Lakshman by Toru Dutt Summary

The poem “Lakshman” by Toru Dutt was first published in the collection titled “Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan” by Kegan Paul of London in 1882. This collection was published posthumously, as Toru Dutt passed away in 1877. It features a series of poems inspired by ancient Indian literature and mythology, including the epic Ramayana, from which the poem “Lakshman” is derived. The collection showcases Toru Dutt’s deep appreciation for Indian culture and her skill in bringing these ancient stories to life through her poetry.

The poem “Lakshman” by Toru Dutt is a dramatic narrative set in the context of the Indian epic, Ramayana. The poem is a dialogue between Sita and Lakshman, the wife and brother of the hero Rama, respectively.

The poem begins with Sita hearing a cry for help, which she believes is from her husband Rama. She urges Lakshman to go to Rama’s aid, fearing that he is surrounded by enemies. However, Lakshman hesitates, believing that Rama is invincible and suggesting that the cry could be a trick by their enemies.

Sita is distressed by Lakshman’s hesitation and accuses him of cowardice. She even suggests that he might be in league with their enemies and might be hoping to claim her as his wife after Rama’s death. Despite these harsh accusations, Lakshman remains calm and tries to reassure Sita of Rama’s safety.

However, Sita is not convinced and insists that Lakshman go to Rama’s aid. She declares that she would rather die than live without Rama. Moved by her words, Lakshman decides to disregard Rama’s orders to stay and protect Sita, and leaves to help his brother.

Before leaving, Lakshman draws a magic circle around Sita for her protection and asks her not to step out of it. He also asks the forest gods to protect her. Despite the sorrow and guilt he feels for leaving Sita alone, he departs with a brave and determined air.

The poem ends with a sense of foreboding as a vulture screams in the distance, symbolizing the dangers that lie ahead. Throughout the poem, Toru Dutt masterfully captures the emotional intensity of the situation and the deep bonds of loyalty, duty, and love that bind the characters together. The poem is a powerful exploration of courage, sacrifice, and the human capacity for enduring hardship.

Key Points

Author: The poem “Lakshman” is a part of the Indian epic, Ramayana. The author of the original epic is the sage Valmiki. However, the English rendition of this particular section might have been done by various translators and adaptors over the years.

Form: The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABABCDCD. This means that in each stanza, the first- and third-lines rhyme, the second- and fourth-lines rhyme, and the fifth to eighth lines rhyme in an alternating pattern.

Speaker: The speakers in the poem are Sita and Lakshman, two key characters from the Ramayana. The poem is a dramatic dialogue between these two characters, with each expressing their emotions and perspectives.

Setting: The setting of the poem is in the Dandaka forest where Sita, Rama, and Lakshman are in exile. The specific event takes place when Rama has gone to hunt a golden deer at Sita’s behest, leaving Sita under Lakshman’s protection.

Theme: The poem explores several themes including duty and dilemma, courage and accusation, protection and trust, and loyalty and suspicion. It captures the moral and emotional dilemmas faced by the characters in a critical situation.

Plot: The plot revolves around Sita’s fear for Rama’s safety when she hears a cry for help. She urges Lakshman to go to Rama’s aid, but Lakshman is torn between his duty to protect Sita and his duty to aid Rama. The tension escalates as Sita accuses Lakshman of cowardice and treachery, leading to a heated exchange. Eventually, Lakshman decides to go to Rama’s aid, but not before drawing a protective circle around Sita and instructing her not to step out of it.

Tone: The tone of the poem is intense and emotional, reflecting the urgency of the situation and the strong emotions of the characters. It shifts between fear, desperation, accusation, defense, and resolution as the dialogue between Sita and Lakshman unfolds.

Style: The poem is written in a dramatic style, with dialogue between the characters driving the narrative. It uses vivid imagery, metaphors, and rhetorical questions to convey the emotions and dilemmas of the characters. The language is formal and poetic, with a consistent rhyme scheme adding a rhythmic quality to the verse.

Message: The message of the poem lies in its exploration of duty, loyalty, and moral dilemma. It highlights the challenges of making decisions in critical situations and the emotional turmoil that can arise from conflicting responsibilities. It also underscores the importance of trust and understanding in relationships.

In conclusion, “Lakshman” is a powerful and emotionally charged poem that captures a critical moment in the Ramayana. Through its vivid imagery, dramatic dialogue, and exploration of complex themes, it offers a deep insight into the characters of Sita and Lakshman and the moral and emotional dilemmas they face.

Toru Dutt

1. Name: Toru Dutt, also known as Tarulatta Dutt.

2. Birth and Death: She was born on March 4, 1856, and died on August 30, 1877.

3. Nationality: She was an Indian Bengali poet and translator from British India.

4. Languages: She wrote in English and French.

5. Contribution to Literature: She is among the founding figures of Indo-Anglian literature.

6. Published Works: She is known for her volumes of poetry in English, “Sita,” “A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields” (1876), and “Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan” (1882), and for a novel in French, “Le Journal de Mademoiselle d’Arvers” (1879).

7. Themes: Her poems explore themes of loneliness, longing, patriotism, and nostalgia.

8. Early Life and Education: Toru Dutt was born in Calcutta to a well-respected Bengali family. Her father, Govind Chandra Dutt, was known to be of liberal thoughts and worked as a Magistrate in Calcutta. She was educated at home by her father and by an Indian Christian tutor, Babu Shib Chunder Banerjee.

9. Family: Her mother, Kshetramoni Dutt (née Mitter), belonged to the Rambagan Dutt family. Toru was the youngest of three siblings; her sister Aru was two years older to her and she also had a brother Abjie.

10. Travels: In 1869, when Dutt was 13, Dutt’s family left India, making her and her sister some of the first Bengali girls to travel by sea to Europe. The family spent four years living in Europe, one in France and three in England.

11. Death: Dutt died at the age of 21 of tuberculosis.

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