Lakshman by Toru Dutt Questions Answers
Very Short Answer Questions
Q: Who are the main characters in the poem?
A: The main characters are Sita and Lakshman.
Q: What is the setting of the poem?
A: The setting is the Dandaka forest during the exile of Sita, Rama, and Lakshman.
Q: What triggers the dialogue between Sita and Lakshman?
A: Sita hears a cry for help which she believes is Rama’s, triggering the dialogue.
Q: What does Sita urge Lakshman to do?
A: Sita urges Lakshman to go to Rama’s aid.
Q: Why is Lakshman reluctant to leave Sita?
A: Lakshman is reluctant because he was instructed by Rama to protect Sita.
Q: How does Sita react to Lakshman’s reluctance?
A: Sita reacts with disappointment and suspicion, accusing Lakshman of cowardice and treachery.
Q: What does Lakshman do before he leaves Sita?
A: Lakshman draws a protective circle around Sita with his arrow.
Q: What is the significance of the protective circle?
A: The circle is meant to keep Sita safe from harm.
Q: What does Sita accuse Lakshman of desiring?
A: Sita accuses Lakshman of desiring to take Rama’s wife (herself) and his kingdom.
Q: How does Lakshman respond to Sita’s accusations?
A: Lakshman responds with hurt but also understanding and forgiveness.
Q: What does Lakshman assure Sita of before he leaves?
A: Lakshman assures Sita of Rama’s invincibility and her own safety.
Q: What does Sita declare about her love for Rama?
A: Sita declares that she will not survive without Rama.
Q: What does Lakshman use to draw the protective circle?
A: Lakshman uses an arrow to draw the protective circle.
Q: What does Lakshman ask Sita not to do while he is away?
A: Lakshman asks Sita not to step out of the protective circle.
Q: What does Sita suggest about Lakshman’s courage?
A: Sita suggests that Lakshman’s courage fades without Rama’s presence.
Q: How does Lakshman describe Rama’s strength?
A: Lakshman describes Rama as unequalled under the skies, capable of treading down all adversaries.
Q: What does Sita resolve to do if Rama is in danger?
A: Sita resolves to follow Rama, even if it means facing death.
Q: How does Lakshman bid farewell to Sita?
A: Lakshman bids farewell with a prayer for Sita’s safety and everlasting peace.
Q: What does Lakshman call upon for Sita’s safety?
A: Lakshman calls upon the sylvan gods to watch over Sita.
Q: What is the tone of the poem?
A: The tone is intense and emotional, reflecting the urgency of the situation and the strong emotions of the characters.
Q: What is the form of the poem?
A: The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABABCDCD.
Q: Who is the speaker in the poem?
A: The speakers in the poem are Sita and Lakshman.
Q: What is the theme of the poem?
A: The poem explores themes of duty, loyalty, moral dilemma, and trust.
Q: What style is the poem written in?
A: The poem is written in a dramatic style with dialogue between the characters.
Q: What is the message of the poem?
A: The message lies in its exploration of duty, loyalty, and moral dilemma, highlighting the challenges of making decisions in critical situations.
Q: What does Sita accuse Lakshman of being?
A: Sita accuses Lakshman of being a coward and a traitor.
Q: How does Lakshman defend himself against Sita’s accusations?
A: Lakshman defends himself by asserting his duty to protect Sita and his faith in Rama’s strength.
Q: What does Sita decide when Lakshman refuses to leave?
A: Sita decides that she must go alone to help Rama.
Q: What does Lakshman wish for Sita before he leaves?
A: Lakshman wishes for Sita’s safety and everlasting peace.
Q: How does the poem end?
A: The poem ends with Lakshman leaving to aid Rama, after ensuring Sita’s safety and bidding her farewell.
Short Answer Questions
Q: What is the central conflict in the poem “Lakshman”?
A: The central conflict in the poem is between Sita’s fear for Rama’s safety and Lakshman’s duty to protect Sita. This conflict is expressed through their dialogue, with Sita urging Lakshman to go to Rama’s aid and Lakshman torn between his duty to protect Sita and his duty to aid Rama.
Q: How does the poem “Lakshman” explore the theme of duty and dilemma?
A: The poem explores the theme of duty and dilemma through the character of Lakshman, who is torn between his duty to protect Sita, as instructed by Rama, and his duty to aid Rama, who Sita believes is in danger. This moral dilemma forms the central conflict of the poem.
Q: What is the significance of the protective circle that Lakshman draws around Sita in the poem “Lakshman”?
A: The protective circle that Lakshman draws around Sita symbolizes his duty to protect her and also the trust that should exist between them. It serves as a physical boundary that Sita is instructed not to cross, ensuring her safety in Lakshman’s absence.
Q: How does the poem “Lakshman” portray the character of Sita?
A: The poem portrays Sita as a deeply concerned and loving wife who is fearful for her husband Rama’s safety. Her desperation leads her to question Lakshman’s loyalty and courage. Despite her fear, she shows determination and resolve, indicating her strong character.
Q: How does the poem “Lakshman” portray the character of Lakshman?
A: Lakshman is portrayed as a loyal and dutiful brother who is torn between his duty to protect Sita and his duty to aid Rama. Despite Sita’s harsh accusations, he maintains his composure, showing understanding and forgiveness. His decision to go to Rama’s aid, despite the risk, highlights his bravery.
Q: What is the tone of the poem “Lakshman”?
A: 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.
Q: How does the poem “Lakshman” use imagery to convey the emotions and dilemmas of the characters?
A: The poem uses vivid imagery to depict the emotional intensity of the situation and the dilemmas faced by the characters. For example, Sita’s fear and desperation are conveyed through images like “That cry,–that cry,–it seems to ring Still in my ears”, while Lakshman’s dilemma is depicted through images like “Here with an arrow, lo, I trace A magic circle ere I leave”.
Q: What is the message of the poem “Lakshman”?
A: 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.
Q: How does the poem “Lakshman” use rhetorical questions to express the characters’ emotions and perspectives?
A: The poem uses rhetorical questions to express the characters’ emotions and perspectives. For example, Sita uses rhetorical questions to express her disbelief and disappointment in Lakshman’s actions, while Lakshman uses rhetorical questions to express his hurt and disbelief at Sita’s accusations.
Q: How does the poem “Lakshman” use metaphors to convey its themes and messages?
A: The poem uses metaphors to convey its themes and messages. For example, the protective circle that Lakshman draws around Sita is a metaphor for the boundaries of duty and trust, while the animals and supernatural beings that fear Rama are metaphors for powerful enemies that acknowledge Rama’s might.
Q: How does the poem “Lakshman” depict the relationship between Sita and Lakshman?
A: The poem depicts a complex relationship between Sita and Lakshman. While they care for each other, their relationship is strained by the situation they find themselves in. Sita’s fear for Rama’s safety and Lakshman’s duty to protect Sita lead to a heated exchange, revealing underlying tensions and testing their bond.
Q: How does the poem “Lakshman” use exclamation marks to convey the intensity of the characters’ emotions?
A: The poem uses exclamation marks to convey the intensity of the characters’ emotions. These punctuation marks are used to express strong feelings or a high volume (shouting), and they add emphasis to the characters’ dialogue, highlighting the urgency and emotional intensity of the situation.
Q: How does the poem “Lakshman” depict the character of Rama through the perspectives of Sita and Lakshman?
A: The poem depicts Rama as a heroic and invincible figure through the perspectives of Sita and Lakshman. Sita’s fear for his safety underscores his importance to her, while Lakshman’s unwavering faith in Rama’s strength and valor highlights Rama’s heroic qualities.
Q: How does the poem “Lakshman” use dialogue to drive the narrative?
A: The poem uses dialogue between Sita and Lakshman to drive the narrative. Their exchange of words reveals their emotions, perspectives, and dilemmas, and it propels the action of the poem, leading to Lakshman’s decision to go to Rama’s aid.
Q: Is Lakshman by Toru Dutt a dramatic monologue or narrative ballad?
A: Lakshman by Toru Dutt is classified as a narrative ballad. Here’s why:
Storytelling: The poem tells a story from the Ramayana, focusing on Lakshmana’s loyalty and the events surrounding the golden deer. It narrates the sequence of events and the characters’ actions.
Structure: The poem follows a ballad structure with stanzas of eight lines (octaves) and a consistent rhyme scheme. This structure is typical of ballads, which often tell folktales or historical narratives in a simple, singable format.
Multiple Characters: The poem features dialogue and interaction between characters like Sita and Lakshman, not just internal thoughts of a single character.
While the poem does evoke emotions and internal struggles, it prioritizes telling a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This focus on narrative aligns it more with a ballad than a dramatic monologue.
