The Auspicious Vision
A young man, after the death of his wife, immerses himself in hunting, accompanied by a group of followers. While out shooting near a swamp, he encounters a beautiful village maiden caring for ducklings. Captivated by her beauty, he follows her to her home, where he finds her tending to a wounded dove. The girl, named Sudha, is the daughter of a Brahmin who expresses concern over finding a suitable husband for her. The young man, charmed by Sudha, proposes to her father, who is astonished by the unexpected offer. The father agrees, and the wedding is arranged for the upcoming season. During the ceremony, as the couple is covered by a screen for the ritual known as the Auspicious Vision, the young man is shocked to discover that the bride is not the same girl he had seen earlier. Confusion and anger arise within him, leading him to question the integrity of the arrangement. As he grapples with his feelings, a leveret enters the room, prompting the appearance of the village maiden he had first encountered. She is revealed to be deaf and dumb, a companion to animals, and her presence brings clarity to the young man's turmoil. Realizing that he has escaped a potential mistake, he looks at his bride anew, seeing her true beauty and feeling a sense of relief. The story concludes with the young man experiencing the genuine Auspicious Vision, embracing the blessing of his marriage.
By Rabindranath Tagore · First published 1933 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Social Commentary · 2,256 words
First lines
Kantichandra was young; yet after his wife's death he sought no second partner, and gave his mind to the hunting of beasts and birds. His body was long and slender, hard and agile; his sight keen; his aim unerring. He dressed like a countryman, and took with him Hira Singh the wrestler, Chakkanlal, Khan Saheb the musician, Mian Saheb, and many others. He had no lack of idle followers.
What this Textopian page supports
The Auspicious Vision is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rabindranath Tagore, dated 1933 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Rabindranath Tagore
- Date: 1933 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Social Commentary, Coming-of-Age, Drama
- Length: 2,256 words
- Structure: 1 section, 38 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Auspicious Vision by Rabindranath Tagore
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Auspicious Vision?
- How does this short story by Rabindranath Tagore fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Saved by Rabindranath Tagore
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of love, identity, and societal expectations through rich character development and introspective prose.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around the romantic relationship and marriage between Kanti and Sudha, highlighting emotional connections and societal norms.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques social customs related to marriage and gender roles within the context of Indian society.
- Coming-of-Age — Kanti's journey reflects personal growth and self-discovery as he navigates his feelings and societal expectations.
Tags
Philosophical · Poetic · Spiritual · Mystical · Indian Literature · Bengali Literature · Tagore's Works · Visionary · Symbolic · Allegorical · Mythological · Cultural Heritage