English Notes Latest Questions

  1. This poem “Sita” is composed using an alternative rhyme scheme. The poetess has not used any fixed rhyming pattern in the poem. The first twelve lines of the poem have the ABBA rhyme scheme of ABBA. These lines can also be grouped into three quatrains. In each quatrain, the first and last line and tRead more

    This poem “Sita” is composed using an alternative rhyme scheme. The poetess has not used any fixed rhyming pattern in the poem. The first twelve lines of the poem have the ABBA rhyme scheme of ABBA. These lines can also be grouped into three quatrains. In each quatrain, the first and last line and the second and third lines rhyme together. The lines from 12 to 15 are grouped into a quatrain. Here, the rhyme scheme is ABAB. While the rhyme scheme of lines 16-20 is ABBAA. The last two lines of the poem end with a rhyming couplet.

    Sita Summary

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  1. 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 wherRead more

    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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  1. The theme of this poem is the richness of Indian culture. By highlighting the beauty of the Lotus, the author attempts to bring out the rich heritage and beauty of India.  The Lotus Summary

    The theme of this poem is the richness of Indian culture. By highlighting the beauty of the Lotus, the author attempts to bring out the rich heritage and beauty of India. 

    The Lotus Summary

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  1. This poem has a myriad of poetic devices, some of which are as follows: Personification: “Love” and “Flora” are personified in the poem. Allusion: The poem alludes to both Greek and Roman mythologies with its reference to the goddesses Psyche and Juno. Alliteration: A couple of examples would be “hiRead more

    This poem has a myriad of poetic devices, some of which are as follows:

    1. Personification: “Love” and “Flora” are personified in the poem.
    2. Allusion: The poem alludes to both Greek and Roman mythologies with its reference to the goddesses Psyche and Juno.
    3. Alliteration: A couple of examples would be “high honour” and “Rose-red”.

    The Lotus Summary

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  1. The central idea of this poem is flowers. It predominantly revolves around the beauty of the flowers lily, rose and lotus. The Lotus Summary

    The central idea of this poem is flowers. It predominantly revolves around the beauty of the flowers lily, rose and lotus.

    The Lotus Summary

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  1. This poem showcases the poetess' love of nature while she was incarcerated. We feel at ease as she describes the tamarind tree, cluster of mango trees, palm trees, and seemul trees. Otherwise, life is incredibly depressing and miserable. She observes the moon as its light filters through the holes iRead more

    This poem showcases the poetess’ love of nature while she was incarcerated. We feel at ease as she describes the tamarind tree, cluster of mango trees, palm trees, and seemul trees. Otherwise, life is incredibly depressing and miserable. She observes the moon as its light filters through the holes in the bamboo grove.

     

    Sonnet Summary

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  1. 1. Simile: A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not applicable. For example, “Red-red, and startling like a trumpet’s sound.” 2. Metaphor: A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used toRead more

    1. Simile: A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not applicable. For example, “Red-red, and startling like a trumpet’s sound.”
    2. Metaphor: A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid. For example, “And o’er the quiet pools the seemuls lean,”

     

    Sonnet Summary

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  1. The garden, ‘Baugmaree’ which was the garden of the Dutt family is the main theme of the poem. The poetess has described the scenic beauty of her garden in it. The poem is a straightforward lyric poem that aims to express only the joy and beauty the speaker discovers in her garden house. It is strucRead more

    The garden, ‘Baugmaree’ which was the garden of the Dutt family is the main theme of the poem. The poetess has described the scenic beauty of her garden in it. The poem is a straightforward lyric poem that aims to express only the joy and beauty the speaker discovers in her garden house. It is structured in a way that leverages the sonnet form to efficiently express the pace and significance of many pictures, and it uses more straightforward, everyday English than Dutt’s translations.

     

    Sonnet Summary

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