Lost Child

 “The Lost Child” is a short story written by Mulk Raj Anand. This story depicts children’s psychology. The story is set in a rural village in India during the spring festival season. A small child went to a fare along with his parents, during a spring season. He was f illed with joy and happiness. There were many stalls selling a variety of things such as toys, sweetmeats, flowers, balloons, etc. There were snake charmers and merry-go-round and many other attractions. He stopped before every stall and requested his parents to buy those items. He also knew that his parents would refuse his request and strictly say ‘No’ to his request. While observing the merry-go-round, the child lost contact with his parents. He was overpowered by the fear and started crying. He searched for his parents by running here and there. But, he could not find them anywhere. When he reached a temple in search of his parents, a stranger picked him up from the crowd. He tried to pacify the child by taking the child to the stalls and offering the toys, sweets, flowers, and colourful balloons. But the child lost interest in them. Rather he wanted only his mother and father. Thus, the story portrays child psychology very effectively. The main theme of the story is the deep relationship of pure love between parents and a child. It shows that no material possession can compensate the absence of parents.