Poem Analysis - The Gardener 47 If You Would Have It So

A Surrender of Self

Rabindranath Tagore's "The Gardener 47: If you would have it so" is a poignant exploration of sacrifice and the painful act of relinquishing one's own desires for the sake of another's peace. The poem unfolds as a series of conditional renunciations, where the speaker pledges to stifle their expressions of love and affection if they cause any disturbance to the beloved. The tone is initially subdued and melancholic, gradually evolving into a profound acceptance of self-denial. The overarching mood is one of quiet resignation, infused with a deep, though perhaps unrequited, affection.

Historical and Biographical Background

Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) was a towering figure in Indian literature and culture, and the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Tagore's work often explores themes of love, nature, spirituality, and the relationship between the individual and the divine. His deep understanding of human emotions and his masterful use of imagery make his poems resonate with readers across cultures. His background, deeply rooted in Indian philosophy and his advocacy for social reform, often influences his writing with a sense of humility and devotion, which is evident in this poem's spirit of self-sacrifice.

Love and Self-Sacrifice: The Poem's Heart

The central theme of the poem is undoubtedly love, specifically a form of love characterized by profound self-sacrifice. The speaker is prepared to suppress their natural impulses – singing, gazing, walking, creating – if these actions in any way displease or unsettle the beloved. This highlights a willingness to prioritize the other person's comfort and happiness above their own. Furthermore, the theme of isolation emerges as the speaker willingly distances themselves from the beloved and their world, choosing solitude rather than causing disruption. This self-imposed exile suggests a deep understanding that their presence might be a burden rather than a source of joy.

Images of Retreat: Symbolism in Nature

The poem is rich with natural imagery that symbolizes the speaker's gradual withdrawal. The "singing" represents creative expression and joy, willingly silenced. The "eyes from your face" signify a longing gaze, withheld to avoid causing discomfort. Stepping aside onto "another path" symbolizes a divergence of life journeys, a physical manifestation of emotional distance. Shunning the "lonely garden," a space of beauty and potential connection, underscores the speaker's willingness to relinquish shared intimacy. Finally, the "wanton and wild" water, usually calmed by the speaker’s boat, now reflects the disquiet caused by their love. These vivid images portray a deliberate act of disengagement, emphasizing the depth of the speaker's sacrifice.

A Silent Question: The Nature of Reciprocity

The poem's inherent ambiguity lies in the unstated nature of the beloved's feelings. We are left to wonder if the speaker's actions are prompted by a clear rejection, a subtle hint of discomfort, or simply a fear of causing disruption. Is this a story of unrequited love, or a preemptive sacrifice to protect a fragile relationship? This question encourages us to consider the complexities of love and the potential for misinterpretation. The poem implies that genuine love sometimes requires letting go, even without explicit instruction, raising the question of whether such extreme self-effacement truly serves the best interests of both parties, or only perpetuates a silent suffering.

Final Harmony: A Quiet Farewell

"The Gardener 47: If you would have it so" is a moving meditation on the power of love and the difficult choices it sometimes demands. Tagore masterfully uses natural imagery and a conditional structure to convey the speaker's profound willingness to sacrifice personal happiness for the sake of the beloved's peace of mind. The poem's significance lies in its exploration of the delicate balance between expressing affection and respecting the boundaries of another. It offers a poignant insight into the often-painful reality that true love sometimes requires letting go, even if it means embracing solitude and silencing one's own heart.