Page 281 - DENG201_ENGLISH_II

Unit 20: ‘Chitra’ by Rabindranath Tagore: Characterisation

herself begged it as a boon from the gods, but at that time she could not foresee what reaction Notes
the fulfilment of her dream would awaken in her own soul. Thus, the gods help in the
development of the drama as well as in the growth of the two human characters. Edward
Thompson states that “these divine actors are as adequately present as Shakespeare’s elves in
his enchanted woodland; they mingle in human affairs with friendly half-amused grace.”
• Tagore could start the play, strike the opening chords, name the characters and memory and
imagination would do the rest. This short play of one Act contains none of the attractions of
Variation in scene, action and characters. There is no complexity in the plot. There is no feeling
of vagueness bordering on dissatisfaction as one finishes the book. The blending of fine shades
of thoughts in a single theme is rendered with a rare intuition and skill.
• Chitra is the daughter of the king of Manipur. Arjuna is “of the Kshatriya or Warrior caste” and
during the action is living as a hermit retired in the forest. Dr. Iyengar feels that “Chitra is the
quintessence of romance. The speeches burn with passion and light up the way from truth to
illusion and again from illusion to truth.” The truth is that Chitra is no Goddess to be worshipped,
nor the object of common pity to be brushed aside like a moth with indifference. She is a woman
and a mother and Arjuna is content and says simply, “Beloved, my life is full”.
• Chitra is not a Goddess hidden in a golden image. Her noble ambition is to meet the greatest
hero of the five pandava brothers. She responds to the call of love and places herself in the
hands of Arjuna murmuring to him “Take me, take all I am”. There is a real conflict at first in
her, but she slowly yields to the compromising attitude and is ready to make her last sacrifice at
Arjuna’s feet. As K. Chandrasekharan says “the final revelation of her true self, so sudden and
so impressive cannot but leave a ringing touch even long after play is over. Chitra is certainly
greater than man and woman put together, though by a strange irony of fate, she happens to be
both.” As one representing the ideal of woman-hood, Chitra shows that a woman is not merely
a passive follower of her husband. Chitra, typirying faith, purity, love and sacrifice embodies
the noblest virtues of womanhood.
20.7 Key-Words

1. Woos : To seek the affection of with intent to romance
2. Quintessance of romance : Perfect or typical example of a quality or class of romance
3. Alive the fire : The passion of bodily love
4. Infatuation : It is the state of being completely carried away by unreasoned
passion or love.
20.8 Review Questions

1. Give an appreciation of ‘Chitra’.
2. Briefly describe the character sketch of Arjuna.
3. Chitra is a genuine symbolic play yielding more meaning at every successive reading. Explain.
Answers: Self-Assessment
1. (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)

20.9 Further Readings

1. “English for Competitive Exams” By Dr. R.P. Bhatnagar
2. “Unique Quintessence of General English” Edited By Dr. S. Sen and Others and
revised by Dr. G.S. Mansukhani.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 275