India Poem by Shoshee Chunder Dutt | India Poem | India by Shoshee Chunder Dutt | India | Shoshee Chunder Dutt | Explanation | Summary | Key Points | Word Meaning | Questions Answers | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
India
(Shoshee Chunder Dutt)
And shall I to the future turn my gaze?
The future is a sealed book to man,
And none so high presumes his sight to raise;
God’s mystic secrets who shall dare to scan?
But sure it is no mighty sin to dream;
I dreamt a dream of strange and wild delight,
Freedom’s pure shrine once more illumed did seem,
The clouds had pass’d beneath the morning light;
On beauty’s cheek I mark’d the tear-drops dry,
And sighs and groans for ever fled the land;
Science again aspired to the sky,
And patriot valour watch’d the smiling strand:
A dream! a dream! Why should a dream it be?
Land of my fathers! Canst thou ne’er be free?
line-by-line explanation of the poem
And shall I to the future turn my gaze?
The future is a sealed book to man,
And none so high presumes his sight to raise;
God’s mystic secrets who shall dare to scan?
Explanation
The opening stanza sets the tone for the entire poem. The poet is looking towards the future, acknowledging that it is a mystery that only God can fully comprehend. This reflects the uncertainty and unpredictability of life and the future. Despite this, the poet asserts that dreaming about the future is not a sin. This statement is significant as it underscores the importance of hope and imagination in envisioning a better future. The poet’s dream for his motherland, India, is a testament to his deep love and concern for his country. His words reflect a sense of anticipation and longing for a brighter future.
Metaphor: The future is referred to as a “sealed book”. This metaphor is a powerful way to express the idea that the future is unknown and unpredictable. It’s like a book that is sealed or closed, whose contents cannot be read or known until it is opened.
Personification: The future is personified as a book that is sealed to man. Personification is a figure of speech in which an inanimate object or abstraction is given human qualities or abilities. This personification adds depth to the metaphor and makes the concept of the future more relatable and understandable.
Rhetorical Question: The poet asks, “God’s mystic secrets who shall dare to scan?” This rhetorical question is used for dramatic effect to emphasize the unknowability of the future. A rhetorical question is a question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer.
But sure it is no mighty sin to dream;
I dreamt a dream of strange and wild delight,
Freedom’s pure shrine once more illumed did seem,
The clouds had pass’d beneath the morning light;
Explanation
In the second stanza, the poet shares his dream for India. He envisions a free and enlightened nation, symbolized by the phrase “Freedom’s pure shrine”. This symbolizes a nation where liberty is revered, indicating the poet’s desire for political and social freedom. The “morning light” represents a new dawn of freedom and hope, suggesting a break from the darkness of oppression and suffering. The poet sees the sorrows of the past, represented by “tear-drops”, disappearing, indicating an end to suffering and oppression. The land is free from sighs and groans, further emphasizing the end of hardship and the beginning of a new era of peace and prosperity.
Poetic Device
Symbolism: The poet uses the phrase “Freedom’s pure shrine” as a symbol for a nation where liberty is revered. Symbols are used in literature to represent something beyond the literal meaning. Here, the “pure shrine” symbolizes a place of respect and reverence, indicating the poet’s desire for political and social freedom.
Imagery: The poet uses vivid imagery like “clouds had pass’d beneath the morning light” to paint a picture of a new dawn of freedom and hope. Imagery is the use of descriptive language to create visual representations of actions, objects, and ideas in our mind in such a way that they appeal to our physical senses.
On beauty’s cheek I mark’d the tear-drops dry,
And sighs and groans for ever fled the land;
Science again aspired to the sky,
And patriot valour watch’d the smiling strand:
Explanation
The third stanza continues the poet’s dream, focusing on progress and development. The resurgence of science symbolizes progress and the advancement of knowledge, reflecting the poet’s hope for intellectual and technological growth in India. The “patriot valour” watching over the “smiling strand” represents the courage and determination of the people vigilantly protecting their land. This suggests a sense of national pride and the readiness to defend the nation’s freedom and integrity.
Poetic Device
Metaphor: The phrase “On beauty’s cheek I mark’d the tear-drops dry” is a metaphor where ‘beauty’s cheek’ could be a metaphor for the country itself, and the drying tear-drops symbolize the end of suffering.
Personification: Science is personified as aspiring to the sky, symbolizing progress and development. This personification gives life to the abstract concept of science, making it more relatable and vivid.
Symbolism: The phrase “Patriot valour watch’d the smiling strand” is symbolic. ‘Patriot valour’ symbolizes the courage and determination of the people, and ‘smiling strand’ represents a peaceful and prosperous land.
A dream! a dream! Why should a dream it be?
Land of my fathers! Canst thou ne’er be free?
Explanation
The final stanza concludes the poem with a poignant question: why should this vision of a free and prosperous India remain just a dream? The poet expresses a deep longing for the freedom of India, the “land of my fathers”. This reflects his patriotic spirit and his profound love for his country. The repetition of the word “dream” emphasizes the intensity of the poet’s desire and his frustration at the current state of affairs. The final line leaves the reader with a powerful image of a nation yearning for freedom, encapsulating the central theme of the poem.
Poetic Device
Repetition: The phrase “A dream! a dream!” is repeated for emphasis. Repetition is a literary device that repeats the same words or phrases a few times to make an idea clearer and more memorable.
Rhetorical Question: The poet asks, “Why should a dream it be?” This rhetorical question is used to provoke thought and emphasize the poet’s desire for freedom.
Apostrophe: The poet addresses his country directly as “Land of my fathers!” This direct address to an inanimate entity or abstract idea is known as apostrophe, and it serves to personalize and dramatize the poet’s emotional appeal.
Summary
The poem begins with the poet contemplating the future, acknowledging that it’s a mystery known only to God. Despite this, he asserts that dreaming about the future is not a sin. He then shares his dream for India, his motherland.
In his dream, he sees a free and enlightened India. The phrase “Freedom’s pure shrine” symbolizes a nation where liberty is revered, and the “morning light” represents a new dawn of freedom and hope. He sees the sorrows of the past, represented by “tear-drops”, disappearing, indicating an end to suffering and oppression. The land is free from sighs and groans, further emphasizing the end of hardship.
The poet also envisions progress and development in India, symbolized by the resurgence of science. The “patriot valour” watching over the “smiling strand” represents the courage and determination of the people vigilantly protecting their land.
The poem concludes with the poet questioning why this vision of a free and prosperous India should remain just a dream. He expresses a deep longing for the freedom of India, the “land of my fathers”. This reflects his patriotic spirit and his profound love for his country.
Overall, the poem is a fervent wish for India’s freedom and progress. It’s a powerful call for liberation, progress, and the end of suffering. The poet uses vivid imagery and emotive language to convey his dream of a free and prosperous India. It’s a testament to his patriotic spirit and his deep love for his country.
Key Points
Author
The author of the poem is Shoshee Chunder Dutt, an Indian writer known for his English prose and poetry. He was one of the first Indian authors to write in English and made significant contributions to Indian literature.
Form (Rhyme Scheme)
The poem is a sonnet, a form of poetry traditionally known for its structure and rhyme scheme. It appears to follow the structure of an English or Shakespearean sonnet, which is usually divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final couplet (two-line stanza). The rhyme scheme of the poem seems to be ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
Speaker
The speaker of the poem is the poet himself, Shoshee Chunder Dutt. He speaks from a personal perspective, expressing his dreams and hopes for his motherland, India.
Setting
The setting of the poem is not explicitly stated, but it can be inferred that the poem is set in India, the poet’s motherland. The poem reflects the socio-political context of the time, expressing the poet’s longing for freedom and progress in India.
Theme
The main theme of the poem is the longing for freedom and progress. The poet dreams of a future where India is free from oppression and suffering, and where science and knowledge flourish. The poem also explores themes of patriotism, hope, and the power of dreams.
Plot
The poem does not have a traditional plot as it is not a narrative poem. Instead, it presents the poet’s dream of a free and prosperous India. The poet contemplates the future, shares his dream, and expresses his longing for this dream to become reality.
Tone
The tone of the poem is hopeful and passionate. The poet expresses a deep love for his country and a fervent wish for its freedom and prosperity. His words convey a sense of anticipation and longing for a brighter future.
Style
The poem is characterized by its lyrical style and use of poetic devices such as metaphor, personification, and symbolism. The poet uses vivid imagery and emotive language to convey his dream of a free and prosperous India.
Message
The message of the poem is a call for liberation, progress, and the end of suffering. The poet urges the reader to strive for freedom and progress, not just for oneself, but for the entire nation. It’s a powerful expression of the poet’s vision for his country, filled with hope, dreams, and a longing for freedom. It’s a testament to the power of dreams and the importance of hope in shaping the future. It’s a reflection of the poet’s deep love for his country and his desire to see it flourish and prosper.
Structure and Rhyme Scheme
The poem “India” by Shoshee Chunder Dutt is a sonnet, a form of poetry traditionally known for its structure and rhyme scheme.
Structure: The poem consists of 14 lines, which is typical of a sonnet. It appears to follow the structure of an English or Shakespearean sonnet, which is usually divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final couplet (two-line stanza).
Rhyme Scheme: The rhyme scheme of the poem seems to be ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which is characteristic of an English or Shakespearean sonnet. This means that the end words of the first and third lines of each quatrain rhyme with each other (A and A, C and C, E and E), as do the end words of the second and fourth lines (B and B, D and D, F and F). The final two lines (GG) form a rhymed couplet.
This structure and rhyme scheme contribute to the rhythm and flow of the poem, enhancing its lyrical quality and emotional impact. They also provide a framework within which the poet explores his themes and expresses his thoughts and feelings.
Shoshee Chunder Dutt
1. Birth and Death: Shoshee Chunder Dutt was born in 1824 and passed away in 1885. His life spanned a significant period of Indian history, including the era of British colonial rule.
2. Profession: Shoshee Chunder Dutt was a multifaceted personality. He was a Bengali author, historian, and poet. His diverse interests and talents are reflected in his wide range of works, which include historical accounts, poetry, and essays.
3. Pseudonyms: Like many authors, Shoshee Chunder Dutt also wrote under pseudonyms. He used the names J.A.G. Barton and Horatio Bickerstaffe Rowney for some of his works. This was a common practice among writers of his time, often used to explore different genres or themes.
4. Family: Shoshee Chunder Dutt was the uncle of Romesh Chunder Dutt, a renowned Indian civil servant, economic historian, and translator of Ramayana and Mahabharata. This suggests that the literary and intellectual pursuits ran in the family.
5. Works: Shoshee Chunder Dutt was a prolific writer. His works covered a wide range of topics, from historical accounts of India to explorations of nature and philosophical musings. His writings reflect his deep love for his country, his keen observation of the world around him, and his insightful understanding of various subjects. Shoshee Chunder Dutt wrote several works, including “The Works of Shoshee Chunder Dutt”, “Half-hours with Nature; or, Explorations for the Truth”, “The Ancient World”, “Bengal: An Account of the Country from the Earliest Times”, “The Great Wars of India”, “The Wild Tribes of India”, “Taxation in India”, “The Indian Statute Book”, “British Opium Policy, and its Results”, “A Vision of Sumeru, and other Poems”, “Reminiscences of a Keráni’s Life”, “The Young Zemindár”, “Stray Leaves — Essays, Poems and Tales”, “Bengaliana: A Dish of Rice and Curry, and Other Indigestible Ingredients”, and “Historical Studies and Recreations” among others.
6. Contribution to Literature: Shoshee Chunder Dutt’s contribution to Indian literature is significant. As one of the first Indian authors to write in English, he played a crucial role in shaping Indian English literature. His works often reflect his deep love for his country and his desire to see it prosper. They provide valuable insights into the socio-political context of his time and continue to be relevant today.
Word Meaning
| Tough Word | Meaning in English | Meaning in Hindi |
| Gaze | To look steadily and intently at something or someone | ताकना |
| Presumes | To suppose or assume something to be the case without proof | मान लेना |
| Mystic | Relating to mysteries or esoteric spiritual knowledge | रहस्यमय |
| Scan | To examine or look at something closely and carefully | स्कैन करना |
| Mighty | Having great power, strength, or influence | बलशाली |
| Sin | An immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law | पाप |
| Dreamt | Past tense of dream, meaning to experience a series of images and emotions during sleep | सपना देखना |
| Wild delight | A strong feeling of pleasure or joy that is unrestrained or uninhibited | अजब आनंद |
| Shrine | A place regarded as holy because of its associations with a divinity or a sacred person or relic | मंदिर |
| Illumed | To illuminate or light up | प्रकाशित करना |
| Sighs | Audible exhalation expressing sadness, relief, or tiredness | सांस लेना |
| Groans | A deep, mournful sound expressing pain or disapproval | कराहट |
| Fled | Past tense of flee, meaning to run away from a place or situation of danger | भाग जाना |
| Aspired | To direct one’s hopes or ambitions toward achieving something | आकांक्षा रखना |
| Patriot valour | Courage and bravery displayed in service to one’s country | देशभक्ति और वीरता |
| Strand | A shore or beach, especially a sandy one | किनारा |
| Canst | Archaic form of “can” | |
| Thou | Archaic second-person singular pronoun, equivalent to “you” | तुम |
| Ne’er | Archaic contraction of “never” | कभी नहीं |
Very Short Answer Questions
Q: Who is the author of the poem “India”?
A: The author of the poem “India” is Shoshee Chunder Dutt.
Q: What is the form of the poem “India”?
A: The poem “India” is a sonnet.
Q: What is the rhyme scheme of the poem “India”?
A: The rhyme scheme of the poem “India” is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
Q: Who is the speaker in the poem “India”?
A: The speaker in the poem “India” is the poet himself, Shoshee Chunder Dutt.
Q: What is the main theme of the poem “India”?
A: The main theme of the poem “India” is the longing for freedom and progress.
Q: What does the “Freedom’s pure shrine” symbolize in the poem “India”?
A: In the poem “India”, “Freedom’s pure shrine” symbolizes a nation where liberty is revered.
Q: What does the “morning light” represent in the poem “India”?
A: In the poem “India”, the “morning light” represents a new dawn of freedom and hope.
Q: What does “tear-drops dry” signify in the poem “India”?
A: In the poem “India”, “tear-drops dry” signifies the end of suffering and oppression.
Q: What does “Science again aspired to the sky” mean in the poem “India”?
A: In the poem “India”, “Science again aspired to the sky” symbolizes progress and development.
Q: What does “patriot valour” refer to in the poem “India”?
A: In the poem “India”, “patriot valour” refers to the courage and determination of the people.
Q: What is the tone of the poem “India”?
A: The tone of the poem “India” is hopeful and passionate.
Q: What is the message of the poem “India”?
A: The message of the poem “India” is a call for liberation, progress, and the end of suffering.
Q: What does the “sealed book” metaphorically represent in the poem “India”?
A: In the poem “India”, the “sealed book” metaphorically represents the future.
Q: What does the “smiling strand” symbolize in the poem “India”?
A: In the poem “India”, the “smiling strand” symbolizes a peaceful and prosperous land.
Q: What does the repetition of the phrase “A dream! a dream!” emphasize in the poem “India”?
A: The repetition of the phrase “A dream! a dream!” in the poem “India” emphasizes the poet’s longing for his dream to become reality.
Q: What does the rhetorical question “Why should a dream it be?” imply in the poem “India”?
A: The rhetorical question “Why should a dream it be?” in the poem “India” implies the poet’s desire for freedom.
Q: What does the apostrophe “Land of my fathers!” express in the poem “India”?
A: The apostrophe “Land of my fathers!” in the poem “India” expresses the poet’s deep love for his country.
Q: What does the phrase “God’s mystic secrets” refer to in the poem “India”?
A: In the poem “India”, “God’s mystic secrets” refers to the unknowable future.
Q: What does the phrase “beauty’s cheek” metaphorically represent in the poem “India”?
A: In the poem “India”, “beauty’s cheek” metaphorically represents the country itself.
Q: What does the phrase “clouds had pass’d” symbolize in the poem “India”?
A: In the poem “India”, the phrase “clouds had pass’d” symbolizes the end of dark times and the beginning of a new era of hope and freedom.
Short Answer Questions
Q: Who is the author of the poem “India” and what is his significance in Indian literature?
A: The author of the poem “India” is Shoshee Chunder Dutt. He was one of the first Indian authors to write in English, making significant contributions to Indian literature. His works often reflect his deep love for his country and his desire to see it prosper.
Q: What is the form and rhyme scheme of the poem “India”?
A: The poem “India” is a sonnet, a form of poetry traditionally known for its structure and rhyme scheme. It appears to follow the structure of an English or Shakespearean sonnet, which is usually divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final couplet (two-line stanza). The rhyme scheme of the poem seems to be ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
Q: What is the main theme of the poem “India”?
A: The main theme of the poem “India” is the longing for freedom and progress. The poet dreams of a future where India is free from oppression and suffering, and where science and knowledge flourish. This theme is a reflection of the poet’s patriotic spirit and his hopes for his country’s future.
Q: What does the “Freedom’s pure shrine” symbolize in the poem “India”?
A: In the poem “India”, “Freedom’s pure shrine” symbolizes a nation where liberty is revered. This indicates the poet’s desire for political and social freedom in India.
Q: What does the “morning light” represent in the poem “India”?
A: In the poem “India”, the “morning light” represents a new dawn of freedom and hope. This suggests a break from the darkness of oppression and suffering, and the beginning of a new era of peace and prosperity.
Q: What does “tear-drops dry” signify in the poem “India”?
A: In the poem “India”, “tear-drops dry” signifies the end of suffering and oppression. This indicates the poet’s hope for a future where the sorrows of the past have disappeared and India is free from hardship.
Q: What does “Science again aspired to the sky” mean in the poem “India”?
A: In the poem “India”, “Science again aspired to the sky” symbolizes progress and development. This suggests the poet’s hope for intellectual and technological growth in India.
Q: What does “patriot valour” refer to in the poem “India”?
A: In the poem “India”, “patriot valour” refers to the courage and determination of the people. This suggests a sense of national pride and the readiness to defend the nation’s freedom and integrity.
Q: What is the tone of the poem “India”?
A: The tone of the poem “India” is hopeful and passionate. The poet expresses a deep love for his country and a fervent wish for its freedom and prosperity. His words convey a sense of anticipation and longing for a brighter future.
Q: What is the message of the poem “India”?
A: The message of the poem “India” is a call for liberation, progress, and the end of suffering. The poet urges the reader to strive for freedom and progress, not just for oneself, but for the entire nation. It’s a powerful expression of the poet’s vision for his country, filled with hope, dreams, and a longing for freedom.
Essay Type Questions
Write the critical appreciation of the poem.
Introduction: Shoshee Chunder Dutt’s “India” is a powerful sonnet that encapsulates the poet’s dreams and aspirations for his motherland. The poem is a fervent expression of the poet’s longing for freedom and progress in India, reflecting the socio-political context of his time. The poet’s deep love for his country and his desire to see it prosper are evident in his words. His vision of a free and prosperous India serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, not just for himself, but for all those who share his dream.
Central Idea: The central idea of the poem is the poet’s dream of a free and prosperous India. The poet contemplates the future, shares his dream, and expresses his longing for this dream to become reality. This dream is not just political, but also social and intellectual, encompassing freedom, progress, and the end of suffering.
Structure & Rhyme Scheme: The poem adheres to the structure of an English or Shakespearean sonnet, typically consisting of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final couplet (two-line stanza). The rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG gives the poem a rhythmic flow and enhances its lyrical quality. The rhyme scheme adds a musical quality to the poem, making it more engaging and memorable.
Theme: The poem “India” by Shoshee Chunder Dutt explores several profound themes:
Longing for Freedom: The most prominent theme in the poem is the longing for freedom. The poet dreams of a future where India is free from oppression and suffering. This longing for freedom is not just political, but also social and intellectual. The poet envisions a nation where liberty is revered, and where people are free to pursue knowledge and progress.
Hope and Anticipation: The poem is imbued with a sense of hope and anticipation. Despite acknowledging that the future is unknown, the poet dares to dream of a brighter future for his country. The “morning light” that the poet refers to symbolizes a new dawn of freedom and hope.
Patriotism: The poem also reflects the poet’s deep love for his country. He refers to India as the “land of my fathers”, indicating his strong emotional connection to his homeland. His dream for a free and prosperous India is a testament to his patriotic spirit.
The Power of Dreams: The poem underscores the power of dreams. The poet asserts that it is no sin to dream, suggesting that dreams can inspire us and guide us towards a better future. His dream of a free and prosperous India serves as a powerful call to action.
Progress and Development: The poem expresses a desire for progress and development. The poet dreams of a future where science soars high again, symbolizing intellectual and technological growth. This reflects the poet’s belief in the power of knowledge and innovation to transform society.
The Struggle against Oppression: The poem depicts the struggle against oppression. The “tear-drops” that the poet sees drying on beauty’s cheek symbolize the end of suffering and oppression. This suggests a future where justice and equality prevail.
Style: The poem is characterized by its lyrical style and use of poetic devices such as metaphor, personification, and symbolism. The poet uses vivid imagery and emotive language to convey his dream of a free and prosperous India. His words paint a vivid picture of his vision, making the poem a powerful and moving tribute to his motherland.
Poetic Devices: The poem employs a variety of poetic devices to convey its themes and messages.
Metaphor: Metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two things that are basically dissimilar. In the poem, the future is referred to as a “sealed book”, symbolizing its mystery and unpredictability. The “Freedom’s pure shrine” symbolizes a nation where liberty is revered, and the “morning light” represents a new dawn of freedom and hope.
Personification: Personification is a figure of speech in which an inanimate object or abstraction is given human qualities or abilities. In the poem, the future is personified as a book that is sealed to man. Science is also personified as aspiring to the sky, symbolizing progress and development.
Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities, by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. In the poem, “tear-drops” symbolize the end of suffering and oppression, and the “smiling strand” represents a peaceful and prosperous land.
Repetition: Repetition is a literary device that repeats the same words or phrases a few times to make an idea clearer and more memorable. In the poem, the phrase “A dream! a dream!” is repeated for emphasis, highlighting the poet’s longing for his dream to become reality.
Rhetorical Question: A rhetorical question is a question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer. In the poem, the poet uses rhetorical questions like “God’s mystic secrets who shall dare to scan?” and “Why should a dream it be?” to provoke thought and emphasize his points.
Apostrophe: Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which the poet addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or a thing. In the poem, the poet addresses his country directly as “Land of my fathers!” This direct address to an inanimate entity or abstract idea serves to personalize and dramatize the poet’s emotional appeal.
Imagery: Imagery is the use of vivid and descriptive language to add depth to their work. It appeals to human senses to deepen the reader’s understanding of the work. In the poem, the poet uses vivid imagery like “clouds had pass’d beneath the morning light” to paint a picture of a new dawn of freedom and hope.
Message: The message of the poem is a call for liberation, progress, and the end of suffering. The poet urges the reader to strive for freedom and progress, not just for oneself, but for the entire nation. It’s a powerful expression of the poet’s vision for his country, filled with hope, dreams, and a longing for freedom. The poem serves as a reminder of the power of dreams and the importance of hope in shaping the future.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the poem “India” by Shoshee Chunder Dutt is a powerful and moving tribute to his motherland. Through his vivid imagery and emotive language, the poet conveys his deep love for his country and his fervent wish for its freedom and prosperity. The poem serves as a testament to the power of dreams and the importance of hope in shaping the future. It’s a call to action, urging the reader to strive for freedom and progress, not just for oneself, but for the entire nation.
