এক ব্যতিক্রমী নায়ক রবিবারের অভীক/ An Exceptional Hero; Abhik of Robibar

Abstract

Abhik, the protagonist of Rabindranath Tagore’s short story ‘Robibar’, emerges as a distinctive and unconventional hero within the landscape of Tagore’s short fiction. In the creation of Abhik’s character, Rabindranath Tagore reaches a remarkable peak of artistic creativity. The naming of the protagonist is neither ironic nor contradictory; instead, it is meaningfully aligned with the character’s inner identity. Abhik himself chooses this name, rejecting the one given by his father—Abhayacharan—and thus establishes his autonomy from inherited identity. Abhik does not merely renounce his given name; he also rejects lineage, family tradition, and social heritage. He becomes his own model and example. As an atheist and a son disowned by his father, Abhik allows the course of his life to flow according to his own will. Painting is his passion, yet his art does not follow conventional academic or institutional patterns. It is self-fashioned, original, and deeply personal, reflecting his independent spirit.

       In accordance with the inevitable laws of life, love and the presence of a woman enter Abhik’s life, but here too his individuality remains intact. Although Abhik’s powerful masculinity captivates other women, he fails to attract Vibha, the woman he desires. Instead of romantic fulfillment, Abhik develops a longing for recognition from Vibha as an artist rather than as a lover. This desire for artistic validation becomes central to his emotional conflict.

       The emotional distance and mutual repulsion between Abhik and Vibha can be understood through the fact that neither conforms to conventional social definitions of man and woman. Vibha’s attraction to another man gives rise to jealousy within Abhik, intensifying his inner turmoil. Ultimately, carrying Vibha and her memories within his heart, Abhik leaves for a foreign land. In the letter he writes to Vibha before his departure, he acknowledges her eternal presence and significance in his life.

       In shaping the character of Abhik, Rabindranath Tagore skillfully blends elements drawn from three of his major protagonists— Gora, Sachish, and Amit. This abstract explores how Abhik synthesizes these traits to emerge as a unique, independent, and exceptional hero, firmly establishing his place as a self-defined individual in Tagore’s literary world.