Critical Assessment of Rabindranath Tagore as a Short Story Writer

Abstract

Rabindranath Tagore, one of the most influential literary figures of modern India, revolutionized the short story form in Bengali literature. This study critically assesses Tagore’s contribution as a short story writer, the thematic depth, narrative innovation, and socio-cultural consciousness embedded in his works. His stories transcend conventional romanticism to explore complex human emotions, social hierarchies, gender roles, and philosophical reflections on freedom and identity. Through a close reading of selected stories, this paper highlights how Tagore blended realism with lyrical prose, effectively portraying the lives of both the marginalized and the elite. The assessment also investigates Tagore’s unique ability to humanize societal critique without didacticism, positioning him as a pioneering force in the evolution of the Indian short story tradition.