S.N. Hingu - E- Pathshala: 02/12/14

By letter of our office no PCB/P01/146/05 dated March 24, 2008, I was given the charge to survey the pollution level and to commend steps. Accordingly I have been to Bhavnagar. My finding is show below.

Bhavnagar is a very fast devolving city largely populated nearly 20 lakhs of people. Now a day in the last 20 years it has speeded up for trade, commerce, transportation & industry. There are many tall buildings, hotels, industries in it. There are many picnic points, historical place, mills, big bazaar, schools, and colleges in it. Unfortunately day by day in every way, pollution in the city increased because of population, transportation and industrialization. Here is my observation of the pollution level and to commend steps.

Air pollution:- Surprisingly air pollution has increased in the city. The rise of industries is one reason. A factory located near by residential areas in the north of Bhavnagar is a main object. GIDC area has many chemical and re-rolling plants. In compassion to last five year the traffic has increased. In the evening from five to seven some of the roads are very crowded. This is also a raising problem. The air is not fresh and Dioxide and Monoxide are near to threat level. Certainly it would be risky in time to come.

Noise Pollution:- Noise pollution is main problem of city. Noise pollution is being in vertical ways. First reason of noise pollution is vehicles and its horn. At this time vertical horns are main attraction in youth to impress others and noise population. Second is mobile, this time is fast time and so that each person has a mobile and by this Mobile’s ring tones are second reason. Third one is done by factory’s machines and fourth reason is music system. There are many music lovers and they arranged parties till midnight. Fifth reason over crowd and big markers are also places of noise pollution.

Water Pollution:-The reasons of water pollution are different. The mills and factories release their chemical waste into the lakes, rivers and seas and pollute the water. Factory’s dirty and chemicalized water is added in drinking water. Second reason is over bridge is built up over the oceans. Often gutter-water mixes with drinking water pipelines. Such water gives out foul smell and if used in irrigation, spoils the crops and destroys the fertility of the soil. In this way, the natural resources of pure drinking water are polluted.

Land Pollution:- Land Pollution is slowly increasing as industrialization has grown up. Waste water with dangerous chemicals from many units is spoiling the land. It’s spreading into nearby areas. More and more units are taking away the fertile land. Agricultural land is decreasing.

Impacts of Pollution:- Pollution has impacted in each and every aspects of the city. Pollution has damaged the air of the city, water of city. Due to polluted air and water, people faced ill health and some minor and major disease. Over traffic has also created noise pollution and big industries has created air, water and noise pollution equally.

Recommendations:-

(1) The rules must be followed strictly as laid down by the Supreme Court.

The units which are spreading pollution must be asked to maintain and follow the Gujarati Govt. Environment policy and acts. Those who do not follow policy, their plants must be sealed.

Industries should not be established in city area. It must be developed in sepret industrial Zone , having proper facilities of decline of chemicals and other waste materials.

(2) People should prefer C.N.G. Fuel for their vehicles to control air pollution.

(3) Do not use air horn and loud speakers in a city area.

(4) Municipality has to supply pure and purified drinking water.

To control pollution is an individual responsibility. So one must be careful from personal view point.

Thanks you very much for giving me this kind of work.

Truly Yours,

S.N. Hingu

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.

10 short questions Climbing Everest By B. Mathur

1. What factors may have helped the Indians in climbing Everest?

Indians got success in climbing Everest due to two factors. The first reason was that the weather was merciful or favourable for climbing. Another reason was that that they had more reliable mountaineering equipment. This equipment was both imported and Indians. In it included the American type oxygen mask and some other things prepared in the Indian factory making military equipment. The team was also fortunate in that it was assisted by an excellent band of the famous high-altitude Sherpas.

10 short questions The sun, The Planets and the Stars’ -C. Jones

How much does the sun weight?

The sun is the central part of the universe. It is head of all the stars and planted of the universe. The weight of the earth is nearly 6,000 million tones. But the sun is 12, 80,000 times larger than the earth. So the sun is 3, 24,000 times heavier than the earth.

10 short questions With the Photographer Stephen Leacock

How had the photographer arranged his studio?(March 20006)

The photographer’s studio was made up of two rooms. One room was used as a waiting room and other room was used for taking photographs. The photographers had kept various ladies and children magazines of old times like “Ladies Companion for 1912, the girls’ Magazine for 1902 and the Infants’ Journal for 1888 in a waiting room. In the inner room there was a frosted window. A sheet of factory cotton hung against it and a beam of sunlight filtered through it. In this room there was a machine that could be rolled. In this way, the photographer had arranged his studio.

2. What did the author think about his own face?

Once the author went to a photographer. He wanted to his photograph taken. The author had to wait an hour. When the author was looked down by the photographer, the photographer said that his face is quite wrong. At that time, the author accepted that he knew that his face was wrong. He added that it would look better if it was three quarters full. He also discussed about various types of faces found in the world.

3. Why did the photographer take so much time?

The photographer wanted to take the best photograph and wanted to prove his skill. He took the author’s head in his hands and twisted it sideways and looked at it. He didn’t like the author’s head. He asked to open the mouth and then to close it. He felt that the author’s ears were bad so he asked him to drop them a little more. He asked the author to roll his eyes under the eyelids, to put the hands on knees, to turn the face little upward, to expand the lungs, to bend the neck, to contract the face. By all the means he wanted the best feature and expression of the author so he took much time in all type of arranging suggestions and criticism.

4. Why was the author angry with the photographer?

The photographer was continuously criticizing the author’s face as he felt that the face was not appropriate for a photograph. The author felt humiliated at this. He couldn’t bear he insult anymore, as his face was his own only. He had lived with it for forty years and he knew its faults. Though it was not beautiful and wasn’t made for him, it was his face- the only one that the author had. Thus because of humiliation and insult of his face, the author was angry with the photographer.

5. Why did the photographer look pleased after taking the picture? (October-07)

Because of humiliation and insult of his face, the author was angry with the photographer. As the author started to rise from the seat, the photographer took his photograph. At that time the photographer looked pleased as he had caught the features just in a moment of animation. He was also happy because he could take the photograph of the ugly face of the author.

6. Why did the author ask “Is it me”? When he saw the photograph? (October-06)

On Saturday, the author went back to the photographer for his photograph. The photographer showed his photo. Looking at it the author was surprised as the photographer made so many changes in his eyes, eyebrow, mouth etc. He removed the eyebrows and he had retouched the eyes. The photograph didn’t look like the auther’s photo at all. So the author asked “is it me? When he saw the photograph.

7. What had the photographer done with the author’s eyes? (March 07)

The photographer was a strange kind of person. He made so many changes in the photograph of the author’s face that it did not look like his own. He removed the eyebrows and he had retouched the eyes.

8. What had the photographer done with the author’s mouth?

The photographer was a strange kind of person. He made so many changes in the photograph of the author’s face that it did not look like his own. He removed the eyebrows and had retouched the eyes. He adjusted a little the author’s mouth as it was too law according to him.

9. What had the photographer done with the author’s ears?

The photographer was a strange kind of person. He made so many changes in the photograph of the author’s face that it did not look like his own. He wanted to fix ears all right in the print. There was a process then for removing the ears entirely.

10. Why was the purpose of the photograph waste?

The author wanted a photograph that would have looked like himself. He wanted something that would depict the face as God gave it to him. He wanted something that his friends might have kept after his death to reconcile them to his loss. But what the author wanted was no done at all. The photographer had almost changed author’s eyes, eyebrow, mouth etc. The photograph never looked like the author’s face. The purpose of the photograph was wasted the man in the photograph was quite different than himself.

10 short questions "Animal in Prison - Jawaharlal Nehru"

1. What were Pandit Nehru’s cell companions?

Pandit Nehru was given company by various insects both small and big, animals of different types, reptiles, and creepers etc at various places he was shifted. Starting from his fourteen and a half month passed at the Dehra Dun Gaol, he was given company by mouths, wasp, hornets, bed bugs, flies mosquitoes etc. while the other insects that were companions of Nehru were the white-ants, and the lizards creeping for prey on walls of the cell. Sometimes the companions like the scorpions, the snakes, and the centipedes were not liked by Pandit Nehru. Thus Pandit Nehru was given company by the various kinds of insects, animals and birds.

10 short questions "The Home Coming -Ravindranath Tagore"

1. What did Phatik and his friends decide to do? (March 2007)

Phatik Chakravati was a typical naughty village boy about fourteen years old. He was the ring leader of his gang. He never went to school but spent the whole day flying kites, swimming in the river and playing mischief. He was inventive and full of ideas. One day a new mischief got into his head. There was a heavy log lying on the mud flat of the river waiting to be shaped into to mast for a boat. Phatik and his friends decided that they should shift the log by force from its place and roll it away. The owner of the log would be angry and surprised and they would enjoy all the fun. Thus Phatik and his friends decided to perform a new mischief.

Write a detailed note on Language of Poetry (Pseudo-statement, Irony, Paradox, Ambiguity)

Language of Poetry (Pseudo-statement, Irony, Paradox, Ambiguity)

T.S. Eliot said that ‘the poet has not a personality to express, but a particular medium..’ The poet’s medium is language. All the critics agree that poets use language differently from those who write simply to convey factual information.

Critically evaluate the connection between Art and Morality

The problem of art and morality is always highly debated. Many scholars had given opinions regarding such a problem. Scholars like Plato and Ruskin had given different conclusions. Plato had told that from their very nature art conflicted with morality. But John Ruskin found that from their very nature art coincided with morality. Plato condemned the art because they were immoral while Ruskin praised them because they were superbly moral. Thus the different critics gave different opinion regarding art and morality.

Write a detailed note on literature and culture.

Literature is only one fragment of cultural activities; while cultural context includes many things in it.

Critically evaluate Aestheticism

“Aesthetic movement’ is English artistic movement of the late 19^th century. It was dedicated to the idea of ‘art for art’s sake’. It means art is solely concerned with beauty and not with any moral or social purpose. The artists Aubrey Beardsley and James Macnail Whistler and writers Walter pater and Oscar Wilde were associated wit this movement we can call them exponents of ‘aestheticism’.

Write a detailed note on ‘Modernism’.

The modernist movement emerged in the mid 19^th century in France. The modernist believed that traditional forms of art, literature, social organization and daily life had become outdated. They thought that it was necessary to change all these. The Modern Movement argued that the new realities of the 20^th century were permanent. They believed that people should accept that what was new was also good and beautiful.

Write a detailed note on “Classicism”.

‘Classic’, ‘classical’ and ‘classicism’ are the terms describing the style historical period or quality of a work of art, literature or music. The terms generally were associated with the aesthetic achievements of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. However thy have come to have much broader meanings and applications.

Critically evaluate Romanticism Topic Literary Criticism

The words ‘Romanticism’ and ‘Classicism’ are regarded as the contrasting terms. But the term ‘classical’ and ‘Romantic’ are not synonyms of ‘classicism’ and ‘Romanticism’. The words ‘classical’ and ‘Romantic’ show his two attitudes of mind towards life and its expression in the art. While the words ‘classicism’ and ‘romanticism’ refer to two specific movements in relatively modern time.

Discuss relationship between Literature and Biography

Discuss relationship between Literature and Biography

How far can biography of an author throw light on his works? – Discuss.

Discuss biography as a literary genre and its validity in evaluation of literature.

Write a detail note on Literature and Psychology What is psychological approach to literature?

Write a detail note on Literature and Psychology

What is psychological approach to literature?

How is the psychology related with literature? In what way? Elucidated.

Is the artist neurotic? Discuss Freudian approach to literature.

Discuss Jung’s Psychological typology of artists.

Can inspiration be induced? Discuss the effect of creative habits, stimulants and rituals with Creative artists?

Discuss relationship between society and literature.

Discuss relationship between society and literature.

Literature is an expression of society ‘How far is the statements true?’ Illustrate your answer.

Discuss Hegelian Criticism and Taine’s formula of literature.

Discuss Marxian approach in light of relationship between literature and society.

What is the function of literature? Or Discuss the plurality of functions of literature.

What is the function of literature? Or

How for the nature and the function of literature correlated.

Discuss Horace’s view that poetry is both ‘ducle (sweet) and utile (useful).

Discuss the plurality of functions of literature.

“Literature is more general than history and biography, but more particularized than history and Biography.” – Discuss.

“The truth of literature is truth in literature.” – Explain

Write a detailed note on Nature of Literature. OR Describe the nature of literature.

Write a detailed note on Nature of Literature.

Describe the nature of literature.

Differentiate the literary, the everyday and scientific uses of language.

Discuss ‘functionality’, ‘invention’ and ‘imagination’ as distinguishing traits of literature.

“The nature of literature emerges most clearly in referential aspects.” – Discuss.

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.

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