(i) Nishikanto Babu’s youngest brother-in-law was in the business of film production. He had a role for Patol Babu in a film. The role was of a pedestrian, an absent-minded, short-tempered man. Patol Babu was asked to reach Faraday House at 8.30 sharp in the morning. Patol Babu’s physique and age were fulfilling the demand of the character.
(ii) Lakshmi Das came and told him that Ali had died three months back. Now the postmaster was bewildered and confused. He still had Miriam’s letter in his hand. That evening he himself went to Ali’s grave to place the letter there. Then, his attitude changed. He now saw the letters as the essential human hearts, not just the pieces of paper. He understood the essential human worth of a letter. He was repentant to be so rude with Ali.
(iii) The postmaster gives the impression that he is a man with a haughty temperament. He is shown as a dull person with a face as sad and inexpressive as a pumpkin, with no glimmer of animation. Apart from this, he is a man with an uncomfortable temperament who is not bothered about anyone’s business apart from his. He is very insensitive towards others’ feelings as twice he rebukes Ali, once calling him a ‘pest’ and at other time with his contemptuous remark that he was not going to eat the letter if it came.
(iv) By Calpurnia’s dream and bad Omens. Calpurnia had seen Caesar’s statue in her dream, which like a fountain, had almost hundred openings and pure blood ran out of them. Strong men came smiling and washed their hands in that blood. She strongly felt it was a warning enough and implored her husband to stay at home.
(v) Time never spares anyone. Time is called ‘sluttish’ as the destructive forces with time ravages the monuments and the work of masonry.
