Miss Ellen McMahon
English land Literature
27.09.24
Analysis of “Where the Mind is without fear” and “If We Must die”
In a world where freedom is scarce, and justice doesn't always prevail, poems are
considered a great way to represent protest. Both Rabindranath Tagore’s “Where the Mind is
without Fear” and Claude McKay’s “If We Must Die” use imagery and symbolism to
represent such freedom. Tagore’s poem, written during the British colonial period in India,
represents his idea of a free society, whereas McKay’s poem, written during the Harlem
Renaissance, talks about the resistance against racial atrocities. Through their works, both
authors convey a message of advocating against the injustice present in this world. This
analytical essay will show how Tagore and McKay used different literary techniques to
convey their themes of protest effectively.
In “Where the Mind Is Without Fear,” Tagore explains his concept of a free
society by employing literary techniques such as imagery and symbolism. The poem opens
with the line, “Where the mind is without fear, and the head is held high,” this line uses a
metaphor, symbolizing the dignity a man can take without fear in his head controlling him.
This beginning of the poem relays a tone of justice and freedom to all readers and, therefore,
has an inspirational tone and meaning behind it. Furthermore, Tagore’s repetition of the word
“where” throughout the poem emphasizes his yearning for an ideal society. For example,
when Tagore says, “Where knowledge is free” (line 2), he says that knowledge should not be
constrained to only specific people but rather accessible to all those who seek it. This idea is
further built upon when he says, “Where the world has not been broken up into fragments,”
where he then talks about the concept of divisions created by caste, religion, skin - color, etc.
This use of the word “where” helps readers determine where ideas are formed and continued,
as every use of the word “where” refers to a new idea being introduced. This use of repetition
can be seen multiple times throughout the poem, which not only helps emphasize the
yearning this author has for this concept but also helps readers conclude what kind of society
Tagore envisions. He also further reflects on his vision for a country free from both colonial
rule and internal segregation. This imagery resonates with his desire for a United India.
Through these uses of imagery, Tagore allows readers to feel reflective on the true definition
of freedom and how those ideals resonate and compare to the reader’s surroundings.
Similarly, Claude McKay’s “If We Must Die” uses imagery and metaphors to convey
his message of resisting oppression. The poem opens with a line saying, “If we must die, let it
not be like hogs.” This line contrasts the dignity of a noble death and being slaughtered like
animals. This evokes readers to confront the brutal oppressions this world poses. The use of
the phrase “mad and hungry dogs” acts as imagery, further emphasizing the oppression by
comparing it to predators that threaten the lives of those oppressed. Furthermore, the
repetition of the phrase “let us” throughout the poem represents the yearning the author has
for unity and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. For example, the line “Let us nobly
die” acts as a call to action for all the readers, highlighting the need for collective bravery
against oppression. Moreover, McKay’s urgent tone, combined with his use of selective
language, forces readers to naturally reflect on their roles in the struggle for justice. For
example, the line “O kinsmen! We must meet the common foe!” expresses a sense of
camaraderie and shared responsibility in fighting back against oppression. This again acts as
a direct call to action for the readers, allowing readers to reflect on the oppressive behavior
present in their lives. This use of such imagery is seen prominently throughout McKay’s
poem, urging readers to visualize and fight back against the atrocities being committed. This
allows readers to understand the yearning the author feels to fight against oppression. This
form of imagery also carries a hint of metaphorical depth, explaining what kind of atrocities
are being committed and how bravery and dignity can help set people free from the
constraints of said oppressors.
In conclusion, both Tagore and McKay masterfully employ literary techniques such as
imagery, symbolism, and metaphors to convey their messages of freedom and dignity.
Tagore’s poem envisions a perfect India during British colonialism, whereas McKay’s poem
is fueled by a rebellious commitment against his oppressors during the Harlem Renaissance.
Both these perspectives of rebellion serve as a reflection on human conditions and resistance
against oppression within a just society.
