeable person.

Question 2

Question: Who was Kamakshi? Why was Thanappa specially attached to her?

Answer: Kamakshi was Ramanujam's daughter. Thanappa had delivered to Ramanujam, the letter announcing her birth. This made Thanappa think of her as his own daughter and was specially attached to her.

Question 3

Question: Why were Kamakshi's parents and Thanappa worried?

Answer: Kamakshi's wedding did not seem to come through for various reasons, the chief of them being a mismatch of horoscopes. This caused the family and Thanappa a lot of worry.

Question 4

Question: How did Thanappa contribute at Ramanujam's family meetings?

Answer: Thanappa would first finish delivering letters to all houses, and then settle down at Ramanujam's house to take part in the wedding arrangements. He would settle disputes and also offer suggestions and advices.

Question 5

Question: Do you think that Thanappa was right in not delivering the letter and telegram to Ramanujam immediately?

Answer: Yes, I think Thanappa did the right thing. Kamakshi's marriage had been settled after a very long time. The date had been fixed for May twentieth. If the wedding was put off then, it would not come by for three more years since the bridegroom had to go for some training. Anything could have happened in the span of three years. Moreover, all the preparations for the wedding had been done. If the telegram had been delivered on that day, things would have been cancelled abruptly leading to a total waste of money and many related problems. Considering these circumstances, the postman was right in not delivering the letter and the telegram on time.
Or
Thanappa was a postman. It is his duty to deliver letters as soon as they arrive. If he had delivered Ramanujam's letter on time, perhaps he would have seen the old uncle before his death. The need of the hour was to be with the sick man. Thanappa failed in his duty of delivering not one but two urgent messages. I do not think that Thanappa was right in holding back the messages

Question 6

Question: Imagine you are Thanappa. Write a letter to the Postmaster explaining why you did not deliver the letter and telegram to Ramanujam on time.

Answer:
26.4.95
To
The Postmaster
Malgudi Post Office
Malgudi

Respected Sir,

I wish to draw your attention to an incident which occurred two weeks ago.
You are aware that the wedding of Kamakshi, daughter of Sri Ramanujam was held on May twentieth. Just a day before the wedding on May nineteenth, there was a post card from Salem asking Ramanujam to go immediately as his uncle was seriously ill. Sir, the first confession that I have to make is that on reading the news, I did not deliver the card. Another telegram that followed the next day i.e. on May twentieth informed that the uncle had passed away. Sir, I must tell you that I did not deliver this either. The reasons for their non-delivery are very clear. The wedding had been fixed, preparations were made and the ceremony was in progress. I could not bring myself to break this by giving them the inauspicious news. Moreover, I felt that there was little that Sri Ramanujam could do on the death of his uncle. I admit Sir, that I failed in my duty, but please consider the matter carefully.

This morning I delivered both the messages to Sri Ramanujam. He was naturally upset. I have given him my explanation and have asked him to complain to you.

I know Sir, that I have erred grievously in my duty. But please understand the humanitarian considerations behind this. I assure you that I acted carefully on these lines only. I felt that I must confess to you the breach in performing my duties. Please take the action that you consider is right.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,
Thanappa

Question 7

Question: Imagine you are the Head Postmaster. You have called your colleagues for a meeting to commend Thanappa. Write out the speech.

Answer:
Dear Colleagues,

We are gathered here for a very special purpose. We are all aware of the concern that Thanappa has for the people of Malgudi. He has time and again gone beyond the call of duty.

Thanappa sent me a letter confessing two 'faults' of not delivering a letter and a telegram giving news of the illness and death of an elderly gentleman to a close relative. It happened on the day the relative's daughter was getting married. He asked me if he was wrong. After careful consideration, I must say that I respect what he did. I am proud that Mr. Thanappa does not view his job as just delivery of letters. His genuine care and consideration for people is what is revealed in this act.

Look at it this way. The whole future of a young girl was at stake that day and it was in Thanappa's hands. It was indeed a very hard decision to take. Thanappa made the right choice. I congratulate Thanappa for his humanistic approach in performing his duties. I hope that all of us will remember that people are the ones who matter most in our lives and work towards this goal.

Thank you.

Question 8

Question: How did Thanappa and Kamakshi's mother differ in Ramanujam's family council regarding the negotiations? What was finally decided?

Answer: Kamakshi's mother did not approve of Kamakshi being taken to Madras for approval by the boy's family. She thought that they would be laughed at because such a thing had never occurred before in their society or neighborhood. She feared that it would lower their status in society.

Thanappa, however, disagreed, and told her to give up such old-fashioned ideas. He said that they had to look at the urgency of the situation and if they did not do so, they would miss a great opportunity. The boy's family might get another offer and that would be a great loss. Finally, Ramanujam took Kamakshi to Madras, following Thanappa's advice.

Question 9

Question: Give three reasons that delayed Kamakshi's marriage being settled.

Answer: Ramanujam had made his best efforts to negotiate for his daughter's marriage but these did not bear fruit. The reasons were

1. at some places the horoscopes did not agree.

2. sometimes the bridegroom's side demanded too much dowry.

3. at some places Kamakshi's appearance was not approved.

Question 10

Question: Give 3 reasons why Ramanujam looked "helpless and miserable" despite making efforts for his daughter's marriage.

Answer: Ramanujam did his best to negotiate for his daughter's marriage. However his efforts did not bear fruit. The reasons were

1. The last auspicious date for the season was fast approaching

2. The girl would be seventeen in a few days and

3. Ramanujam's father-in-law was writing more frequently and his letters were getting more accusing. All these affected Ramanujam's mind and he started feeling "helpless and miserable" on this account.