VISION ACADEMY
Chapter 41 THE ZOO- Harindranath Chattopadhyaya
Monday, November 11, 2024
2:27 PM, Shivank Arya
THE ZOO
Today I saw the azure skies
Reflected in a monkey's eyes
And also in a fleckless dove's
And in a peacock's and a deer's
For all these myriad eyes are Love's
Which sparkle through the dark of years.
Today I thought I saw God
Start flame-like within a tiger's heart,
And saw His old celestial smile
In the grey-hearted crocodile.
And saw Him like a splendour
Wake in the brown wriggle of a snake.
And for feet, I saw Him span
A gold bridge in the heart of man
• Azure means a bright blue color, like that of a clear sky.
• Fleckless: This word means spotless or without any blemishes or marks.
• Myriad: It refers to a very large number or countless.
• Celestial: This word is related to the sky or outer space. It can also refer
to something divine or heavenly.
• Splendour: It means magnificence or great beauty.
• Wriggle: This word means to twist and turn with quick, small
movements.
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• Diction refers to the choice and use of words in writing or speech. It
encompasses both the specific words chosen and the way they are
arranged. Diction can be formal or informal, simple or complex, and can
convey different tones and moods.
When analyzing diction, consider factors like:
• Word choice: Are the words simple or complex? Are they formal or
informal? Do they have strong connotations?
• Sentence structure: Are the sentences simple or complex? Are they
short and choppy or long and flowing?
• Figurative language: Does the author use metaphors, similes, or other
figures of speech?
• Sound devices: Does the author use alliteration, assonance, or other
sound devices?
By understanding the diction used in a text, you can better understand
the author's intended meaning and purpose.
line-by-line explanation of the poem "The Zoo" by Harindranath
Chattopadhyaya:
• "Today I saw the azure skies reflected in a monkey's eyes" - This line
sets the scene at the zoo. The poet is observing a monkey and notices
the reflection of the blue sky in its eyes.
• "And also in a fleckless dove's" - The poet continues to observe other
animals, now focusing on a dove.
• "And a deer's for all these myriad eyes are Love's" - The poet extends
the observation to a deer. He suggests that all these eyes, despite
belonging to different creatures, are expressions of love.
• "Which sparkle through the dark of years." - This line adds a sense of
timelessness to the love expressed through the eyes. It implies that this
love has existed for ages and will continue to do so.
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• "Today I thought I saw God start flame-like within a tiger's heart" -
The poet now shifts his focus to a tiger. He imagines seeing a divine
spark, a flame-like energy, within the heart of this wild creature.
• "And saw Him like a splendor wake in the brown wriggle of a snake" -
The poet extends his vision to a snake. He perceives the divine as a
radiant presence awakening within the snake's movements.
• "And saw His old Celestial smile in the gray-hearted crocodile" - The
poet now turns to a crocodile. He sees the divine as a timeless smile, a
celestial expression, in the ancient being.
• "And for feet, I saw Him span" - This line suggests that the divine is not
limited by physical form. It spans beyond the boundaries of the physical
world.
• "A gold bridge in the heart of man" - The poet concludes by suggesting
that the divine has created a bridge of connection within the human
heart. This bridge allows humans to connect with the divine and with
each other.
Overall, the poem celebrates the interconnectedness of all beings and
the presence of the divine in every creature, no matter how ordinary or
extraordinary. It invites the reader to see the world through a lens of
wonder and to recognize the divine in all things.
Task:
1. The poem has an exotic richness of diction. How is this achieved?
Chattopadhyaya achieves this exotic richness through several means:
• Imagery: He employs vivid imagery, such as "azure skies reflected in a
monkey's eyes," to create a striking picture.
• Figurative Language: The poem is rich in metaphors and similes. For
example, God is described as "flame-like" and "a splendor," which adds
to the grandeur of the imagery.
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• Word Choice: The poet uses words that evoke a sense of wonder and
awe, like "myriad eyes," "celestial smile," and "gold bridge."
• Rhythm and Rhyme: The poem's rhythmic structure and rhyme scheme
create a musical quality that enhances the overall effect.
2. What is the thread used to unite man, nature, and beast?
The thread that unites man, nature, and beast in this poem is the
presence of God. The poet sees God's presence in all creation, from the
eyes of animals to the human heart. This divine connection transcends
the boundaries between species and creates a sense of unity and
interconnectedness.
3. "The simple is often profound." Does this poem illustrate the saying?
Yes, this poem does illustrate the saying "The simple is often profound."
The poet uses simple imagery and language to convey a profound
message about the interconnectedness of all things and the divine
presence in nature. The simplicity of the images belies the depth of the
spiritual insight they convey.
4. Why did God span a gold bridge in the heart of man?
This line suggests that God has established a connection with humanity, a
bridge of understanding and love. It symbolizes the divine spark within
each human being, the capacity for spiritual awareness and connection
with the divine.
5. What is the theme of this poem? Is there a message?
The theme of this poem is the unity of all creation and the presence of
God in everything. The poet's message is that we should appreciate the
beauty and interconnectedness of all living things, and recognize the
divine spark within ourselves and others.
6. Has the poet achieved his purpose?
It's difficult to say definitively whether the poet has achieved his purpose,
as the interpretation of poetry is subjective. However, the poem
certainly evokes a sense of wonder and awe, and invites the reader to
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contemplate the deeper meaning of existence. It successfully uses vivid
imagery and language to convey a spiritual message, and therefore, it
can be said that the poet has achieved his purpose of inspiring
contemplation and appreciation for the natural world.
A Poem Analysis of "The Zoo" by Harindranath Chattopadhyaya
Theme:
Harindranath Chattopadhyaya's "The Zoo" is a profound exploration of
the interconnectedness of all life and the divine presence in the natural
world. The poem transcends the boundaries of species and suggests a
universal spiritual essence that permeates all creation.
Imagery and Symbolism:
• The Zoo as a Microcosm: The zoo serves as a microcosm of the world,
showcasing the diversity of life forms.
• Animal Eyes as Windows to the Soul: The poet focuses on the eyes of
animals, suggesting that they are windows to their souls and that they
share a common spiritual bond with humans.
• Divine Presence in Nature: The poet perceives the divine in the most
unlikely creatures, from a tiger to a crocodile. This highlights the idea
that the divine is not confined to human experiences but is present in
all aspects of creation.
Poetic Devices:
• Personification: The poet attributes human qualities to animals, such as
the ability to feel love and experience spiritual awakening.
• Metaphor: The "gold bridge" symbolizes the divine connection
between humans and the divine.
• Symbolism: The zoo represents the world, and the animals symbolize
different aspects of human nature.
Overall Impact:
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"The Zoo" is a thought-provoking poem that challenges conventional
notions of spirituality and encourages readers to appreciate the beauty
and interconnectedness of all life. It invites us to see the divine in the
ordinary and to recognize the spiritual significance of even the smallest
creatures.
By using vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and profound insights,
Chattopadhyaya creates a timeless piece of poetry that continues to
resonate with readers today.
Harindranath Chattopadhyay (2 April 1898 – 23 June 1990) was an Indian
English poet, dramatist, actor, musician and a member of the 1st Lok
Sabha from Vijayawada constituency. He was the younger brother of
Sarojini Naidu, the second woman President of the Indian National
Congress and first Indian woman to hold the position, and Virendra Nath
Chattopadhyay, an international communist revolutionary. The
Government of India awarded him the civilian honor of the Padma
Bhushan in 1973.
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