Obituary by AK Ramanujan: Summary, themes and Analysis

Obituary by AK Ramanujan is a poignant exploration of the complexities and contradictions inherent in human existence. Through the lens of obituary notices, Ramanujan delves into the fleeting nature of life, the inevitability of death, and the diverse ways individuals are remembered.

With his characteristic blend of intellect and emotion, the poet invites readers to reflect on the transient nature of human identity and the myriad stories that remain untold in the wake of each passing life. "Obituary" is a profound meditation on mortality, memory, and the enduring power of words to encapsulate the essence of a person's journey through the realm of time. In this blog, we are going to discuss about summary of the poem along with the themes, structures forms and literary devices in it.

About the Author

AK Ramanujan was an eminent Indian poet, scholar, and folklorist renowned for his remarkable contributions to literature and cultural studies. Born in Mysore, Ramanujan's diverse body of work reflects his deep engagement with language, tradition, and the complex tapestry of Indian culture. As a poet, he crafted verses that seamlessly wove together the classical and contemporary, exploring themes of identity, love, and the human experience. Ramanujan's scholarly pursuits were equally notable, particularly his groundbreaking research in comparative folklore and translation studies. Among his notable works are "The Striders," "Relations," and "Obituary," each showcasing his unique poetic voice. His influential essays, such as "Three Hundred Ramayanas," demonstrated his academic prowess, challenging conventional perspectives and fostering a nuanced understanding of cultural diversity. 

Summary of the Poem Obituary by AK Ramanujan

AK Ramanujan's poem "Obituary" is a moving and straightforward elegy that reflects on the inevitability of death and the transience of life. In this poignant poem, Ramanujan reminds us that every life eventually ends, irrespective of what we achieve or how we live. 

The poem begins with a striking statement that "Death is not a journey/ To undertake or a state to come to," underscoring that death is not a choice but an inescapable reality of life. The poet then goes on to say that death is an event that comes to pass, much like a storm or a flood, and that it takes away everything that one has ever owned or known.

Ramanujan's poem speaks to the universal human experience of loss and grief. The poet encourages the reader to confront the inevitability of death and to appreciate the fleeting nature of life. Through his words, Ramanujan reminds us that our existence is temporary and that we should cherish the moments we have with loved ones while we can.

Overall, "Obituary" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that inspires us to reflect on the impermanence of life. It leaves a lasting impression on the reader, reminding us to live each day to the fullest and to appreciate the people and things that make life worth living. 

Detailed Analysis of the Poem

Stanza 1

Father, when he passed on,
left dust

(…)

named by the toss
of a coin after him,

In this stanza from A.K. Ramanujan's poem "Obituary," the speaker describes the aftermath of their father's passing. The father leaves behind tangible remnants, symbolized by dust on a table of papers, as well as intangible legacies in the form of debts and daughters. The mention of a bedwetting grandson, named through a coin toss in honour of the deceased father, adds a poignant touch, illustrating the interconnectedness of generations and the complexities of family dynamics. The stanza captures a sense of both material and emotional inheritance after the father's demise.

Stanza 2

a house that leaned
slowly through our growing

(…)

he burned properly
at the cremation

In this stanza from A.K. Ramanujan's "Obituary," the poet provides a vivid portrayal of the father's life and his eventual passing. The house leaning on a bent coconut tree serves as a metaphor for the father's presence and influence, suggesting a gradual decline or change over the years. The use of the coconut tree implies resilience and perhaps a connection to cultural or regional symbolism.

The phrase "Being the burning type" suggests a character trait of the father, possibly alluding to a passionate or intense nature. The subsequent line, "he burned properly at the cremation," portrays a fitting end to his life, emphasizing a proper departure following cultural or ritual norms. This could be seen as a commentary on the father's adherence to tradition or a recognition of the significance of a respectful departure.

Overall, the stanza encapsulates the father's life journey, from the leaning house on the coconut tree to his proper and meaningful cremation, offering a nuanced reflection on life, change, and cultural practices surrounding death.

Stanza 3

as before, easily
and at both ends,

(…)

several spinal discs, rough,
some burned to coal, for sons

In this stanza from A.K. Ramanujan's "Obituary," the poet provides a detailed and symbolic account of the father's cremation. The repetition of the phrase "as before" emphasizes the continuity of a process, possibly referring to the cyclical nature of life and death. The mention of "easily and at both ends" may suggest a seamless transition or departure.

The imagery of the father leaving his "eye coins in the ashes" is particularly striking. This can be interpreted metaphorically, symbolizing a form of spiritual or symbolic currency left behind by the deceased for those who come after. The ashes not looking "one bit different" implies a transformation or continuity, challenging the conventional expectations of change associated with death.

The reference to "several spinal discs, rough, some burned to coal, for sons" adds a biological and familial dimension. The father's remains, represented by spinal discs, are offered to his sons. The roughness and transformation to coal may symbolize the endurance and transformation of the paternal legacy passed down to the next generation.

Overall, the stanza intricately weaves together symbolic elements to explore the multifaceted aspects of death, continuity, and the inheritance of both physical and metaphorical traits from one generation to the next.

Stanza 4

to pick gingerly
and throw as the priest

(…)

no longstanding headstone
with his full name and two dates

In this stanza from A.K. Ramanujan's "Obituary," the poet describes a ritualistic act associated with the father's passing. The use of the term "gingerly" suggests a careful and delicate handling of something precious, possibly the remains or symbolic elements related to the father's cremation.

The act of throwing, as instructed by the priest, adds a ritualistic and ceremonial dimension to the stanza. The mention of facing east, where three rivers meet near the railway station, introduces geographical and cultural symbolism. East is often associated with religious significance, and the convergence of three rivers may carry additional symbolic weight, possibly representing a juncture of life and spirituality.

The absence of a "longstanding headstone" with the father's full name and two dates is noteworthy. This absence challenges conventional expectations associated with memorialization and the marking of graves. It prompts reflection on alternative ways of remembering and honouring the deceased, possibly tied to cultural or personal beliefs that diverge from mainstream practices.

The stanza, in its entirety, contributes to the poem's exploration of death and ritual, blending cultural, geographical, and personal elements. It challenges traditional notions of memorialization and invites readers to consider diverse perspectives on honouring and remembering the departed.

Stanza 5

to holdin their parentheses
everything he didn’t quite

(…)

and his death by heart-
failure in the fruit market.

In this stanza, the poet explores the theme of external entities taking on responsibilities or aspects of the father's life that he couldn't fulfil. The mention of "Ezoic" suggests a collective or external force that holds everything within its parentheses. This may symbolize societal or cultural structures that shape and influence an individual's life. The juxtaposition of a "Brahmin ghetto" and the "fruit market" suggests a contrast between traditional and possibly privileged beginnings and a more mundane or unexpected end. The mention of "heart failure" adds a physiological dimension to the father's demise, contrasting with the earlier symbolic and ritualistic elements discussed in the poem.

Overall, the stanza delves into the complex interplay between individual agency and external influences, exploring how certain aspects of one's life may be shaped or taken on by external forces, emphasizing the inevitability of certain life events and the unpredictable nature of one's journey.

Stanza 6

But someone told me
he got two lines

(…)

exactly four weeks later
to street hawkers

In this stanza, the poet presents a contrasting perspective on the father's passing, focusing on the treatment of his death in the media. The mention of "two lines in an inside column" emphasizes the brevity and lack of prominence given to the father's death. The fact that it is relegated to an inside column suggests a marginalization or understatement of the event.

The description of the Madras newspaper being "sold by the kilo" adds a commercial and dehumanizing element to the portrayal of media. The utilitarian approach of selling newspapers by weight implies a lack of sensitivity or personalization in reporting on individual lives and deaths. The subsequent mention of street hawkers further emphasizes the commodification of news.

The time frame of "exactly four weeks later" underscores the fleeting nature of attention in the media, as events are quickly replaced by new ones. The stanza, overall, critiques the mass media's treatment of human experiences, particularly how personal tragedies are reduced to brief, transactional mentions, highlighting broader issues of commodification and dehumanization in the media landscape.

Stanza 7

who sell it in turn
to the small groceries

(…)

in newspaper cones
that I usually read

In this stanza from A.K. Ramanujan's "Obituary," the poet extends the exploration of the fate of news about the father's death. The mention of street hawkers selling newspapers to small groceries introduces a chain of distribution that reaches everyday spaces, like the grocery store where the speaker buys common household items. 

The use of "newspaper cones" as a vessel for selling salt, coriander, and jaggery creates a juxtaposition between mundane, everyday needs and the news of the father's death. This juxtaposition underscores the integration of personal grief and routine activities, highlighting the pervasive nature of life's various facets.

This stanza contributes to the broader themes in the poem, emphasising the intersection of the personal and the public, and how individual stories become integrated into the fabric of everyday existence, sometimes losing their significance amid routine transactions and daily chores.

Stanza 8

for fun, and lately
in the hope of finding

(…)

and more than
one annual ritual.

In this final stanza, the poet shifts the focus to the speaker's engagement with the obituary lines and the impact of the father's departure on the family dynamics. The phrase "for fun" implies a casual or perhaps even lighthearted engagement with the newspaper, suggesting that reading obituaries was initially a leisurely activity for the speaker. The shift to "in the hope of finding these obituary lines" indicates a change in the speaker's perspective, possibly driven by a desire to connect with or reflect on the father's passing.

The line "And he left us a changed mother" underscores the transformative effect of the father's death on the family. The use of "changed" suggests a significant alteration in the mother's identity or demeanour, highlighting the profound impact of loss on those left behind.

The mention of "more than one annual ritual" introduces the theme of rituals, emphasizing that the father's absence has led to the creation or modification of family traditions. This could signify the family's way of coping with grief or commemorating the father's memory.

Overall, the stanza blends a shift in the speaker's attitude toward obituaries with reflections on the tangible changes within the family structure and the establishment of new rituals, showcasing the evolving dynamics in the aftermath of the father's passing. 

Themes in the Poem

The poem by A.K. Ramanujan explores various themes, offering a nuanced reflection on life, death, and the enduring impact of familial and cultural legacies. Here are the key themes in the poem:

Death and Transience: The central theme revolves around the inevitability of death and the transient nature of life. The poet depicts the father's passing with vivid and symbolic imagery, from the dust left on a table to the burning at the cremation. This theme is reinforced through the description of the father's remains and the absence of a traditional headstone.

Generational Continuity: The poem delves into the interconnectedness of generations. The reference to a bedwetting grandson named after the father and the symbolic elements left for sons highlights the continuity of familial ties and the passing down of traits, both physical and metaphorical, from one generation to the next.

Cultural and Ritualistic Perspectives: Cultural elements, such as the father's caesarian birth in a Brahmin ghetto and the ritualistic aspects of the cremation ceremony, contribute to the exploration of cultural practices surrounding birth and death. The mention of the priest and the ritualized disposal of the father's remains adds depth to these cultural dimensions.

Media and Public Perception: The poem critiques the treatment of personal tragedies in the media. The father's obituary, reduced to two lines in a newspaper sold by weight, reflects how personal stories can be devalued and commodified in the public sphere. The poet comments on the fleeting attention and commercialization of news.

Family Dynamics and Change: The impact of the father's death on the family is a recurring theme. The changing role of the mother and the establishment of new annual rituals signify the transformative effect of loss on familial dynamics. The speaker's evolving engagement with obituary lines reflects an individual response to grief and the search for connection.

Structure and Form

A.K. Ramanujan's poem "Obituary" is characterized by its free verse form, which means it lacks a strict rhyme scheme or meter. Free verse allows for flexibility and creativity in the arrangement of lines and stanzas. The poem likely follows a more organic and natural flow, allowing the poet to express ideas and emotions without the constraints of a predetermined structure. In terms of structure, the poem might consist of multiple stanzas, each exploring different facets of the theme.

The absence of a regular pattern in rhyme or meter could contribute to a conversational and contemplative tone. The use of enjambment, where lines run into each other without a pause, might also be present, creating a fluid and uninterrupted progression of thought.

Without the specific text of the poem, it's challenging to provide more details about its structure.

However, Ramanujan was known for his skilful use of language, and "Obituary" likely reflects his ability to convey complex themes through a thoughtful and nuanced arrangement of words and lines.

Literary Devices

Imagery: The poet uses vivid and evocative imagery throughout the poem, such as the "dust on a table of papers," "a house that leaned," and "eye coins in the ashes." These images contribute to a rich and detailed portrayal of the father's life and death.

Symbolism: The coconut tree, the three rivers meet, and the newspaper cones symbolize various aspects of life, culture, and routine. These symbols add depth and layers of meaning to the narrative.

Irony: The poem contains elements of irony, particularly in the treatment of the father's death in the media, with only "two lines in an inside column" of a newspaper sold by weight. This ironic portrayal criticizes the dehumanization and commercialization of personal stories.

Repetition: The repetition of phrases like "as before" and "everything he didn't quite manage to do himself" creates a rhythmic pattern and emphasizes key themes in the poem, such as continuity and unfulfilled aspirations.

Alliteration: Instances of alliteration, such as "several spinal discs, rough, some burned to coal," contribute to the poem's musicality and rhythm, enhancing the overall flow of the verses.

Conclusion

The Poem, Obituary by AK Ramanujan intricately weaves together the journey of the father's life, death, and aftermath. The poem explores the multifaceted aspects of mortality, ritual, and the enduring impact on the family. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, Ramanujan delves into the rituals of death, the transformation of familial dynamics, and the subtle ways in which individual stories intersect with the broader tapestry of life. The poem prompts reflection on the varied dimensions of loss, memory, and the enduring nature of personal narratives within the larger context of routine and societal structures.

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