Welcome! This blog post is a response to the thinking activity assigned by Megha Ma'am. In it, I will address a few questions related to the poem 'Lakshman' by Toru Dutt.
1. A Critical Note on Toru Dutt’s Approach to Indian Myths:
Toru Dutt is one of the earliest poetesses from pre-independence India. Although she was Indian, she was highly proficient in both French and English. She primarily wrote poetry and also engaged in translation work. Coming from a family connected to literature and writing, it can be said that literature was in her blood. Toru Dutt is best known for her translations of French poems, which she published under the title A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields. This anthology includes both her original creative poems and translations of French works. She also wrote an unfinished novel titled Bianca: Or the Young Spanish Maiden.
In addition, Toru Dutt had a deep interest in Indian myths, legends, and stories. She published a collection of such works under the title Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan. Her poem Lakshman is included in this anthology.
Toru Dutt’s Approach to Indian Myths:
Toru Dutt’s approach to Indian myths is both respectful and innovative. She draws from the rich traditions of Indian mythology, but she does not simply retell the stories as they are. Instead, she gives them new life by adding her own interpretations and focusing on the emotional and human aspects of the characters. This makes her poetry relatable to readers, even those who might not be familiar with the original stories.
One of the best examples of her approach is seen in her poem Lakshman, where she takes an episode from the Ramayana and retells it from Sita’s perspective. Instead of portraying Sita as the ideal, submissive woman often found in traditional versions, Toru Dutt shows her as a human being with emotions like fear, anger, and frustration. This makes Sita’s character more complex and relatable, showing that myths can also highlight human struggles and emotions.
Toru Dutt also highlights lesser-discussed emotions or conflicts in her retellings of myths. Her focus is not on the grandeur or divinity of the characters but on their internal dilemmas, their relationships, and their emotions. By doing this, she brings out the universal appeal of these stories, showing that they are not just about gods and heroes but about real human experiences, like love, loss, and duty.
Another important aspect of her approach is her ability to blend Indian and Western influences. While she writes about Indian myths, her style often reflects the influence of Western Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge. This combination of Indian themes with a Western literary style gives her works a unique voice and makes them stand out in Indian English literature.
In summary, Toru Dutt’s approach to Indian myths is modern and creative. She does not treat myths as rigid, sacred tales but as stories that can be explored, reinterpreted, and made relevant to contemporary readers. Her poetry bridges the gap between the past and the present, between Indian culture and global literature, making her a significant figure in Indian English poetry.
2. Do you think the character of Sita portrayed by Toru Dutt in her poem Lakshman differs from the ideal image of Sita presented in The Ramayana?
Yes, Sita in Toru Dutt’s poem Lakshman is portrayed quite differently from the idealized version of Sita in Valmiki’s Ramayana. In the traditional epic, Sita is often depicted as the epitome of patience, devotion, and submission, fulfilling her role as a perfect wife without much complaint. However, Toru Dutt gives her a much more human and relatable character, adding layers of emotion and depth to her personality.
In Lakshman, Sita is not just a passive figure waiting for her husband to return. Instead, she is filled with fear, anxiety, and even anger as she urges Lakshman to go and help Ram, who she believes is in grave danger. Her emotions drive her to question Lakshman’s loyalty, accusing him of not fulfilling his duty. This confrontational and emotional side of Sita is a stark contrast to her usual portrayal as calm and composed. Here, we see a Sita who is deeply worried about her husband, frustrated with Lakshman’s reluctance, and unafraid to voice her concerns.
What makes this portrayal striking is how it gives Sita agency and a voice. She is no longer just a symbol of virtue and sacrifice but a woman who acts out of love and fear for her husband’s safety. Her accusations against Lakshman reflect her vulnerability and the immense pressure placed on her as a wife to uphold family honor. This Sita is not content with quietly accepting the situation; she challenges the roles and duties assigned to her and Lakshman, which makes her feel more real and human.
Through this reinterpretation, Toru Dutt breaks away from the traditional narrative and presents a Sita who is not bound by the idealized image from the Ramayana. Instead, Dutt’s Sita is a relatable character caught between her immense love for her husband and her frustration with the limitations imposed on her by societal norms. This portrayal highlights the complexity of Sita’s emotions, making her a more multifaceted and compelling figure. It also reflects Toru Dutt’s own perspective, as she reimagines an ancient myth through a modern lens, emphasizing Sita’s individuality and strength in a way that resonates with readers even today.
Thank You!!
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