Poems

Lakshman & Deeno Daan  

Hello Everyone.....

This blog is based on the thinking activity assigned by Megha ma’am. In which I'm going to discuss two different questions from two poems. The poems are , 1) ‘Lakshman’ byToru Dutt and 2) ‘Deeno Daan’ by Rabindranath Tagore.

1. Can it be said that the dialogues between Sita and Lakshman in the poem Lakshman through light upon the perspective of gender? Explain. 

Yes, of course one can see the dialogues between Sita and Lakshman in Toru Dutt's poem "Lakshman" can certainly be interpreted as shedding light on the perspective of gender, especially in terms of patriarchal values, the role of women in society, and their expression of agency.

In the poem, Sita represents a woman who is deeply committed to her husband's welfare, reflecting the traditional, patriarchal view of women as caretakers of their husbands. Sita's insistence that Lakshman should go after Rama, despite Lakshman's repeated reassurances of safety, highlights her role as a devoted wife. Her character embodies the idealised image of femininity in a patriarchal context—self-sacrificing, emotional, and dependent on male protection.

However, Sita also demonstrates assertiveness, challenging Lakshman's loyalty to his brother. She questions his motives, suggesting that he harbors ill intentions, which reveals a degree of agency and moral questioning. This dialogue demonstrates Sita’s ability to express herself and influence Lakshman's actions, even within the confines of a patriarchal framework. Her agency is somewhat limited by societal expectations, but she does exercise it by appealing to Lakshman’s sense of duty.

Lakshman, in contrast, represents the masculine duty to obey and protect, but he is caught between his loyalty to his brother (Rama) and his concern for Sita’s safety. His rational arguments and sense of duty stand in contrast to Sita’s emotional appeal. This juxtaposition between Lakshman’s rational, duty-bound persona and Sita’s emotional, relational perspective aligns with traditional gender roles where men are seen as protectors and women as vulnerable or needing protection.

Sita’s fear for Rama’s safety and her vulnerability, as expressed in the dialogues, reflect the socially constructed gender roles of women as dependent on men for protection. Lakshman’s refusal to leave her side initially signifies the protective role men are expected to assume. However, Sita's persuasive arguments, particularly when she accuses Lakshman of disloyalty, play on the masculine notion of honor and duty, thereby compelling him to leave her. Her success in convincing Lakshman demonstrates how women in literature often navigate within the boundaries of patriarchal norms to influence outcomes.

From a feminist perspective, the dialogues can be read as an illustration of the tension between patriarchal expectations and a woman's individual desires or emotional needs. Sita's insistence challenges Lakshman’s authority, albeit indirectly. While she adheres to the role of the devoted wife, her emotional appeal and accusations show a subtle form of resistance against male dominance, as she forces Lakshman to act according to her will.

2. What type of social mentality does Rabindranath Tagore present in the poem Deeno Daan?

In "Deeno Daan," Rabindranath Tagore presents a critical view of the social mentality of kings and the upper class. He reflects on their tendency to give out of a sense of superiority, obligation, or for the sake of public display, rather than from genuine compassion or understanding of the needs of the people. The poem suggests that rulers and the upper class often engage in charity or giving to uphold their social image or to maintain power, without truly connecting with or addressing the real needs of the less privileged.

Tagore contrasts this superficial giving with the idea of humble, heartfelt generosity. He implies that the true value of a gift comes not from the wealth of the giver but from their empathy and willingness to treat the recipient with dignity and equality. In doing so, Tagore critiques the mentality of kings and elites who may use charity as a tool for control or self-aggrandizement, urging them to adopt a more humane, selfless approach to serving society.

In "Deeno Daan," Rabindranath Tagore presents a nuanced view of the social mentality of holy men and poor people. Through the figure of the holy man, Tagore critiques the tendency of spiritual leaders or religious figures to sometimes misuse their position by either demanding or expecting offerings from the poor. The holy man in the poem represents a mentality that can be exploitative, where spiritual authority is used to gain material benefits, often without any real connection to the needs or suffering of the poor.

On the other hand, Tagore depicts the poor people as those who give not out of abundance but out of necessity and sacrifice. They may lack material wealth, but their willingness to give, even when they have little, reflects a profound sense of humility and selflessness. Tagore valorizes this mentality, showing how the poor often possess a deeper understanding of the true meaning of charity, driven by empathy and shared struggle.

Overall, Tagore contrasts the exploitative mentality of certain holy men with the genuine, heartfelt giving of the poor, calling for a society that values the spirit of generosity over material wealth or spiritual authority.

Thank you for reading.

have a great time.