I Hear America Singing Walt Whitman

Poem in October - Dylan Thomas

Critically evaluate the poem “The Freedom of Heaven” - Rabindranath Tagore

Critically evaluate the poem “Wants” written by Philip Larkin

Critically evaluate The Love Songs of J. Alfred Prufrock

Critically appreciate W.B. Yeats’s “The Second Coming”

Critical Appreciate of the poem "Bring me Sunset in a Cup" written by Emily Dickinson

       Emily Dickinson-a great American female poet represented the farthest point in the 19^th century American Poetry. American poetry in regard to the adventures of the spirit is beautifully reflected in her poetry. She had the distinction of being a pioneer of 19^th century American Poetry. She was an anticipator of metaphysical poetry, a smeller of modernity and a defender of romanticism. Conard Alken described her as,

Critical Appreciate of the poem “I taste a Liquor Never Brewed” written by Emily Dickinson

          Emily Dickinson-a great American female poet represented the farthest point in the 19^th century American Poetry. American poetry in regard to the adventures of the spirit is beautifully reflected in her poetry. She had the distinction of being a pioneer of 19^th century American Poetry. She was an anticipator of metaphysical poetry, a smeller of modernity and a defender of romanticism. Conard Alken described her as,

Critical Appreciate of the poem " I am Nobody! Who are you?" written by Emily Dickinson

         Emily Dickinson-a great American female poet represented the farthest point in the 19^th century American Poetry. American poetry in regard to the adventures of the spirit is beautifully reflected in her poetry. She had the distinction of being a pioneer of 19^th century American Poetry. She was an anticipator of metaphysical poetry, a smeller of modernity and a defender of romanticism. Conard Alken described her as,

Critically appreciate Because I Could not Stop for Death by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson-a great American female poet represented the farthest point in the 19^th century American Poetry. American poetry in regard to the adventures of the spirit is beautifully reflected in her poetry. She had the distinction of being a pioneer of 19^th century American Poetry. She was an anticipator of metaphysical poetry, a smeller of modernity and a defender of romanticism. Conard Alken described her as,

Appreciate “Success is counted sweetest” as a definition poem of Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson-a great American female poet represented the farthest point in the 19^th century American Poetry. American poetry in regard to the adventures of the spirit is beautifully reflected in her poetry. She had the distinction of being a pioneer of 19^th century American Poetry. She was an anticipator of metaphysical poetry, a smeller of modernity and a defender of romanticism. Conard Alken described her as,

Critically evaluate The Soldier–Rupert Brooke

        Rupert Brooke, a War poet, had taken in the First World War and died in 1950 at the age of 32. His war experiences and deep love for the country made his poem and himself very popular. According to A. C. Ward, “In a group of sonnets he evoked the patriotism and idealism of that strange and tragic year of 1814.”

Critically evaluate The Wild Swan- W.B. Yeats

       William Butler Yeats was the most famous Irish metaphysical poet and a great Irish dramatist. As supreme symbolist, He was the father of the symbolistic movement. He was a Noble Prize Winner in 1923, composed some of the most respected poetry of 20^th century. Like T.S. Eliot, he was the initiator of the 20^th century poetry.

Critically evaluate The poemBreak, Break, Break–Tennyson

          Lord Alfred Tennyson was the most popular poets of the English Victorian Ages. His poetry was read in all cultured households; he was made Poet Laureate and was buried in Westminster Abbey. His poetry was an epitome of his time. According to W. J. Long “Through the entire Victorian period Tennyson stood of the summit of the poetry in England”

Critically evaluate the poem Lucy– William Wordsworth

          William Wordsworth was poet of nature and one of pioneers of the Romantic Movement in England. He had brought in a new trend in poetry-stressing the need for a return to nature and simple mode of poetic communication.  He had an exceptional influence on the development of English literature.

Critically evaluate the poem If–Rudyard Kipling (1856-1936)

       Poetry is one of the oldest arts. It has twin functions, ‘to please and to teach to reader’. Sometime it gives pleasing and something it gives teaching through pleasing. The poem ‘If’ is the best examples of this type of poetry. It is written by Rudyard Kipling. He was a very famous poet of early part of the twentieth century and was awarded Noble prize in 1907.

Critically appreciate ‘Lakshman.’

Lakshman:  Historical religious character:-

          Lakshman is a historical character. He was a prince of king Dashrath. In the great epic, ‘The Ramayana’ he is almost a shadow of Lord Rama. He is known for his brotherly love, faith and bravely.

          Toru Dutt was fascinated to ancient mythical stories. Her one collection refers the same. Many of her poems have issues or themes from the history. So Lakshman isn’t new for us but Toru’s poetic art is our concern. She narrates as she found him.

Faith and Helplessness of Lakshman; theme:-

          Lakshman is a great example of faith. In the forest he wanders with Rama and Sita. In a situation Rama goes for hunting on demand of Sita, he asks Lakshman to guard her at any coast. While he was guarding her, Sita heard a cry and believes it is her husbands shouting for help. She asks Lakshman to go and save but he denies and tells that his brother can not be defeated or killed so easily. It could be a mistake. At this time Sita becomes so angry that she tells a lot to Lakshman. For him on one side obedience to his brother is there and o the other Sita’s taunts and bitter remarks make him helpless. Lakshman’s helplessness is brought out by the poet.

Rama’s going away:-

          The poem begins with the conversation between and Sita and Lakshman. Rama had gone to hunt a deer. The deer was so beautiful that Sita demanded it to bring her. Actually it wasn’t a deer but a form of Maricha. To take revenge on Rama for his sister’s insult, Ravana had planned this. Rama goes to hunt the deer which is actually Maricha. Ravana comes to the hut where Sita is left behind. Maricha makes foul cry in the similar voice of Rama, so than Lakshman goes away and Sita be left alone. Ravana would take her away. Accordingly it happens.

          Maricha begins to roar piercing cries: “Oh Sita, “Oh Lakshman”. Sita hears the cry and requests Lakshman to go swiftly and save his brother. Sita thinks that her husband is terribly hurt by enemies and that is why he is making terrible cries. Lakshman has many arguments favoring Rama but she doesn’t listen to any. She becomes angry and scolds him for his inaction.

Swift in decision, prompt in deed

Brave unto rashness can this be

The man, to whom all looked at need

Is it my brother that I see!

          Lakshman speaks highly of Rama’s courage and asks to dispel her all fears. HE tells her that demons, ghosts and gods are equally afraid of his might. This can not bee his cry. It is certainly a plan of foe. But Sita blames him on different grounds, including cowardice. She tells him of having malice of in him. He has something different in this mind. He himself wants to remove his brother so that he can take away his wife and kingdom. She insults him with these words:-

 “Learn this, -whatever comes may come,

But I shall not survive my Love-

Of all my thoughts here is the sum!

Witness it gods in heaven above.”

          Lakshman is unable to bear it any longer her taunts. He asks her to hear him before he goes. He says that she has misunderstood him and cruelly wrongs him. He also says that in her grief she has also forgotten her decorum. He says if he goes away he would break his brother’s order. Moreover he doesn’t consider him as the brother only but as the chief. It is a crime to disregard or disobey. To follow it be faithfully is his sole responsibility. Yet he is ready to break the rule for her sake and tells her he would be responsible in such a case for any mishap.  Before he goes he draws a magic circle on the ground him his arrow, asking her not to go beyond it, lest she should come to harm. He acquits her of all blame and invokes a blessing on her. He departs and is confident of speedy return of himself and of his brother. His departure is attended by ill- omens. The end of the poem suggests what is to be followed.

Lakshman- Heroic & Sita- common Woman:-

          If we read the Ramayana we find these characters completely different. Lakshman is almost same but we have to take note that he is also similar to common man. His language is not suitable to his structure. Toru wants bring the same Lakshman but he isn’t so and we have to assume him so. As the human being Toru’s idea is to bring pathetic condition and inner thoughts of Lakshman which is new and the poet should be congratulated for the same. Sita is not the Ramayana’s Sita but she is a common woman. She becomes angry, taunts Lakshman and accuses him wrongly. Slowly Sita is becoming like a common woman- the transformation of her is an interesting aspect of the poem. The opening brings her anxiety.  Lakshman’s stand and justification, his determination and faith make him more likeable than Sita. Her feminine weapon of bitter sarcasm makes her mean.

A narrative poem: Ballad:-

          Lakshman is a narrative poem. It tells us a story of the heroic character Lakshman. Sita also comes in the picture. Rama remains at the background. Even thought it is a known tale, Toru attempts it to create poetry. The following aspects make the poem as the narrative one.

(a) Narrative dialogues:-

          Mostly the poet describes the character, event or action. Toru does both narration and dialogue. Major part is a dialogue between the main character Lakshman and Sita. These aspects give liveliness and directness. e.g.

“Hark! Lakshman! Hark, again that cry?

It is – it is my husband’s voice…”

“He said and straight him weapons took

His bow and arrows pointed keen…”

“We part as friends- is it not so?

And speaking thus-he sadly smiles!”

          Regarding Rama’s might the poet has described some beautiful stanzas. They show words are flowing and she is able to put down on paper.

(b) Simplicity of Diction:-

          As the poem is a narrative one, simple language is suitable. This is not epic. Simple sentences, simple questions and direst understanding give it simplicity. The following lines prove the point.

Þ  He calls on the

Þ  I can not bear suspense

Þ  He has a work- he can not die

Þ  Art thou a coward?

Þ  I did not know thy mind before.

(C)Abruptness:-

          The poem begins quickly. As we read we come into reference and context. Things become clear then. The poem also ends dramatically. We have been left to find what happened to Sita. This is done to engage the readers into the poem. As we are aware of the epic we know that happened to Sita. Dialogues are dramatic. These things are helpful to raise the poem at the level of a heroic poem.

(D) Repetitions:-

          Words, lines, phrases are often repeated. They create a peculiar style as well as rhythm. They intensify the meaning and serious shades.

          Hark! Lakshman! Hark…

          That cry – that cry, it seems to …

          In the stanza the possessive pronoun ‘his’ has often been used: “His hope’, ‘his ignoble foes’, ‘his banishment’, ‘his death’. Etc. Similarly ‘I’, ‘me’, ‘you’, ‘your’ etc are also found many times. Nouns are also repeated as there are dialogues.

(E) Rhythm:-

          The poem follows a bit fast rhythm as there’s such a mood. Dialogues in critical condition show that Lakshman and Sita are important. Quickly the lines change. Words flow quickly as well.

          “Rakshasas, Danavas, demons, ghosts

          Acknowledge in their hearts his might

          And sink to their remotest coasts

          In terror at his very sight.

          How swiftly, easily these lines run! And these are plenty of such examples.

(F) Clauses and phrases:-

          The poet has descriptive power. She uses clauses and phrases to build the atmosphere and rhythm e.g.

Swift in decision, prompt in deed

Brave unto rashness can this be

The man, to whom all looked at need

Is it my brother that I see!

          Most of the stanzas have such kind a combination. Because of this the poem becomes heroic poem.

         

Critically appreciate the poem ‘Or Casuarina Tree’

Our Casuarina Tree – Toru Dutt

Tree; Symbol:-

          The tree symbolizes the pot’s feeling. Her childhood is associated with a Casuarina tree, which was standing in her garden. She grows up and goes away but tree remains in her memory.

The poem is a ‘meeting point for the past and the present for time and eternity. This is the theme symbolically presented in another words. It is an admirable blend of local touches and literary reminiscences or objective description of the actual tree and the charm of association with Toru’s Childhood.

The Tree:-

          The poem is addressed to the tree. It is praised and remembered almost like a hymn. The poem opens with an account of the giant tree. Casuarina is a commonly found tree in Bengal. It grows crimson flowers. The Casuarina tree of Toru is very big and great creeper’s embrace but this tree is bold enough to stand. Crimson flowers are hung. The tree remains very busy during the day. Day and night it is a centre of busy life. Birds and bees are gathered. At night sweet songs of darkening could be heard. His puny also leaps about. Kokilas hail the day. Cows would pass from the shadow of the tree. In the early sunlight the shadow enmasses (covers) beautiful water lilies. They turn as if snow has covered them.

The tree and dear memories:-

          Because it is splendid, the poet doesn’t love the tree but because her childhood memories are associated. Years may pass but when they were young and played under this tree has remained still. It is sweeter because her companions also played under it. Remembering those days, she becomes sad, even cheeks turn wet because of tears. The tree seems to be weeping as well. As if it is shading trees and wailing. It becomes spirited (unnatural). It turns horrible. The un-nerving and unusual feeling of the poet suggests some things supernatural. It is an effort of the poet perhaps that through the tree she wants to find sympathy. She imagines pain and pity may reach to unknown land. Toru had lost her brother and sister very early so their memories are referred here. Look how beautiful she puts these feelings : -

          “O sweet companions, loved with love intense,

          For your sakes shall the tree be ever dear!”

          “The unknown land’ refers her going abroad even when she was traveling in France or Italy, it had always sent thought winging its way homeward, and bringing recollections of the tree which was so dearly loved in childhood.

Humanization of the Tree:-

          As we saw above, the tree assumes a human form. It feels and speaks. It has pain and pleasure. In absence of Toru’s companion the also becomes awful and ghostly. Often she remembers this tree even when the tree is absent. The tree evokes feelings in her in moonlight. It would be like a dream. Her inner eyes find its picture. It is the visualization of the tee. The tree becomes sublime form. It would be same as she had seen in her childhood days and

          -Mine inner vision rose a form sublime,

          Thy form, O Tree as in my happy prime

          I saw thee, in my own loved native clime.”

          Thus tree does not remain an object but a living friend.

Wish of immortalizing the tree:-

          The place where the tree stands, she wishes she would declare it holy place. It was loved by many who have now sleepy in the graves. They had also played here. Because of them, too the tree is dearer than life. That’s why the tree should live or remain forever. She wishes ‘deathless’ to it. “Fear, trembling hope, and death and the skeleton and time of shadow” may linger under its shadow but it shouldn’t see death. Her verse may not be able to sing well its praises yet the happiness should come. There is curse of death (Oblivion) but love (poet’s) would defend it.

          “The last stanza of the poem, with its right romantic fervor, unfolds a desire of the poetess for the immortality or verse, and ends with the delightful line :May love defend thee from oblivion’s curse.”

Rich Imagery:-

          The poem is very rich for its imagery. The image of the tree creates tenderness and pathos. It evokes these feelings. The tree almost becomes a loveable, kind human form. The first stanza describes it gigantic for and brings before use its value. The birds, cows, baboons and bees continuously haunt this tree. Children played beneath it. This all give a visual image of the tree. Even in the distant land this form rises in the vision. Images of her:. “Playing with brother and sister also come. They create sad feelings. Tragic beauty takes place. Loneliness and dirge mixed together make an unnerving nerving effect.

          Description, metaphor and similes shape rich texture of the poem.

Metaphor:-

          The tree and related images have becomes sweet because of metaphors. e.g. “the giant wears the scarf” the giant relates to the tree. Song is sweet. Eyes are a casement, and are delighted as well. The garden overflows with one sweet song. For her parted brother and sister she used ‘sweet companions’. Other metaphors: ‘a sheltered boy’, ‘classic shore’, blessed sleep’, ‘deathless tree’, ‘trembling Hope’, ‘weak verse’ assimilate in the structure. They show the poet’s genius and creativity.

Similes:-

          Very opening line suggests a simile. A creeper is “like a huge python”. She is hearing a sad song which is ‘dirge-like murmur’. She visualizes the form of tree ‘as in my happy prime I saw thee’. Her wish to immortalize the tree is also “like those in Borrow dale”. The similes are few but capable enough to show her poetic art.

Phrases and clause:-

          The poem has a fine description. There is deep feeling which flows swiftly. Naturally there are many phrases and clauses which strengthen the argument. e.g.

          “Like a huge python, winding round and round,

          The rugged trunk, indented deep with scars

          Up to its very summit hear the stars.

          In just three limes how many phrases! The stanza is carried on and there a clause joined with it.

                   “… in whose embrace bound

          No other tree could live.”

          Other some clauses are: “While on lower bough/his puny…”, “though years may roll…” , “till the hot tears blind”, “when earth lay tranced…” etc/

          These phrases and clauses are joined by many ways. Conjunction, commas, dash, semicolons has been used and because of this long description take place. Notice the following lines with underlined words.

“And far and near Kokilas hail the day;

And to their pastures wend our sleepy cows,

And in the shadow, on the broad tank cast;

By that hoar tree, so beautiful and vast.”

          To change the ideas or mood punctuations have been used. They have served well.

Archaic words:-

          The tree is romanticized. Old language would better suit. Toru knew this and that’s why she used archaic words. Mostly they are related to pronouns. The last stanza is particularly seen such works are: ‘thy’, ‘mayst’, ‘linger’, ‘fear’, ‘death’, ‘trembling hope’, ‘skeleton’, ‘time’, oblivion’, ‘sleep’, blessed’, ‘repose’, ‘deathless’, ,awful’ etc.

Rhyme and Rhythm:-

          The poem is divided into five stanzas each made of 11 lines. The rhyme scheme is : abba cdcd eee. This is a new scheme. It seems she has experimented, even thought it is so, it is worthy. The sound system creates a very line rhythm through consonance and assonance. Look this following phrase how sweet they are: “winding round and round” , “bird and bee”, “with one sweet song”, “wide open thrown open”, “my eyes delighted”, “tree be ever dear”, “unknown yet well known”.

          Inner rhyming word, ending rhyme, eye-rhyme, pair word etc. really make the poem musical.

          Most of the critics agree that “in the organization of poem as a whole and in the finish of individual stanza, in its mastery of phrase and rhythm, in its music of sound and ideas: “our Casuarina Tree” is a superb piece of writing and gives us a taste of what Toru might have done had not the race of her life been so quickly run.”

Critically evaluate sonnet – ‘Baugmaree

The Title; the Garden:-

          The title is very suggestive and apt. The garden ‘Baugmaree’ is the main subject of the poem. The poet describes scenic beauty of the garden of her family. It shows her love for nature.

Critically evaluate sonnet – ‘The Lotus’

  Critically evaluate sonnet – ‘The Lotus’She belonged to wealthy and educated family. Her parents were literary personalities. She was fragile but powerful in sensitivity. Life was as she saw a few deaths. In a very short life she left behind a rich tradition. Her Education in Bengal, England and France has helped a lot to her poetic career.
“A Sheaf Gleaned in French” is a collection of translations. Her creative poetic collection is “Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan” published in 1882. “Miscellaneous Poems” is another collection. She wrote short lyrics, odes and sonnets in which her talent is seen.

          Basically she is a romantic poet. Her description of nature is very fine and fascinating. There is moral tone but it is saved because of her lyrical output. Her sensitive, intense nature adds charm. Sincerity of mind; finely knit content; vigorous, pleasing sound’ and sense make her word value. Nostalgic mood,, variety of description, dialogues etc. rise to the occasion and she manages to versification. ‘Lotus, ‘Prahalad’, ‘Savitri’, ‘Our Casuarina Tree’ and ‘Baugmaree are some of her beautiful poems.   

The Lotus:-

          The poem tells us the story of the birth of the lotus flower. There was a conflict between the Lily and the Rose about their claim of the Queen. Psyche (love) goes to Flora (the Queen of Gardens) to fins the answer. Psyche asks such a flower that should be delicious as the rose and stately as the lily. The combination of both these things is the lotus. She gives Psyche this flower which is rose-red and lily-white. Even the strife between the two is known to other flowers. Often they talked about this as this was a quarrel since long long time. Even the praises of each were sung by the poets but there was no solution. Some claimed that Rose can not tower like Lily. Lily hides beauty of Rose. Lily’s appearance is majestic. The look is fascinating. But rival is also beautiful. Out of two certainly rose is lovelier. Rose is delicious and Lily is stately. Rose is soft, Lily is proud. There was no end of this dispute.

Lotus’s demand to solve the problem:-

          Love was confused. She wanted peace in the garden. As the rivals were constantly quarreling it was better to find some solution. At last Love went to Flora. She put the trouble before. She demanded delicacy of rose and stateliness of lily. But there was the problem of colour. Flora asked her of a particular colour. This troubled her more. First she chose red. Then she withdrew it and thought another option. She pointed lily-white colour. But soon she found trapped. As there was no way she placed third option - combination of these both colors. Finally Flora saved the riddle. She made a new flower. It was lotus. She gave it her. The lotus had both the qualities. It was rose red and lily white as well as stately and beautiful. It became queenliest of all flowers.

Greek myths:-

          Love and Flora both are related to Greek and Roman myths. In Latin mythology love is Cupid. He is the son of goddess Venus. He was beautiful. He loved a beautiful maiden Psyche. She too returned his love as well King of gods Jupiter brings union for both of them.

          Flora in Roman mythology is Goddess of Flowers and springtime. She is a beautiful maiden. She wears a crown of flowers.

          In Greek mythology there are lotus eaters. The people who ate the fruit of lotus tree forget their friends and homes. They also lost desire to return to their native and but this has nothing to do with our poem.

Description of nature & Natural aspects:-

          Toru is a poet of nature. This poem reveals her “keen sensitiveness to nature and the responsiveness of her soul to colour”. She notices flowers minutely. Her imagination is supreme. Qualities of rose and lily have been brought out. Garden, flower colours make a link. It gives any reader a joy to be in touch with the following lines are described well.

          “Give me a flower delicious as the rose

          And stately as the lily in her pride.”

          “The rose can never tower,

          Like the pale lily with her pride.”

The solution is still more beautiful.

          “And Flora gave the lotus, “rose red” dyed

          And “lily-white”, queenliest flower that blows”.

Personification:-

          Love is personified. The myth of Love is taken here. Even Flora is the same. They are known to us. The influence of Greek and Roman literature is seen on many poets. But the rose and the lily are personified as well. But these are women and as women they are conscious of beauty so are these flowers. Human quality of becoming superior to other is noticeable. Both of them are fighting for supreme title of Queen. They have their factions too. This is an excellent example Toru’s wonderful imagination.

Similes and Metaphor:-

          The description has become colourful and vivid as similes and metaphors have been used. “Rose can never tower like pale lily” is one simile. Another is “a flower delicious as the rose”. The third is “stately as the lily.”

          Lotus is considered “queenliest” of flower. The flowers are “rivals”. They think of ‘high honour’. One can not tower’ the other. Thus these words indicate metaphor of flowers.

Dialogues and Description:-

          The poet has used both these techniques. She begins with description. Love goes to Flora. The poet describes first the ‘problems’ and the same is told to Flora in the dialogues. They are short and pointed. Clear, cut demands and solutions have been sought out. Short dialogues of love show her curiosity and impatient mind. She fumbles in the choice if beautiful shown through affirmation and negation. The used of hyphen tells this all. Notice the dialogue.

          “But of what colour? – “Rose-Red” love first chose,

          Then prayed, - “No, lily-white, - or, both provide”.

          In the ends the poet describes the solution. Thus she follows a scientific method: first problem then solution- then better options and finally the solution.

Simplicity of diction:-

          The diction of the poem is very simple. Straight forward matter has been put. Looking the following lines.

1.    Love came to Flora.

2.    The rose can never tower.

3.    Give me a flower.

4.    And Flora gave the lotus.

5.    But is the lily lovelier?

6.    Then prayed

7.    Love first chose etc.

This shows the poet’s style. But she avoids prosaic quality. This simplicity becomes a virtue. It shows her natural output the phrases put together make them poetic. The clauses used with them add charm e.g.

“Love came to Flora asking for a flower

That would be of flowers be undisputed queen.”

“The rose can never tower

Like the pale lily.”

          Use of adjective is remarkable. Instead of saying red like rose she puts rose red and the same for “lily-white”. Instead of saying “provide both”. The description is ‘both provide’. Because of such small things diction is remarkable.

Sound system:-

          Repetition is one system to create music in the following lines.

          “Love came to Flora asking for a flower”. (/f/, /l/ and /r/ sound).

          “But is the lily lovelier?” (Combination of /i/ sound)

          In pairs many words sound is beautiful e.g.

          “Flower faction’, ‘pale lily’, ‘rose red’, ‘their claims’.

          Repetition lf some words like ‘long’, ‘flower’, and ‘rose’, ‘lily’ not only continue to remind the content matter but also strengthen it. These all sorts of sounds make the poem sweet.

Rhyme Scheme:-

          The poem follows a rhyme scheme of ‘abba abba cd cd’. Toru is trying to follows Italian rhyme scheme’. At the end it breaks but in the earlier part the scheme runs well.

          This is an example of what the poet did at the early age. A poetic beauty is notable.