This blog is part of a classroom activity focused on I.A. Richards' practical criticism regarding figurative language. Here, I'll delve into a poem, examining its practical aspects such as language usage, structure, metaphors, and figures of speech.
Brother like Raavan
मुझे रावण जैसा भाई चाहिए !
गर्भवती माँ ने बेटी से पूछा
क्या चाहिए तुझे? बहन या भाई
बेटी बोली भाई
माँ - किसके जैसा? बेटी ने गर्व से
रावण सा, माँ ने जवाब दिया
क्या बकती है? पिता ने धमकाया
'माँ ने घूरा, गाली देती है
बेटी बोली, क्यूँ माँ?
बहन के अपमान पर राज्य
वंश और प्राण लुटा देने वाला
शत्रु स्त्री को हरने के बाद भी
स्पर्श न करने वाला
रावण जैसा भाई ही तो
हर लड़की को चाहिए आज
छाया जैसी साथ निभाने वाली
गर्भवती निर्दोष पत्नी को त्यागने वाले
मर्यादा पुरषोत्तम सा भाई
लेकर क्या करुँगी मैं?
और माँ
अग्नि परीक्षा चौदह बरस वनवास और
अपहरण से लांछित बहु की क़तर आहें
तुम कब तक सुनोगी और
कब तक राम को ही जन्मोगी
माँ सिसक रही थी - पिता आवाक था
About The Poet
The poet who wrote this poem is unknown. Sudha Shukla claimed to be the one who wrote this poem in 1998.
About the Poem
This poem presents a conversation between a pregnant mother and her daughter, exploring the daughter's desire for a brother like Ravana, a character from the Hindu epic Ramayana known for his complex and controversial nature. The mother reacts strongly to this wish, criticizing the daughter's choice, while the father issues a stern warning.
The daughter, however, proudly defends her preference, explaining that she admires a brother like Ravana, who, despite defeating the enemy's woman (referring to Sita), refrains from touching her. The daughter sees such a brother as someone who can provide unwavering support, akin to a shadow, and emulate the qualities of an honorable man by not abandoning a blameless pregnant wife.
The mother, in her emotional response, alludes to the trials of Sita, mentioning the ordeal of fire, fourteen years of exile, and the abandonment after abduction. She questions how long she will have to endure such tales and whether she will continue to give birth to stories centered solely around Rama.
The poem touches upon themes of societal expectations, gender roles, and the conflicting qualities that individuals may value. It also highlights the complexity of characters like Ravana and challenges traditional notions, prompting reflection on the significance of personal choices and societal norms.
Analysis of this poem in accordance with the style and approach of I.A richards work on figurative language
I.A. Richards, a prominent literary critic and theoretician, is known for his work on figurative language and how it evokes emotions and meanings in poetry. Analyzing the provided poem through the lens of Richards' approach involves examining the use of language, symbols, and emotions to understand the poem's impact on the reader. Richards emphasized the importance of ambiguity, tension, and multiple interpretations in poetry.
Figures of Speech:
Metaphor:
The daughter's desire for a brother like Ravana serves as a metaphor. Ravana, a complex character, represents qualities that challenge societal norms and expectations. The metaphor adds layers to the daughter's preference, inviting readers to consider the symbolic implications.
Irony:
The daughter's admiration for Ravana, a character often viewed negatively, creates irony. Richards would appreciate how this irony adds depth to the poem, prompting readers to question conventional ideas about morality and virtue.
Ambiguity and Tension:
The tension arises from the conflicting views within the family. The daughter's unconventional preference creates ambiguity and tension in the poem. Richards would likely appreciate the emotional impact generated by the clash of perspectives and the ambiguity surrounding the daughter's reasoning.
Emotive Language:
Richards emphasized the importance of emotion in poetry. The mother's emotional response, expressed through scolding and sobbing, adds depth to the poem. It creates an emotional resonance that goes beyond the literal meaning of the words.
Multiple Interpretations:
Richards valued poetry that allowed for multiple interpretations. The poem's exploration of the daughter's preference for a brother like Ravana, the mother's objection, and the father's silence provides space for various interpretations. Readers can analyze the characters and their motivations from different perspectives.
Symbolism:
Richards appreciated the use of symbols to convey complex meanings. Ravana, in this context, can be seen as a symbol challenging conventional norms. The mother's mention of Sita's trials symbolizes the struggles faced by women. These symbols contribute to the layered meaning of the poem.
Reader's Response:
Richards focused on the reader's emotional and intellectual response. The emotional depth of the poem, especially the mother's sobbing and the daughter's pride, would likely align with Richards' emphasis on the reader's engagement with the text.
Ravan As a brother in Mythology
Ravan is a complex and formidable character deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly in the epic Ramayana. Known as the primary antagonist in the story, Ravan is portrayed as a powerful and intelligent demon king with ten heads. While he is often vilified, it is essential to acknowledge the multidimensional aspects of his character.
Ravan is also known for his devotion to Lord Shiva, and his penance and prayers to gain immense power and boons are legendary. His dedication to ascetic practices and his ability to invoke the favor of powerful deities demonstrate his spiritual prowess. However, his eventual misuse of.
Ravan's behavior as a brother adds another layer to his character, showcasing familial ties and complexities. In the Ramayana, Ravan is depicted as the brother of Vibhishana and Kumbhakarna. While he is fiercely loyal to his family, especially to his sister Shurpanakha, his relationship with his brothers is intriguing.
Ravan's interactions with his brothers reveal a mix of protective instincts and authoritarian rule. He is known for his deep affection for his siblings, particularly Vibhishana, who is often portrayed as the righteous and virtuous brother. Despite their differences in ideologies, Ravan values the bond of blood and respects Vibhishana's principles, even if he does not entirely agree with them.On the other hand, Ravan's relationship with Kumbhakarna is characterized by a sense of camaraderie.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the analysis of the provided poem in accordance with I.A. Richards' approach to figurative language reveals a rich tapestry of linguistic devices and emotional nuances. The metaphorical use of Ravana as a symbol challenges conventional norms, creating tension and irony within the familial dialogue. The poem's ambiguity invites multiple interpretations, aligning with Richards' emphasis on the openness of meaning in poetry.
The emotional resonance, particularly expressed through the mother's scolding and sobbing, underscores Richards' recognition of the importance of eliciting strong reader responses. The interplay of symbols, such as Ravana and Sita, adds depth to the poem, encouraging readers to explore complex themes related to societal expectations and individual choices.
I.A. Richards' influence on literary criticism prompts us to appreciate the poem's effectiveness in evoking emotions, stimulating intellectual engagement, and fostering a nuanced understanding of the figurative language employed. Through this lens, the poem stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of Richards' theories in unraveling the layers of meaning inherent in poetic expression.
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