The Tiger and the Deer
Introduction
Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950) was a poet, philosopher, freedom fighter, and spiritual leader. His poetry reflects both his love of beauty and his deep spiritual vision. He often used nature, myth, and history to express his ideas. His poem “The Tiger and the Deer” juxtaposes the cruelty and beauty of nature. Besides, he also hints at a future where harmony may replace violence. This poem can also be seen as a conflict between the colonized and the colonizer.
Critical Summary
The poem begins with a striking description of a tiger moving through the forest: “Brilliant, crouching, slouching, what crept through the green heart of the forest.” The tiger is powerful, silent, and terrifying. Its “gleaming eyes” and “soft soundless paws” embody both grandeur and murder. The deer, on the other hand, is gentle and innocent. It drinks peacefully at a forest pool. Suddenly, the tiger leaps and kills the deer. The innocent deer is dead and torn. The mild harmless beauty is destroyed by the strong cruel beauty in Nature.
But the poem does not end with this picture of violence. In the final lines, Aurobindo suggests that a time may come when the tiger, symbol of destructive strength, will vanish, just as the mammoth disappeared. Then, the deer, symbol of harmless beauty, will live in peace. The final line, “The slain survive the slayer,” expresses hope that innocence and gentleness will ultimately outlast cruelty and violence. He also seems to curse the oppressor “The mighty perish in their might”.
The poem explores the conflict between cruelty and innocence, strength and gentleness in nature. It also reflects on the law of change: mighty powers perish, while life and beauty endure. Aurobindo hints at a moral or spiritual vision of a future world free of violence. Moreover, the poet conveys that India will survive in spite of all the pains inflicted upon her by the colonizers.
Poetic Devices
- Imagery: Vivid descriptions like “gleaming eyes and mighty chest” create a powerful picture.
- Symbolism: The tiger stands for cruelty and destructive strength, while the deer symbolizes innocence.
- Alliteration: “Crouched and crept, and crept and crouched” adds rhythm and intensity.
- Contrast: The poem contrasts the strong but cruel tiger with the mild but beautiful deer.
Conclusion
Sri Aurobindo’s poem blends realism with prophecy. While it shows the harshness of nature, it also offers hope for a future where gentleness will triumph over violence.
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