Rabindranath Tagore Poem Analysis

Rabindranath Tagore is a renowned and prominent figure in Indian Writing in English literature. The Gitanjali, one of his greatest poetic creations, marked a great transition in his life when Tagore’s national longing became merged in the universal. It was this spirit of universality in Tagore that earned him the prestigious and internationally acclaimed prize, the Noble Prize in 1913. He is the first and the last Indian so far who has achieved this feet in the field of literature.

In Tagore’s poetry, we find a unique trait and the ecological wisdom. In his poems we see the harmony between human being and nature. After seeing his deep love for nature, a reputed critic, Edward Thompson also remarks, “How little attraction Nature in some of

The poet feels a real sense of freedom by thinking about a boating in a large ocean. The best place for this kind of a journey can be none other than vast and wide oceans. Hence, the imagery of the ocean in his attempt to think of a journey with God. So the message that comes to the fore is that if one wants to have a feel of Godliness the best thing in this world is to depend on nature.

Again in song no. 11, Tagore asks to stop the mechanical chanting and singing in the temples by the so-called devotees of God because He does not dwell inside the temple. But, He is with those people who are tilling the hard ground and breaking the stones for making a path. While doing the work, they get their clothes covered with dust. Here, the poet wants to say that these people are very close to nature and he condemns the materialistic life and gives message to the mankind to live spiritual life by being close to nature. He emphasises:

He is there where the tiller is tilling the hard ground and

Where the path-maker is breaking stones. He is with them in sun

And in shower, and his garments is covered with dust. Put off thy

Holy mantle and even like him come down on the dusty