With whom did the man, strike the bargain in the end, in the poem, "The Last Bargain" ?

Question

Accepted Answer

In the poem "The Last Bargain" by Rabindranath Tagore, the man ultimately strikes a bargain with a child. This choice is significant and symbolic, representing the purity and innocence that the child embodies. The poem explores the theme of true freedom and happiness, which cannot be bought with power, wealth, or beauty. The child offers the man nothing but a simple smile and play, which signifies that true contentment comes from simplicity and joy, rather than materialistic or superficial gains.

1. **Explanation for Option 1 (A child):** 
   - The child represents innocence and the essence of true happiness. In the poem, the man encounters various figures offering him power, wealth, and beauty, but he finds these offers unsatisfactory. It is only when he meets the child, who offers nothing but play, that he feels a sense of fulfillment and freedom. This interaction highlights the poem's message that genuine happiness is found in the simplicity and purity of life, which the child symbolizes.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 2 (An old man):** 
     - An old man typically symbolizes wisdom and experience, but in the context of the poem, the man does not strike a bargain with an old man. The poem does not present an old man as one of the figures offering a bargain, thus making this option incorrect.

- **Option 3 (A king):** 
     - The king in the poem offers power and authority, which initially seems appealing. However, the man realizes that power does not bring true happiness or freedom. The king's offer is ultimately rejected, as it does not fulfill the man's quest for genuine contentment.

- **Option 4 (Fair maid):** 
     - The fair maid represents beauty and charm, offering the man her smile. However, the man understands that beauty is fleeting and does not provide lasting happiness. He declines her offer, recognizing that true joy cannot be found in superficial allure.

In conclusion, the man strikes the final bargain with the child, as this interaction embodies the poem's central theme of finding true happiness in simplicity and innocence. The other options, while offering various worldly attractions, fail to provide the fulfillment that the child’s offer of play and joy brings.