Allusion:

In literature, allusion, an implied or indirect reference to a person, event, or thing or to a part of another text

The title of the poem “Sita” is taken from the epic Ramayana. The poetess in this poem describes the pain and sufferings of Sita.

Metaphor:

Metaphor is a literary device where two unrelated objects are compared to each other. The poetess Dutt has used this poetic device in the following lines.

There, dwells in peace, the poet-anchorite.

And melts the picture from their sight away,

Here, the poet-anchorite refers to Sita as well as Toru Dutt. Here, Sita is compared to an anchorite or priestess. Sita lived in a forest as her husband turned her down. So, she was separated from her country. In the same way, the poetess Dutt also lived in another country for her higher education.

Here, the weeping Sita is compared to something that melts away.

Rhetorical Exclamation:

Rhetorical Exclamation refers to the abrupt expression of emotion or wish or contemplation. This figure of speech is generally introduced by an interjection. The poetess Dutt has used this poetic device in the following lines.

She weeps,—for lo! at every tear she sheds

Anaphora:

Anaphora is a literary device that uses the repetition of short phrases or single words at the beginning of clauses or sentences to enhance rhythm. The poetess Dutt has used this poetic device in the following lines.

The while swans glide; there, “whirring from the brake,”

The peacock springs; there, herds of wild deer race;

There, patches gleam with yellow waving grain;

There, blue smoke from strange altars rises light.

There, dwells in peace, the poet-anchorite.

Personification:

Personification is a poetic device where animals, plants or even inanimate objects are given human qualities. The poetess Dutt has used this poetic device in the following lines.

A dense, dense forest, where no sunbeam pries,

Here, “Sun” is personified with an idea of prying into other’s affairs.

Palilogy:

‘Palilogy’ means the repetition of a word or phrase for emphasis. The poetess Dutt has used this poetic device in the following lines.

A dense, dense forest, where no sunbeam pries,

It is an old, old story, and the lay

Rhetorical Question:

A rhetorical question is a device used to persuade or subtly influence the audience. It’s a question asked not for the answer, but for the effect. The poetess Dutt has used this poetic device in the following lines.

What do they gaze on with wide-open eyes? (Line 2)

But who is this fair lady? (Line 12)

When shall those children by their mother’s side

Gather, ah me! as erst at eventide? (Lines 21-22)

Sita Summary

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