The Lotus
Introduction
Toru Dutt (1856–1877) was a pioneer of Indian writing in English. Though her life was very short, her contribution was immense. She combined Indian themes with western forms. Her poems show her wide reading of European literature as well as her love for India. “The Lotus” is one of her best-known sonnets. In this poem, she gives an Indian flower a central place in world poetry.
Critical Analysis
The poem begins with Love asking Flora, the goddess of flowers, to create a queen among flowers: “Love came to Flora asking for a flower
That would of flowers be undisputed queen.”
The rose and the lily are presented as rivals. Poets have praised both the flowers. The rose is celebrated for beauty and sweetness. Whereas the lily is admired for purity and dignity. Love wishes for a flower that combines these two qualities:
“… delicious as the rose
And stately as the lily in her pride.”
Flora answers the prayer by creating the lotus, which has both “rose-red” colour and “lily-white” grace. Thus, the lotus becomes the perfect flower, superior to both the rose and the lily.
“The Lotus” explores the theme of harmony in beauty. Instead of choosing one flower over the other, the lotus is created as a union of both. It is an example of the synthesis of beauty. Another theme discussed in this poem is cultural pride. By presenting the lotus as the “queenliest flower that blows,” Toru Dutt raises an Indian symbol to a global level.
Poetic Devices
The poem is a Petrarchan sonnet. The octave presents the rivalry, while the sestet resolves it.
- Imagery: “delicious as the rose” and “stately as the lily” bring vivid pictures.
- Personification: Love and Flora are given human roles.
- Symbolism: The lotus stands for unity and perfection.
- Alliteration: "lily lovelier?" “Flower-factions” ?" "Rose-red,"
Conclusion
With graceful language, Toru Dutt resolves the rose–lily rivalry by crowning the lotus. The poem is both a myth-like fable and a subtle declaration of Indian cultural identity.
No comments:
Post a Comment