"Woman Unknown" Study Questions

What is the setting of the story? How is it relevant in terms of

plot/character/theme?
The story takes place in Bengal, India, presumably in the early
1900s. This is significant because there are several cultural
synonyms, metaphors, and allusions used throughout the story,
and a lot of the cultures views and traditions are followed as well.
Describe Anupam as a character. In what ways do his character traits
contribute to the development of the plot of the story?
Anupam is a humble but very meek man. While respectful and
obedient as he was raised in such a manner in which doing right
always seemed best for him, he seems incapable of opposing his
authority figures, his mother and uncle. However, Anupam has a
wild imagination, fantasizing and longing for different things in
life, particularly the unknown female.
Who is the head of Anupams family? How does this help to develop
setting and theme?
The head of Anupams family is his uncle, his mothers brother,
and this develops the theme of family obedience and
stereotypical rich Indian culture, as the father is very stingy and
looks to be highly respected by all, and he has a firm grasp on all
of his nephews doings.
Explain the significance of the events with the goldsmith with regards to
character.
The goldsmith events were significant because it portrayed the
theme of distrust and the theme of proving one wrong, as the
uncle was wrong about Shambunath Babu stealing his gold. This
was also a significant turning point in Babus views of the uncle
and their family (though he probably already had seen them as
untrustworthy) leading him to then trick the family into eating
before the wedding and subsequently calling off the wedding.
Why does Shambunath Babu call off the wedding? How does this event
relate to a theme of the story?

He calls of the wedding because he does not want to hand his

daughter over to a family who would so boldly accuse him of
stealing their gold and a family who would not accept their own
unique style of feasting. This event portrays the theme of cultural
defiance, especially considering the Indian culture is very strict
about marriages, and shows how Babu is noticeably different and
how the others react in anger towards his dissimilarities.
How does Anupam react to the cancellation of his marriage? Why does
it impact him so profoundly?
Anupam first wishes for harshness towards Babu, but later he
realizes all his anger is rooted in the fact that his wife-to-be was
still highly unknown to him. This impacts him heavily because he
feels he already had a sort of connection with her, and he
wonders if she longs for him too, staring at the picture of him she
may or may not still have, for example.
What is the mood of Part IV of the story? How does Tagore establish
that mood?
Part IV sees a shift in setting and time as it is 1 year later. The
mood is that of a fairytale almost, as even though time has
passed, the simple phrase that Anupam hears entrances him
throughout, sending wild thoughts throughout his head again.
Tagore set this mood nicely in making it seem like Anupam had
moved on but still showing that he is at heart still a dreamer.
Briefly describe Kalyani as a character. In what ways are her traits
somewhat ironic?
Kalyani is a beautiful, free-spirited and outgoing person, not afraid
to stand firmly for her views against opposing forces while still
quite young. The irony can be seen in her behavior, being able to
stand up for herself against the guards as generally a man would
be expected to do, and she gave no care for having fun with her
siblings, laughing and eating freely in the presence of strangers.
Her aberrant personae resemble that of Babu.
Explain the significance of the phrase, Theres room here. Why does

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this resonate so strongly with Anupam?

This phrase lit a plethora of emotions within Anupam; considering
the fact that Anupam is quite timid but a deep romantic, it is
understandable that a voice of such tender quality as explained
can lead him to believe fate just might have reunited him with his
unknown girl. He too believes this is farfetched, but he cannot
deny the intricate beauty he hears in that voice, making him
forget all about his supposedly higher class status as he indulges
in abysmal contradicting thoughts.
Explain the title of the story. To what/whom does it refer? What is its
significance?
The title Woman Unknown is referring to the ex-fianc Anupam
had which captivated him in ways unimaginable for someone he
was yet to meet. It is significant because her existence gets poetic
thoughts rushing through Anupams head, and not ever getting to
really know her shapes Anupam as a person for the better,
shedding light on the stereotypical rich Indian life as well.
Identify at least TWO literary devices in the short story and be prepared
to talk about them in class.
Two prominent literary devices in this short story are
similes/metaphors/epiphets and allusion.