Exploring Tagore's Poem Abhisara

Hello dear students, Hello dear students, in today's session I am going to give you the line by line easy explanation of in today's session I am going to give you the line by line easy explanation of Rabindranath Tagore's poem Rabindranath Tagore's poem Abhisara the Trist. Abhisara the Trist. Rabindranath Tagore was a renowned Indian Bengali poet, Rabindranath Tagore was a renowned Indian Bengali poet, short story writer, short story writer, song composer, song composer, playwright, playwright, essayist and painter. essayist and painter. We all know this, We all know this, he was a Bengali polymath, he was a Bengali polymath, the meaning of polymath, the meaning of polymath, a man of great learning and wisdom. a man of great learning and wisdom. Although Togo wrote successfully in all literary genres, Although Tagore wrote successfully in Abhisara the Trist, he was not a great writer. all literary genres, he was first of all a poet. he was first of all a poet. Now remember this, Now remember this, he was first of all a poet and today in this session, he was first of all a poet and today in this session, we are going to read a very beautiful and meaningful poem. we are going to read a very beautiful and meaningful poem. A poem replete with deep philosophical insights of life. A poem replete with deep philosophical insights of life. Let's come to this section, Let's come to this section, the last paragraph now. the last paragraph now. Abhisara translated as the tryst. Abhisara translated as the tryst was written in Bengali by Rabindranath in 1899 and appeared in a collection called Kotha Okahini. was written in Bengali by Rabindranath in 1899 and appeared in a collection called Kotha Okahini. Tagore translated this poem into English for a collection of 86 translated poems called Fruit Gathering. Tagore translated this poem into English for a collection of 86 translated poems called Fruit Gathering. This is a story poem, This is a story poem very important based on Upagupta, very important, based on Upagupta, a Buddhist monk who lived in the 300 BCE and was revered, a Buddhist monk who lived in the 300 BCE and was revered, respected by respected by Emperor Ashoka. Emperor Ashoka. It demonstrates the values of love and compassion that may be found in unexpected persons under unusual circumstances. It demonstrates the values of love and compassion that may be found in the people of the world. found in unexpected persons under unusual circumstances. This is one of the themes of this poem and you may use this point while justifying the appropriateness of the title as well. This is one of the themes of this poem and you may use this point while justifying the appropriateness of the title as well. Unexpectedly, Unexpectedly Vasavadatta and Upagupta meet and they have two meetings. Vasavadatta and Upagupta meet and they have two meetings and these two meetings happen under unusual circumstances and during these two meetings we find the And these two meetings happen under unusual circumstances. And during these two meetings, we find the values of love and compassion exhibited. values of love and compassion exhibited so this is the first theme and the second theme of the poem is transitoriness of youth beauty and wealth impermanence So this is the first theme. And the second theme of the poem is transitoriness of youth, beauty and wealth. Impermanence of materialistic things. of materialistic things of life upagupta the disciple of buddha lay asleep in the dust by the city wall of mathura the setting of the poem is mathura and who was upagupta you life. Upagupta, the disciple of Buddha, lay asleep in the dust by the city wall of Mathura. The setting of the poem is Mathura and who was Upagupta? Upagupta was a disciple of Lord Buddha. Upagupta was the disciple of Lord Buddha. What was he doing? What was he doing? He lay asleep in the dust by the city wall of Mathura. He lay asleep in the dust by the city wall of Mathura. The term dust is significant because it stands for the simplicity and humility of Upagupta. The term dust is significant because it stands for the simplicity and humility of Upagupta. Upagupta was an ascetic. Upagupta was an ascetic. He was a tapasvi. He was a tapasvi and a tyagi. He was a tyagi. And he renounced worldly pleasures and led a simple and spiritual life. And he renounced worldly pleasures and led a simple and spiritual life, a life of meditation and renunciation. A life of meditation and renunciation. Upagupta's life was characterized by self-denial and rigorous restraint. Upagupta's life was characterized by self-denial and rigorous restraint. Lamps were all out. Lamps were all out. There was not a single lamp burning. There was not a single lamp burning. All the lamps were extinguished. All the lamps were extinguished. There was darkness all around. There was darkness all around. The doors were all shut. The doors were all shut. The doors were all closed. The doors were all closed. People preferred to stay indoors. People preferred to stay indoors and stars were all hidden. And stars were all hidden. The stars were not visible in the sky because the sky was murky. The stars were not visible in the sky because the sky was murky. By the murky, By the murky, dark, dark, cloudy sky of August, cloudy sky of August. the first part of the poem is set in the rainy season of The first part of the poem is set in the rainy season of August. August. Whose feet were those tinkling with anklets touching his breast of a... Whose feet were those tinkling with anklets touching his breast of a sudden, sudden, of a sudden, of a sudden, suddenly and his breast, suddenly, and his breast, his breast, his breast, the breast of the breast of Upagupta. Upagupta. Here we are introduced to the feet of another character. Here we are introduced to the feet of another character. Instead of the character, Instead of the character, we are first introduced to the feet of this character and the feet were adorned with anklets, We are first introduced to the feet of this character. And the feet were adorned with anklets, piece of jewelry. piece of jewelry and the anklets produced a pleasant metallic sound. And the anklets produced a pleasant metallic sound, tinkling with anklets, Tinkling with anklets, auditory imagery. auditory imagery. And the figure of speech used here is alliteration. And the figure of speech used here is alliteration. Those tinkling with anklets touching his breast. Those tinkling with anklets touching his breast. Those starts with Those starts with a T. a T, tinkling T and touching also starts with a T. Tinkling, T and touching also starts with a T. Therefore, Therefore, the figure of speech here is alliteration. the figure of speech here is alliteration. He woke up startled. He woke up startled. Why did Upagupta wake up startled? Why did Upagupta wake up startled? Because this character tripped over him. Because this character. tripped over him. This character stumbled over him and the light from a woman's lamp fell on his forgiving eyes, This character stumbled over him and the light from a woman's lamp fell on his forgiving eyes, on his merciful, on his merciful, compassionate eyes. compassionate eyes. Whose eyes? Whose eyes? the eyes of Upagupta. The eyes of Upagupta. The light from a woman's lamp. The light from a woman's lamp. Here also we have the figure of Here also we have the figure of Speech alliteration, Speech alliteration, light and lamp. light and lamp. Both the words begin with Both the words begin with L. L. Light from a woman's lamp fell on his forgiving eyes. Light from a woman's lamp fell on his forgiving eyes. For the first time, For the first time, we are introduced to the woman. we are introduced to the woman. So, So, a woman stumbled over Upagupta. a woman stumbled over Upagupta. It was dark and the woman was returning from somewhere and she could not see Upagupta and tripped over It was dark and the woman was returning from somewhere and she could not see Upagupta and tripped over Upagupta. Upagupta. and she was also carrying a light. And she was also carrying a light. It was dark and she was carrying a light and this light also symbolizes the dazzling beauty, It was dark and she was carrying a light. And this light also symbolizes the dazzling beauty, the exquisite beauty of this woman. the exquisite beauty of this woman. And the dazzling bright light fell on the compassionate eyes of Upagupta. And the dazzling bright light fell on the compassionate eyes of Upagupta. Upagupta was not displeased with this woman. Upagupta was not displeased with this woman. He was not angry with this woman. He was not angry with this woman. And who was this woman? And who was this woman? It was Vasavadatta, It was Vasavadatta, the dancing girl, the dancing girl, starred with jewels. starred with jewels. What is the meaning of starred with jewels? What is the meaning of starred with jewels? The dancing girl Vasavadatta was rich. The dancing girl Vasavadatta was rich. Her feet were those tinkling with anklets. Her feet were those tinkling with anklets. Her chains around the anklets were making a pleasant metallic sound and she was starred with jewels. Her chains around the anklets were making a pleasant metallic sound and she was starred with jewels. This means precious ornaments were on her body. This means precious ornaments were on her body. In order to beautify herself, In order to beautify herself, in order to enhance her appearance, in order to enhance her appearance, her beauty, her beauty, this woman, this woman, the dancing girl Vasavadatta had many ornaments, the dancing girl Vasavadatta had many ornaments, many precious ornaments. many precious ornaments. And these ornaments were shining like stars. And these ornaments were shining like stars. The stars in the sky were not visible, The stars in the sky were not visible. they were all hidden. They were all hidden. But the ornaments worn by But the ornaments worn by Vasavadatta. Vasavadatta were not visible. were shining like stars. were shining like stars. Clouded with a pale blue mantle, Clouded with a pale blue mantle, veil, veil, cloak, cloak, drunk with the wine of her youth. drunk with the wine of her youth. Again, Again, this is important. this is important. Drunk with the wine of her youth. Drunk with the wine of her youth. She cherished her youthfulness and elegance. She cherished her youthfulness and elegance. Just like a person who is drunk feels intoxicated, Just like a person who is drunk feels intoxicated, Vasavaratta was also filled with pride. Vasavaratta was also filled with pride. Her youthful pride made her vain. Her youthful pride made her vain. She was also intoxicated. She was also intoxicated. So this expression, So this expression, this metaphor shows her pride. this metaphor shows her pride. She was young and therefore she was filled with pride. She was young and therefore she was filled with pride. She was beautiful and she was also proud of her beauty. She was beautiful and she was also proud of her beauty. She lowered her lamp, She lowered her lamp. lowered her lamp, Lowered her lamp, the figure of speech here is alliteration once again and so the young face. the figure of speech here is alliteration once again and so the young face. Auxurally beautiful. Auxurally beautiful. The young face of Upagupta. The young face of Upagupta. She saw the young face of Upagupta and it was austerely beautiful. She saw the young face of Upagupta and it was austerely beautiful. Upagupta was attractive. Upagupta was attractive although he was simple. Although he was simple, there was calmness on his face. There was calmness on his face. Forgive me young ascetic, Forgive me young ascetic said the woman. said the woman. Vasavadatta was ashamed of her. Vasavadatta was ashamed of her action. Action, she had tripped over Upagupta and she was feeling very bad and she asked for pardon. She had tripped over Upagupta and she was feeling very bad and she asked for pardon. She begged forgiveness. She begged forgiveness. Graciously come to my house. Graciously come to my house. With all respect, With all respect, come to my house. come to my house. Here Vasavadatta invited Upagupta to her house. Here Vasavadatta invited Upagupta to her house. The dusty earth is not a fit bed for you. The dusty earth is not a fit bed for you. So this dusty earth is not appropriate for you. So this dusty earth is not. appropriate for you, you should come to my house and there you will take rest. you should come to my house and there you will take rest. The young ascetic answered, The young ascetic answered, woman, Woman, go on your way. go on your way. When the time is ripe, When the time is ripe, I will come to you. I will come to you. When the time is appropriate, When the time is appropriate, I will definitely come to you. I will definitely come to you. So here in these two stanzas, So, here in these two stanzas, we have two different ways of living. we have two different ways of living. We have the contrast between spiritual pursuit and material pursuit. We have the contrast between spiritual pursuit and material pursuit. Upagupta and his way of living spiritual pursuit and Vasavadatta's way of living materialistic pursuit. Upagupta and his way of living, spiritual pursuit, and Vasavadatta's way of living, materialistic pursuit. Why do you think Why do you think Upagupta did not accept the invitation of the dancing girl? Upagupta did not accept the invitation of the dancing girl? Upagupta was the disciple of Buddha and according to Buddhist principles he was leading a simple and strict life. Upagupta was the disciple of Buddha. And according to Buddhist principles, he was leading a simple and strict life. He had sacrificed He had sacrificed all the materialistic pleasures. all the materialistic pleasures. On the other hand, On the other hand, the dancing girl was proud of her youth, the dancing girl was proud of her youth, wealth and beauty. wealth and beauty. and she was leading a splendid life of extravagance and luxury. and she was leading a splendid life of extravagance and luxury. So there is a contrast between the two ways of living. So there is a contrast between the two ways of living. One spiritual pursuit and another one materialistic pursuit. One spiritual pursuit and another one materialistic pursuit. Upagupta has already had spiritual awakening. Upagupta has already had spiritual awakening. But But Vasavadatta is still in the dark. Vasavadatta is still in the dark. She is still... She is still... ignorant of the deeper truths of this world. ignorant of the deeper truths of this world. Jeevan mein bahut saare gehere raaz hai aur Vasavadatta ko in saare cheezo ke baare mein kuch pata hi nahi hai. Jeevan mein bahut saare ghera raaz hai aur Vasavadatta ko in saare cheezo ke baare mein kuch pata hi nahi hai. Upagupta ek wise man hai aur Upagupta ko in saare cheezo ke baare mein already pata hai. Upagupta ek wise man hai aur Upagupta ko in saare cheezo ke baare mein already pata hai. There is this contrast between the two characters. There is this contrast between the two characters. Two types of living are represented by the two characters of this poem. Two types of living are represented by the two characters of this poem. Upagukta and Vasavadatta. Upagupta and Vasavadatta. And this is why he did not accept the invitation of the dancing girl because of the contrast. And this is why he did not accept the invitation of the dancing girl because of the contrast. Suddenly the black knight showed its teeth in a flash of lightning. Suddenly the black knight showed its teeth in a flash of lightning. It was a black knight. It was a black knight. It was a dark knight. It was a dark knight. And suddenly the black knight showed its teeth in a flash of lightning. And suddenly the black knight showed its teeth in a flash of lightning. And what is the figure of speech here? And what is the figure of speech here? The figure of speech here is personification. The figure of speech here is personification. Night is personified. Night is personified. The storm growled from the corner of the sky. The storm growled from the corner of the sky. Again, Again, storm is also personified. storm is also personified. The storm growled. The storm growled. And the woman trembled in fear. And the woman trembled in fear. Vasavadatta was very scared and she was trembling in fear. Vasavadatta was very scared and she was trembling in fear. The weather suddenly became very turbulent and tempestuous. The weather suddenly became very turbulent and tempestuous. And there was... And there was... Tumult in nature, tumult in nature, there was upheaval in nature and there was upheaval in nature and Vasavadatta was scared of this. Vasavadatta was scared of this, This foreshadows the thunder and lightning foreshadow the sorrows and difficulties that will come in the life of Vasavadatta. this foreshadows the thunder and lightning foreshadow the sorrows and difficulties that will come in the life of Vasavadatta, so this is also an example of foreshadowing and this turbulent and tempestuous weather is So this is also an example of foreshadowing and this turbulent and tempestuous weather is foreshadowing the troubled second phase in the life of foreshadowing the troubled second phase in the life of Vasavadatta. A year had not yet passed. Vasavadatta. A year had not yet passed. It was evening of a day in April in the spring. It was evening of a day in April in the spring. The second part of the poem begins and the second part of the poem is set in the spring season of April. The second part of the poem begins. And the second part of the poem is set in the spring season of April. The first part, The first part, the murky sky of August, the murky sky of August, remember? remember? And spring is the season of hope, And spring is the season of hope. Joy and festivities. joy and festivities. In spring season, In spring season, flowers blossom and there are fruits hanging from the branches of trees. flowers blossom and there are fruits hanging from the branches of trees. Birds chirp and twitter and the whole nature is beautiful and colorful. Birds chirp and twitter and the whole nature is beautiful and colorful. So, So, spring is a very joyful season. spring is a very joyful season. And how did the poet define, And how did the poet define? How did the poet describe spring in the poem? how did the poet describe spring in the poem? The spring was warm. The spring was warm. The branches of the trees on the wayside were full of beautiful flowers. The branches of the trees on the wayside were full of beautiful flowers. Gay notes of a flute came floating in the warm spring air from afar. Gay notes of a flute came floating in the warm spring air from afar. Again, Again, alliteration. alliteration, flute came floating. Flute came floating. So, So, this is again alliteration. this is again alliteration. Gay notes, Gay notes, light heartening notes of a flute came floating in the warm spring air from far away distance. light heartening notes of a flute came floating in the warm spring air from far away distance. And this is how spring was. And this is how spring was described in the This... described in the poem the citizens had gone to the woods for the festival of flowers again alliteration festival of flowers from the mid sky gazed the full moon on the shadows of the silent town the town was not silent actually there was no one around everyone had gone to the woods for the festival of flowers therefore there was silence all around you The citizens had gone to the woods for the festival of flowers. Again, alliteration, festival of flowers. From the mid sky gazed the full moon on the shadows of the silent town. The town was not silent. Actually, there was no one around. Everyone had gone to the woods for the festival of flowers. Therefore, there was silence all around. The young ascetic was walking in the lonely street. The young ascetic was walking in the lonely street. Again, Again, the street was not lonely. the street was not lonely. The young ascetic Upagupta was lonely because others were not there. The young ascetic Upagupta was lonely because others were not there. They had all gone to the woods for the festival of flowers. They had all gone to the woods for the festival of flowers. So the citizens of the town were very happy and they were enjoying themselves. So, the citizens of the town were very happy and they were enjoying themselves. They were enjoying themselves in a celebration. They were enjoying themselves in a celebration. There was happiness all around in the town. There was happiness all around in the town. While overhead, While overhead, the lovesick coils uttered from the mango branches their sleepless pliant. the lapsic coils were very beautiful. uttered from the mango branches their sleepless pliant. Upagupta passed through the city gates and stood at the base of the rampart. Upagupta passed through the city gates and stood at the base of the rampart. Now what is the story of Upagupta? What is the meaning of rampart? What is the meaning of rampart? Rampart means fence. Rampart means fence. What was Upagupta doing? What was Upagupta doing? This is the second time that Upagupta came to this town. This is the second time that Upagupta came to this town. And he was walking through the lonely street and he came across a woman. And he was walking through the lonely street and he came across a woman. What woman lay at his feet in the shadow of the mango grove? What woman lay at his feet in the shadow of the mango grove? He saw somebody lying at his feet in the shadow of the mango grove, He saw somebody lying at his feet in the shadow of the mango grove. struck with the black pestilence, Struck with the black pestilence, her body spotted with sores of smallpox. her body spotted with sores of smallpox. Body spotted with sores of smallpox. Body spotted with sores of smallpox. Again, Again, alliteration. alliteration. Struck, Struck, spotted, spotted, sores, sores, smallpox. smallpox. She had been hurriedly driven away from the town. She had been hurriedly driven away from the town. This woman was sick. This woman... was sick. Wo bahat bimar thi. She was ill with black pestilence and her whole body was covered with sores of smallpox. She was ill with black pestilence and her whole body. was covered with sores of small pox. Her body had become deformed because of the sores, Her body had become deformed because of the sores, the blisters of smallpox. the blisters of small pox. Therefore, Therefore, she was abandoned by the people of the town. she was abandoned by the people of the town. This is ironical. This is ironical. The people of the town were enjoying themselves and this woman was lying on the street all alone abandoned by the people of the town. The people of the town were enjoying themselves and this woman was a woman. was lying on the street all alone abandoned by the people of the town. This is visual imagery and this shows the ugliness of this woman, This is visual imagery. and this shows the ugliness of this woman, the helplessness of this sick woman and she had been driven away from the town to avoid her poisonous contagion. the helplessness of this sick woman and she had been driven away from the town to avoid her poisonous contagion. She was inflicted with a deadly disease and therefore the disease was called poisonous and it could spread easily, She was inflicted with a deadly disease and therefore the disease was called poisonous and it... could spread easily, therefore contagion. therefore contagion. She was none other than Vasavadatta. She was none other than Vasavadatta. Vasavadatta did not recognize Upagupta, Vasavadatta did not recognize Upagupta but but Upagupta recognized Vasavadatta and what was the condition of Vasavadatta she was struck with the black deadly epidemic disease her body was spotted with sorts of small pox and she was abandoned from the city she was now a social outcast because the poisonous disease might spread by her contact Upagupta recognized Vasavadatta. And what was the condition of Vasavadatta? She was struck with the black deadly epidemic disease. Her body was spotted with sorts of smallpox and she was abandoned from the city. She was now a social outcast. Because the poisonous disease might spread by her contact. Upagupta did not abandon her. Upagupta did not abandon her The ascetic sat by her side. the ascetic sat by her side sat by her side again alliteration took her head on his knees now this shows the merciful nature of upagupta and moistened her lips with water and smeared her body with balm upagupta Sat by her side. Again alliteration took her head on his knees. Now this shows the merciful nature of Upagupta. And moistened her lips with water. And smeared her body with balm. Upagupta sat by her side. sat by her side took her head on his knees he applied her body with balm in order to produce a soothing effect in order to cure her took her head on his knees. He applied her body with balm in order to produce a soothing effect, in order to cure her. He made her lips wet with water. He made her lips wet with water. He nursed this sick woman. He nursed this sick woman. Who are you merciful one? Who are you merciful one? And here, And here Upagupta is addressed as the merciful one. Upagupta is addressed as the merciful one. Vasavadatta was really grateful and she asked who are you merciful one? Vasavadatta was really grateful and she asked, Who are you merciful one? This shows that she did not recognize This shows that she did not recognize Upagupta. Upagupta. The time at last has come to visit you and I am here Vasavadatta replied the young ascetic. The time at last has come to visit you. and I am here Vasavadatta replied the young ascetic true to his words Upagupta came to True to his words Upagupta came to Vasavadatta it was the most appropriate time he kept his promise Vasavadatta. It was the most appropriate time. He kept his promise. Vasavadatta needed his help really badly and he was there to help him Vasavadatta needed his help really badly and he was there to help him. Upagupta is truly the epitome of kindness wisdom and selflessness dear students there is irony here you Upagupta is truly the epitome of kindness, wisdom and selflessness. Dear students, there is irony here. The irony is that the proud young woman as she was less than a year ago has lost on her charms and was lying helpless in the dust, The irony is that the proud young woman, as she was less than a year ago, has lost all her charms and was lying helpless in the dust, pestilence stricken, pestilence stricken, stricken with black pestilence. stricken with black pestilence. This is the irony and this shows the transitory nature of youth, This is the irony. And this shows that The transitory nature of youth, beauty and wealth. beauty and wealth. Beauty fades away and youth also passes away with the passage of time. Beauty fades away and youth also passes away with the passage of time. Nothing is permanent. Nothing is permanent. Impermanence of life on earth. Impermanence of life on earth. Dear students, Dear students, how will you justify the appropriateness of the title? how will you justify the appropriateness of the title? The word Abhisara means rendezvous between lovers. The word abhisara means rendezvous between lovers. And what is the meaning of rendezvous? And what is the meaning of rendezvous? A meeting arranged between lovers. A meeting arranged between lovers. And the word... And the word trist also means an appointment, Trist also means an appointment, especially between lovers. especially between lovers. Obviously, Obviously, Upagupta and Vasavadatta are not lovers, Upagupta and Vasavadatta are not lovers, but there are two meetings in this poem. but there are two meetings in this poem. The first meeting took place all of a sudden. The first meeting took place all of a sudden. The meeting happened coincidentally. The meeting happened coincidentally. And during the first meeting, And during the first meeting, Upagupta had promised to Vasavadatta that he would meet her when the time was ripe. Upagupta had promised to Vasavadatta that he would meet her when the time was ripe. And the second meeting happened when And the second meeting happened when Vasavadatta was sick and she was in need of help and Vasavadatta was sick and she was in need of help and Vasavadatta was helped by Vasavadatta was helped by Upagupta. So these two meetings are the most important points to justify the appropriateness of the title. Upagupta. So these two meetings are the most important points to justify the appropriateness of the Through these two meetings, Through these two meetings, Rabindranath Tagore has highlighted the themes of compassion, Rabindranath Tagore has highlighted the themes of compassion, showing compassion towards the needy and also the theme of transitoriness of youth, showing compassion towards the needy and also the theme of transitoriness of youth, beauty and wealth. beauty and wealth. The poet has used light and darkness quite symbolically. The poet has used light and darkness quite symbolically. It was dark in the first part of the poem and the woman was shining because of her sparkling jewellery. It was dark in the first part of the poem and the woman was shining because of her sparkling jewelry. She was ignorant of what is real and what is unreal and she did not know that her beauty will soon vanish. She was ignorant of what is real and what is unreal and she did not know that her beauty will soon vanish. And in the second part, And in the second part, there is bright sun in the sky but the woman's life is steeped into darkness of hopelessness and sorrow. there is bright sun in the sky but the woman's life is steeped into darkness of hopelessness and sorrow. It is only the inner light of Upagupta that remains intact irrespective of the change that takes place in the outer. It is only the inner light of Upagupta that remains intact irrespective of the change that takes place in the outer. world and this poem is a good specimen of free verse. World and this poem is a good specimen of free verse Students prepare these questions number one justification of the title number two character analysis of upagupta number three character sketch of vasavadatta and number four the two different ways of living as depicted in the poem Students prepare these questions. Number one justification of the title, number two character analysis of Upagupta, number three character sketch of Vasavadatta and number four the two different ways of living as depicted in the poem. Prepare these answers. Prepare these answers Prepare these subjective answers and also read the text thoroughly for your give reasons and multiple choice questions. Prepare these subjective answers and also read the text thoroughly for your give reasons and multiple choice questions.

essayist and painter. We all know this, We all know this, he was a Bengali polymath, he was a Bengali polymath, the meaning of polymath, the meaning of polymath, a man of great learning and wisdom. a man of great learning and wisdom. Although Togo wrote successfully in all literary genres, Although Tagore wrote successfully in Abhisara the Trist, he was not a great writer. all literary genres, he was first of all a poet.

he was first of all a poet. Now remember this, Now remember this, he was first of all a poet and today in this session, he was first of all a poet and today in this session, we are going to read a very beautiful and meaningful poem. we are going to read a very beautiful and meaningful poem.

A poem replete with deep philosophical insights of life. A poem replete with deep philosophical insights of life. Let's come to this section, Let's come to this section, the last paragraph now.

the last paragraph now. Abhisara translated as the tryst. Abhisara translated as the tryst was written in Bengali by Rabindranath in 1899 and appeared in a collection called Kotha Okahini.

was written in Bengali by Rabindranath in 1899 and appeared in a collection called Kotha Okahini. Tagore translated this poem into English for a collection of 86 translated poems called Fruit Gathering. Tagore translated this poem into English for a collection of 86 translated poems called Fruit Gathering. This is a story poem, This is a story poem very important based on Upagupta, very important, based on Upagupta, a Buddhist monk who lived in the 300 BCE and was revered, a Buddhist monk who lived in the 300 BCE and was revered, respected by respected by Emperor Ashoka. Emperor Ashoka.

It demonstrates the values of love and compassion that may be found in unexpected persons under unusual circumstances. It demonstrates the values of love and compassion that may be found in the people of the world. found in unexpected persons under unusual circumstances.

This is one of the themes of this poem and you may use this point while justifying the appropriateness of the title as well. This is one of the themes of this poem and you may use this point while justifying the appropriateness of the title as well. Unexpectedly, Unexpectedly Vasavadatta and Upagupta meet and they have two meetings.

Vasavadatta and Upagupta meet and they have two meetings and these two meetings happen under unusual circumstances and during these two meetings we find the And these two meetings happen under unusual circumstances. And during these two meetings, we find the values of love and compassion exhibited. values of love and compassion exhibited so this is the first theme and the second theme of the poem is transitoriness of youth beauty and wealth impermanence So this is the first theme.

And the second theme of the poem is transitoriness of youth, beauty and wealth. Impermanence of materialistic things. of materialistic things of life upagupta the disciple of buddha lay asleep in the dust by the city wall of mathura the setting of the poem is mathura and who was upagupta you life.

Upagupta, the disciple of Buddha, lay asleep in the dust by the city wall of Mathura. The setting of the poem is Mathura and who was Upagupta? Upagupta was a disciple of Lord Buddha.

Upagupta was the disciple of Lord Buddha. What was he doing? What was he doing?

He lay asleep in the dust by the city wall of Mathura. He lay asleep in the dust by the city wall of Mathura. The term dust is significant because it stands for the simplicity and humility of Upagupta.

The term dust is significant because it stands for the simplicity and humility of Upagupta. Upagupta was an ascetic. Upagupta was an ascetic. He was a tapasvi. He was a tapasvi and a tyagi.

He was a tyagi. And he renounced worldly pleasures and led a simple and spiritual life. And he renounced worldly pleasures and led a simple and spiritual life, a life of meditation and renunciation.

A life of meditation and renunciation. Upagupta's life was characterized by self-denial and rigorous restraint. Upagupta's life was characterized by self-denial and rigorous restraint.

Lamps were all out. Lamps were all out. There was not a single lamp burning.

There was not a single lamp burning. All the lamps were extinguished. All the lamps were extinguished.

There was darkness all around. There was darkness all around. The doors were all shut.

The doors were all shut. The doors were all closed. The doors were all closed. People preferred to stay indoors. People preferred to stay indoors and stars were all hidden.

And stars were all hidden. The stars were not visible in the sky because the sky was murky. The stars were not visible in the sky because the sky was murky. By the murky, By the murky, dark, dark, cloudy sky of August, cloudy sky of August. the first part of the poem is set in the rainy season of The first part of the poem is set in the rainy season of August.

August. Whose feet were those tinkling with anklets touching his breast of a... Whose feet were those tinkling with anklets touching his breast of a sudden, sudden, of a sudden, of a sudden, suddenly and his breast, suddenly, and his breast, his breast, his breast, the breast of the breast of Upagupta.

Upagupta. Here we are introduced to the feet of another character. Here we are introduced to the feet of another character. Instead of the character, Instead of the character, we are first introduced to the feet of this character and the feet were adorned with anklets, We are first introduced to the feet of this character. And the feet were adorned with anklets, piece of jewelry.

piece of jewelry and the anklets produced a pleasant metallic sound. And the anklets produced a pleasant metallic sound, tinkling with anklets, Tinkling with anklets, auditory imagery. auditory imagery.

And the figure of speech used here is alliteration. And the figure of speech used here is alliteration. Those tinkling with anklets touching his breast.

Those tinkling with anklets touching his breast. Those starts with Those starts with a T. a T, tinkling T and touching also starts with a T.

Tinkling, T and touching also starts with a T. Therefore, Therefore, the figure of speech here is alliteration. the figure of speech here is alliteration. He woke up startled. He woke up startled.

Why did Upagupta wake up startled? Why did Upagupta wake up startled? Because this character tripped over him.

Because this character. tripped over him. This character stumbled over him and the light from a woman's lamp fell on his forgiving eyes, This character stumbled over him and the light from a woman's lamp fell on his forgiving eyes, on his merciful, on his merciful, compassionate eyes. compassionate eyes.

Whose eyes? Whose eyes? the eyes of Upagupta. The eyes of Upagupta. The light from a woman's lamp.

The light from a woman's lamp. Here also we have the figure of Here also we have the figure of Speech alliteration, Speech alliteration, light and lamp. light and lamp. Both the words begin with Both the words begin with L.

L. Light from a woman's lamp fell on his forgiving eyes. Light from a woman's lamp fell on his forgiving eyes. For the first time, For the first time, we are introduced to the woman.

we are introduced to the woman. So, So, a woman stumbled over Upagupta. a woman stumbled over Upagupta. It was dark and the woman was returning from somewhere and she could not see Upagupta and tripped over It was dark and the woman was returning from somewhere and she could not see Upagupta and tripped over Upagupta. Upagupta.

and she was also carrying a light. And she was also carrying a light. It was dark and she was carrying a light and this light also symbolizes the dazzling beauty, It was dark and she was carrying a light. And this light also symbolizes the dazzling beauty, the exquisite beauty of this woman. the exquisite beauty of this woman.

And the dazzling bright light fell on the compassionate eyes of Upagupta. And the dazzling bright light fell on the compassionate eyes of Upagupta. Upagupta was not displeased with this woman.

Upagupta was not displeased with this woman. He was not angry with this woman. He was not angry with this woman.

And who was this woman? And who was this woman? It was Vasavadatta, It was Vasavadatta, the dancing girl, the dancing girl, starred with jewels. starred with jewels.

What is the meaning of starred with jewels? What is the meaning of starred with jewels? The dancing girl Vasavadatta was rich. The dancing girl Vasavadatta was rich. Her feet were those tinkling with anklets.

Her feet were those tinkling with anklets. Her chains around the anklets were making a pleasant metallic sound and she was starred with jewels. Her chains around the anklets were making a pleasant metallic sound and she was starred with jewels.

This means precious ornaments were on her body. This means precious ornaments were on her body. In order to beautify herself, In order to beautify herself, in order to enhance her appearance, in order to enhance her appearance, her beauty, her beauty, this woman, this woman, the dancing girl Vasavadatta had many ornaments, the dancing girl Vasavadatta had many ornaments, many precious ornaments.

many precious ornaments. And these ornaments were shining like stars. And these ornaments were shining like stars.

The stars in the sky were not visible, The stars in the sky were not visible. they were all hidden. They were all hidden.

But the ornaments worn by But the ornaments worn by Vasavadatta. Vasavadatta were not visible. were shining like stars.

were shining like stars. Clouded with a pale blue mantle, Clouded with a pale blue mantle, veil, veil, cloak, cloak, drunk with the wine of her youth. drunk with the wine of her youth.

Again, Again, this is important. this is important. Drunk with the wine of her youth. Drunk with the wine of her youth.

She cherished her youthfulness and elegance. She cherished her youthfulness and elegance. Just like a person who is drunk feels intoxicated, Just like a person who is drunk feels intoxicated, Vasavaratta was also filled with pride.

Vasavaratta was also filled with pride. Her youthful pride made her vain. Her youthful pride made her vain.

She was also intoxicated. She was also intoxicated. So this expression, So this expression, this metaphor shows her pride. this metaphor shows her pride.

She was young and therefore she was filled with pride. She was young and therefore she was filled with pride. She was beautiful and she was also proud of her beauty.

She was beautiful and she was also proud of her beauty. She lowered her lamp, She lowered her lamp. lowered her lamp, Lowered her lamp, the figure of speech here is alliteration once again and so the young face.

the figure of speech here is alliteration once again and so the young face. Auxurally beautiful. Auxurally beautiful.

The young face of Upagupta. The young face of Upagupta. She saw the young face of Upagupta and it was austerely beautiful. She saw the young face of Upagupta and it was austerely beautiful. Upagupta was attractive.

Upagupta was attractive although he was simple. Although he was simple, there was calmness on his face. There was calmness on his face.

Forgive me young ascetic, Forgive me young ascetic said the woman. said the woman. Vasavadatta was ashamed of her.

Vasavadatta was ashamed of her action. Action, she had tripped over Upagupta and she was feeling very bad and she asked for pardon. She had tripped over Upagupta and she was feeling very bad and she asked for pardon. She begged forgiveness. She begged forgiveness.

Graciously come to my house. Graciously come to my house. With all respect, With all respect, come to my house. come to my house.

Here Vasavadatta invited Upagupta to her house. Here Vasavadatta invited Upagupta to her house. The dusty earth is not a fit bed for you.

The dusty earth is not a fit bed for you. So this dusty earth is not appropriate for you. So this dusty earth is not. appropriate for you, you should come to my house and there you will take rest. you should come to my house and there you will take rest.

The young ascetic answered, The young ascetic answered, woman, Woman, go on your way. go on your way. When the time is ripe, When the time is ripe, I will come to you. I will come to you. When the time is appropriate, When the time is appropriate, I will definitely come to you.

I will definitely come to you. So here in these two stanzas, So, here in these two stanzas, we have two different ways of living. we have two different ways of living.

We have the contrast between spiritual pursuit and material pursuit. We have the contrast between spiritual pursuit and material pursuit. Upagupta and his way of living spiritual pursuit and Vasavadatta's way of living materialistic pursuit.

Upagupta and his way of living, spiritual pursuit, and Vasavadatta's way of living, materialistic pursuit. Why do you think Why do you think Upagupta did not accept the invitation of the dancing girl? Upagupta did not accept the invitation of the dancing girl? Upagupta was the disciple of Buddha and according to Buddhist principles he was leading a simple and strict life. Upagupta was the disciple of Buddha.

And according to Buddhist principles, he was leading a simple and strict life. He had sacrificed He had sacrificed all the materialistic pleasures. all the materialistic pleasures.

On the other hand, On the other hand, the dancing girl was proud of her youth, the dancing girl was proud of her youth, wealth and beauty. wealth and beauty. and she was leading a splendid life of extravagance and luxury.

and she was leading a splendid life of extravagance and luxury. So there is a contrast between the two ways of living. So there is a contrast between the two ways of living. One spiritual pursuit and another one materialistic pursuit.

One spiritual pursuit and another one materialistic pursuit. Upagupta has already had spiritual awakening. Upagupta has already had spiritual awakening.

But But Vasavadatta is still in the dark. Vasavadatta is still in the dark. She is still... She is still... ignorant of the deeper truths of this world.

ignorant of the deeper truths of this world. Jeevan mein bahut saare gehere raaz hai aur Vasavadatta ko in saare cheezo ke baare mein kuch pata hi nahi hai. Jeevan mein bahut saare ghera raaz hai aur Vasavadatta ko in saare cheezo ke baare mein kuch pata hi nahi hai.

Upagupta ek wise man hai aur Upagupta ko in saare cheezo ke baare mein already pata hai. Upagupta ek wise man hai aur Upagupta ko in saare cheezo ke baare mein already pata hai. There is this contrast between the two characters.

There is this contrast between the two characters. Two types of living are represented by the two characters of this poem. Two types of living are represented by the two characters of this poem.

Upagukta and Vasavadatta. Upagupta and Vasavadatta. And this is why he did not accept the invitation of the dancing girl because of the contrast.

And this is why he did not accept the invitation of the dancing girl because of the contrast. Suddenly the black knight showed its teeth in a flash of lightning. Suddenly the black knight showed its teeth in a flash of lightning.

It was a black knight. It was a black knight. It was a dark knight.

It was a dark knight. And suddenly the black knight showed its teeth in a flash of lightning. And suddenly the black knight showed its teeth in a flash of lightning. And what is the figure of speech here?

And what is the figure of speech here? The figure of speech here is personification. The figure of speech here is personification. Night is personified.

Night is personified. The storm growled from the corner of the sky. The storm growled from the corner of the sky.

Again, Again, storm is also personified. storm is also personified. The storm growled.

The storm growled. And the woman trembled in fear. And the woman trembled in fear. Vasavadatta was very scared and she was trembling in fear.

Vasavadatta was very scared and she was trembling in fear. The weather suddenly became very turbulent and tempestuous. The weather suddenly became very turbulent and tempestuous. And there was...

And there was... Tumult in nature, tumult in nature, there was upheaval in nature and there was upheaval in nature and Vasavadatta was scared of this. Vasavadatta was scared of this, This foreshadows the thunder and lightning foreshadow the sorrows and difficulties that will come in the life of Vasavadatta.

this foreshadows the thunder and lightning foreshadow the sorrows and difficulties that will come in the life of Vasavadatta, so this is also an example of foreshadowing and this turbulent and tempestuous weather is So this is also an example of foreshadowing and this turbulent and tempestuous weather is foreshadowing the troubled second phase in the life of foreshadowing the troubled second phase in the life of Vasavadatta. A year had not yet passed. Vasavadatta. A year had not yet passed. It was evening of a day in April in the spring.

It was evening of a day in April in the spring. The second part of the poem begins and the second part of the poem is set in the spring season of April. The second part of the poem begins. And the second part of the poem is set in the spring season of April. The first part, The first part, the murky sky of August, the murky sky of August, remember?

remember? And spring is the season of hope, And spring is the season of hope. Joy and festivities. joy and festivities.

In spring season, In spring season, flowers blossom and there are fruits hanging from the branches of trees. flowers blossom and there are fruits hanging from the branches of trees. Birds chirp and twitter and the whole nature is beautiful and colorful.

Birds chirp and twitter and the whole nature is beautiful and colorful. So, So, spring is a very joyful season. spring is a very joyful season. And how did the poet define, And how did the poet define? How did the poet describe spring in the poem?

how did the poet describe spring in the poem? The spring was warm. The spring was warm. The branches of the trees on the wayside were full of beautiful flowers.

The branches of the trees on the wayside were full of beautiful flowers. Gay notes of a flute came floating in the warm spring air from afar. Gay notes of a flute came floating in the warm spring air from afar.

Again, Again, alliteration. alliteration, flute came floating. Flute came floating.

So, So, this is again alliteration. this is again alliteration. Gay notes, Gay notes, light heartening notes of a flute came floating in the warm spring air from far away distance.

light heartening notes of a flute came floating in the warm spring air from far away distance. And this is how spring was. And this is how spring was described in the This...

described in the poem the citizens had gone to the woods for the festival of flowers again alliteration festival of flowers from the mid sky gazed the full moon on the shadows of the silent town the town was not silent actually there was no one around everyone had gone to the woods for the festival of flowers therefore there was silence all around you The citizens had gone to the woods for the festival of flowers. Again, alliteration, festival of flowers. From the mid sky gazed the full moon on the shadows of the silent town.

The town was not silent. Actually, there was no one around. Everyone had gone to the woods for the festival of flowers. Therefore, there was silence all around. The young ascetic was walking in the lonely street.

The young ascetic was walking in the lonely street. Again, Again, the street was not lonely. the street was not lonely. The young ascetic Upagupta was lonely because others were not there. The young ascetic Upagupta was lonely because others were not there.

They had all gone to the woods for the festival of flowers. They had all gone to the woods for the festival of flowers. So the citizens of the town were very happy and they were enjoying themselves.

So, the citizens of the town were very happy and they were enjoying themselves. They were enjoying themselves in a celebration. They were enjoying themselves in a celebration.

There was happiness all around in the town. There was happiness all around in the town. While overhead, While overhead, the lovesick coils uttered from the mango branches their sleepless pliant.

the lapsic coils were very beautiful. uttered from the mango branches their sleepless pliant. Upagupta passed through the city gates and stood at the base of the rampart. Upagupta passed through the city gates and stood at the base of the rampart.

Now what is the story of Upagupta? What is the meaning of rampart? What is the meaning of rampart? Rampart means fence. Rampart means fence.

What was Upagupta doing? What was Upagupta doing? This is the second time that Upagupta came to this town. This is the second time that Upagupta came to this town.

And he was walking through the lonely street and he came across a woman. And he was walking through the lonely street and he came across a woman. What woman lay at his feet in the shadow of the mango grove? What woman lay at his feet in the shadow of the mango grove?

He saw somebody lying at his feet in the shadow of the mango grove, He saw somebody lying at his feet in the shadow of the mango grove. struck with the black pestilence, Struck with the black pestilence, her body spotted with sores of smallpox. her body spotted with sores of smallpox.

Body spotted with sores of smallpox. Body spotted with sores of smallpox. Again, Again, alliteration.

alliteration. Struck, Struck, spotted, spotted, sores, sores, smallpox. smallpox.

She had been hurriedly driven away from the town. She had been hurriedly driven away from the town. This woman was sick.

This woman... was sick. Wo bahat bimar thi.

She was ill with black pestilence and her whole body was covered with sores of smallpox. She was ill with black pestilence and her whole body. was covered with sores of small pox.

Her body had become deformed because of the sores, Her body had become deformed because of the sores, the blisters of smallpox. the blisters of small pox. Therefore, Therefore, she was abandoned by the people of the town.

she was abandoned by the people of the town. This is ironical. This is ironical.

The people of the town were enjoying themselves and this woman was lying on the street all alone abandoned by the people of the town. The people of the town were enjoying themselves and this woman was a woman. was lying on the street all alone abandoned by the people of the town.

This is visual imagery and this shows the ugliness of this woman, This is visual imagery. and this shows the ugliness of this woman, the helplessness of this sick woman and she had been driven away from the town to avoid her poisonous contagion. the helplessness of this sick woman and she had been driven away from the town to avoid her poisonous contagion.

She was inflicted with a deadly disease and therefore the disease was called poisonous and it could spread easily, She was inflicted with a deadly disease and therefore the disease was called poisonous and it... could spread easily, therefore contagion. therefore contagion.

She was none other than Vasavadatta. She was none other than Vasavadatta. Vasavadatta did not recognize Upagupta, Vasavadatta did not recognize Upagupta but but Upagupta recognized Vasavadatta and what was the condition of Vasavadatta she was struck with the black deadly epidemic disease her body was spotted with sorts of small pox and she was abandoned from the city she was now a social outcast because the poisonous disease might spread by her contact Upagupta recognized Vasavadatta.

And what was the condition of Vasavadatta? She was struck with the black deadly epidemic disease. Her body was spotted with sorts of smallpox and she was abandoned from the city.

She was now a social outcast. Because the poisonous disease might spread by her contact. Upagupta did not abandon her. Upagupta did not abandon her The ascetic sat by her side. the ascetic sat by her side sat by her side again alliteration took her head on his knees now this shows the merciful nature of upagupta and moistened her lips with water and smeared her body with balm upagupta Sat by her side.

Again alliteration took her head on his knees. Now this shows the merciful nature of Upagupta. And moistened her lips with water.

And smeared her body with balm. Upagupta sat by her side. sat by her side took her head on his knees he applied her body with balm in order to produce a soothing effect in order to cure her took her head on his knees.

He applied her body with balm in order to produce a soothing effect, in order to cure her. He made her lips wet with water. He made her lips wet with water. He nursed this sick woman. He nursed this sick woman.

Who are you merciful one? Who are you merciful one? And here, And here Upagupta is addressed as the merciful one. Upagupta is addressed as the merciful one.

Vasavadatta was really grateful and she asked who are you merciful one? Vasavadatta was really grateful and she asked, Who are you merciful one? This shows that she did not recognize This shows that she did not recognize Upagupta.

Upagupta. The time at last has come to visit you and I am here Vasavadatta replied the young ascetic. The time at last has come to visit you. and I am here Vasavadatta replied the young ascetic true to his words Upagupta came to True to his words Upagupta came to Vasavadatta it was the most appropriate time he kept his promise Vasavadatta.

It was the most appropriate time. He kept his promise. Vasavadatta needed his help really badly and he was there to help him Vasavadatta needed his help really badly and he was there to help him.

Upagupta is truly the epitome of kindness wisdom and selflessness dear students there is irony here you Upagupta is truly the epitome of kindness, wisdom and selflessness. Dear students, there is irony here. The irony is that the proud young woman as she was less than a year ago has lost on her charms and was lying helpless in the dust, The irony is that the proud young woman, as she was less than a year ago, has lost all her charms and was lying helpless in the dust, pestilence stricken, pestilence stricken, stricken with black pestilence.

stricken with black pestilence. This is the irony and this shows the transitory nature of youth, This is the irony. And this shows that The transitory nature of youth, beauty and wealth.

beauty and wealth. Beauty fades away and youth also passes away with the passage of time. Beauty fades away and youth also passes away with the passage of time. Nothing is permanent.

Nothing is permanent. Impermanence of life on earth. Impermanence of life on earth. Dear students, Dear students, how will you justify the appropriateness of the title? how will you justify the appropriateness of the title?

The word Abhisara means rendezvous between lovers. The word abhisara means rendezvous between lovers. And what is the meaning of rendezvous?

And what is the meaning of rendezvous? A meeting arranged between lovers. A meeting arranged between lovers. And the word... And the word trist also means an appointment, Trist also means an appointment, especially between lovers.

especially between lovers. Obviously, Obviously, Upagupta and Vasavadatta are not lovers, Upagupta and Vasavadatta are not lovers, but there are two meetings in this poem. but there are two meetings in this poem. The first meeting took place all of a sudden. The first meeting took place all of a sudden.

The meeting happened coincidentally. The meeting happened coincidentally. And during the first meeting, And during the first meeting, Upagupta had promised to Vasavadatta that he would meet her when the time was ripe.

Upagupta had promised to Vasavadatta that he would meet her when the time was ripe. And the second meeting happened when And the second meeting happened when Vasavadatta was sick and she was in need of help and Vasavadatta was sick and she was in need of help and Vasavadatta was helped by Vasavadatta was helped by Upagupta. So these two meetings are the most important points to justify the appropriateness of the title. Upagupta.

So these two meetings are the most important points to justify the appropriateness of the Through these two meetings, Through these two meetings, Rabindranath Tagore has highlighted the themes of compassion, Rabindranath Tagore has highlighted the themes of compassion, showing compassion towards the needy and also the theme of transitoriness of youth, showing compassion towards the needy and also the theme of transitoriness of youth, beauty and wealth. beauty and wealth. The poet has used light and darkness quite symbolically. The poet has used light and darkness quite symbolically. It was dark in the first part of the poem and the woman was shining because of her sparkling jewellery.

It was dark in the first part of the poem and the woman was shining because of her sparkling jewelry. She was ignorant of what is real and what is unreal and she did not know that her beauty will soon vanish. She was ignorant of what is real and what is unreal and she did not know that her beauty will soon vanish.

And in the second part, And in the second part, there is bright sun in the sky but the woman's life is steeped into darkness of hopelessness and sorrow. there is bright sun in the sky but the woman's life is steeped into darkness of hopelessness and sorrow. It is only the inner light of Upagupta that remains intact irrespective of the change that takes place in the outer. It is only the inner light of Upagupta that remains intact irrespective of the change that takes place in the outer.

world and this poem is a good specimen of free verse. World and this poem is a good specimen of free verse Students prepare these questions number one justification of the title number two character analysis of upagupta number three character sketch of vasavadatta and number four the two different ways of living as depicted in the poem Students prepare these questions. Number one justification of the title, number two character analysis of Upagupta, number three character sketch of Vasavadatta and number four the two different ways of living as depicted in the poem.

Prepare these answers. Prepare these answers Prepare these subjective answers and also read the text thoroughly for your give reasons and multiple choice questions. Prepare these subjective answers and also read the text thoroughly for your give reasons and multiple choice questions.

Transcript for:Exploring Tagore's Poem Abhisara

Transcript for:
Exploring Tagore's Poem Abhisara