Introduction

"The Boy Who Broke the Bank" is a short story by Ruskin Bond that explores themes of rumor, panic, and the impact of misinformation in a small town. The narrative focuses on how a casual complaint by a sweeper boy, Nathu, spirals out of control, leading to a bank run and widespread panic in the town of Pipalnagar.

Plot Summary

• Initial Complaint: The story begins with Nathu, the sweeper of the Pipalnagar Bank, grumbling about not receiving his salary on time. He expresses his frustration to Sitaram, the washerman’s son, who is making his delivery rounds.

• Spreading the News: Sitaram casually mentions Nathu’s complaint to a customer, Mrs. Srivastava, who needs a sweeper. She, in turn, shares this information with her friend, Mrs. Bhushan, while shopping in the marketplace.

• Rumour Escalation: Mrs. Bhushan speculates about the bank's financial health and shares her concerns with her husband. Kamal Kishore, the owner of a photographic shop, overhears the conversation and spreads the rumour further, causing more alarm.

• Panic and Chaos: The rumour spreads like wildfire through the bazaar. People rush to withdraw their money from the bank, believing it is about to collapse. The bank manager is overwhelmed by the sudden demand and unable to reassure the crowd, leading to chaos and property damage.

• Resolution: The next morning, Nathu arrives at the bank to find it in disarray. Unaware of the panic his complaint had caused, he is puzzled by the sudden turn of events and continues to worry about getting his overdue salary.

Analysis

• Theme of Misinformation: The story highlights how a simple complaint can escalate into a full-blown crisis through the spread of misinformation. Nathu’s frustration about his unpaid salary snowballs into a widespread belief that the bank is bankrupt.

• Social Commentary: Bond comments on the nature of small-town life, where news travels fast and is often exaggerated. The rapid dissemination of the rumor reflects the close-knit yet volatile nature of the community.

• Character Reactions: The characters’ reactions are exaggerated and based on speculation rather than facts. This underscores the human tendency to panic and make irrational decisions when faced with Uncertainty.

  • Nathu: Represents the discontented worker, whose minor grievance inadvertently triggers a major incident.

  • Sitaram: Acts as an unwitting catalyst, passing along information without considering its potential impact.

  • Mrs. Srivastava and Mrs. Bhushan: Exemplify how gossip can distort facts and lead to unfounded conclusions.

  • Kamal Kishore and Deep Chand: Illustrate how rumors can provoke immediate and sometimes harmful reactions.

  • Bank Manager: Symbolizes the difficulty of controlling a situation once misinformation spreads.

Literary Devices

• Irony: There is a strong sense of irony in the story. The title itself is ironic, as it is not a boy who deliberately breaks the bank, but a series of adult misinterpretations and overreactions.

• Humour: Bond uses humour to depict the absurdity of the situation. Characters' exaggerated responses and the swift spread of the rumour add a comedic element to the story.

• Symbolism: The bank represents stability and trust in the community. Its supposed collapse symbolizes the fragility of these constructs in the face of unverified information.

Conclusion

Ruskin Bond's "The Boy Who Broke the Bank" is a poignant and humorous exploration of how rumors can create panic and chaos. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the power of words and the importance of verifying information before reacting. Through its vivid characters and fast-paced narrative, the story captures the dynamics of a small town and the potential consequences of unchecked gossip.