Writer:- Balkrishna Sama
Summary
“All-Pervading Poetry” is a poem written by Balkrishna Sama, a prominent Nepali poet. The poem is a reflection on the power and influence of poetry in the world. It emphasizes the idea that poetry transcends boundaries and permeates all aspects of life.
The poem starts by asserting that poetry exists everywhere, not just in written words but also in nature, emotions, and human experiences. It describes poetry as a force that brings solace and meaning to people’s lives, connecting them to the divine and the eternal.
Sama highlights the universal nature of poetry, stating that it is not limited to any specific language, culture, or time period. He suggests that poetry is a language of the soul, capable of expressing the deepest emotions and truths that go beyond mere words.
The poem also addresses the transformative power of poetry, portraying it as a catalyst for change and progress. It suggests that poetry can inspire revolutions, awaken dormant spirits, and challenge the status quo. Through its ability to touch hearts and ignite imagination, poetry has the potential to bring about social, political, and spiritual transformation.
In essence, “All Pervading Poetry” celebrates the profound and all-encompassing influence of poetry in human existence. It portrays poetry as a universal language that connects individuals, expresses emotions, and serves as a powerful agent of change. The poem encourages readers to embrace and appreciate the beauty and significance of poetry in their lives.
Understanding
1. What is the holy man in search of? Did he find the object of his search?
ans: The holy man is in search of poetry. Initially, he fails to find it in the forest and believes that it is out of season. However, he encounters an aesthete who enlightens him about the true nature of poetry. The holy man’s perception and understanding shift, and he realizes that poetry is not confined to specific places but is present everywhere, waiting to be discovered. So, in a sense, he does find the object of his search by recognizing that poetry is a pervasive and inherent aspect of existence.
2. How does the aesthete answer the holy man?
ans: The aesthete responds to the holy man’s inquiry about finding poetry by suggesting that poetry is not limited to specific external objects or places. He asserts that poetry is everywhere and can be found by looking at the world with a renewed perspective.
3. What happens when we look at the world through prosaic eyes?
ans: When we look at the world through prosaic eyes, the aesthetic beauty and poetic essence of things elude us. In essence, looking at the world through prosaic eyes leads to a lack of appreciation for its deeper meaning and poetic qualities, causing us to miss out on the profound experiences and connections that can be found within it.
4. How is poetry created in the heart?
ans: Poetry is created in the heart through deep emotional connections and profound experiences. By immersing oneself in the depth of emotions and seeing the world with heightened sensitivity and compassion, the poet can unlock the poetic potential that resides within their own heart.
5. Does the aesthete see the universe as alive? Explain.
ans: Yes, the aesthete sees the universe as alive. When the holy man asks the aesthete about finding poetry in the world, the aesthete responds by saying that poetry is everywhere. He encourages the holy man to look closely and with love at the heart’s smooth surface, where foaming blood gathers. This suggests that the aesthete sees life and vitality in every aspect of existence.
Rhetoric/Language/Writing
1. Why does the poet use a holy man in the poem? Is it because poetry and religion do not come together?
ans: The poet’s use of a holy man in the poem serves multiple purposes. It creates a contrast between the holy man’s search for poetry and the aesthete’s perspective on finding poetry everywhere. The holy man represents a more traditional and narrow approach to seeking poetic inspiration, perhaps tied to religious or conventional notions of poetry.
It’s important to note that the poem does not suggest that poetry and religion are incompatible or separate. Instead, it presents a broader view of poetry that transcends traditional boundaries and encompasses the entire world. The aesthete’s response implies that poetry can be found in all aspects of existence, including religious or spiritual experiences.
2. Find out the different similes used in the poem. How do they contribute to the poem`s argument?
ans: In the poem, several similes are used to convey the poet’s message and contribute to the overall argument. Here are some of the similes and their contributions:
“melting like beeswax in the sun”: This simile describes how the aesthete fades away, suggesting a sense of transient beauty and ephemeral existence. It emphasizes the idea that poetic experiences are fleeting and can dissolve like wax melting in the sun.
“the trees melted like resin, the fruits like honey”: This simile portrays the transformation of the natural world into something more fluid and harmonious. It suggests that when viewed with poetic eyes, even ordinary objects like trees and fruits can take on a sublime and enchanting quality.
These similes contribute to the poem’s argument by emphasizing the transformative nature of poetry. They illustrate how a poetic perspective can dissolve boundaries, reveal hidden beauty, and bring forth a deeper understanding of the world. The similes enhance the imagery and sensory experience of the poem, evoking a vivid and imaginative portrayal of the poet’s message.
3. What is the tone of the poem?
ans: The tone of the poem can be described as contemplative and reflective. The poet explores the search for poetry and the transformative power of perception. There is a sense of curiosity and wonder as the holy man embarks on his quest and encounters the aesthete’s perspective. The language and imagery used in the poem evoke a sense of fluidity and dissolution, emphasizing the transformative nature of the holy man’s experience. Overall, the tone is introspective and invites the reader to ponder the deeper meaning and essence of poetry and perception.
4. What is the significance of the softening of the holy man`s eyes?
ans: The significance of the holy man’s eyes softening in the poem suggests a shift in his perception and understanding. It represents a moment of enlightenment and emotional transformation. The softening of his eyes indicates a deepening of his sensitivity and receptiveness to the beauty and poetry of the world around him. It signifies a shift from a prosaic, mundane perspective to a more profound and poetic way of seeing. The holy man’s softened eyes symbolize his newfound ability to perceive the inherent poetry and interconnectedness of all things, revealing a deeper level of understanding and appreciation for the world.
5. Explain the metaphors of the “blood” and “Ganga” in the poem.
ans: In the poem, two metaphors are used: “blood” and “Ganga” (referring to the river Ganges). Here’s an explanation of their significance:
“Blood”: The metaphor of “blood” represents the life force and vitality that resides within the heart. The poet describes the heart as a place where foaming blood gathers, symbolizing the intensity of emotions and the essence of human experience. It signifies the depth and richness of human existence, which becomes a source of inspiration for poetry. The metaphor suggests that poetry emerges from the pulsating emotions and profound experiences of life.
“Ganga” (the river Ganges): The metaphor of the Ganga, a sacred river in Hindu mythology, represents purity, divinity, and spiritual cleansing. When the sky dissolves to become the Ganga, and the stars turn into droplets of water, it suggests a transcendence of the physical world into a spiritual realm. The metaphor implies that poetry has the power to elevate one’s consciousness and provide a spiritual connection to the universe. It implies that through poetic perception, the ordinary can become extraordinary, and the mundane can be infused with profound meaning.
Both metaphors highlight the transformative nature of poetry and its ability to tap into the deeper layers of human experience and perception. They evoke a sense of awe, beauty, and transcendence, suggesting that poetry has the capacity to touch the sublime and reveal hidden truths about the world and ourselves.
Discussion
1. The poet`s primary task in the poem is to argue how the universe is ablaze with poetry. Are the arguments strong enough to make the poem a strong statement for the universality of poetry?
ans: The arguments presented in the poem make a strong statement for the universality of poetry and how the universe is ablaze with it. The poem asserts that poetry can be found everywhere if one looks at the world with a heightened perception and a poetic sensibility. It argues that poetry is not limited to specific objects or places but resides in the essence of existence itself.
While the poem does not provide a logical or empirical argument, it appeals to the reader’s imagination, emotions, and intuition. It invites readers to see the world through a poetic lens, encouraging them to recognize the beauty, inspiration, and poetic potential that exist in every corner of existence.
Overall, the poem effectively presents a strong statement for the universality of poetry by asserting that poetry is not confined to specific objects or moments but can be found everywhere if one possesses the right perspective and sensitivity. It encourages readers to embrace poetry as an integral part of the human experience and to engage with the world in a poetic manner.
2. The same blood flows in the heart of a human being and a rock. Discuss.
ans: The metaphor of the blood flowing in the heart of a human being and a rock suggests a deep interconnectedness between all aspects of existence. The poet argues that the same life force, symbolized by blood, runs through both animate and inanimate objects. This metaphorical connection emphasizes the underlying unity of the universe.
By highlighting the shared essence of human beings and rocks, the poet challenges the traditional boundaries and distinctions between living and non-living entities. It implies that there is a fundamental kinship between all things, regardless of their apparent differences. The metaphor suggests that there is a universal life energy that animates and sustains everything in the world.
The significance of this metaphor lies in its ability to transcend conventional perceptions and invite a broader understanding of the interconnected nature of existence. It suggests that the division between humans and nature, or between the animate and the inanimate, is merely superficial. The metaphor encourages a deeper appreciation of the inherent poetry and vitality present in all aspects of the universe.
In essence, the metaphor of the shared blood flowing in the heart of a human being and a rock reinforces the poem’s argument that the universe is ablaze with poetry. It underscores the universality of poetic inspiration and suggests that the same creative life force permeates all things, enabling poetry to be found in even the most unexpected places.
3. Poetry is defined as “literature that evokes a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience or a specific emotional response through language chosen and arranged for its meaning sound, and rhythm”. Does the poem “All-Pervading Poetry” fulfill this definition of poetry?
ans: Yes, the poem “All-Pervading Poetry” fulfills the definition of poetry as it evokes a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience and elicits specific emotional responses through its chosen language, arrangement, meaning, sound, and rhythm.
The poem engages the reader’s imagination by presenting the holy man’s quest for poetry and his encounter with the aesthete. It invites the reader to contemplate the idea that poetry exists everywhere, even in the most mundane aspects of life. Through vivid imagery and metaphors, the poem paints a picture of a world transformed by poetic perception.
Furthermore, the poem evokes specific emotional responses. It portrays the holy man’s initial frustration and subsequent enlightenment as he discovers the presence of poetry in every atom of the universe. The reader is invited to share in the holy man’s revelation, experiencing a sense of awe, wonder, and interconnectedness.
In terms of language, the poem employs lyrical and evocative phrases, creating a musical quality and rhythm. The similes, such as “melting like beeswax in the sun,” and the metaphors, like the blood running through veins, contribute to the poem’s aesthetic impact and emotional resonance.
