By smartcubs Maggie is one of the central characters in the short story “The Price of Flowers” by Prabhat Kumar Mukhopadhyay. The story revolves around themes of sacrifice, love, and the harsh realities of life, and Maggie’s character is instrumental in conveying these themes.
Character Traits
1. Dutiful and Responsible
Maggie is depicted as a dutiful and responsible young girl. Despite her tender age, she takes on the responsibility of supporting her mother after her brother’s departure. Her sense of duty and responsibility is a defining aspect of her character, showcasing her maturity and strength.
2. Loving and Sacrificial
Maggie’s love for her family, particularly her brother, is profound. She idolizes her brother Frank and is deeply affected by his absence. Her willingness to sacrifice her own needs and desires for the sake of her family is a testament to her loving and selfless nature. The title of the story, “The Price of Flowers,” symbolizes the sacrifices Maggie makes, including the money she earns to buy flowers for her mother.
3. Innocent and Hopeful
Despite the hardships she faces, Maggie maintains an innocent and hopeful outlook on life. Her innocence is evident in the way she holds on to the hope of her brother’s return. This hope provides her with strength and resilience, helping her cope with the challenges of her daily life.
4. Industrious and Resilient
Maggie is industrious and resilient, working hard to make ends meet for her family. Her determination to provide for her mother in the absence of her brother showcases her resilience. She does not shy away from hard work, and her perseverance is a key aspect of her character.
5. Empathetic and Compassionate
Maggie’s empathy and compassion are evident in her interactions with others. She is sensitive to her mother’s emotional state and tries to keep her spirits up. Her compassion extends to her brother as well, as she holds on to the belief that he will return one day.
Key Interactions
1. With Her Mother
Maggie’s relationship with her mother is central to the story. She is deeply concerned about her mother’s well-being and works hard to support her. This relationship highlights Maggie’s sense of duty and her compassionate nature.
2. With Her Brother, Frank
Although Frank is not physically present in the story, his influence on Maggie is profound. She idolizes him and is motivated by the hope of his return. This relationship underscores Maggie’s loving and hopeful nature.
3. With Society
Maggie’s interactions with society at large, including the people she encounters while working, reflect her industrious and resilient character. She faces the challenges of her environment with determination and grace.
Maggie is a character who embodies the themes of sacrifice, love, and resilience. Her dutiful nature, coupled with her loving and hopeful outlook, makes her a poignant and memorable character in “The Price of Flowers.” Through Maggie, Prabhat Kumar Mukhopadhyay effectively highlights the strength and compassion that can be found in the face of adversity, making her story both touching and inspirational.