Poem Analysis - The Gardener 7 O Mother

Introduction: A Fleeting Moment of Aspiration

Rabindranath Tagore’s "The Gardener 7: O mother" is a poignant exploration of fleeting desire and the yearning for recognition. The poem unfolds as a young woman anticipates and then experiences the passage of a prince, revealing her intense longing and subsequent disillusionment. The tone shifts from excited anticipation to a quiet understanding of her own insignificance in the prince's grand procession. Ultimately, the poem leaves the reader contemplating the nature of unrequited longing and the sacrifices one might make for a moment of imagined connection.

Longing and Futility: The Core Themes

The poem grapples with several interconnected themes. Firstly, longing is central; the woman’s intense desire to be noticed by the prince drives her actions. This longing quickly morphs into a sense of futility, as she recognizes the impossibility of her dream. The lines "I know well he will not glance up once at my window" and "I know well he did not pick up my chain" starkly illustrate this awareness. A third theme, sacrifice, emerges as she throws her jewel into the prince's path, a symbolic offering of her most prized possession in the hopes of acknowledgement.

Imagery of Royalty and Subservience: Visual Storytelling

Tagore uses vivid imagery to highlight the contrast between the prince’s grandeur and the woman’s humble position. The "morning sun flashed from his chariot" paints a picture of radiant royalty, while her act of "swept aside the veil from my face" and "tore the ruby chain from my neck" suggest a desperate attempt to break free from obscurity. The image of the chain being "crushed under his wheels leaving a red stain upon the dust" is particularly powerful, symbolizing the destruction of her offering and the indifference of the prince to her sacrifice. The "vanishing strain of the flute" suggests that even beauty that comes from royalty is fleeting for those who are not a part of that world.

The Jewel: Symbol of Sacrifice and Lost Value

The ruby chain acts as a central symbol. It represents not only the woman’s material wealth but also her dreams, aspirations, and perhaps even her self-worth. By flinging it before the prince, she is offering a part of herself, hoping to be seen and valued. However, its ultimate fate – being crushed under the chariot wheels – underscores the futility of her gesture and the insignificance of her offering to the powerful prince. The poem leaves us to wonder: was her sacrifice a waste, or did the act of offering itself hold some intrinsic value for her?

The Mother: Silent Witness and Unspoken Commentary

The repeated "Why do you look at me amazed, mother?" is a telling refrain. The mother's silence acts as a subtle commentary on the woman's actions. Her amazement could stem from several interpretations: disapproval of the woman's impulsiveness, sadness at her naivete, or perhaps even a recognition of a universal human desire for love and recognition. The mother's gaze becomes a mirror reflecting the woman's own internal conflict and the potential consequences of her actions.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Longing

"The Gardener 7: O mother" is a deeply moving poem that explores the themes of longing, futility, and sacrifice. Through vivid imagery and poignant symbolism, Tagore captures the intensity of a fleeting moment of desire and the subsequent realization of its unreachability. The poem ultimately reveals the enduring power of human longing and the complex emotions that arise when faced with the disparity between dreams and reality. It’s a reminder that even in the face of indifference, the act of offering, however futile, can hold a profound significance for the individual.