Poem Analysis - The Last Bargain

Introduction: A Search for Meaning Beyond Material Gain

Rabindranath Tagore's "The Last Bargain" is a poignant exploration of the human desire for fulfillment, contrasting the allure of power, wealth, and beauty with the simple joy of freedom. The poem begins with a sense of urgency and yearning, as the speaker seeks employment. The tone shifts throughout, moving from hopeful anticipation to disappointment and ultimately to a quiet sense of liberation. The poem’s power lies in its understated simplicity, guiding the reader toward a profound understanding of true value.

The Futility of Worldly Power and Possessions

One of the central themes in "The Last Bargain" is the **futility of seeking happiness through worldly means**. The poem presents a king, representing power; an old man, representing wealth; and a fair maid, representing beauty. Each offers the speaker a "bargain," a transaction in exchange for service. The speaker rejects the king's power because it "counted for nought," suggesting that true power lies beyond the ability to command others. Similarly, the speaker turns away from the old man's money, implying that wealth cannot buy genuine satisfaction. These failed bargains illustrate Tagore's belief that material possessions and authority are ultimately empty promises.

The Elusive Nature of Fleeting Beauty

The theme of **the ephemeral nature of beauty** is vividly portrayed through the image of the fair maid. She offers the speaker a smile, but this smile "paled and melted into tears." This suggests that beauty, like all things superficial, is transient and unreliable. The maid's retreat into the "dark" symbolizes the fleeting nature of physical attractiveness and the potential for sadness that lies beneath a beautiful facade. This encounter reinforces the poem's message that lasting happiness cannot be found in superficial or temporary pleasures.

Freedom Found in Simplicity and Innocence

The final encounter with the child playing with shells is the turning point of the poem and introduces the theme of **freedom found in simplicity**. Unlike the king, the old man, and the maid, the child offers "nothing" in return for the speaker's service. This unexpected proposition is what ultimately sets the speaker free. The child's innocence and lack of expectation represent a pure, unadulterated connection. The "child's play" bargain suggests that true freedom and contentment are found not in grand transactions or material gain, but in simple, unburdened relationships and a carefree spirit.

Symbols of Unfulfilled Promises: Roads and Gardens

The poem is rich in symbolism. The "stone-paved road" and the "crooked lane" represent the speaker's arduous journey in search of fulfillment. These roads initially promise opportunity but ultimately lead to disappointment. Similarly, the "garden hedge" that is "all aflower" symbolizes the allure of beauty and pleasure, but this beauty is fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying. These images reinforce the poem's central message that true happiness lies beyond the superficial attractions of the world. A unique interpretation of the "shells" the child plays with could represent the vastness and unsearchable depths of possibility contained within the simplest things, and how they are the key to unburdening oneself from the search of meaning.

Conclusion: A Liberating Revelation

"The Last Bargain" is a powerful testament to the idea that true freedom and contentment are not found in power, wealth, or beauty, but in the simple, unburdened connections of human interaction. Through a series of encounters with figures representing worldly desires, the speaker ultimately discovers that the greatest reward comes from the unexpected bargain with a child, a bargain based on nothing more than play and a shared moment. Tagore’s poem ultimately suggests that letting go of the relentless pursuit of material gain can lead to a profound sense of liberation and fulfillment.