Our Casuarina Tree by Toru Dutt | Our Casuarina Tree Poem | Toru Dutt | Summary | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
Our Casuarina Tree
Like a huge Python, winding round and round
The rugged trunk, indented deep with scars,
Up to its very summit near the stars,
A creeper climbs, in whose embraces bound
No other tree could live. But gallantly
The giant wears the scarf, and flowers are hung
In crimson clusters all the boughs among,
Whereon all day are gathered bird and bee;
And oft at nights the garden overflows
With one sweet song that seems to have no close,
Sung darkling from our tree, while men repose.
When first my casement is wide open thrown
At dawn, my eyes delighted on it rest;
Sometimes, and most in winter,—on its crest
A gray baboon sits statue-like alone
Watching the sunrise; while on lower boughs
His puny offspring leap about and play;
And far and near kokilas hail the day;
And to their pastures wend our sleepy cows;
And in the shadow, on the broad tank cast
By that hoar tree, so beautiful and vast,
The water-lilies spring, like snow enmassed.
But not because of its magnificence
Dear is the Casuarina to my soul:
Beneath it we have played; though years may roll,
O sweet companions, loved with love intense,
For your sakes, shall the tree be ever dear.
Blent with your images, it shall arise
In memory, till the hot tears blind mine eyes!
What is that dirge-like murmur that I hear
Like the sea breaking on a shingle-beach?
It is the tree’s lament, an eerie speech,
That haply to the unknown land may reach.
Unknown, yet well-known to the eye of faith!
Ah, I have heard that wail far, far away
In distant lands, by many a sheltered bay,
When slumbered in his cave the water-wraith
And the waves gently kissed the classic shore
Of France or Italy, beneath the moon,
When earth lay trancèd in a dreamless swoon:
And every time the music rose,—before
Mine inner vision rose a form sublime,
Thy form, O Tree, as in my happy prime
I saw thee, in my own loved native clime.
Therefore I fain would consecrate a lay
Unto thy honor, Tree, beloved of those
Who now in blessed sleep, for aye, repose,
Dearer than life to me, alas! were they!
Mayst thou be numbered when my days are done
With deathless trees—like those in Borrowdale,
Under whose awful branches lingered pale
“Fear, trembling Hope, and Death, the skeleton,
And Time the shadow;” and though weak the verse
That would thy beauty fain, oh fain rehearse,
May Love defend thee from Oblivion’s curse.
line-by-line explanation of the poem
Like a huge Python, winding round and round
The rugged trunk, indented deep with scars,
Up to its very summit near the stars,
Explanation: The poet uses vivid imagery to describe the Casuarina tree in her garden. The creeper winding around the tree is compared to a huge python. The rugged trunk of the tree, marked with deep indentations or scars, extends up to its very summit near the stars. This description not only captures the physical appearance of the tree but also conveys its grandeur and majesty. The comparison of the creeper to a python adds a sense of mystery and intrigue. The tree, with its scars and lofty height, stands as a symbol of endurance and aspiration.
Poetic devices:
Simile: The poet uses a simile when she compares the creeper winding around the tree to a huge python. This creates a vivid image in the reader’s mind.
A creeper climbs, in whose embraces bound
No other tree could live.
Explanation: The poet describes a creeper that climbs the Casuarina tree. The creeper is so entwined with the tree that no other tree could survive in its embrace. This could symbolize the deep and exclusive connection the poet feels with the tree, suggesting that no other tree could hold the same significance or evoke the same memories for her. It also underscores the strength and resilience of the Casuarina tree, which continues to thrive despite the creeper’s tight hold. The imagery used here vividly conveys the intertwined relationship between the tree and the creeper, reflecting the poet’s intertwined memories and emotions associated with the tree.
Poetic Device:
Personification: The creeper is described as having “embraces,” attributing human-like qualities to it.
But gallantly
The giant wears the scarf, and flowers are hung
In crimson clusters all the boughs among,
Whereon all day are gathered bird and bee;
Explanation: The poet personifies the tree as a gallant giant wearing a scarf, which is a metaphor for the creeper that winds around the tree. The tree is adorned with flowers that hang in crimson clusters among its boughs, adding color and beauty to the scene. These flowers attract birds and bees throughout the day, making the tree a hub of activity and life. The poet’s use of vivid imagery brings the tree to life, highlighting its grandeur and its role as a source of life and vitality. The tree, with its gallant stature, colorful flowers, and bustling wildlife, stands as a symbol of nature’s beauty and resilience.
Poetic Device:
Personification and Metaphor: The poet personifies the tree as a gallant giant wearing a scarf, which is a metaphor for the creeper that winds around the tree.
And oft at nights the garden overflows
With one sweet song that seems to have no close,
Sung darkling from our tree, while men repose.
Explanation: These lines describe the tranquil and melodious atmosphere of the garden at night. The garden is said to overflow with a sweet song that seems endless, sung from the Casuarina tree. The term “darkling” refers to the song being sung in the dark, adding a sense of mystery and serenity to the scene. This song is heard while people are at rest, suggesting a peaceful and soothing environment. The continuous song could be the chirping of nocturnal birds or insects, symbolizing the constant presence and vitality of nature even in the quiet of the night. These lines beautifully capture the serene and harmonious relationship between nature and humans.
Poetic Device:
Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words is used to create rhythm and mood. For example, “sweet song that seems to have no close.”
When first my casement is wide open thrown
At dawn, my eyes delighted on it rest;
Explanation: The poet describes the joy she feels at dawn when she first opens her window (casement) and her eyes rest on the Casuarina tree. This suggests that the sight of the tree is a source of delight and comfort for the poet, and it’s one of the first things she wants to see in the morning. The tree, therefore, is not just a part of the landscape but also an integral part of her daily life and routine. It symbolizes the start of a new day and brings her joy and peace. This further underscores the deep emotional connection the poet has with the tree.
Poetic Devices
Imagery: The lines create vivid imagery by describing the scene of the speaker opening their window (casement) at dawn and delighting in the sight of something outside.
Sometimes, and most in winter,—on its crest
A gray baboon sits statue-like alone
Watching the sunrise; while on lower boughs
His puny offspring leap about and play;
Explanation: These lines depict a scene where a gray baboon sits alone on the crest of the tree, watching the sunrise, especially during winter. The baboon is described as being “statue-like,” suggesting its stillness and intense focus on the sunrise. This could symbolize contemplation or the peaceful start of a new day.
Meanwhile, the baboon’s young ones are active, leaping about and playing on the lower boughs of the tree. This contrast between the stillness of the adult baboon and the playful energy of its offspring adds a dynamic element to the scene, reflecting the cycle of life and the vitality of nature.
The poet’s detailed observation of these activities shows her deep connection with and appreciation for nature. The Casuarina tree, with its diverse inhabitants, symbolizes a microcosm of life, adding depth to the poet’s memories associated with the tree.
Poetic Device:
Imagery: Description of the baboon and its offspring on the tree creates a visual scene for the reader.
And far and near kokilas hail the day;
And to their pastures wend our sleepy cows;
Explanation: These lines continue to paint a vivid picture of the scene around the tree. The poet describes how kokilas, a type of bird known for its melodious song (often identified with the Indian cuckoo), are heard hailing the day from near and far. This suggests the break of dawn, a time filled with the music of nature.
The second line shifts the focus to the sleepy cows moving towards their pastures. The use of the word “wend” implies a slow, leisurely movement, reinforcing the peaceful, unhurried atmosphere of the morning. The cows’ sleepiness adds a touch of endearing realism to the scene, further enhancing the poet’s affectionate portrayal of her surroundings.
These lines highlight the harmony of nature and the rhythm of rural life that the poet observes from her window. The Casuarina tree stands witness to these daily rituals, strengthening its symbolic connection with the poet’s memories and emotions.
Poetic Device:
Imagery: The image of kokilas hailing the day and cows heading to pastures creates a lively, rural setting.
And in the shadow, on the broad tank cast
By that hoar tree, so beautiful and vast,
The water-lilies spring, like snow enmassed.
Explanation: These lines describe the scene around a water tank (pond) that lies in the shadow of the Casuarina tree. The tree is referred to as “hoar,” an old term for showing signs of age, which could refer to its size, ruggedness, or the color of its bark.
The poet describes the tree as beautiful and vast, indicating her admiration for its grandeur and majesty. The tree casts a broad shadow on the water tank, creating a cool, tranquil spot.
In this shadowy area, water-lilies spring up, their blossoming compared to snow enmassed. This simile not only paints a vivid picture of the white water-lilies but also suggests a sense of purity and tranquility. The water-lilies, like the Casuarina tree, are part of the natural beauty that the poet cherishes.
These lines further emphasize the poet’s deep connection with nature and her keen observation of the beauty in her surroundings. The Casuarina tree, with its vast shadow and the life it supports, symbolizes the enduring presence and nurturing aspect of nature.
Poetic Device:
Simile: The comparison of water-lilies to snow emphasizes their whiteness and abundance.
But not because of its magnificence
Dear is the Casuarina to my soul:
Beneath it we have played; though years may roll,
Explanation: These lines reveal the deeper emotional significance of the tree to the poet. The poet states that the tree is dear to her soul, not just because of its physical magnificence. The real value of the tree lies in the memories associated with it. The poet and her companions have played beneath the tree, and these shared experiences have created a bond between them and the tree. Even as years roll by, these memories remain, making the tree a symbol of their childhood and a repository of their shared past. This highlights the theme of nostalgia and the enduring power of memory that runs through the poem.
Poetic Device:
Symbolism: The Casuarina tree symbolizes cherished memories and companionship.
O sweet companions, loved with love intense,
For your sakes, shall the tree be ever dear.
Explanation: In these lines, the poet expresses her deep affection for her companions with whom she shared her childhood under the tree. The phrase “loved with love intense” emphasizes the depth and intensity of her feelings for them. The tree is dear to her not just for its own sake, but for the sake of these companions. Their shared experiences under the tree have imbued it with emotional significance. The tree, therefore, stands as a symbol of their friendship and the happy times they spent together. This highlights the theme of love and friendship that is central to the poem.
Poetic Device:
Hyperbole: The intense love for the companions exaggerates the emotional attachment to the tree.
Blent with your images, it shall arise
In memory, till the hot tears blind mine eyes!
Explanation: These lines express the poet’s deep emotional connection with her companions and the Casuarina tree. The poet says that the images of her companions are blended with the tree in her memory. The tree is a symbol of their shared past, and the memories associated with it are so intense that they bring tears to her eyes. This suggests a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past. The “hot tears” indicate the depth of her emotions and the pain of separation or loss. These lines highlight the theme of memory and the power of emotions in the poem.
Poetic Device:
Imagery: The tree’s association with memories and tears evokes strong emotions.
Symbolism: The “hot tears” symbolize the depth of her emotions and the pain of separation or loss.
What is that dirge-like murmur that I hear
Like the sea breaking on a shingle-beach?
Explanation: In these lines, the poet hears a sound that she describes as a “dirge-like murmur.” A dirge is a mournful song or piece of music often played at funerals, so the use of this term suggests a sense of sadness or mourning. The poet compares this sound to the noise of the sea breaking on a shingle-beach, which is a rhythmic, continuous, and somewhat melancholic sound. This could symbolize the constant presence of sorrow or longing in her life. The sound seems to be coming from the Casuarina tree, further emphasizing the tree’s symbolic connection with her emotions and memories. These lines add a layer of depth to the poem, highlighting the themes of loss, longing, and the passage of time.
Poetic Device:
Simile: The comparison of the tree’s sound to the sea breaking on a shore.
It is the tree’s lament, an eerie speech,
That haply to the unknown land may reach.
Explanation: In these lines, the poet refers to the “dirge-like murmur” she hears as the tree’s lament. This “eerie speech” is the sound of the tree, which she personifies as expressing its own form of sorrow or mourning. The poet suggests that this lament might reach an “unknown land,” which could symbolize a realm beyond human understanding or perhaps the homeland she has left behind. This adds a layer of mystery and melancholy to the poem, reinforcing its themes of loss, longing, and the enduring power of memory. The Casuarina tree, with its lament, becomes a symbol of the poet’s own feelings of nostalgia and sorrow.
Poetic Device:
Personification: The tree’s sound is described as speech, giving it human-like qualities.
Unknown, yet well-known to the eye of faith!
Explanation: These lines refer to the “unknown land” mentioned in the previous lines. The poet suggests that while this land is unknown in a literal or physical sense, it is well-known to the “eye of faith.” This could mean that the land is familiar or accessible through spiritual insight or belief, even if it cannot be physically seen or known. This adds a spiritual dimension to the poem, suggesting that faith can provide a deeper understanding or connection with the unknown. The “unknown land” could symbolize a realm beyond human understanding, the afterlife, or perhaps the homeland the poet has left behind. The Casuarina tree, with its lament reaching this unknown land, becomes a symbol of the poet’s faith and longing.
Poetic Device:
Paradox: The tree being unknown yet well-known symbolizes faith and belief in its significance.
Ah, I have heard that wail far, far away
In distant lands, by many a sheltered bay,
Explanation: In these lines, the poet recalls hearing the lament of the tree even when she is far away in distant lands. The “wail” she refers to could be the sound of the wind rustling through the branches of the tree, which she personifies as the tree’s lament. This sound evokes memories of the tree and her homeland, causing her to feel a sense of longing and nostalgia. The reference to “many a sheltered bay” suggests that she has traveled to various places, yet the memory of the tree remains with her. These lines highlight the enduring power of memory and the deep emotional connection the poet has with the Casuarina tree.
Poetic Device:
Imagery: The description of hearing the tree’s wail in distant lands creates a sense of universality and timelessness.
When slumbered in his cave the water-wraith
And the waves gently kissed the classic shore
Of France or Italy, beneath the moon,
When earth lay trancèd in a dreamless swoon:
Explanation: These lines evoke a serene and dreamlike atmosphere. The poet refers to a “water-wraith,” a mythical water spirit, which is sleeping in its cave. This could symbolize the calm and quiet of the night. The waves are personified as they “gently kiss” the classic shore of France or Italy, suggesting a peaceful and idyllic scene. The mention of these countries could indicate the poet’s travels or her longing for distant lands.
The scene is set “beneath the moon,” adding to the tranquility and beauty of the night. The earth is described as being “trancèd in a dreamless swoon,” indicating a deep, peaceful sleep or stillness. This could symbolize a state of peace or oblivion, free from the troubles and worries of the world.
These lines continue the themes of memory, longing, and the power of nature in the poem. The Casuarina tree, with its lament reaching distant lands, becomes a symbol of the poet’s emotions and memories, connecting her to the wider world.
Poetic Device:
Allusion: The poet alludes to the classic shores of France and Italy, places renowned for their beauty and cultural significance.
And every time the music rose,—before
Mine inner vision rose a form sublime,
Thy form, O Tree, as in my happy prime
I saw thee, in my own loved native clime.
Explanation: In these lines, the poet describes how the tree appears in her inner vision whenever she hears music. The tree is described as a “form sublime,” indicating its grandeur and beauty. The poet recalls seeing the tree in her “happy prime,” suggesting that the tree is associated with her youth and happier times. The phrase “in my own loved native clime” refers to her homeland, further emphasizing the tree’s symbolic connection with her past and her sense of belonging. These lines highlight the enduring power of memory and the deep emotional bond the poet has with the Casuarina tree.
Poetic Device:
Imagery: The tree’s form rising before the speaker’s inner vision adds to the nostalgia and emotional connection.
Therefore I fain would consecrate a lay
Unto thy honor, Tree, beloved of those
Who now in blessed sleep, for aye, repose,
Dearer than life to me, alas! were they!
Explanation: In these lines, the poet expresses her desire to dedicate a poem (a “lay”) to the honor of the Casuarina tree. The tree is beloved by those who are now in eternal sleep (“blessed sleep, for aye, repose”), suggesting that the companions she used to play with under the tree have passed away. These companions were dearer to her than life itself, indicating the depth of her affection for them. The use of the word “alas” conveys her sorrow and longing for these lost companions. The tree, therefore, becomes a symbol of her love for her companions and her grief over their loss. This adds a layer of poignancy to the poem, highlighting the themes of love, loss, and memory.
Poetic Device:
Hyperbole: The poet uses hyperbole when she says that her companions were “dearer than life” to her. This emphasizes the depth of her affection for them.
Mayst thou be numbered when my days are done
With deathless trees—like those in Borrowdale,
Under whose awful branches lingered pale
“Fear, trembling Hope, and Death, the skeleton,
Explanation: In these lines, the poet expresses her wish for the Casuarina tree to be remembered as one of the “deathless trees,” akin to those in Borrowdale, a valley in England known for its ancient and majestic yew trees. The poet hopes that the tree will continue to exist and be remembered even after her death.
The poet describes the branches of these trees as “awful,” suggesting their grandeur and majesty. Under these branches, she personifies “Fear,” “trembling Hope,” and “Death, the skeleton,” indicating the range of intense emotions and existential thoughts that these trees evoke. This could also symbolize the cycle of life and death, and the human emotions of fear and hope that accompany this cycle.
These lines underscore the themes of mortality, memory, and the enduring power of nature in the poem. The Casuarina tree, with its associations with the poet’s past and her emotions, becomes a symbol of her desire for immortality and remembrance.
Poetic Device:
Personification: The poet personifies Fear, Hope, Death, and Time as lingering under the tree’s branches, giving these abstract concepts a tangible presence in the poem.
Symbolism: The deathless trees in Borrowdale symbolize immortality and endurance.
And Time the shadow;” and though weak the verse
That would thy beauty fain, oh fain rehearse,
May Love defend thee from Oblivion’s curse.
Explanation: In the concluding lines, the poet acknowledges the limitations of her verse in capturing the full beauty of the Casuarina tree. Despite her earnest desire (“fain”) to do so, she feels her verse is “weak” compared to the tree’s sublime beauty.
The poet then expresses a wish that Love may protect the tree from Oblivion’s curse. Here, “Oblivion” symbolizes forgetfulness or the passage of time that erases memories. The poet’s love for the tree, encapsulated in her poem, is seen as a defense against this oblivion. This reflects the poet’s hope that her words will help preserve the memory of the tree and, by extension, the cherished memories associated with it.
These lines underscore the themes of memory, love, and the power of poetry in the face of time and oblivion. The Casuarina tree, with its deep emotional significance for the poet, becomes a symbol of enduring love and memory. The poem itself is an act of remembrance, a testament to the poet’s love for her companions and her homeland. It’s a poignant exploration of the interplay between memory, loss, and the desire for immortality through art.
Poetic Device:
Personification: Time is personified as “the shadow,” implying its pervasive and inevitable presence.
Metaphor: “Oblivion’s curse” is a metaphor for being forgotten or ignored over time.
Summary
“Our Casuarina Tree” is a poem by Toru Dutt, an Indian poet who wrote in English. The poem is a tribute to the Casuarina tree that the poet remembers from her childhood. Here’s a detailed summary:
Stanza 1: The poem begins with a vivid description of the Casuarina tree. The poet compares the creeper on the tree to a huge python that winds around the rugged trunk of the tree. The tree is full of life, attracting birds and bees during the day and resonating with the sweet song of a nightingale at night.
Stanza 2: The poet describes her personal connection with the tree. Every morning, she looks at the tree from her window. She observes the activities around the tree – a baboon watching the sunrise, its offspring playing on the lower boughs, and cows heading to their pastures. The tree casts a broad shadow on the tank (pond), where water-lilies bloom like snow.
Stanza 3: The poet reveals why the tree is dear to her. It’s not just because of its magnificence, but because of the memories associated with it. She and her companions used to play under the tree. The tree is intertwined with their images in her memory. The poet hears a dirge-like murmur from the tree, which she compares to the sound of the sea breaking on a shingle-beach. She interprets this as the tree’s lament that might reach the unknown land.
Stanza 4: The poet refers to the unknown land as a place that is well-known to the eye of faith. She recalls hearing the tree’s wail in distant lands by many a sheltered bay. She remembers the tree as she saw it in her happy prime in her native land.
Stanza 5: The poet expresses her desire to dedicate a poem to the tree. The tree is beloved of those who are now in eternal sleep. The poet wishes that the tree may be remembered like the deathless trees in Borrowdale. She acknowledges the weakness of her verse but hopes that love may protect the tree from oblivion.
The poem is a beautiful blend of vivid imagery, personal memories, and deep emotions. It reflects the poet’s love for nature and her sense of loss and longing. The Casuarina tree serves as a symbol of her childhood, her loved ones, and her homeland. The poem is a poignant exploration of memory, love, and the power of nature.
Key Points
Author
The author of the poem is Toru Dutt, an Indian poet who wrote in English and French in the 19th century. She is often considered the first Indian poet to write in English.
Form (Rhyme Scheme)
“Our Casuarina Tree” is a poem of fifty-five lines, divided into five stanzas. Each stanza consists of eleven lines. The structure of each stanza follows the style of a sonnet that has two quatrains (four lines each) with closed rhymes and a rhyming tercet. This means that the rhyme scheme of each stanza is ABBA CDDC EEE.
Speaker
The speaker of the poem is the poet herself, Toru Dutt. She uses the first person to share her personal experiences and emotions associated with the Casuarina tree.
Setting
The setting of the poem is the poet’s childhood home in India. The Casuarina tree, which stands in the garden of this home, is the central focus of the poem.
Theme
The main themes of the poem are memory, nostalgia, love, and the power of nature. The poet reflects on her childhood memories associated with the tree, expresses her deep love for her companions, and admires the beauty and vitality of the tree.
Plot
The poem does not have a traditional plot as it is more of a personal reflection and emotional exploration. The poet describes the Casuarina tree, shares her memories associated with it, expresses her love for her companions, and conveys her emotions through the imagery of the tree.
Tone
The tone of the poem is nostalgic and emotional. The poet’s affection for the tree and her companions, her longing for the past, and her appreciation for the beauty of nature all contribute to this tone.
Style
The poet uses vivid imagery, personification, simile, and metaphor to bring the tree to life and convey her emotions. Her language is poetic and descriptive, creating a rich and detailed picture of the tree and its surroundings.
Message
The message of the poem is the enduring power of memory and the deep emotional connections we form with our surroundings. The Casuarina tree, with its beauty and vitality, becomes a symbol of the poet’s childhood, her loved ones, and her homeland. The poem is a poignant exploration of memory, love, and the power of nature. It reminds us of the importance of cherishing our memories and appreciating the beauty of nature.
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.
Very Short Answer Questions
Q: Who is the author of the poem “Our Casuarina Tree”?
A: The author of the poem is Toru Dutt.
Q: What is the main theme of the poem?
A: The main theme of the poem is memory and nostalgia.
Q: What does the Casuarina tree symbolize in the poem?
A: The Casuarina tree symbolizes the poet’s childhood memories and the intense love she shared with her companions.
Q: What does the poet compare the creeper on the tree to?
A: The poet compares the creeper on the tree to a huge python.
Q: What does the poet hear from the tree at night?
A: The poet hears a sweet song that seems to have no close, sung from the tree at night.
Q: What does the poet see when she first opens her window at dawn?
A: The poet sees the Casuarina tree when she first opens her window at dawn.
Q: What sits on the crest of the tree in winter?
A: A gray baboon sits on the crest of the tree in winter.
Q: What do the poet’s eyes rest on when her casement is wide open thrown at dawn?
A: The poet’s eyes rest on the Casuarina tree when her casement is wide open thrown at dawn.
Q: What grows in the shadow of the tree, on the broad tank cast?
A: Water-lilies grow in the shadow of the tree, on the broad tank cast.
Q: Why is the Casuarina tree dear to the poet’s soul?
A: The Casuarina tree is dear to the poet’s soul because beneath it, she and her companions have played.
Q: What does the poet hear that is like the sea breaking on a shingle-beach? A: The poet hears a dirge-like murmur from the tree that is like the sea breaking on a shingle-beach.
Q: What is the tree’s lament according to the poet?
A: The tree’s lament is an eerie speech that may reach the unknown land.
Q: Where has the poet heard the wail of the tree?
A: The poet has heard the wail of the tree in distant lands, by many a sheltered bay.
Q: What does the poet see in her inner vision when the music rose?
A: When the music rose, the poet sees the form of the Casuarina tree in her inner vision.
Q: What would the poet like to consecrate to the tree?
A: The poet would like to consecrate a lay (a song or poem) to the tree.
Q: Who are the ones that now in blessed sleep, for aye, repose?
A: The ones that now in blessed sleep, for aye, repose are the poet’s companions who are beloved of the tree.
Q: With what does the poet compare the Casuarina tree when her days are done?
A: The poet compares the Casuarina tree with deathless trees like those in Borrowdale when her days are done.
Q: What does the poet hope will defend the tree from Oblivion’s curse?
A: The poet hopes that Love will defend the tree from Oblivion’s curse.
Q: What does the poet refer to as “Fear, trembling Hope, and Death, the skeleton”?
A: The poet refers to the emotions and existential thoughts that linger under the branches of the deathless trees as “Fear, trembling Hope, and Death, the skeleton.”
Q: What does the poet refer to as “Time the shadow”?
A: The poet refers to the passage of time that is always present, like a shadow, as “Time the shadow.”
Short Answer Questions
Q: How does the poet describe the Casuarina tree in the poem?
A: The poet describes the Casuarina tree as a majestic and beautiful entity. It is depicted as being wrapped by a creeper that climbs up to its very summit. The tree is full of life, attracting birds and bees during the day and resonating with the sweet song of a nightingale at night.
Q: What memories does the poet associate with the Casuarina tree?
A: The poet associates her childhood memories with the Casuarina tree. She and her companions used to play under the tree. These shared experiences have created a bond between them and the tree. Even as years roll by, these memories remain, making the tree a symbol of their childhood and a repository of their shared past.
Q: How does the poet personify the Casuarina tree in the poem?
A: The poet personifies the Casuarina tree in several ways. She describes it as wearing a scarf of flowers, and refers to the sound of the wind rustling through its branches as the tree’s lament or eerie speech. This personification brings the tree to life and helps to convey the poet’s deep emotional connection with it.
Q: What does the poet mean when she says that the tree’s lament may reach the unknown land?
A: The “unknown land” could symbolize a realm beyond human understanding, the afterlife, or perhaps the homeland the poet has left behind. The tree’s lament reaching this unknown land suggests the enduring presence of the tree in the poet’s memory and her longing for the past.
Q: How does the poet use imagery in the poem?
A: The poet uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to create a detailed picture of the tree and its surroundings. She describes the crimson clusters of flowers, the birds and bees gathered on the tree, the water-lilies that spring up like snow, and the sweet song that fills the garden at night.
Q: What emotions does the poet express in the poem?
A: The poet expresses a range of emotions in the poem, including nostalgia, love, longing, and sorrow. She feels a deep affection for her companions and a strong connection with the Casuarina tree. She also expresses a sense of loss and longing for the past.
Q: How does the poet use the Casuarina tree as a symbol in the poem?
A: The Casuarina tree serves as a powerful symbol in the poem. It represents the poet’s childhood, her loved ones, and her homeland. The tree is associated with her cherished memories and intense emotions. It stands as a symbol of her past and her longing for it.
Q: What is the significance of the title “Our Casuarina Tree”?
A: The title “Our Casuarina Tree” signifies the shared memories and experiences associated with the tree. The use of “Our” suggests that the tree holds significance not just for the poet, but also for her companions. It represents their collective past and the deep emotional bond they share.
Q: How does the poet convey her love for her companions in the poem?
A: The poet expresses her deep love for her companions through her memories of playing under the Casuarina tree. She states that for their sakes, the tree will always be dear to her. She also mentions that her companions were dearer to her than life itself, emphasizing the depth of her affection for them.
Q: What is the poet’s hope for the Casuarina tree at the end of the poem?
A: At the end of the poem, the poet expresses her hope that the Casuarina tree will be remembered as one of the “deathless trees,” akin to those in Borrowdale. She hopes that her love-filled verses will protect the tree from oblivion, symbolizing her desire for the tree and her memories associated with it to endure.
Essay Type Questions
Write the critical appreciation of the poem.
Introduction
“Our Casuarina Tree” is a poem by Toru Dutt, an Indian poet who wrote in English and French. The poem is a tribute to a Casuarina tree that the poet remembers from her childhood. The tree is not just a part of the landscape but an integral part of her life and memories. The poem beautifully captures the poet’s deep emotional connection with the Casuarina tree, making it a symbol of her childhood, her loved ones, and her homeland.
Central Idea
The central idea of the poem is the enduring power of memory and the deep emotional connections we form with our surroundings. The Casuarina tree, with its beauty and vitality, becomes a symbol of the poet’s childhood, her loved ones, and her homeland. The tree is associated with her cherished memories and intense emotions. It stands as a symbol of her past and her longing for it.
Structure & Rhyme Scheme
“Our Casuarina Tree” is a poem of fifty-five lines, divided into five stanzas. Each stanza consists of eleven lines. The structure of each stanza follows the style of a sonnet that has two quatrains (four lines each) with closed rhymes and a rhyming tercet. This means that the rhyme scheme of each stanza is ABBA CDDC EEE.
Theme
Memory and Nostalgia: The Casuarina tree is not just a tree for the poetess; it’s a symbol of her childhood, her past, and her memories. It represents the home she has left behind and the loved ones she has lost. The tree, in its grandeur and resilience, is a constant reminder of her past. Every creature that takes shelter in it, every vine that winds around it, brings back memories of a time that is no more. This theme of memory and nostalgia is a recurring one in the poem, making it a poignant and emotional read.
Interconnection of Life: The poetess beautifully portrays the tree as a life-giving entity. It’s not just a tree, but a home to various creatures. The python-like creeper winding around it, the birds and bees that gather on its branches, the baboon that sits on its crest, and the water-lilies that spring in its shadow – all represent different forms of life that are interconnected and sustained by the tree. This theme underscores the interdependence of life forms and the tree’s role as a nurturer.
Immortality through Nature and Poetry: The Casuarina tree, in its enduring strength and continuity, symbolizes immortality. Despite the transient nature of human life, the tree stands tall, unaffected by the passage of time. The poetess seeks to immortalize the tree through her words, making it a lasting monument that transcends physical existence. This theme reflects the poetess’s quest for immortality and her belief in the enduring power of nature and poetry.
Love and Loss: The poem is a heartfelt expression of love and loss. The Casuarina tree is dear to the poetess because of the memories it holds of her loved ones. Its presence brings both joy and sorrow – joy in the remembrance of shared moments, and sorrow in the realization of their loss. This theme adds a layer of depth to the poem, making it a moving and relatable piece of literature.
Style
The poet uses vivid imagery, personification, simile, and metaphor to bring the tree to life and convey her emotions. Her language is poetic and descriptive, creating a rich and detailed picture of the tree and its surroundings. The poet’s use of first-person narrative makes the poem personal and emotionally engaging.
Poetic Devices
The poem is rich in poetic devices such as simile (the creeper is compared to a huge python), personification (the tree is personified as wearing a scarf of flowers), imagery (the crimson clusters of flowers, the birds and bees gathered on the tree), and metaphor (the tree’s lament is referred to as an eerie speech). These devices enhance the vividness of the poem and help convey the poet’s deep emotional connection with the tree.
Message
The message of the poem is the enduring power of memory and the deep emotional connections we form with our surroundings. The Casuarina tree, with its beauty and vitality, becomes a symbol of the poet’s childhood, her loved ones, and her homeland. The poem is a poignant exploration of memory, love, and the power of nature. It reminds us of the importance of cherishing our memories and appreciating the beauty of nature.
Conclusion
“Our Casuarina Tree” is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores the themes of memory, love, and the power of nature. Through her vivid descriptions and emotional reflections, Toru Dutt brings the Casuarina tree to life and makes it a symbol of her past and her emotions. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of memory and the deep emotional connections we form with our surroundings. It reminds us of the beauty of nature and the importance of cherishing our memories. The poem is a powerful expression of the poet’s love for her companions and her longing for her past, making it a moving and memorable piece of literature.
