Toru Dutt, an eminent 19th-century Indian poetess, left an indelible mark on literature with her profound and evocative works. Among her notable creations is the poignant poem "Sita," which delves into the complex character of Sita from the Hindu epic Ramayana. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive summary and analysis of Toru Dutt's "Sita," exploring the layers of emotions, cultural nuances, and timeless themes embedded within the verses.
Table of Contents
Sita by Toru Dutt
Three happy children in a darkened room!
What do they gaze on with wide-open eyes?
A dense, dense forest, where no sunbeam pries,
And in its centre a cleared spot.—There bloom
Gigantic flowers on creepers that embrace
Tall trees: there, in a quiet lucid lake
The while swans glide; there, "whirring from the brake,"
The peacock springs; there, herds of wild deer race;
There, patches gleam with yellow waving grain;
There, blue smoke from strange altars rises light.
There, dwells in peace, the poet-anchorite.
But who is this fair lady? Not in vain
She weeps,—for lo! at every tear she sheds
Tears from three pairs of young eyes fall amain,
And bowed in sorrow are the three young heads.
It is an old, old story, and the lay
Which has evoked sad Sîta from the past
Is by a mother sung.… 'Tis hushed at last
And melts the picture from their sight away,
Yet shall they dream of it until the day!
When shall those children by their mother's side
Gather, ah me! as erst at eventide?
Summary of Sita
The poem "Sîta," featured in Toru Dutt's collection "Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan" (1882), unfolds the narrative of "Three happy children in a darkened room" engrossed in their mother's recitation of the legend of Sîta. As the mother weaves the tale, she elaborates on Sîta's abandonment, detailing the fauna of the woods and introducing the presence of Valmiki, the "poet-anchorite" credited with writing the Ramayana. The children empathize with Sîta's predicament, but the story takes an abrupt pause as the mother is "hushed at last" by an unidentified figure, presumably her husband. The poem concludes by depicting the children captivated by their mother's storytelling, and the final lines convey the speaker's yearning for the past, reminiscing about the days when she—likely one of those children—would gather around her mother, eagerly absorbing stories during the tranquil evenings.
Analysis of the Poem
A Mother's Lullaby, a Nation's Story
The poem opens with a nostalgic scene. A mother whispers the tale of Sita to her three children, their bedroom transformed into a stage for ancient Hindustan. The narrative flows through vivid imagery, painting a picture of the lush forest where Sita finds refuge after her unjust exile. Deer bound, peacocks dance, and the serene hermitage of Valmiki becomes her sanctuary.
Beyond Ramayana: A Woman's Plight
Dutt's "Sita" transcends mere retelling. She delves into the emotional landscape of the abandoned queen. Here, Sita isn't just a passive victim; she's a woman grappling with heartbreak, loneliness, and societal censure. The poem subtly critiques the patriarchal world that ostracizes her based on unfounded whispers.
Nature as Companion, Nature as Witness
The setting itself becomes a character in the poem. The idyllic forest offers solace to Sita's grief. The whispering leaves bear witness to her tears, the rustling bamboo echoing her unspoken pain. Nature becomes a confidante, a canvas upon which her emotions are etched.
The Power of Storytelling
The poem isn't just about Sita; it's about the power of storytelling. The mother's voice evokes empathy in her children, passing down not just a legend but a critique of society and its treatment of women. The story becomes a bridge between generations, carrying whispers of injustice and resilience across time.
A Symphony of Silence, a Call for Reinterpretation
The poem ends abruptly, silenced by an unknown figure, potentially the father. This abruptness underscores the silencing of women's voices and the societal expectation for them to conform and remain unheard. However, the silence also holds a pregnant pause, a call for reinterpreting the Sita narrative, amplifying her voice and recognizing her strength.
Literary Forms and Techniques Used in the Poem
In analyzing the structure of the poem, it unfolds over twenty-two lines, organized into three quatrains of enclosed rhyme, one quatrain of alternating rhyme, and three rhyming couplets. This results in an overall rhyme scheme of ABBACDDCEFFEGHGHIIJJKK. The deliberate arrangement of these rhyming patterns contributes to the poem's rhythmic and aesthetic qualities.
Furthermore, the poem employs punctuation strategically, notably with the frequent use of exclamation marks and question marks. This punctuational choice, evident from the opening lines, creates a call-and-response ambience reminiscent of a mother engaging with young children. The exclamation marks and question marks enhance the vividness of the storytelling experience, infusing the poem with a dynamic and interactive quality.
About the Author
Born in 1856 in Rambagan, Kolkata, Toru Dutt emerged as a trailblazing Indian poet and writer during the 19th century. Raised in a culturally rich family, she was immersed in various languages and literary traditions, nurturing her passion for literature. Together with her sister Aru, Toru Dutt made substantial contributions to both Indian and English literature in the Victorian era. Her literary creations skillfully intertwined Eastern and Western influences, presenting a distinctive fusion of cultures. Notable among her works are "A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields," and "Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan." Her poetry includes, "Our Casuarina Tree," “Lotus,” “The Tree of Life,” and “Sita.” Although Toru Dutt's untimely death at the age of 21 curtailed a promising literary career, her lasting legacy lies in her ability to bridge diverse cultural narratives through her poetry, establishing her as a pioneer in the realm of Indian literature.
Conclusion
Toru Dutt's poem "Sîta" masterfully weaves together intricate literary forms and techniques to unfold a poignant narrative. The carefully crafted rhyme scheme, characterized by quatrains and couplets, lends a rhythmic elegance to the verses. Moreover, the deliberate use of exclamation marks and question marks enhances the poem's emotive and interactive nature, mirroring the call-and-response dynamics of a mother narrating tales to her captivated children. Through these literary devices, Dutt not only tells the ancient legend of Sîta but also invites readers to engage with the story on a visceral level, bridging the gap between the personal and the cultural in a captivating exploration of empathy, memory, and the timeless art of storytelling.
FAQs
What is the significance of the title Sita?
The title "Sita" holds immense significance as it directs attention to the central character of the Hindu epic Ramayana, portraying Sita as a symbol of femininity, strength, and endurance. The poem delves into the emotional landscape of Sita, offering a nuanced exploration of her abandonment and resilience, capturing the essence of her timeless mythological persona.
What is the central idea of the poem Sita?
The central idea of the poem "Sita" revolves around the retelling of the ancient legend of Sita, focusing on the emotional impact of her abandonment by Rama and the empathetic connection between the characters in the poem—particularly the three children and their mother—as they engage with the poignant narrative. The poem bridges personal and cultural dimensions, exploring themes of empathy, storytelling, and the enduring power of ancient myths.
What is the rhyme scheme of the Sita poem?
The rhyme scheme of the poem "Sita" by Toru Dutt is ABBACDDCEFFEGHGHIIJJKK. The poem consists of three quatrains of enclosed rhyme, one quatrain of alternating rhyme, and three rhyming couplets.
