After reading "The Postmaster," do you feel that all of our expectations can be fulfilled?

Tagore's "The Postmaster" suggests there will always be some of our expectations that cannot be fulfilled.

The two main characters demonstrate a lack of fulfillment in their expectations. The postmaster himself has several expectations that are not fulfilled.  Initially, he thinks that the rural setting of Ulapur will help fulfill his expectations as a poet.  This does not materialize.  He thinks that he will be able to develop the soul of an artist as a...

Tagore's "The Postmaster" suggests there will always be some of our expectations that cannot be fulfilled.

The two main characters demonstrate a lack of fulfillment in their expectations. The postmaster himself has several expectations that are not fulfilled.  Initially, he thinks that the rural setting of Ulapur will help fulfill his expectations as a poet.  This does not materialize.  He thinks that he will be able to develop the soul of an artist as a result of his relocation, an expectation that is also denied. While he does receive his wish of being transferred out of Ulapur, the ending reflects expectations that are not realized.  Even though he is leaving, he boards the boat and feels a "pain" in his heart.  He cannot shake this pain, and the only way he can cope is through rationalization: "So the traveller, borne on the breast of the swift-flowing river, consoled himself with philosophical reflections on the numberless meetings and partings going on in the world—on death, the great parting, from which none returns."  The postmaster must make do with "philosophical reflections," demonstrating that his expectation of pure happiness will not be fully realized.

Ratan is one of the best examples of how human expectations cannot be fulfilled.  She believes that through dutifully serving the postmaster, he will ask her to go along with him back home.  She believes that when he leaves, he will feel compelled to take her with him.  This is not to be as Ratan is left "wandering about the post office in a flood of tears."  Her "false hope" is her only companion.  As a result, Ratan's expectations are far from fulfilled.