Poem Analysis - The Gardener 36 Why Does He Not Come Back

Initial Resistance and Emerging Desire

Rabindranath Tagore's "The Gardener 36: Why does he not come back" explores the complex dance between initial resistance and eventual yearning in a romantic relationship. The poem unfolds as a series of encounters where the speaker initially rejects the advances of her suitor, only to later lament his departure. The tone shifts from defiance and feigned disapproval to a desperate longing. This transformation reveals a deeper, underlying desire that the speaker struggles to acknowledge, creating a poignant exploration of love and regret.

A Reflection of Societal Constraints

While not explicitly stated, the poem subtly hints at the social constraints placed upon women in expressing their desires, particularly during Tagore's time in India. The speaker's initial rejections could be interpreted as a performance, a way to maintain propriety while secretly welcoming the attention. The "shame" she mentions and the boldness she accuses him of may reflect societal expectations that women should be demure and not openly pursue romantic interests. This underlying tension adds another layer to the speaker's internal conflict, making her eventual lament even more resonant.

The Push and Pull of Love

One of the central themes of the poem is the push and pull dynamic inherent in many romantic relationships. The speaker's initial resistance is not necessarily genuine rejection but rather a testing of boundaries. She says "Go!" and "Leave me!" but his persistence intrigues her. This resistance heightens the tension and the eventual intimacy, evidenced by the physical closeness ("His lips touched my cheek"). The final act, where he silently removes the garland and departs, reverses this dynamic, leaving the speaker to confront her true feelings of loss and longing.

Symbols of Affection and Withdrawal

The flower and the garland serve as potent symbols of affection. The flower in her hair, dismissed as "useless," represents a simple gesture of love that she initially undervalues. The garland, taken from her neck, is a more significant symbol of connection and commitment. His silent removal of the garland signifies a withdrawal of affection, a severing of the bond. This act is the catalyst for her emotional breakdown and the realization of her love, prompting the question: "Why does he not come back?" This could be interpreted as her awareness that she has pushed him too far and fears she has lost him for good.

A Heart's Unspoken Truth

The poem's significance lies in its exploration of the unspoken truths within the human heart. The speaker's initial resistance and the subsequent longing reveal the complexities of desire and the challenges of acknowledging one's true feelings. "The Gardener 36" is not just a poem about a rejected suitor, but about the internal struggle to reconcile societal expectations with genuine emotions, and the regret that can arise when those emotions are finally recognized too late. It's a reminder that sometimes, the things we push away are the very things we truly desire.