Lakshman: Historical religious character:Lakshman is a historical character.

He was a prince of
king Dashrath. In the great epic, The Ramayana he is almost a
shadow of Lord Rama. He is known for his brotherly love, faith
and bravely.
Toru Dutt was fascinated to ancient mythical stories. Her
one collection refers the same. Many of her poems have issues
or themes from the history. So Lakshman isnt new for us but
Torus poetic art is our concern. She narrates as she found him.

Faith and Helplessness of Lakshman; theme:Lakshman is a great example of faith. In the forest he
wanders with Rama and Sita. In a situation Rama goes for
hunting on demand of Sita, he asks Lakshman to guard her at
any coast. While he was guarding her, Sita heard a cry and
believes it is her husbands shouting for help. She asks
Lakshman to go and save but he denies and tells that his
brother can not be defeated or killed so easily. It could be a
mistake. At this time Sita becomes so angry that she tells a lot
to Lakshman. For him on one side obedience to his brother is
there and o the other Sitas taunts and bitter remarks make him
helpless. Lakshmans helplessness is brought out by the poet.

Ramas going away:The poem begins with the conversation between and Sita
and Lakshman. Rama had gone to hunt a deer. The deer was
so beautiful that Sita demanded it to bring her. Actually it wasnt
a deer but a form of Maricha. To take revenge on Rama for his
sisters insult, Ravana had planned this. Rama goes to hunt the
deer which is actually Maricha. Ravana comes to the hut where
Sita is left behind. Maricha makes foul cry in the similar voice of
Rama, so than Lakshman goes away and Sita be left alone.
Ravana would take her away. Accordingly it happens.
Maricha begins to roar piercing cries: Oh Sita, Oh
Lakshman. Sita hears the cry and requests Lakshman to go
swiftly and save his brother. Sita thinks that her husband is
terribly hurt by enemies and that is why he is making terrible

cries. Lakshman has many arguments favoring Rama but she

doesnt listen to any. She becomes angry and scolds him for
his inaction.
Swift in decision, prompt in deed
Brave unto rashness can this be
The man, to whom all looked at need
Is it my brother that I see!
Lakshman speaks highly of Ramas courage and asks to
dispel her all fears. HE tells her that demons, ghosts and gods
are equally afraid of his might. This can not bee his cry. It is
certainly a plan of foe. But Sita blames him on different
grounds, including cowardice. She tells him of having malice of
in him. He has something different in this mind. He himself
wants to remove his brother so that he can take away his wife
and kingdom. She insults him with these words:Learn this, -whatever comes may come,
But I shall not survive my LoveOf all my thoughts here is the sum!
Witness it gods in heaven above.
Lakshman is unable to bear it any longer her taunts. He
asks her to hear him before he goes. He says that she has
misunderstood him and cruelly wrongs him. He also says that
in her grief she has also forgotten her decorum. He says if he
goes away he would break his brothers order. Moreover he
doesnt consider him as the brother only but as the chief. It is a
crime to disregard or disobey. To follow it be faithfully is his
sole responsibility. Yet he is ready to break the rule for her sake
and tells her he would be responsible in such a case for any
mishap. Before he goes he draws a magic circle on the ground
him his arrow, asking her not to go beyond it, lest she should
come to harm. He acquits her of all blame and invokes a
blessing on her. He departs and is confident of speedy return of
himself and of his brother. His departure is attended by illomens. The end of the poem suggests what is to be followed.

Lakshman- Heroic & Sita- common Woman:-

If we read the Ramayana we find these characters

completely different. Lakshman is almost same but we have to
take note that he is also similar to common man. His language
is not suitable to his structure. Toru wants bring the same
Lakshman but he isnt so and we have to assume him so. As
the human being Torus idea is to bring pathetic condition and
inner thoughts of Lakshman which is new and the poet should
be congratulated for the same. Sita is not the Ramayanas Sita
but she is a common woman. She becomes angry, taunts
Lakshman and accuses him wrongly. Slowly Sita is becoming
like a common woman- the transformation of her is an
interesting aspect of the poem. The opening brings her
anxiety. Lakshmans stand and justification, his determination
and faith make him more likeable than Sita. Her feminine
weapon of bitter sarcasm makes her mean.

A narrative poem: Ballad:Lakshman is a narrative poem. It tells us a story of the

heroic character Lakshman. Sita also comes in the picture.
Rama remains at the background. Even thought it is a known
tale, Toru attempts it to create poetry. The following aspects
make the poem as the narrative one.

(a) Narrative dialogues:Mostly the poet describes the character, event or action.
Toru does both narration and dialogue. Major part is a dialogue
between the main character Lakshman and Sita. These
aspects give liveliness and directness. e.g.
Hark! Lakshman! Hark, again that cry?
It is it is my husbands voice
He said and straight him weapons took
His bow and arrows pointed keen
We part as friends- is it not so?
And speaking thus-he sadly smiles!
Regarding Ramas might the poet has described some
beautiful stanzas. They show words are flowing and she is able
to put down on paper.

(b) Simplicity of Diction:As the poem is a narrative one, simple language is

suitable. This is not epic. Simple sentences, simple questions
and direst understanding give it simplicity. The following lines
prove the point.
He calls on the
I can not bear suspense
He has a work- he can not die
Art thou a coward?
I did not know thy mind before.

(C)Abruptness:The poem begins quickly. As we read we come into

reference and context. Things become clear then. The poem
also ends dramatically. We have been left to find what
happened to Sita. This is done to engage the readers into the
poem. As we are aware of the epic we know that happened to
Sita. Dialogues are dramatic. These things are helpful to raise
the poem at the level of a heroic poem.

(D) Repetitions:Words, lines, phrases are often repeated. They create a

peculiar style as well as rhythm. They intensify the meaning
and serious shades.
Hark! Lakshman! Hark
That cry that cry, it seems to
In the stanza the possessive pronoun his has often
been used: His hope, his ignoble foes, his banishment, his
death. Etc. Similarly I, me, you, your etc are also found
many times. Nouns are also repeated as there are dialogues.

(E) Rhythm:The poem follows a bit fast rhythm as theres such a

mood. Dialogues in critical condition show that Lakshman and
Sita are important. Quickly the lines change. Words flow quickly
as well.
Rakshasas, Danavas, demons, ghosts
Acknowledge in their hearts his might

And sink to their remotest coasts

In terror at his very sight.
How swiftly, easily these lines run! And these are plenty
of such examples.

(F) Clauses and phrases:The poet has descriptive power. She uses clauses and
phrases to build the atmosphere and rhythm e.g.
Swift in decision, prompt in deed
Brave unto rashness can this be
The man, to whom all looked at need
Is it my brother that I see!
Most of the stanzas have such kind a combination.
Because of this the poem becomes heroic poem.