Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Lakshman
Lakshman
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 isnt new for us but
Torus 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 Sitas taunts and bitter remarks make him
helpless. Lakshmans helplessness is brought out by the poet.
Ramas 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 wasnt
a deer but a form of Maricha. To take revenge on Rama for his
sisters 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
(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 husbands 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 Ramas might the poet has described some
beautiful stanzas. They show words are flowing and she is able
to put down on paper.
(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.