Unit 1 The Taj Mahal Theme of the Poem
Rabindra Nath Tagore is a famous Indian poet. He tries to appeal the readers with his ardent desire to depict the Taj mahal as a majestic monument . It was built by Shajahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumthaz mahal . It is a symbol of love and sorrow for his departed beautiful wife. His life, youth, wealth and power etc. will float away in the course of time. His only dream was to preserve his heart’s pain for her forever. The harsh thunder of imperial power would fade away as the crimson splendor of the sunset fades away. It was a superb attempt by Shajahan to keep the fond memories his sweetheart alive. According to poet, it might give him utmost satisfaction and pleasure as it was a fine piece of art. It is appreciated for its stupendous beauty and splendor.
TEXT BOOK EXERCISES
1. What, in the poet’s view, are the things that would float away down the stream of time?
Life, youth, wealth and renown float away down the stream of time.
2. What do you think was Shah Jahan’s ‘heart’s pain’?
Shah Jahan’s ‘ heart’s pain’ was the memories of his beloved sweetheart Mumthaz.
3. Why is ‘imperial power’ compared to the splendor of sun set?
Just like the splendor of sunset, the imperial power also disappears.
4. Pick out the lines which mean emeralds, rubies and pearls are transient.
Though emeralds, rubies, pearls are all. but as the glitter of rainbow tricking out empty air And must pass away.
5. ‘All float away down the stream of time’. What image do you get from this line?
It gives us a visual image of things floating down a stream during floods. It reminds us that worldly pleasures will perish one day.
6. Pick out two instances of simile from the poem.
1. The harsh thunder of imperial power
Would fade into sleep
Like a sunset’s crimson splendor
2. Though emeralds rubies, pearls are all
But as the glitter of a rainbow tricking out empty air
And must pass away.
Activity 1
Pick out instances of similes from the poem
- like the sunset’s crimson splendor.
- The glitter of rainbow tricking out empty air is compared to the splendor of emeralds, rubies and pearls
Activity 2
Pick out instances visual and auditory images from the poem
Visual images
- Crimson splendor
- Rainbow
- Solitary tears
Auditory images
- Thunder
- Sigh
Activity 3
Write down Words from the poem related to transience and eternity
Transience
- Youth
- Wealth
- Life
Eternity
- Beauty
- Time
- Art
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