Bonku Babu's friend- Satyajit RayCharacter

Bonku Babu's Friend" by Satyajit Ray, straddles the genres of science fiction and fantasy,
revolving around themes of friendship, alienation, and regional pride. The story's
characters, including the protagonist Bonku, can be analyzed in terms of being static or
dynamic, with Bonku's encounter with the extraterrestrial Ang significantly impacting his
character development. The story's plot and themes are deeply intertwined, leading to
various interpretations of the narrative.
Genre
The genre of this story could be considered science fiction because it includes an alien
character, but it might be classified as fantasy because Bonku may have imagined the
incident.

Themes:

As the title suggests, one of the story’s important themes is friendship. Because the
author does not clearly identify who the "friend" is, an analysis could propose more than
one character who would fit this role and support the choice with evidence from the story.
Does Bonku have close human friends?

Bonku Babu, the protagonist, forms a bond with a mysterious friend who is initially
unknown to the readers. The story explores the depth and significance of this friendship,
highlighting how it impacts Bonku Babu’s life. It showcases the value of companionship,
trust, and support in navigating life’s challenges and finding joy in shared experiences.

If not, a related theme of alienation and isolation could also be addressed in association
with the identification of Bonku’s friend as the extraterrestrial Ang.

Another possible theme to explore is national and regional pride, as various characters
express their feelings about their village and its place in the world and the universe.

Transformation and Growth: Another theme in the story is the transformative power of
relationships. Through his friendship with the mysterious character, Bonku Babu
undergoes a personal transformation. He learns new perspectives, gains confidence, and
develops a broader understanding of the world. The story highlights how friendships have
the potential to change individuals, expand their horizons, and help them discover their
true selves.

Exploration and Curiosity: The mysterious friend introduces Bonku Babu to a world
beyond his familiar surroundings, exposing him to new ideas, places, and experiences.
The story encourages a sense of wonder, the desire to explore the unknown, and the
willingness to embrace change and adventure.
Human Connection: The story emphasizes the importance of human connection and the
impact it can have on an individual’s life. Bonku Babu’s friendship demonstrates the
fundamental need for social interaction and emotional bonds. It suggests that genuine
connections can bring joy, fulfillment, and a sense of belonging. He realises that true
friendship was not embodied in Sripati Majumdar’s pranks however long the bond was.
He could feel it the strongest with somebody who could not be called a human, and
extraterrestrial being, Ang.

Imagination and Fantasy: Satyajit Ray often incorporated elements of imagination and
fantasy in his works, and this story is no exception. The theme of imagination is woven
into the narrative, as Bonku Babu’s friend introduces him to a world that stretches the
limits of his imagination. It encourages readers to embrace their own imagination and
appreciate the power of storytelling and creativity.

Analysis of Bonku Babu:

Bonku Babu, the protagonist of the story, is a mild-mannered and patient individual. He
is a teacher at the Kankurgachhi Village Primary School, where he has been teaching
geography and Bengali for the past twenty-two years. Despite facing constant teasing and
pranks from his students, Bonku Babu remains calm and rarely gets angry.
Bonku Babu’s calm demeanor can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, he realizes that
losing his temper would jeopardize his job prospects, especially at his age. Secondly, he
finds fulfillment in teaching a handful of good students who make his profession
worthwhile. He goes the extra mile by inviting these students to his house, offering them
snacks, and sharing exciting tales of foreign lands and adventures, displaying his talent as
a storyteller.
Outside of his work, Bonku Babu attends evening gatherings hosted by Sripati
Majumdar, a lawyer in the village. However, even there, he often becomes the target of
jokes and ridicule. Despite the constant teasing, Bonku Babu continues to attend these
gatherings, as he values Sripati Babu’s opinion and feels obligated to participate.
Bonku Babu is an imaginative and curious person. He displays a keen interest in space
travel and speculates about the possibility of creatures from other planets visiting Earth.
While his ideas are often dismissed or ridiculed by others, Bonku Babu remains open-
minded and contemplative.
Throughout the story, Bonku Babu’s patience and resilience are tested. He endures
various pranks played on him, ranging from having ink smeared on his clothes to being
attacked by a person dressed as a ghost. Despite these incidents, he remains undeterred
and maintains his composure.
Bonku Babu’s character is marked by a sense of dignity and a desire for respect. He
yearns to be treated with kindness and fairness, even though he often finds himself on the
receiving end of jokes and ridicule. Despite his gentle nature, there is a quiet strength in
Bonku Babu that allows him to persevere through challenges and maintain his integrity.

Character analysis of Sripati Majumdar:

Sripati Majumdar is a middle-aged lawyer residing in Kankurgachhi village, where the
story takes place. Sripati is portrayed as an influential figure in the community and is
respected for his legal expertise.
In addition to his legal prowess, Sripati is known for his sense of humor. He has a quick
wit and enjoys engaging in banter and playful teasing of Bonku babu, the protagonist of
the story. Sripati’s humor often involves making jokes at the expense of others and it is
evident from the story that he does not realise that what he calls fun is painful for the
others. Although he does not intend to cause harm, his behavior shows no sign of
empathy or a quality of a true friend. He deliberately calls Bonku Babu to his gathering
so that he can play prank on him as Bonku Babu was a gentleman who never complained
loudly. His behaviour was no different than the naughty children in the school. The often
appeared senseless and heartless, unacceptable of a man who holds such an important
position in the society.

Significance of the title:

The significance of the title “Bonku Babu’s Friend” by Satyajit Ray lies in its ability to
capture the essence of the story and create intrigue for the reader. Satyajit Ray, a
renowned Indian filmmaker and author, often crafted titles that were simple yet
evocative, and this story is no exception.
The title “Bonku Babu’s Friend” immediately introduces the main character of the story,
Bonku Babu. By including his name in the title, the author establishes Bonku Babu’s
significance and centrality to the narrative. This title suggests that the story revolves
around the experiences, relationships, and interactions of Bonku Babu, emphasizing his
perspective and journey.
: The term “friend” in the title implies the presence of a significant and meaningful
relationship. It creates a sense of curiosity about who this friend might be and what role
they play in Bonku Babu’s life. The word “friend” also suggests warmth, companionship,
and the potential for personal growth or transformation, hinting at the emotional core of
the story.

The title “Bonku Babu’s Friend” is intriguing because it raises questions and arouses the
reader’s curiosity. It prompts readers to wonder who this friend is, how they meet, and
what adventures or challenges they might encounter together. The title acts as a hook,
enticing readers to dive into the story and discover the nature of Bonku Babu’s
relationship with this mysterious friend.
: Satyajit Ray was known for his ability to convey complex ideas through simple and
relatable narratives. The title “Bonku Babu’s Friend” aligns with this style, utilizing a
straightforward and accessible language that reflects the story’s overall tone. The
simplicity of the title adds to its charm and makes it memorable, allowing readers to
easily connect with the characters and themes of the story.

Critical appreciation:

“Bonku Babu’s Friend” is a delightful and heartwarming story written by the renowned
author Satyajit Ray. It presents a charming tale that captures the essence of friendship,
imagination, and personal growth.

One of the strengths of the story lies in Ray’s ability to create relatable and endearing
characters. Bonku Babu, the main protagonist, is a sympathetic figure who faces daily
challenges and frustrations in his life. His struggles with his students’ pranks and the
ridicule he endures at social gatherings evoke empathy from readers.

As the story progresses, Bonku Babu’s transformation from a timid and mocked
individual to a confident and respected teacher is inspiring. This character development
showcases Ray’s skill in crafting believable and engaging personalities.

The introduction of the extraterrestrial character, Ang, adds a touch of fantasy and
wonder to the narrative.

Ray seamlessly weaves the element of the unknown into the story, blending it
harmoniously with the everyday life of a small village.

Through Ang’s presence, the story explores themes of curiosity, imagination, and the
power of friendship.

The bond that develops between Bonku Babu and Ang is heartening, and it beautifully
showcases the transformative impact of genuine connections.
Ray’s writing style is simple yet evocative. His vivid descriptions of the village, the
characters, and their interactions create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.

The pacing of the story is well-maintained, engaging the readers from beginning to end.
Additionally, Ray’s storytelling prowess shines through in the tales within the story.

The captivating narratives shared by Bonku Babu are a testament to Ray’s ability to
transport readers into different worlds and ignite their imaginations.

With relatable characters, a touch of fantasy, and a poignant message about friendship
and personal growth, the story captures the reader’s imagination and leaves a lasting
impression.

It is a testament to Ray’s mastery as a storyteller and his ability to evoke emotions and
inspire reflection through his narratives.

The extraterrestrial element:

In the story “Bonku Babu’s Friend” by Satyajit Ray, the extraterrestrial element is
introduced through the character named Ang. Ang is an alien who arrives on Earth and
befriends the main protagonist, Bonku Babu.

He meets Bonku Babu in the bamboo grove owned by Poncha Ghose. Hear the alien has
landed in his spaceship by mistake. He was going to Pluto but his instruments were not
working properly, so he landed on Earth. He had come from the planet called Craneus.
He has a head which is like a smooth ball and his arms and legs are very thin. His body is
covered with the shiny pink outfit. Instead of ears, Ang has tiny holes on each side of his
head. On his face he has two holes in place of a nose and another gaping hole for his
mouth his eyes are round and bright yellow.

Ang is a creature of superior intelligence. He is 833 years old and he knows 14000
languages. He even can control the movement of anybody and leave him in capable
to make any movement to protect himself from possible danger. He has a tube like
device with which he can look at any part of the solar system. He shows Bonku Babu
places like the North Pole and Brazil.

The best thing about this extraterrestrial element is that he understands the weakness of
Bonku Babu. He is aware through his intelligence what ridicule Bonku Babu suffers
daily. He advises him to shed his diffidence. His advice has the desired effect and after
meeting him Bonku becomes a changed man altogether.

Ang’s presence in the story serves multiple purposes.

1.It adds an element of fantasy and adventure to the narrative, allowing readers to
experience the excitement of encountering an extraterrestrial being.
2.This aspect of the story taps into the imagination and fascination associated with the
possibility of life beyond Earth.
3. Ang acts as a catalyst for Bonku Babu’s personal growth and transformation. Through
their friendship, Ang encourages Bonku Babu to overcome his self-doubt and face his
fears.
4. Ang’s perspective and experiences from different planets broaden Bonku Babu’s
horizons and help him gain confidence in himself and his abilities.

Questions:

1.Who is Bonku Babu, and what is his initial perception of Ang?

2.Describe Ang’s appearance and characteristics. How does he communicate with others?
3.What impact does Ang’s arrival have on the village and its inhabitants?
4. How does Ang’s friendship with Bonku Babu influence the latter’s personal growth
and transformation?
5. What were the daily chores of Bonku Babu?
6.What themes and messages does Satyajit Ray convey through the character of Ang?
7.What is the significance of the title of the story?
8.How does the presence of an extraterrestrial element affect the overall tone and
atmosphere of the narrative?
9.Explore the theme of acceptance and tolerance in the story. How does the protagonist’s
perceptions change throughout the narrative?
10. Reflect on the power of friendship and the role it plays in the story.