About the Author
Rabindranath Tagore was a famous Indian writer, poet, and thinker born in 1861 in Kolkata. He came from a big family and grew up loving books, music, and nature. Tagore wrote many poems, stories, and songs in Bengali, and later translated them into English. He started a school called Shantiniketan, where kids learned in open fields under trees. In 1913, he became the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize for Literature for his book Gitanjali. Tagore loved his country and fought for freedom from British rule through his words. He passed away in 1941, but his simple yet deep ideas about life, love, and freedom still touch hearts around the world. "The Last Bargain" is one of his short poems that teaches us about true happiness.
What’s the Story About?
This poem is like a short adventure in words, where a tired man walks around looking for a job. He wants someone to "hire" him—not for money, but to find real peace and joy in life. It's set in a dreamy world with kings, rich folks, and a sunny beach, but it's really about what makes us feel free and happy inside.
The poem starts with the man calling out in the morning sun: "I want to be hired! Who will take me?" First, a mighty king comes in a shiny chariot, holding a sharp sword. He says, "Join me, and you'll have all my power to rule over people." But the man shakes his head. Power sounds scary—it would make him a slave to commands and fights. He walks away under the shady trees.
Next, at noon, a rich old man arrives with bags full of gold coins. He offers, "Work for me, and these shiny coins will be yours forever." The man thinks about it, but gold feels cold and heavy. It would trap him in worries about keeping it safe. He says no and keeps going.
In the evening, a beautiful young woman appears with a sweet smile and a flower in her hair. She offers her charm and love: "Come with me, and share my soft words and tender touch." The man feels a pull in his heart, but he knows love like that might fade or tie him down with jealousy. He turns away as the day ends.
Finally, in the quiet night, by the sea under twinkling stars, the man spots a little child playing alone on the sand. The child is picking up pretty shells and scattering them like toys, laughing freely. The child looks up and says, "Play with me!" without offering money, power, or anything else. The man smiles—this is it! He agrees to the "bargain" right there. No chains, no worries—just pure fun and freedom. The poem ends with the man feeling light and happy, like he's found the best deal ever.
(Imagine you're shopping for the perfect toy, but instead of rupees or gadgets, you're hunting for what truly makes your heart sing. That's the man's journey—full of "no's" until the simplest "yes" wins the day.)
Who’s Who in the Story
- The Man (Speaker): The main character, a simple wanderer searching for a meaningful "job" in life. He's wise and picky, rejecting big offers until he finds true joy. He stands for all of us looking for real happiness.
- The King: A powerful ruler on a grand chariot with a sword. He offers control over others but represents empty authority that binds people.
- The Rich Old Man: A wealthy person loaded with gold coins. He tempts with money but shows how riches can weigh us down with greed.
- The Fair Maiden (Young Woman): A lovely girl with soft words and a flower crown. She offers romance and beauty but hints at emotional traps that aren't forever.
- The Child: An innocent little kid playing with shells on the beach at night. With no riches or rules, the child gives pure, carefree play—becoming the man's perfect "employer."
Themes and Moral
Main Themes
- True Freedom: The poem shows that real freedom isn't in bossing others, counting coins, or chasing sweet feelings. It comes from simple, no-strings-attached moments, like playing without worries.
- What Money Can't Buy: Power, wealth, and beauty are shiny traps that make us slaves. Lasting joy hides in small, honest things, like a child's laugh.
- Search for Happiness: Life is like bargaining at a market—we try big deals first, but the best one is the quiet, pure kind that lights up our soul.
- Innocence Wins: Kids represent clean, free hearts. Their world of play teaches grown-ups to let go and just enjoy.
Moral
The big lesson is: The greatest treasure in life is not bought with power, gold, or charm—it's found in the innocent joy of a child's play. Like the man, we should say no to fake shines and yes to what keeps our spirit light and free. It reminds us to chase simple happiness over big, heavy gains.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some key words and phrases from the poem. I've explained them in plain, friendly words, like sharing notes with a classmate. Try using them in your own sentences to make them yours!
- Bargain: A deal or trade where you give something to get something back. (Example: I made a bargain with my friend—I'll share my lunch if you lend me your pencil.)
- Hire: To pick someone for a job or task, like employing them. (Example: The shop owner will hire a boy to carry bags after school.)
- Chariot: An old-style cart pulled by horses, used by kings for fancy rides. (Example: In the storybook, the prince zoomed in his golden chariot.)
- Crescent moon: A thin, curved shape of the moon, like a smiling banana in the sky. (Example: We picnicked under the soft light of the crescent moon.)
- Maiden: A young, unmarried girl, often pretty and gentle. (Example: The maiden in the fairy tale sang songs to the birds.)
- Coffers: Big chests or boxes full of money or treasures. (Example: The pirate hid his gold in heavy coffers under the sand.)
- Morn: Short for morning, the fresh start of the day. (Example: Birds chirp happily in the cool morn.)
- Noon: The middle of the day, when the sun is highest. (Example: We eat lunch at noon to beat the heat.)
- "I made a last bargain": The final and best deal the man strikes—with the child—for endless fun. (Example: After trying veggies, I made a last bargain: ice cream for dessert!)
- "Tiny hand": The small, soft hand of the child, showing trust and playfulness. (Example: The baby held my finger with its tiny hand and giggled.)
Read the poem again with these—it's like unlocking a fun code! They'll help you chat about it with friends or shine in class.