Poem Analysis - The Gardener 42 To Be Drunken And Go To The Dogs

An Ode to Reckless Abandon

Rabindranath Tagore's "The Gardener 42: To be drunken and go to the dogs" is a spirited rejection of conventional wisdom and societal expectations. The poem exudes a defiant and celebratory tone, urging the reader (and the speaker himself) to embrace a life of joyful abandon. The initial hypothetical "if" statements create a sense of possibility and invitation, while the later stanzas transform into a determined declaration. This movement establishes a fervent desire to escape the confines of a life lived according to rigid rules.

Liberation Through Foolishness: Rejecting Conformity

One of the poem's central themes is the liberation that comes from rejecting conformity. The speaker contrasts his past, spent "in the company of steady wise neighbours," with a future he envisions as deliberately foolish. He sees this "drunken" state not as a literal intoxication, but as a metaphor for shedding inhibitions and societal pressures. The line "For I know 'tis the height of wisdom / to be drunken and go to the dogs" encapsulates this theme, presenting a paradoxical inversion of traditional values where foolishness becomes a path to enlightenment.

The Futility of Material Pursuit: A Call to the Essential

Another prominent theme is the futility of material pursuits and intellectual accumulation. The speaker confesses to having "gathered and heaped up scraps / and fragments of things," suggesting a life consumed by collecting knowledge and possessions. He then passionately calls for their destruction ("Crush them and dance upon them"), indicating a desire to discard these burdens and embrace a simpler, more authentic existence. This highlights the poem's underlying message: genuine fulfillment is not found in worldly achievement but in embracing the present moment without restraint.

Reclaiming Joy and Laughter: Shattering the Vessel of Memory

The poem also explores the theme of reclaiming joy and laughter from a life burdened by sorrow and seriousness. The image of "shattering memory's vessel, / scattering the last drop of tears" is particularly powerful. It symbolizes a conscious effort to release past traumas and embrace a lighter, more joyful outlook. The subsequent image of bathing laughter in "the foam of the berry-red wine" reinforces this theme, suggesting that true happiness comes from actively choosing to celebrate life, even in the face of potential hardship.

Symbols of Freedom: Unfurling Sails and Tearing Badges

Several recurring symbols amplify the poem's message. The image of "unfurling your sails before the storm" is a potent symbol of embracing risk and uncertainty. It suggests a willingness to navigate life's challenges head-on, even if it means facing potential disaster. Conversely, "the badge of the civil and staid," which the speaker vows to tear into shreds, represents the constraints of societal expectations and the desire to break free from them. The repeated phrase "to be drunken and go to the dogs" functions as a central symbol, representing a deliberate choice to defy norms and embrace a life of joyous abandon, regardless of the consequences.

Embracing Worthlessness: A Paradoxical Path to Meaning

In conclusion, "The Gardener 42" is a compelling call to embrace a life of deliberate foolishness and reject the constraints of conventional wisdom. Tagore masterfully uses vivid imagery and a defiant tone to convey a message of liberation and the pursuit of genuine joy. The poem suggests that true fulfillment lies not in the accumulation of knowledge or wealth, but in the willingness to surrender to the present moment and embrace a life of reckless abandon. The speaker's vow "to be worthless" is perhaps the most paradoxical and thought-provoking element, hinting that true value may be found not in societal achievements, but in the simple act of living authentically and without regret. Does the speaker truly wish to "go to the dogs", or is this simply the best way he can articulate his frustration with the values of his society?