Predicament of women a humanistic vision in select short stories of rabindranathtagore

Abstract

Humanism is a Renaissance doctrine that started as a revolt against scholastic theology. Renaissance humanists derived their belief in the inherent goodness of man from the study of ancient poets, historians and philosophers. It is a doctrine of reason that aims at a life devoid of blind faith and asserts ability and accountability to lead a moral conduct for the greater common good. There are different kinds of humanism namely literary, renaissance, philosophical, christian, modern, secular and religious humanism. Though it has considerable presence from Renaissance, contemporary literature concerns about the immense problems and the issues of human beings with paramount care. However, Humanismand#8223; has spread throughout the world largely as a European concept that has given universal validity. The important aspect about Tagoreand#8223;s humanism is that it focuses on the fact that humanism is not one thing but many, and that the concept need to be pluralized. It is visible in the literary works of Tagore. His works create awareness of life and problems of the people around him and in his appraisal and criticism of the problems in existence.The Punishment, Debits and Credits, Mahamaya, Living or Dead,The Elder Sister, The Post Master, The Wedding Garland, The Exercise-Book, Taraprasannaand#8223;s Fame and Subhaare the short stories selected for study. newline