The phrase “where knowledge is free” means a country in which all the people, regardless of their class, caste or religion, have access to knowledge. The poet believes that if all the people are educated, our country will prosper and thus become “heaven of freedom”.

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The poem Where the Mind is Without Fear is a patriotic poem in the form of prayer to God. It was written during the pre-independence era when India was struggling to gain independence from British.

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“Narrow domestic walls” refer to barriers which prevent the people to unite. e.g. caste, creed, religion, sect, language, area etc. The poet is of the views that these barriers have been created by the people as they believe in superstitions and blind faiths. These walls stop the country from making progress and also from getting prosperity.

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The poet uses various images to symbolise the ills of his country as well as the things which he desire. e.g. he symbolises division of society and discrimination with the phrase “broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls“.

In addition he uses images like “depth of truth”, clear stream of reason”, “dreary desert sand” (hopelessness), “heaven of freedom” etc.

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In the poem Where the Mind is Without Fear, reason holds a significant place. According to the poet, reason should be as clear as stream. It should be the guiding force of all the individuals. There should be no room for superstitions and blind faiths. People should use scientific mind in order to progress and prosper in their life and also make their country perfect.

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