Hello Readers!
This blog is a response to an assignment given by Prof. Dilip Barad where we had to write about a topic around 1500-2000 words and publish it as a blog post. I have selected Celestial Beings in Human Experiences: Analysis of Selected Poems as my assignment topic.
My Academic Details:
Name : Rinkal Dangar
Roll no : 18
Enrollment no : 4069206420220007
Paper name: Indian English Literature – Pre-Independence
Paper no: 201
Paper code: 22406
Topic: Celestial Beings in Human Experiences: Analysis of Selected Poems.
Submitted to : Smt. S.B.Gardi, department of English MKBU
Dated on: 27/11/2023
E-Mail : dangarrinkal0609@gmail.com
Celestial Beings in Human Experiences: Analysis of Selected Poems.
In essence, celestial beings in poetry act as conduits for exploring the divine, contemplating human existence, and creating an evocative aesthetic that resonates across cultures and time periods.
Cultural and Historical Context:
Analyzing celestial beings in poetry provides insights into cultural and historical beliefs. Different societies have varied interpretations of these beings, offering a window into the values and cosmologies of different eras.
Philosophical Reflection:
Celestial motifs in poetry prompt philosophical contemplation. Discussions on the divine, the cosmos, and the nature of reality emerge, encouraging readers to engage in introspection and ponder existential questions.
Literary Techniques and Symbolism:
Studying celestial beings in poetry enhances understanding of literary techniques and symbolism. Poets employ various devices to convey nuanced meanings, and celestial motifs often serve as rich sources for decoding layers of significance.
Expressing the Inexpressible:
Celestial beings become vehicles for expressing the ineffable. Poetry, by its nature, seeks to articulate the unspoken and convey experiences beyond the grasp of everyday language. Celestial themes offer a canvas for poets to navigate the sublime and articulate the transcendent.
Introduction of Toru Dutt
Toru Dutt (1856–1877) was a pioneering Indian poetess and novelist of the 19th century. Born in Calcutta to a Bengali family, she was proficient in multiple languages, including French and English. Dutt's literary works, such as "A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields" and "Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan," reflect her unique blend of Western and Eastern influences, showcasing her cultural synthesis and poetic prowess. Despite her short life, Toru Dutt made significant contributions to Indian literature during the colonial era.
Introduction of 'Lakshman'
Lakshman is a poem written by Toru Dutt which depicts Sita and Lakshman in human experiences and conversations, where Sita's image of a very decent Goddess is being broken away where she is no longer having tolerance and patience like she had in the Hindu epic Ramayana.
Here's a brief introduction of Lakshman and Sita.
Sita
Sita is the main female character of the epic. The reincarnation of Vedavati, Sita was raised by King Janaka of
Mithila as his own daughter. She married Rama of Ayodhya and accompaniedhim on his exile. She is famous for her virtue and beauty and is regarded as an avatar of the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi.
Rama
Rama is the protagonist of the epic. He is an avatar of Vishnu. He was the son of King Dasharatha of the Kosala Kingdom and his eldest consort, Kausalya. He is considered to be the embodiment of justice and dharma. He marries Princess Sita of Mithila. The crux of the epic details his attempts to rescue her from Ravana's clutches at Lanka.
Lakshmana
Lakshmana was the third son of King Dasharatha, and a half-brother of Rama. He was the twin brother of Shatrughna, both born to queen Sumitra. In some traditions, he is regarded to be an incarnation of Shesha. He was deeply devoted to his brother, whom he followed through many dangerous adventures and quests. He was married to Sita's younger sister, Urmila. He is stated to have guarded his brother Rama and Sita during their exile for fourteen years without sleeping.
Sita and Lakshman in Human Experiences
The poem takes this story from the Ramayana and opens up the discussion between Sita and Laskhman, expanding it beyond what is present in the epic. Still, many of the core elements of their dialogue are preserved from the epic. First, Sita warns Lakshman to take heed of what are allegedly Rama's cries. When Lakshman tries to counsel Sita otherwise, she accuses him of conspiring to bring Rama down and take her for his own wife. Lakshman is harmed by her words and finally bows to her wishes, drawing a circle with an arrow that she is not to cross while he goes out to assist Rama. Despite the fact that Sita is enraged and has hurt Lakshman's feelings, however, he is calm, only speaking to bless Sita and pray that the deities of the forest will keep her safe when he leaves.
In this poem, celestial beings are portrayed as having human-like emotions and experiences. Sita, the Videhan Queen, expresses a sense of urgency and fear for her husband, Rama, who is in distress. The lines convey a deep emotional connection between celestial beings, depicting them as vulnerable to suffering, fear, and the need for assistance.
The poem delves into the complex emotions and suspicions surrounding Rama's situation. Sita questions Lakshman's commitment and courage, suggesting that he might be hiding a motive. The portrayal of an open enemy being preferable implies a lack of trust in hidden intentions.
The poem is thus characteristic of many of Dutt's interests—the relationship of humanity, divinity, and nature; the complexity of family relationships; the experience of loss or bereavement; and the merging of English verse forms and poetic traditions with her own innovations and Indian inspirations.
Dutt has Sita taunt Lakshman and his supposed cowardice by means of a new, original metaphor: "But then thy leader stood beside! / Dazzles the cloud when shines the sun, / Reft of his radiance, see it glide / A shapeless mass of vapours dun; / So of thy courage,—or if not, / The matter is far darker dyed, / What makes thee loath to leave this spot? / Is there a motive thou wouldst hide?" Sita here is comparing Lakshman to a cloud that seems to shine only when it borrows the light or radiance of the sun. She suggests that Lakshman's courage is similar, only present when his brother (who is like the sun) is around; otherwise, Sita suggests, Lakshman is cowardly, just as the cloud is "shapeless" and "dun" without the sun's light. This metaphor connects Lakshman to the natural world as well, conveying the message that he himself is also inferior to Rama, who is the master of nature.
Dino Daan
Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941) was a polymathic Bengali poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate in Literature. A prominent figure in Indian and world literature, Tagore's profound poetic works, including the composition of the Indian national anthem, reflect his deep spiritual insight and humanistic values. Beyond literature, he was a philosopher, painter, and educational reformer, leaving an indelible mark on various aspects of Indian culture. Tagore's legacy extends globally, emphasizing the universality of human ideals and the interconnectedness of cultures.
The god is portrayed with human-like characteristics, particularly through the lens of perception and judgment. The hermit describes the king's grand temple as lacking the true presence of God, attributing the emptiness not to a physical absence but to spiritual void. This representation humanises the god by ascribing qualities of discernment, values, and a preference for genuine devotion over ostentatious displays.
God having an approach of humanism:
The god, as depicted in the hermit's words, is not swayed by the opulence of the temple or the grandeur of the rituals performed. Instead, the god seeks a dwelling in the simplicity of sincere hearts and actions. This characterization of the god reflects a consciousness that goes beyond material manifestations and ceremonial gestures, emphasizing qualities like truth, peace, compassion, and love.
The hermit's dialogue with the king underscores the human tendency to attribute divine significance to outward symbols and structures, while the god, in this narrative, is portrayed as transcending such superficial manifestations.
The god's departure from the extravagant temple to join the poor in their humble shelters conveys a preference for genuine compassion and humanity over material wealth and grandiosity.
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