Category: Indian Literature

This content will consist of Indian writings in English which will include all the Indian writers as well as Indian diaspora writers.

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The Distant Window Chapter 13-17

Chapter 13

Parvati becomes so anxious that she goes to Nando’s office. She inquires everyone about them and Sahab as well as Nando went to the border. The border is not far away so the workers in the office decides to aid Parvati. They see a truck going to the border and they put Parvati in the truck heading to the border. Sahab was assigned to resolve the border conflicts to survey and it was the reason why he went to the border. A small mistake can also lead to a big communal riot. Parvati thinks of Nando and Sahab throughout the journey.

Nando and Sahab searches for an isolated place to work. They finds a poles uprooted where some have pulled the poles from the border. Sahab wears a hat but Nando still held an umbrella over him despite his denial. Sahab starts to examine the holes from the poles taken out and doing his survey. Sahab starts questioning Nando’s origin and he tells his family history whose father was Bengali and he has become a Bengali after living in Bengal. Amidst the conversation, Nando gets an opportunity to initiate his plan.

Nando indirectly tells that it is his onus to provide good service to Sahab and Memsahab who comes to Dak Bungalow. Sahab acknowledges his statement. He further states that he can find him an open field for him instead of grazing on other’s hay. Sahab is confused. Nando is quite nervous but he tells Sahab that he need not to look at other married women and if he needs so , Nando will supply him a woman at cheap rates. Sahab becomes very angry at his statement while Nando becomes scared, makes an excuse that other Sahab’s ask for it before.

Nando becomes silent. Sahab asks Nando suddenly and inquires if he abuses Parvati. Nando becomes shocked and he tells Sahab that Parvati is lying and she says it to receive a favour from him. Sahab tells him that Parvati didn’t tell him but he heard it from others. Nando suspects Dashrath. Then Nando tells him that Dashrath is also a liar and not to trust him either. He sees a woman at a long distance, and it is Parvati running towards them in full mess. She then falls down on Sahab’s feet admitting Nando’s abuse on her. She requests Sahab to take her to Calcutta and give her a maid job and she threatens him that she will kill herself in Sahab’s car.

Sahab tells her that he is trying to make him understand but Parvati tells him that Nando doesn’t understand anything. She exposes the conversation between her and Nando about Sahab’s murder. She tells Sahab that instead of protecting her dignity, he is offering other woman and a favour for himself. Sahab feels sympathy for Parvati. Nando tries to defend himself against the accusations and he calls Parvati a mad woman.

Chapter 14

The chapter shift to Calcutta. Ramola is introduced. She realises that she has to reach the office in half an hour. She has a small child to look after. She has not made any breakfast and hasn’t eaten anything yet. She stays in the flat all alone so she is bound to do all the household chores and work as well. To save her time, she eat boil rice, vegetables, egg and water all together sprinkles some salt and chilli powder. She eat this same meal everyday. She gets wearied of everyday work working like a machine with no rest. Even on Sundays, her relatives and friends visit her and she gets busy catering them. Ramola’s mother offers to sent their helper Sachin to stay with her but she denied the help. Since she lives alone, the society does not approve of a man and a woman living together having no relationship.

Ramola publishes an advertisement asking for an unmarried young female maid. She is willing to give free food and accommodation with ₹50 salary per month. She even asks her parents to contact any maid as she stays in office whole day. Ramola thought that nobody is available and everyone has become rich then suddenly, Sachin arrives with a neatly dressed young woman who was willing to take the job. She is getting late for work so questions her mother’s sense of timing. Sachin gives her reason that he would be unavailable for two days with her father. Ramola welcomes her and she is bounded to take a leave from office that day.

Ramola starts questioning her about her origin. The maid comes from Dhalbham village and she gets to know the job offer from her advertisement. Ramola asked her to read the advertisement and the maid reads its slowly and clearly. Then Ramola inquires her about the work she is capable to do and the maid replies with a cross question. Ramola gives her a list of work to do and the maid starts to work immediately. The maid tells her to go to work and she can arrange things for herself. The maid can also skip a meal but Ramola denies it. Ramola is suspicious that she can steal things from her but she regrets it later. She thinks that she has lost her maid but she tells Ramola that she can leave at any desire she wants with the material things.

Ramola thinks of rejecting the outspoken woman but she then discards it. She can fire her whenever she feels disappointed with her work. Ramola asks the woman to call her didimoni instead of Memsaheb. Ramola feels embarrassed to eat before the maid so she informs her about the kitchen and other rooms. The maid cooks some fried potatoes for Ramola which Ramola eats it and she is delighted surprisingly. Ramola asks the name of the woman and her family. The maid’s name is Pahari and she is actually Parvati. Ramola sees a red vermillion on her forehead if she is married. Pahari directly tells her directly that she is unmarried.

Ramola leaves for the office and Pahari tells her to lock the door from outside. The flat is Pahari’s only workplace and she could work with no disturbance from outside. She said it jokingly that she would not be able to run away with the material things as well since she will be locked inside. Ramola said that one can run away through the pipe as well. So she decides to explain her the housework after returning from office. While locking the door outside, Ramola wonders why Pahari lied about her marital life. She thinks whether it is right option to put a strange woman to look after her house.

Chapter 15

Ramola returns back home and knocked the door out of suspicion. She is relieved that Pahari didn’t runaway and steal anything. The house is neat and tidy. Pahari offers her some hot water for washing. She serves Ramola hot tea and freshly prepares Nimki. Ramola becomes happy after seeing a different dish. She praises the dish Nimki to give Pahari the satisfaction of her work. Pahari didn’t bring any clothes with her as she didn’t think while leaving the house. Ramola however offers her own old Saree for her but she demands for a torn one, Ramola didn’t have any inexpensive saree.

She wear the saree and they become very comfortable with each other. Ramola is happy as she is relieved from her lonely, boring and meaningless life after Pahari. Ramola asks her about her husband after pointing at a vermillion on her forehead. Pahari left her husband and she hated herself because the man treated her as a maid and abused her. Ramola stops her queries. Though Ramola’s family were against Ramola’s departure from her husband yet they had not deserted her. Ramola’s sister visits her and she is impressed with Pahari works. She asks Ramola where did she get Pahari from and Ramola consider her as god given. Her sister taunts Ramola indirectly.

Ramola’s mother visits and the door is not locked outside any longer. On her arrival, Pahari serves her. The mother observes Pahari about her behaviour and personal questions. Pahari is a bit irritated but she calmly responds to all inquiries. Ramola returns and her mother reasons the closeness between her and Pahari as both of them has deserted their husbands. Ramola’s mother consider Pahari cunning and warned Romola that she was opening the suitcase. Ramola’s mother tells her that one day she may take everything and run away. Ramola accepts that if she takes everything away then it is her own stupidity and foolishness. Ramola’s mother taunts her for playing a game of lessening the pain. She embraces her mother and showed her happiness.

Her mother thinks that her sister had jokingly praised her. Ramola also consider that life itself is a joke. Her mother thinks that she has a made a joke of her own life. Her mother tells her that the wife had to stay at home if the husband got a transfer and she had to take care of the family. At present, the times have changed and a wife can settle and go along with husband but she left her husband for a job. Ramola tells her mother that why there’s a difference in societal customs between her time and Ramola. Her mother tells her that it was same custom and it is different now. Ramola considers the traditional life of woman seems a funny life to her.

Ramola’s mother is traditional and she believes in traditional woman but everything seems abnormal in Ramola’s case. Ramola denies the immemorial times when woman used to pacify the gods when their husbands were away and they consider themselves fortunate once they get to see their husbands once in a while. The wives had always took care of the home and family than their husbands. Her mother gets very angry with her ego. She tells Ramola that she has hurt a good son in law of hers. Ramola’s mother warns her that Pahari’s intentions didn’t seem to belong from working class.

Ramola is unable to sleep that night as the image of a good man revolves in her mind. She imagines him putting his hand on her shoulders that she is ready to leave him but not her job. Ramola argues that he also left her by going to America but he states that she lives with his family at that time. Ramola revealed that she left him because she was bored staying inside the house without any work to do. The work was always done by the maids and servants and since he was not present at home, she became idle and she started to apply for jobs. She blamed his parents who failed to take responsibility for a working woman. His parents wanted her to stay with her parents but her parents wanted her to stay in her laws and she decided to stay all by herself.

Ramola decided to be independent of anyone. She spends her luxurious life for five years in her in law’s house and she was surrounded with maids. She started to send applications for a job and she received one. She starts talking to the image where she argues if a woman cannot exist for herself and the image replies that she has to pay a price in return. She expected her husband to write letters for her and meet her whenever he comes to Calcutta but he didn’t. As time passes, Ramola becomes strong and harsh. Even Pahari becomes significant in her life. Pahari herself is unable to sleep for two nights and the image who is an old man wearing a diet lungi and a torn out underlip, squatting on the floor is disturbing her. He eats only boiled vegetables and he washes dishes and brings water from the well. He sits idly on the charpoy smoking a cigarettes making it dirty.

The next morning Pahari and Ramola behaves as usual. Ramola is pleased to see variety of foods on the table and she teases Pahari that she will become like pumpkin after having distinct breakfast everyday. Pahari shows a photo album to Ramola which she has been noticing from some days. Pahari also desires to have this kind of love and romance. Pahari tells her that she has seen the man in the photo album and Ramola is shocked. Pahari tells that he is in Dhalbham but Ramola lies to her that he is England for some office work. Pahari suddenly becomes quiet and knows that Ramola does not want to say anything regarding Sahab. Pahari tells her that the man he met is identical to the man in the album. Ramola cunningly tries to get information about Sahab and Pahari has met Sahab in Ghatshilla at Dak Bungalow as he visited there to resolve border conflicts. She starts praising him and Ramola wonders if Sahab (Ramola’s husband) and Pahari had any illicit affairs or he literally just helped the poor Pahari.

Ramola decides that she will not let Pahari know about her relationship with Sahab. Pahari already knows about their relationship after meeting Ramola’s mother and photo album. Sahab at Dak Bungalow decides to leave early morning to a new place, starts to pack his clothes. Then Nando fell down on Sahab’s feet and he begs him to give Parvati’s address. Nando is unable to sleep, eat and work after her departure. He realises his guilt and thrashes himself about his wrongdoings. He vows to respect her and pleads him to ask her forgiveness and stop abusing her. Sahab tells him that he can have an affair with Parvati but Nando tells him that it is impossible. Sahab tells him about the incident at border where Nando called her a mad person and Sahab is unable to trust his words. Nando actually hold her hair and threw a stone on her head bleeding admitting in an hospital after Sahab left. Sahab aided her for treatment at the hospital but Nando requests him to her whereabouts.

Sahab tells him why Parvati hates him and he calls out Nando’s selfish behaviour and his character. Sahab tells Nando to take address from Dashrath as Dashrath’s friend had escorted Parvati. Nando then goes to Dashrath immediately and Sahab is reminded of Ramola who also pleaded her to stay back then. Sahab only wanted to provide for her and do his duty yet she left him for a job to leave everyone behind. He doesn’t understand the old customs and consider it to be beyond his comprehension. Sahab feels happy as Ramola has received help and Parvati also has a job in which she is efficient.

Ramola’s brother in law writes a letter to Sahab where his wife is happy and enjoying her life. The maid is a good companion and his wife i.e. Ramola’s sister is starting to get jealous of her. He thanks God that his wife doesn’t have a degree so she won’t leave him for a job. He also mentions the competitive environment where woman are taking up jobs and then deserting their husbands realizing the significance of old customs. Ramola becomes disappointed after knowing Pahari has met her. Ramola wonders why she has brought the album with her and not the clothes. She regrets the fact that she should have shown disappointed while showing off the album photos. Their relationship starts to degrade as Ramola is unable to express it.

One day at the market, Khuku who is Sahab’s sister come across each other but Khuku behaves as if she doesn’t know Ramola at all. Khuku warns her that the distance between her and Sahab’s relationship would increase with times. Ramola returns from office and she sees an elderly man trying to look inside her house from the holes she screams at him asking his identity which scared the man. Ramola asks him what he wants to see and he kneels down on her introducing himself ans Nandolal Raut and he has no wrong intentions. He only wants to see Parvati but Ramola denies any Parvati living in the flat. Nando denies returning and he tells her that she may call him ayah. Ramola threatens to call police on him and she presses on the calling bell. Pahari or Parvati opens the door and she sees Nando. Ramola enters the house. Parvati gets angry at Nando and Nando is happy to see her. She asks a lot of questions on her and he apologises to Parvati for his wrongdoings. Parvati asks him if he didn’t find any rope to commit suicide and she thought he may have died by now.

Chapter 16

Nando continues to weep. Parvati tells Ramola that she has to go. Ramola feels betrayed by her as she is suddenly leaving for the man who abuses her but Parvati pleads her to let her go as she needs to catch a train after 2 hours. Ramola threatens to file a case against her for using false name and without proper name. Parvati perhaps believe that since he has come for her weeping and crying for her absence, she thinks that he has learned a lesson so far. She also considers it as a fate if he continues to abuse her even after returning with him. Ramola gives an ultimatum that her husband has to find a servant for her before they leave. Parvati tells her that it will be difficult to find a new servant for her and she is willing to stay with her for some days but it will be difficult for Nando who has nowhere to go. She apologises and she gives a valid reason to leave Ramola.

Parvati argues that numerous woman had left their homes and family for a lesser man and this is what woman do. Nando tells her that she should not speak to memsahab in such a manner. Nando tells Ramola that he doesn’t deserve to be her husband and her absence is a punishment for him. Parvati pleads Ramola to leave while Nando tells Ramola that Ramola can come and live with Sahab and Parvati will work for them for a lifetime. Ramola gets angry and she slams the door. Ramola realises that she has not given any salary for her work but she lets her pride and ego slip to follow them to give the money.

Chapter 17

Parvati and Nando boards the train. Nando asked Parvati to convince Sahab to bring back Memsahab. Parvati argues but Nando tells her that Sahab listens to her. Parvati tells him that Sahab will never give up his pride like Nando to bring back Memsahab. Nando tells him that they don’t love each other anymore but Parvati tells him that they do love each other but they shall keep longing for a little gesture from each other but it will go on drifting because of the ego in between. They watches from the window longing for each other but they both don’t want to step in and break the distance. The novel thus give the title “The Distant Window” where the human relationships between man and woman drifts apart due to the inability of both to step in to break the chains of ego and bring each other closer.

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The Distant Window Chapter 7-12 Summary

Chapter 7

When Parvati returns back to Dak Bungalow, she calls him out through the window to meet Sahab. He is surprised and asks her what happened. She warns him about the curry that Mali bought and tells him not to eat as it is poison, possibly may affect his health. Sahab doubts her. She explains herself that she comes back halfway just to warn him about the food. Sahab immediately thinks that perhaps she just wants a favour from him to make money. He tells her that she may have a problem with Mali and she is turning him against Mali. Then Parvati gets angry but she tells him that he can do whatever he likes, the curry is made from a rat and he can it.

Sahab is shocked after her statement. Parvati tells him that she has seen people catching a rat to cook and the villagers eat it with relish, comes easily with low price and the one who cooks also makes it good. Dashrath has no intention of killing him but since it will take time to cook mutton curry, he bought this rat curry from outside which is already available. He is shocked after the statement and he asks if the entire villagers eats the rat curry. He tells her that he is also a human being and he can eat the rat curry. Parvati is shocked as he is the first one not to deny the food while Memsahib and others complain about the rice and invoke their upper class status to justify their excuses.

Parvati tells him that he can eat but Sahab tells her that he isn’t going to eat the curry Dashrath will give him. He is thankful of her but Parvati tells him not to tell Dashrath about it as Dashrath will fight with her. Sahab starts to think about her kindness that generally people from lower class do anything to get money but Parvati is different as she cares for others life as well.

Chapter 8

Parvati returns back home and she sees Nando boiling a rice. Nando tries to ignore Parvati despite knowing she has come. He thinks of punishing Parvati by closing the door and making her knock the door before she has returned. He thinks that she is speaking confidently so there is nothing really happened to her. She decides to handle the food from Nando and Nando sits back telling her that he could have managed even if she comes late. Parvati taunts him about his inability to manage cooking but his ability to serve the officers. Nando addresses her as the queen and not the maid.

Nando asks her question about what happened at Dak Bungalow to show false concern towards his. She knew he didn’t have any concern for her so she asks him why he didn’t come see her at Dak Bungalow. Nando makes an excuse angrily that he didn’t have time to see her there. She taunts him that his stomach is more important than her safety. Parvati tells Nando that Dashrath was not there and she was entertaining Sahab by answering his queries just to tease Nando. She starts praising Sahab about his physical appearance which made Nando to envy him. She taunts him that it is better for her sell herself to Sahab and giver him the love than the man who has no concern for her and eats the food of a cheating wife.

After hearing it, Nando becomes angry and am he throws a spoon at Parvati missing the target. She picks up the spoon and taunt him again that he still has humanity left in him even after boot licking the officers that may have turned his blood to water. He threatens her if she continues to utter such statements. She tells him that the world is growing in social and economic spheres and her audacity is growing as she has received a favour from Sahab. Nando tell her to keep quiet but she insists on teasing him. All of a sudden, he loses his temper and goes out.

As he walks to the office, he thinks the he is a fool and it is Parvati’s nature to tease him. Nando though gets angry at Parvati’s flirtatious nature but he likes her personality and a habit. He thinks that since they don’t have a child, there is no responsibility for her. If the child arrives, she will have the responsibility and she will not look at other Sahab giving peace to Nando.

Chapter 9

Nando sleeps on a charpoy outside the house during the summer due to humidity. He comes late as usual due to overtime at work and if he comes early then he will smoke as well as order Parvati for tea, fritters and sometimes a massage. As usual, Parvati engages in embroidery work if Nando comes late. On evening, she was sitting on the charpoy sewing buttons, wearied physically and mentally. As usual she watches the people and the vehicles passing by from the front road near her home.

People thinks that Parvati is a lovelorn because she looks depressing. She thinks about her past life when she was still unmarried. She used to be a Tom boy busy in fishing and climbing trees, having the characteristics of a male gender. She played with boys back then and she was chided by her mother for not helping in the household chores. Her father loved her very much and supported her back then, having closer affection to her father than her mother. This bond made Parvati to marry Nando to repay his debt despite having no feelings for him.

Some make a critical comments on Parvati sitting all by herself while others show pity as she is childless and married to an alcoholic who arrives late at night. Sahab arrives in a red car and calls her out. He thanks her for saving his life as he didn’t eat the curry Dashrath made. Sahab comes out of the car and she insists him to take her advice. She demands him to bring Memsaheb quickly. He asks her if she is asking to get a job but it is not the case and she becomes angry for she looses her dignity.

She asks Sahab if he has ever encountered anyone having a talk without any intention. She tells him that he hasn’t met any worthy person to talk. He apologises for his behaviour and he is amused after meeting her as he wonders that she may belong to a poor class yet she has a human dignity and self respect. He notices a difference between her civilised behaviour and her social status.

Parvati mentions about the general perception of poor class mindset but Sahab is of the opinion that there are high class who also have a poor mindset. Suddenly, I’m Parvati sees some shadow behind a tree. She sees an anger in a shadow and she knows. She laughs suddenly which Sahab find it weird. She tells him that anyone else would have invited her to Dak Bungalow at night and Sahab loses his temper at Parvati. She apologizes and clears the misunderstanding that some will offer cheap beautiful woman for him in absence of Memsaheb. There are also gang whose leader is Nando Raut. He leaves to the car and he vividly remembers the name of Nando Raut but is unsure.

He suddenly realises Parvati introduces her name along with Raut before and she also mentions the leader of the gang as Nando Raut. He becomes suspicious that Nando is her husband and he doubts that Nando may have kidnapped her or bought her.

Chapter 10

Nando comes out from behind the tree. She is still standing here and he pulls her hair. Nando accuses her of flirting with Sahab and doubts her. He orders her to go inside the house. She goes inside the house and she pulls the shawl while Nando starts beating her. He asks her what she was talking about with Sahab but Parvati keeps it confidential between her and Sahab. He threatens her that he will kill her. She tells him that she is already dead. She starts to tease Nando by creating false information and using the situation of Memsaheb’s absence. He feels that they were talking dirty things and asks many queries. She threatens him to leave the house.

Parvati tells him why he is still inquiring her since he was standing beside the tree. He didn’t hear it properly. Nando tells that he will get angry if Sahab is having a conversation with his wife under his presence but Parvati tells him that if it is so then why he felt the need to hide beside the tree. She blames him for coming late at night giving opportunity to his wife to cheat on him. She teases him that since he comes early today, he has caught her red handed trying to cheat on him.

She teases her so to make her husband comes home early out of jealousy. He becomes jealous of his wife creating a different meaning out of it. He tells her that he has water inside his body and it is the reason why he has the government job, money and the house. She still teases him that if she is in his place then she would have gouge out the eyeballs with a stone of Sahab. He tells her not to say anything harsh against Sahab but Parvati sees Sahab as just an ordinary person despite his status.

Nando tells her that he is always tortured by his suspicions and tensions and she tells him that he is insecure as well as nobody is going to her husband. Nando realises his guilt for not respecting her feelings before marriage and he feels helpless since they are married. She tells him that times have changed and even marriages can break apart. Nando tells her that she is planning to get rid of him. Parvati tells him that it is better for her to leave than live a life with an abusive husband. Nando tells her that she only sees his bad side and not his good side. She gives rice to him and he keeps it aside to see her reaction but she doesn’t. He taunts her that he doesn’t even get a chappati at home and only rice but she tells him that he didn’t give her an answer back then about the food. They have an argument about the food and it continues.

Chapter 11

The chapter exposes Dashrath’s past experiences with Memsahab. She scolded him whenever they were dissatisfied with his cooking. Memsahab also chided Sahab for not scolding his servants. Sahab never engaged himself in a conversation with his servants but only commands or order in the presence of Sahab. Mukherjee Sahab never complain about Dashrath’s cooking and eats whatever is being served to him. He denies eating meat anytime anywhere as an excuse since Parvati had told him what Dashrath was going to serve him before. Dashrath didn’t know that Sahab didn’t eat meat so he didn’t suspect anything about the curry in relation to Parvati.

Suddenly, Sahab keeps his book on the table and he asks Dashrath about Nando Raut. He tells him the every villagers knows him and he is the husband of Parvati. He questions Nando Raut and his marriage to Parvati since Parvati is young but Nando is physically fragile and old. Then Dashrath tells him that it is Parvati’s unfortunate luck. Sahab becomes curious to know about their marriage. Dashrath tells him everything how she is an honest woman who do her duty well but her husband abuses her constantly. Then he continues to tell him the history of their marriage.

Sahab continues to eat his food while Dashrath continues to expose Nando Raut and his relationship with Parvati without asking Sahab if he wants to know. Dashrath dislikes Nando because Dashrath cannot even have a conversation with Parvati as Nando glares at him and starts abusing her. Nando doubts her that she could be cheating on him. Dashrath tells him of one incident when Memsahab came here to Dak Bungalow with her baby and she needed Parvati’s help. Parvati catered the child and she needed to stay at Dak Bungalow for four nights with them. So Nando brings his portable bed to Dak Bungalow and slept near Dashrath to check upon him and Parvati every night. Memsahab on the other hand became happy with Parvati’s work and she wanted to take Parvati to the city. Memsahab even promised to give her allowances and a salary of ₹ 100 per month with accommodation and timely vacation. Nando denied the promises of Memsahab because he didn’t want her to go and there would be no one to cater his needs.

So Parvati denies a request or Memesahab since her husband values and respected her. Nando accuses Dashrath that he is the one who provoked Memesahab to take Parvati to the city and she shall be safely away from Nando. Sahab didn’t respond but he continues to read the book. Dashrath finds an excuse to meet Parvati. He pleads her to come to Dak Bungalow regularly and cook for Sahab as Sahab doesn’t like his cooking. Then Parvati informs Nando that Sahab’s wife had divorced him because he is busy travelling here and there and she works in a city which is also important. Nando reasons that Sahab has a loose character and he may have done something wrong and he tells Parvati not to go to Dak Bungalow anymore. He threatens her to cremate her alive if she goes there.

Parvati tells him that Nando can stop her from going to Dak Bungalow but she tells him if Sahab comes here to their house.then Nando tells her that Sahab cannot come to the house as he will murder him and he wants to see how she can cross the limits of visiting Sahab. She tells him that Nando has no emotional sympathy for Sahab whom she kept praising but Nando tells her that she has a lot of emotions of Sahab. He assures her that he will surely kill Sahab. Parvati tells him that he will be hanged if he kills Sahab that provokes Nando as she has no concern for him. Nando reminds her of Ganesh Das who was killed in an accident and her wife was bought by Sahab. Parvati tells him that his wife had to go with Sahab because she didn’t have a choice. She also reminds him that Nando is the one who took Ganesh’s wife to Sahab. Nando becomes angry because he believes it is a lie and he didn’t participate in selling Ganesh’s wife to Sahab.

Nando assures her that he will not give any reason for her to cross her limits to get to Sahab as he is going to murder him. She tells him to kill Sahab secretly. Nando tells her that he will go as an assistant and he will make sure that Sahab dies in a car accident. She asks her about Nando’s plan to kill Sahab. He denies telling his plan to Parvati because he believes that she will tell Sahab and try to save him from the tragedy.

Chapter 12

Parvati becomes anxious to what Nando has said earlier about the car accident. The next morning, she asked Nando not to act like a fool. Nando is surprised and Parvati tells him that he made a plan to kill Sahab at the car accident but Nando assures her that he just said it out of anger. After Nando sees Parvati’s concern for Sahab, he becomes provoke and he wants to kill Sahab now. She felt that she has put Sahab’s life in jeopardy. After Nando leaves, she sees a red blood and a dead body in her mind which is of Sahab, shocked and she sits down on the ground.

The Distant Window Chapter 13-17 Summary

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Sri Aurobindo A Dream of Surreal Science Summary

Quatrain I

One dreamed and saw a gland write Hamlet, drink
    At the Mermaid, capture immortality;
A committee of hormones on the Aegean’s brink
    Composed the Iliad and the Odyssey.

These lines are vivid and imaginative. It seems that the lines portray a fascinating concept where the creative process and great works of literature are attributed to the inner workings of the human body. The idea of a gland writing “Hamlet” and “capturing immortality” at the Mermaid, as well as a “committee of hormones” composing the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey” on the Aegean’s brink, is truly captivating. These lines play with the notion that the source of creativity and artistic brilliance may originate from within an individual, suggesting a unique and whimsical perspective on the creative forces that drive human expression and achievement.

Quatrain II

A thyroid, meditating almost nude
    Under the Bo-tree, saw the eternal Light
And, rising from its mighty solitude,
    Spoke of the Wheel and eightfold Path all right.

These lines are captivating and profound that seems to depict a mystical and introspective journey of a thyroid gland, almost in a meditative state, under the Bo-tree. The imagery of the gland seeing the eternal light and then rising to speak of the Wheel and the eightfold Path suggests a spiritual awakening and enlightenment. It’s as though the gland, in its solitude and contemplation, gains insight into profound truths and teachings, symbolized by the references to the Wheel and the eightfold Path. These lines beautifully blend the physical and the metaphysical, suggesting a deep connection between the inner workings of the body and spiritual enlightenment, offering a unique perspective on the quest for understanding and transcendence.

Quatrain III

A brain by a disordered stomach driven
    Thundered through Europe, conquered, ruled and fell,
From St Helena went, perhaps, to Heaven.
    Thus wagged on the surreal world, until

These lines paint a vivid picture of a brain, influenced by a disordered stomach, making its mark on history by thundering through Europe, conquering, ruling, and eventually falling. The mention of St. Helena and the possibility of the brain going to Heaven adds a touch of mystery and intrigue to the narrative. It is a surreal journey of power, rise, and event of decline that shapes the world’s course until a certain point. These lines seem to symbolize the complex interplay between physical and mental states, the rise and fall of empires, and the transient nature of power and influence in the grand scheme of history. The imagery evokes a sense of the unpredictable and cyclical nature of human endeavors and the impact of both internal and external factors on the course of events.

Couplet

A scientist played with atoms and blew out
The universe before God had time to shout.

These lines describe a scientist who, in a daring move, played with atoms and seemingly disrupted the universe before God could even react. This imagery conveys a sense of audacity and power in human exploration and experimentation, suggesting the potential for both creation and destruction in the pursuit of scientific knowledge. The idea of the scientist altering the fabric of the universe before a divine intervention adds a thought-provoking layer to the narrative, hinting at the boundary-pushing nature of scientific discovery and the profound impact it can have on one’s understanding of the world. It’s a poetic and contemplative reflection on the relationship between human ingenuity and the mysteries of existence.

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Sri Aurobindo The Stone Goddess Summary

Quatrain I

In a town of gods, housed in a little shrine,
From sculptured limbs the Godhead looked at me,–
A living Presence deathless and divine,
A Form that harboured all infinity.

These lines poetically describe a profound experience of encountering a deity in a sacred space, perhaps in a small shrine within a town dedicated to gods. The imagery of the “Godhead” looking at a person from sculptured limbs conveys a sense of a living, eternal presence that embodies the infinite nature of divinity. It is similar to a moment where the boundaries between the mortal and the divine blur, and one feel the vastness of infinity encapsulated in a tangible form. The lines evoke a feeling of awe and reverence towards this divine entity, making the encounter a deeply spiritual and transcendent experience.

Quatrain II

The great World-Mother and her mighty will
Inhabited the earth’s abysmal sleep,
Voiceless, omnipotent, inscrutable,
Mute in the desert and the sky and deep.

These lines are captivating and filled with depth of truth. It seems that the lines are portraying the concept of a powerful, all-encompassing force that permeates the world. The imagery of the “World-Mother” and her “mighty will” suggests a nurturing yet formidable presence that dwells within the depths of the earth’s slumber. The description of this force as “voiceless, omnipotent, inscrutable” conveys a sense of mystery and immense power that is silent yet all-encompassing, existing in every corner of the world, whether in the desert, the sky, or the deep sea. It is an unseen, primal force that shapes existence itself, beyond human comprehension. These lines evoke a sense of reverence and wonder towards the vastness and complexity of the natural world and the forces that govern it.

Quatrain III

Now veiled with mind she dwells and speaks no word,
Voiceless, inscrutable, omniscient,
Hiding until our soul has seen, has heard
The secret of her strange embodiment,

The lines are enchanting and it seems to convey a transformation in the depiction of this powerful force, now veiled in the realm of the mind. The imagery of the “World-Mother” being veiled with the mind suggests a shift from a physical presence to a more abstract, internal realm. The description of her as “voiceless, inscrutable, omniscient” portrays her as a silent yet all-knowing entity, hidden until our innermost selves have grasped the enigmatic nature of her existence. It is as though the essence of this force is waiting for individual souls to awaken to the profound mystery of her mysterious embodiment. These lines evoke a sense of introspection and the journey of inner discovery, suggesting that the true essence of this divine force can only be understood through a deeper, spiritual perception that transcends the physical world.

Couplet

One in the worshipper and the immobile shape,
A beauty and mystery flesh or stone can drape.

These lines are thought-provoking and beautifully expressed. It seems that it suggest a profound connection between the worshipper and the object of worship, whether it be a living being or an inanimate form. The idea that beauty and mystery can be embodied in both flesh and stone implies that the essence of divinity and spirituality transcends mere physical appearance. It is suggesting that the true beauty and mystery of worship can manifest in various forms, be it in the living presence of a worshipper or in the stillness of a statue. These lines hint at the idea that the essence of worship and spirituality goes beyond the external trappings and can be found in both the animate and the inanimate, highlighting the universal nature of beauty and mystery in the act of devotion.

Sri Aurobindo A Dream of Surreal Science Summary

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Ashapurna Devi The Distant Window Summary

Introduction

The Distant Window is a novel translated by Anima Bose to English. It is originally written in Bengali and it deals with the issues of a woman specifically Parvati. It can be analysed from a postcolonial feminist that contains the narratives of subalternity, double marginalisation and others . The novel is a voice and a representation for many woman who are underprivileged like Parvati and the kind of pressures they undergo in the society as well as their private lives. The novel has 17 Chapters and each will be summarised.

Chapter 1

The chapter opens with Parvati collecting water from the well, sees a moving car in the street. She assumes that it could be Sahab’s car who is Mr. Manas Mukherjee, supposed to reach Dak Bungalow at 5 PM. She then wonders that it is not Sahab since people like Sahab maintain their time properly and he will not return now at 10 AM. She works in the Dak Bungalow and it is the reason why she wonders if the car is his. She collects the water and goes home.

Parvati belongs to a poor family. She is disliked by the people because they assume that she flirts. She is married to Nandolal who works in Dak Bungalow as a worker or a gardener, same age as her own father. Since her father is poor, he owes a huge debt to Nandolal and Parvati resorts to marry Nandolal since her father is unable to clear off the debts. Her mother protested against the marriage but her father agrees. Parvati assures her mother that Nandolal makes a good amount of income better than some youths and she is happy. During some family crisis, her mother usually feeds off of Parvati’s resources for food ironically.

After returning back home, Nandolal tells Parvati that Sahab’s return to Dak Bungalow shall benefit them. He shall stay for a long period of time and they will receive works that will give them a good sum of income. She wonders why Sahab is coming to Dak Bungalow. He tells her that Sahab’s village is allocated in the border between Bengal and Bihar. Previously, it used to be in Bengal and it is in Bihar causing interstate conflicts. He has returned to inspect on the conflicts of border issues possibly a menace to Sahab’s life. Parvati questions why but Nandolal tells her that it is beyond her comprehension and she need not be anxious as her husband is still alive.

Chapter 2

Parvati is cooking food and Nandolal comes announcing Bati or Mombati to Parvati. He informs her that Sahab has arrived before 5PM and her assumption comes true. She tells him that she knew he had returned and he starts chiding her for not informing him. He immediately tells him to go work at Dak Bungalow. Parvati clears the misunderstand that she only made an assumption back then after seeing a moving car. They both argue over it and her husband tells her to chase after the car and checks if the assumption is correct. She tells him that he would be mad at her if she checks on it for there would be no one to cook for him.

Nandolal tells her to go to Dak Bungalow but Parvati refuses to go. He tells her that she needs to go and look after Sahab’s wife or memsaheb or Romola. Then Nandolal threatens to pour boiling water on her. She states that she just wants to die in one go instead of dying a little everyday. Nando becomes very angry and he goes out of the house, telling her not to cook food for him and she can eat all by herself.

He returns back calmly after sometimes. Since, he is going to be benefitted after Sahab’s arrival, he does not want to let the opportunity go. He orders Parvati to go for work but she denies. They started the argument again and Parvati dislikes working for mamsaheb but she copies her lifestyle as Nando tells her including expensive clothes, soft pillows & covers, purse etc. Parvati acknowledges that she deserves to have the privilege life and she starts criticising her husband fashion and a lifestyle.

Nando questions the reason behind her marriage to him if she dislikes him. She tells that she wants to pay off her father’s debt through marriage. Nando tells her that they can talk about the topic later and she can leave for work after she is done cooking and eating her meals. She knows Nando will not leave her alone so she leaves to work walking. Nando sees her going, thinking that his wife is beautiful and young and realises he has no concern for her. He realises his inability to satisfy her desires and remembers how he bought a rubber slipper for her back then. He also thinks of buying a folding umbrella for her to prevent sunburn.

Chapter 3

Nando workers as a servant in the survey office for the officers. He works as an assistant in measuring land, carrying tool boxes and setting up their tents. He has a habit of interfering in Sahab’s affairs unnecessarily. Parvati dislikes his habit since he interferes in every affairs of Sahab’s work unnecessarily neglecting his own work. Parvati wants to know what he earns from such habits and he actually earns extra income from interfering in Sahab’s interests unnecessarily, hiding it from Parvati.

He hides from her because Parvati wants an extravagant lifestyle ranging from her clothes to the cutleries she uses so he makes a simple excuse such as getting an increment or a promotion. As she works in Dak Bungalow, she becomes Memsaheb’s favourite as she works perfectly in cleaning and catering Memsaheb’s children. They also have a good friendship and share gossips. Parvati learned how to make new hairstyles so whenever different Memsaheb’s would come to Dak Bungalow, she would use her talent to give a hair makeover to them making her their favourites, giving her gifts and money.

Nando gets late for office one day. He receives a news that Sahab’s wife didn’t come while Sahab has directly gone to Dak Bungalow. Nando is concerned over his wife and he is anxious about her safety wondering If Sahab may harass her, and he will lose his dignity in the society because of her. Nando chooses his work and money over his wife and he didn’t go to check on her.

Chapter 4

Parvati reaches Dak Bungalow and looks for Mali and Memsaheb. The verandah is silent and nobody is there. Parvati finds only one room open with a curtain out of the three and she decides to open the curtain. She is hesitant to open the curtain and she decides to call out Memsahib. Nobody responds and the curtain opens with a six foot man with a book in his hand comes out. The man is Sahab who is a survey officer. She introduces herself to him and asks for Memsaheb.

Sahab responds to her that he didn’t bring Memesaheb with him. He tells her to leave and she has no work to do at Dak Bungalow. She is disappointed and Sahab thinks that she is disappointed because she didn’t get the work. He tells her to help Mali and she denies working with Mali. He asks who send her and her husband name after she replied. She asks Sahab why he didn’t ask her name telling him that she is also a human being. After knowing that she has no work, she decides to leave but Sahab tells her to look for Mali as he told Mali to make tea for him and Mali has not brought for him. She goes to the kitchen and she starts making tea for him.

Chapter 5

Parvati makes tea for Sahab and brings him the tea. She calls for Sahab but there is no respond. She calls for it second time and he comes out busy with the book. Sahab orders her to leave the tea on the table and he went away for two minutes perhaps to washroom. After putting a tea on the table, she sees a bundle of money. She thinks that Sahab being an officer can be so careless and absent minded , then Sahab returns. He is shocked to see her standing there that she has not left. On being asked, Parvati replied that Mali could return any time.

Parvati tells Sahab to look carefully at the table. Sahab is confused and she tells him that he has put a bundle of notes on the table. Sahab insists that there is no problem with it but she tells him that there are people working here and if Mali sees the money, Mali may take the money. Sahab wants to know why Parvati has a doubt on Mali. Sahab tells her that she didn’t steal the money and Mali wouldn’t do so too which made Parvati to be confused on how to explain the true nature of Mali.

Parvati smirks and leaves. She starts washing the dishes near the well. Sahab immediately thinks that perhaps she stood there near the table was for the tip and he calls her again. He praises her tea and he gives her money but she tells him to give it to Mali. Sahab however, gives her 25 paise or 4 annas for her work instead of 2 rupees which shocks Sahab.

Sahab praises her fluent Bengali and Parvati is Bengali by birth. He is confused because her husband is Bihari and perhaps he assumes that she could have been Bihari as well. Dashrath arrives who is actually Mali. Sahab leaves. Parvati chides Mali for being irresponsible towards household chores and coming late. Mali assures her that the meal (mutton curry) will be made in time. Mali goes to the kitchen and keeps the bag that he bought along with him. Parvati is still anxious on how Mali can easily make meals in time so she goes to the kitchen as well.

She sees that the meal is already bought from outside. They have an argument about it and Mali’s character is revealed through Parvati. Mali tells her that Sahab will eat and the only ones who is arrogant is Memsahib. Since, Sahab is Mali’s duty she relaxes and didn’t bother about the curry he bought from outside. As she is going back home, she returns back on midway to Dak Bungalow and the chapter ends.

Chapter 6

Nando comes for lunch in hurry. He sees that the house is locked with a key and Parvati has not returned home yet. He becomes anxious and tense because Memsahab is not there to give her work. He starts assuming negative things about Sahab regarding his age, marital status and the kind of personality he is. He wonders about Sahab’s intention of coming early to Dak Bungalow without informing anyone and his arrival before the time. He also thinks that Dashrath will not be there and he will leave as soon as Sahab will give him the money.

He starts thinking about his wife and he wonders if Sahab may have caged her in the room and take opportunity of her beauty. He reasons that she should come home by 12:30PM even if Mali asks help from her to cook food. It is 1:30PM already and he starts worrying about her safety. Nando then decides to go and check it out by himself to Dak Bungalow but he stops the plan as it will consume his time since he has to return back to work. He is now worried about his job security because Sahab will be writing a report on him and he wants the report to be positive, so he does not want to be late for work or lose his money or his salary to be decremented. Nando the just blame Parvati that woman cannot be trusted. He imagines what Parvati would do to save herself or she would just go with the flow with Sahab. He recalls back that she has never cheated on him yet he still doubts her character.

The Distant Window Chapter 7-12 Summary

The Distant Window Chapter 13-17 Summary

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Agha Shahid Ali Learning Urdu Summary

Stanza I

The first stanza vividly describes the aftermath of the partition of India in 1947. The imagery of “men dissolved in alphabets of blood, in syllables of death, of hate” paints a powerful picture of the tragic events that unfolded during that turbulent time. The mention of a victim from a district near Jammu, struggling with the language barrier between Dogri and Urdu, reflects the personal and cultural struggles faced by many individuals during the partition.

The reference to “minced air he ate” could symbolize the suffocating and oppressive atmosphere that surrounded those affected by the partition, where violence and turmoil were rampant. The use of poetic language in these lines captures the emotional weight and devastation of the historical events being described.

The poet’s choice of words and imagery effectively convey the pain, loss, and chaos experienced by people caught in the midst of such a significant and tragic period in history. The stanza evoke a sense of empathy and understanding for those who suffered through the partition and its aftermath.

Stanza II

The second stanza convey a deep sense of loss and fragmentation experienced by individuals affected by the partition. The speaker’s poignant words about remembering only half the word that was his village, while the rest fades into forgetfulness, reflect the profound impact of the division of land and communities during that tumultuous time.

The mention of “the line of blood across which my friends dissolved into bitter stanzas of some dead poet” poetically captures the idea of separation and the tragic consequences of the partition. The imagery of friends dissolving into bitter stanzas suggests the emotional and physical disintegration of relationships and bonds due to the violence and upheaval of the partition.

The speaker’s struggle with memory and the loss of his village highlights the personal and collective trauma experienced by many individuals who were uprooted from his homes and communities. The reference to a dead poet’s stanzas adds a layer of melancholy and reflection on the enduring impact of the past on the present.

Overall, these lines evoke a sense of nostalgia, sorrow, and the enduring scars left by historical events like the partition of India. He captures the complex emotions and struggles of those who were directly affected by the division of the country and the lasting imprint it left on their lives and identities.

Stanza III & IV

The two stanzas delve into the theme of poetry, knowledge, and the impact of historical events on art and culture. The speaker’s focus on the bitter couplets and desire for explanation rather than sympathy suggests a deep interest in the poetic form and its meanings. The mention of knowing Mir backwards and being familiar with every couplet from the Diwan-e-Ghalib showcases a profound connection to classical Urdu poetry and literary traditions.

The phrase “saw poetry dissolve into letters of blood” vividly conveys the idea of the transformation of something beautiful and artistic into a symbol of violence and tragedy. It reflects the poet’s realization of how the violence and bloodshed of historical events can overshadow the beauty and depth of poetry, turning the written word into a stark reminder of the harsh realities of the world.

These lines highlight the complex interplay between art, history, and personal experience. The lines underscore the way in which poetry, which is often seen as a source of solace and beauty, can be profoundly affected by the tumultuous events of the past, with the poet witnessing the poetic world he cherished becoming intertwined with the harshness of reality.

Stanza V

The last stanza beautifully capture the essence of Ghalib’s complexity and timeless presence in the world of poetry. The image of finding Ghalib at the crossroads of language, refusing to align with any side, symbolizes his ability to transcend boundaries and exist in a realm beyond categorization. His refusal to be confined to a particular perspective or ideology showcases his independence of thought and his willingness to challenge conventional norms.

The mention of Ghalib masquerading as a beggar to witness the speaker’s “theatre of kindness” adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the portrayal of the poet. It suggests Ghalib’s keen observation of human interactions and his appreciation for acts of compassion and generosity, even when disguised in humble appearances.

Overall, these lines speak to Ghalib’s enigmatic persona, his profound insights into human nature, and his ability to navigate the complexities of language and emotion. The lines invite contemplation on the enduring relevance of Ghalib’s poetry and his ability to resonate with readers across generations.

O.Henry A Dinner At Summary

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Critical Analysis of W.H. Auden Partition

The poem “Partition” delves into the 1947 division of British India into India and Pakistan, focusing on Cyril Radcliffe, a British barrister tasked with drawing borders between Muslim and non-Muslim districts. Radcliffe, despite being unqualified and unfamiliar with India, was given a mere seven weeks to make this monumental decision, leading to mass migration and violence. The poem underscores the devastating impact of British colonialism, highlighting the ignorance and arrogance of outsiders making decisions about a country’s future.

The poem highlights the devastating impact of British colonialism, emphasizing that decisions affecting millions should not be made by outsiders. The poem condemns colonialism as shortsighted, arrogant, and cruel, arguing that decisions with far-reaching consequences should be made by those with a deep understanding of the issues at hand. The poem shows the critique of imperial decisions and power at hand whose mismanagement of situation has led to disaster affecting millions of lives.

The poem also highlights imperial governance and it critiques imperialism of Cyril Radcliffe. The character of Radcliff is sketched an as imperialist who showed no compassion towards millions of Kndia regarding the partition of India. Auden highlights that Radcliffe lack qualifications and an understanding of Indian cultural complexities He is portrayed as a clueless outsider or a foreigner who was ill-equipped for the task at hand.

Additionally, the poet himself critiques Cyril Radcliffe. The speaker suggested that the British government disregard for India’s cultures and the lack of resources provided to Radcliffe heightened the haphazard nature of the decision-making process. It shows that the British government is the sole reason for the partition of India aa they handed the situation to an incompetent individual. It indirectly condemns colonialism as a system that allows uninformed individuals to make decisions with far-reaching consequences.

Ultimately, the poem argues against colonialism, advocating for decisions to be made by those with a deep understanding of the issues at hand. Radcliffe’s indifference to the aftermath of his decision contrasts sharply with the millions of lives affected by the partition, highlighting the shortsightedness, arrogance, and cruelty of colonial rule.

Radcliffe’s incompetence is underscored by his lack of qualifications and resources, as well as the British government’s indifference to India’s cultural complexities. Radcliffe’s ability to sail away from the aftermath contrasts starkly with the millions whose lives were forever altered by his ill-informed choices.

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Critical Analysis of Kamala Das The Sunshine Cat

The feminist poem The Sunshine Cat explores the themes of subjugation and patriarchal oppression against marital women in the society. Das is bold in his writing expression regarding the abuse of a woman. The poem projects the mental and psychological state of a woman who literally feels unused after being abused by men. The poem highlights themes of betrayal, neglect, and the destructive impact of emotional isolation.

The poem describes the theme of betrayal and a neglectful experienced by a woman at the hands of the men in her life. The man she loved was selfish and cowardly, while her husband was indifferent and controlling. She criticises her husband for being a coward who neither loved her nor used her representing his inbetween interests in her. Critically, a sense of betrayal is accompanied by the speaker’s husband and the men she knew and the neglect is associated with the love she never experienced from men in her life.

Das also highlights the mental pain associated with the patriarchal oppression of a woman. In the poem, the speaker sought solace in a group of cynics who offered temporary distractions but no real love. The woman is in a quest to fulfil her desire and fill the void of love. The men in her life claimed they were incapable of love but could show kindness. Clearly, Das is highlighting the attitude of men who has no emotional love to satisfy the women she is with. She is highlighting the absence of emotional love in men which is a general criticism on patriarchal society.

The poem also captures feminist tone regarding women being caged in the four walls of the house. The husband locked her in a room filled with books and a sliver of sunlight, but as winter approached, he realized the sunlight was merely an illusion. This also shows how women are treated in the society where she is caged inside the house as a prisoner with no ray of hope for freedom and liberation. The struggle against the freedom and liberation against the patriarchal oppressive system gives a touch of feminist power and navigation in the poem.

Additionally, Das has been a feminist writer who portrays the psychological damage of a woman associated with patriarchy. In the poem, the speaker’s mental state deteriorated as she found herself isolated and weeping, unable to find comfort even in sleep. By the time her husbanddiscovered her deteriorated state, she had become a cold and lifeless shell, no longer of any use to the men around her. This clearly reflects the mental psyche of a woman who is psychologically damaged and traumatised because of men.

Throughout the poem, Das has emphasised on woman’s experiences of body and the experiences she faces in the patriarchal homes. The feminist undertone is represented through a woman’s experience and Das, being a feminist is also advocating the need to represent the marginalise voices of a woman. Her writing style is a reflection of ecriture feminine meaning female writing which Cixous advocated for women to snatch back their own bodily experiences from the representation of men. As a feminist, Das adopted ecriture feminine style of writing to express the bodily experiences of a woman physically and mentally, abused by men in their marital homes.

Critical Analysis of W.H. Auden Partition Poem

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Critical Analysis of Jayanta Mahapatra Grandfather Poem

Mahapatra Grandfather is a poem that explores the themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time. It goes back to the past experiences and traces the ancestral roots giving a touch of postcolonial identity and ambivalence. The poem also vividly captures the Romantic essence of “recollection” through the speaker’s memory through a mediator of a “diary”. The poem is a beautiful reflection on death, aging and the family relationships.

The poem has a romantic writing style of “recollection” vividly encapsulated through a “diary”. The speaker reflects on the diary of his grandfather, which holds forgotten memories and emotions. The diary’s notes evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia, forcing the speaker to confront his own emotions. It traces back to the colonial accounts of the speaker’s grandfather who had a hard time vividly represented as “the cramped cry” and the “forgotten posture”. These phrases are keen to colonial times of India where Indian largely had to struggle for their independence or the phrase could subjectively depict the traumatic experiences of the speaker’s grandfather.

The poem contains a beautiful landscape of the natural world and it correlates with the existence of human life. Mahapatra has been objective in his writing and he uses the natural imagery to illustrate human experiences and life.The poem describes a day with white skies and a silence that is interrupted only by the sound of dust grazing in the afternoon sun. This silence contrasts with the laughter and vitality of the grandfather’s past. The grandfather faced a difficult question, perhaps related to his own mortality, and the poem suggests that he struggled with it. It also give rise to postcolonial ambivalent feelings of his grandfather who has a conflicted emotion towards death and it is evident in his struggle perhaps to accept death.

The poem also contains symbolism which add layers of interpretation for the poetic themes. The imagery of dead trees and a dragging river symbolizes the grandfather’s weakened state and his struggle against death. The comparison to “jackals” and the “tamarind leaves” also symbolises the unease feeling and mortality. In the poem asks if the grandfather heard the rustling of tamarind leaves in the cold nights of his despair and if he witnessed his own death tearing at his cries.

The poem also gives a complex family relationships and dynamics in the poem. The grandfather’s age is questioned, and it is suggested that he turned cowardly and ran, leaving behind his family and the things that held value to him. It creates a sense of mystery for the speaker as he wants to comprehend the reason to why his grandfather left them to live a separate life. This question is a quest the speaker embarks to understand the life of his own grandfather touching a taste of postcolonial identity and the ancestral history.

Additionally, it also makes the speaker to reflect back on his own relationship with his son. He discusses a famine that remains nameless, symbolizing a shared history of loss and hardship. The speaker acknowledges the passage of time and the generational divide between himself and his son. Critically, the division among the family members and the age gap is also one of the important aspects of Mahapatra’s writing. It adds a postcolonial dimension of his attachment towards his Hindu culture and his needs to pass down to the generation that has a gap in between. This generational gap has been attributed largely to the clash between tradition and modernity as the society progresses with the passage of time.

The poem explores the grandfather’s faith and questions its significance. It suggests that the Hindu world he believed in was ancient and true, but it is unclear if it provided him with solace. It also gives a postcolonial element of inbetween state of the speaker. The speaker has an ambivalent relationship with his own ancestral roots and hence he is uncertain about his grandfather’s Hindu cultural tradition whether it can offer peace to him showcasing the speaker’s ambivalence and his inbetween state in the poem.

The speaker is in a quest to understand his grandfather which adds to the postcolonial element of identity. In the poem, the grandfather’s dreams are described as uneasy, and he is portrayed as separate from the world around him. It shows that his grandfather was different from the rest of the environment around him completely detached from others. There is a sense of longing and a desire to know the grandfather more. The speaker wishes to understand the struggles and dignity that the grandfather had to earn in the face of death. He expresses a desire to break free from societal expectations and to truly know himself. This desire of the speaker to understand the life of his ancestor regency’s the speaker’s quest for his identity in the post-colonial world.

In conclusion, the poem explores themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time. It reflects on the complexities of family relationships and the longing to understand and connect with previous generations.

Critical Analysis of Kamala Das The Sunshine Cat

Agha Shahid Ali Learning Urdu Summary

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Shanta Acharya Shringara Summary

The speaker is preparing herself for an illusion, participating in life’s carnival. She mentions using various beauty products, such as Elizabeth Arden’s foundation, Shahnaz Hussain’s face cream, Givenchy’s mascara, and Estee Lauder’s lipstick.

The speaker also mentions spraying herself with Nirvana and Samsara. She expresses uncertainty about the purpose or destination of her journey.

The speaker reflects on how she encounters and experiences shape her identity in an inexplicable way. She mentions the daily reminder of aging through wrinkles and grey hair.

The speaker questions the point of seeking escape from self-expression if she is the result of unique circumstances. The poem concludes with the realization that ultimately, everyone will die, and the days become a form of adornment (shringara).

Analysis

The poem explores the theme of self-presentation and identity through the use of cosmetics and fragrances. The speaker describes the process of preparing for the illusion of life’s carnival, using various beauty products to create a mask. The mention of specific brands like Elizabeth Arden, Shahnaz Hussain, Givenchy, and Estee Lauder adds a luxurious and glamorous element to the narrative.

The speaker reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of aging, as seen in the mention of wrinkles and grey hair in the mirror. There is a sense of acceptance and resignation towards the transient nature of life and the futility of trying to escape one’s true self.

The poem also touches on the idea of personal transformation and the impact of external factors on shaping one’s identity. The speaker acknowledges the influence of encounters with others and life events in defining who they are, highlighting the interconnectedness of experiences in shaping individuality.

Overall, the poem conveys a contemplative tone, exploring themes of self-image, impermanence, and the complex nature of personal identity. It invites reflection on the role of appearance and self-expression in the construction of one’s sense of self amidst the inevitable passage of time.

Critical Analysis of Jayanta Mahapatra Grandfather Poem

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