ABHISARA- THE TRYST

1. What aspects of nature are described in the poem?

Answer: The poem describes a range of natural elements –
the murky sky of August, the blossoming trees in spring,
the flash of lightning, the thundering storm, the silent town
under the full moon, the plaintive calls of the love-sick
koels from the mango branches, and the warm spring air
carrying the notes of a flute.
2. Describe the first meeting between Upagupta and the
young dancing girl.
Answer: In their first meeting, Upagupta, an ascetic, was
asleep by the city wall when he was woken by Vasavadatta,
the dancing girl, touching his chest. She was dressed
luxuriously, a stark contrast to his austere appearance.
Vasavadatta invited him to her house, stating the dusty
earth was not a suitable bed for him. However, Upagupta,
unperturbed by her wealth and beauty, told her to go on her
way, and he would visit her when the time was ripe.
3. Comment on the concluding line of the poem ‘I am
here’ in the context.
Answer: The line ‘I am here’ is spoken by Upagupta as he
tends to the sick and suffering Vasavadatta. The line
signifies his fulfilment of his earlier promise to visit her
when the time was ripe. The context, however, is very
different from their first meeting. The once beautiful
dancing girl is now stricken with smallpox. Yet, Upagupta,
showing his unconditional compassion, is there to comfort
and aid her in her moment of need.
4. Briefly discuss the role played by nature in the poem.
Answer: Nature in the poem provides the setting and
underscores the emotional and spiritual journeys of the
characters. It mirrors the phases of life and the changing
circumstances of the characters – the murky sky and the
thundering storm when Upagupta declines Vasavadatta’s
invite, and the calm, spring-filled evening when he finally
comes to her aid. The blooming trees, the full moon, and
the koels’ calls add to the serene yet lonely atmosphere of
the town where these profound human interactions unfold.
5. Youth and beauty do not last long. Discuss with close
reference to the poem.
Answer: The poem exemplifies the fleeting nature of youth
and beauty through the character of Vasavadatta. In their
first encounter, she is presented as a stunning, vibrant
woman, intoxicated by her youth and beauty. However,
within a year, she is depicted as a victim of smallpox, her
beauty marred by the disease. The contrast starkly
illustrates the transient nature of youth and physical
attractiveness.
6. What does the following line depict about the
personality of the dancing girl?
Wearing a pale blue mantle, drunk with the wine of her
youth.
Answer: This line suggests that the dancing girl,
Vasavadatta, is immensely taken by her youth and beauty.
The phrase ‘drunk with the wine of her youth’
metaphorically means she is carried away or intoxicated by
her youthful attractiveness and charm. The reference to her
‘pale blue mantle’ indicates her luxurious lifestyle,
reflecting her worldly indulgence and vanity.
7. How does the poet use contrasts in the poem?
Answer: Tagore uses contrasts in multiple ways: the
serenity of Upagupta’s spiritual life against Vasavadatta’s
glamorous world, the changes in seasons (from a murky
August night to a beautiful Spring evening), and
Vasavadatta’s transformation from a vibrant woman to a
sick and abandoned one.
8. How does Upagupta’s reaction to Vasavadatta in her
time of sickness reflect his character?
Answer: Upagupta’s compassion and care for the sick and
abandoned Vasavadatta show his true embodiment of the
teachings of Buddha. It signifies his understanding that all
beings deserve compassion and kindness, regardless of their
physical state or social status.
9. What does the change in Vasavadatta’s condition
from a beautiful woman to a person with a severe
disease symbolize in the poem?
Answer: The transformation of Vasavadatta’s condition
symbolizes the impermanence and unpredictability of life.
It emphasizes that physical beauty and material possessions
are fleeting, and what matters most is the inner character
and values.
10. How does Tagore depict the passage of time and
the changing seasons in the poem? What might this
signify?
Answer: Tagore uses vivid imagery to denote the passage
of time and changing seasons. The poem begins on a murky
August night and moves to a blossoming April evening.
This shift could symbolize the impermanence of life and
conditions, a common theme in Buddhist teachings. It could
also reflect the changes in Vasavadatta’s life from her first
meeting with Upagupta to their second encounter.
11. How does the act of Upagupta taking care of the
sick Vasavadatta encapsulate the essence of Buddhist
teachings?
Answer: In Buddhism, compassion and kindness toward all
living beings is a fundamental teaching. Upagupta taking
care of Vasavadatta, regardless of her physical state or
social standing, embodies this teaching. It suggests that true
spirituality lies not in isolation or avoidance of suffering,
but in empathizing with and aiding those in need.
12. How does Rabindranath Tagore’s use of nature
and its elements contribute to the overall mood and
theme of the poem?
Answer: Tagore uses nature to symbolize the passage of
time, the cycle of life, and to create an atmosphere that
mirrors the events in the poem. The murky sky, full moon,
the blossoming trees, the silent town—all serve to enhance
the narrative. Nature is portrayed as a silent observer and a
mirror reflecting the changes and impermanence in human
lives.
13. Who is Sanyasi Upagupta and what is he doing
in Mathura?
Answer: Upagupta was a disciple of Buddha who led a life
of renunciation (sanyasi). In this poem, he is in Mathura, a
city in India, but he is not involved in the activities of the
city. Instead, he sleeps in the dust by the city wall,
indicating his detachment from worldly pleasures.
14. What is the significance of the court dancer’s
foot ringing on the sanyasi’s chest?
Answer: The court dancer’s foot touching Upagupta
signifies an intrusion of the material world into his spiritual
solitude. It represents a sudden meeting of two contrasting
worlds – the earthly world of pleasure and desire
represented by the dancer and the spiritual world of
renunciation embodied by Upagupta.
15. What is the court dancer’s request to the sanyasi
and how does he respond?
Answer: The court dancer, Vasavadatta, invites Upagupta
to her house, suggesting that the ground is not a suitable
place for him to sleep. Upagupta responds by telling her to
continue on her way, and that he will visit her when the
time is right. His response indicates his commitment to his
spiritual path and his understanding of the inevitability of
certain events due to karma.
16. What is the significance of the lightning and the
destructive wind in the first part of the poem?
Answer: The lightning and the wind add a sense of
foreboding to the poem. They can be interpreted as
symbolic indications of the forthcoming changes in
Vasavadatta’s life, a storm of challenges that she will soon
have to face.
17. How does the sanyasi treat the young woman
and what is the significance of his actions? (before
and after)
Answer: Before Vasavadatta’s illness, Upagupta maintains
a respectful distance. After she falls ill, Upagupta tends to
her, showing empathy and selflessness. These actions
demonstrate Upagupta’s adherence to his spiritual path, the
Buddhist principle of compassion, and the non-
discrimination between people based on their
circumstances.
18. What is the theme of the poem and how is it
conveyed through the characters and events?
Answer: The poem explores themes of compassion,
impermanence, and the spiritual victory over worldly
desires. These themes are conveyed through the characters
of Upagupta and Vasavadatta and the contrasting
circumstances they face. The events underline the transient
nature of worldly pleasures and the enduring strength of
spiritual virtues.
19. What is the significance of the title “The Tryst”
and how does it relate to the poem as a whole?
Answer: A ‘tryst’ usually refers to a planned meeting
between lovers. In this poem, the tryst is not romantic but
significant in illustrating the meeting of two contrasting
worlds. It signifies the destined encounter between
Upagupta and Vasavadatta and underlines the
interconnectedness of all life experiences, a central
Buddhist teaching.
LONG
(1) ‘Selfless service is the religion of the ascetics’.
Discuss the statement with close reference to the text
of the poem.
Answer: The poem “Abhisara – the Tryst” by Rabindranath
Tagore vividly portrays the idea of selfless service through
the character of Upagupta, a disciple of Buddha. In the first
half of the poem, Upagupta is approached by Vasavadatta,
a beautiful and rich dancing girl, who invites him to her
home. However, he declines her invitation, stating that he
will come to her when the time is right. This reflects the
ascetic’s renunciation of worldly pleasures and attractions,
focusing instead on his spiritual path. A year later,
Upagupta encounters Vasavadatta again, but this time, she
is not the enchanting woman adorned in jewels; rather, she
is suffering from smallpox and has been ostracized by
society. It is in this hour of need that Upagupta fulfills his
promise and comes to her, providing care and compassion,
even when society has turned its back on her. The ascetic’s
selfless service, devoid of any expectation, personifies the
true essence of his spiritual path, showcasing the nobility of
selflessness in the highest form.
(ii) The young ascetic answered, “Woman, go on your
way; When the time is ripe I will come to you.” Explain
the lines in the context of the poem.
Answer: These lines occur when Vasavadatta, a wealthy
and beautiful dancing girl, invites Upagupta, an ascetic, to
her home. However, Upagupta, unperturbed by her beauty
and wealth, tells her to continue her way and reassures her
that he will visit when the time is ripe. This shows his
strong conviction to his ascetic path, not getting swayed by
worldly attractions. Later in the poem, when Vasavadatta is
ostracized due to her illness, it is Upagupta who comes to
her aid. The phrase “When the time is ripe” here signifies
the appropriate moment when his spiritual service is
genuinely needed, not a moment of indulgence. This
reaffirms his commitment to selfless service, as he aids
Vasavadatta in her time of suffering and despair,
underlining his true role as an ascetic.
(iii) Comment on the use of imagery in the poem.
Answer: Tagore uses vivid and evocative imagery in the
poem, painting detailed pictures of the characters, the
setting, and the changing seasons. The imagery serves not
just to describe but also to underline the thematic aspects of
the poem. The night sky of August hiding the stars, the
blossoming trees in spring, the full moon gazing on the
silent town, the koels’ plaintive calls from the mango
branches, the warm spring air carrying the notes of a flute –
all these natural images build the serene yet profound
atmosphere of the poem. The contrasting images of
Vasavadatta, first as a dancing girl adorned with jewels and
later as a victim of smallpox, create a stark visual that
underscores the fleeting nature of physical beauty.
(iv) Compare and contrast the two parts of the poem.
Answer: The poem is structured in two parts, each with
distinct yet connected narrative arcs. The first part presents
the initial meeting between Upagupta and Vasavadatta.
This section is characterized by the allure of physical
beauty and worldly charm, depicted through Vasavadatta’s
luxurious lifestyle and youthful radiance. Upagupta’s
refusal to accompany her reflects his dedication to his
ascetic path.
The second part takes place a year later when the landscape
has transformed with the arrival of spring, and
Vasavadatta’s fortunes have taken a severe turn. She is now
afflicted with smallpox and ostracized from society. In
contrast to the first part, this section showcases the
impermanence of beauty and wealth, emphasizing instead
on the virtues of compassion and selfless service. While the
two parts differ in their narrative arcs and themes, they are
connected by the character of Upagupta, whose unwavering
commitment to his ascetic path and ideals of selfless
service form the unifying thread. Through Upagupta, the
poem delivers a powerful message about the transient
nature of worldly pleasures and the enduring value of
compassion and selfless service.
Themes of the poem:
Compassion and Selflessness: The monk Upagupta shows
true compassion when he helps Vasavadatta in her time of
need. Even though she’s sick and was turned away by
everyone else, Upagupta doesn’t hesitate to help her. He’s
selfless because he doesn’t expect anything in return.
Beauty and Ugliness: The poem contrasts the physical
beauty of Vasavadatta, the dancing girl, with her later
physical state when she’s sick with smallpox. This shows
that true beauty is more than just physical appearance.
Upagupta, despite seeing her in both states, treats her with
the same kindness and compassion, suggesting that he
values inner beauty over outer beauty.
Spirituality and Worldliness: Upagupta is a spiritual man
who rejects Vasavadatta’s worldly invitations in the
beginning because it’s not the right time. Later, when she’s
in need, he helps her. This shows that he’s not attracted to
the glitz and glamour of the world, but rather the spiritual
path of service and compassion.
Timing: The poem also deals with the theme of timing.
When Vasavadatta first approaches Upagupta, he tells her
that the time isn’t right. But when she’s in need, he tells her
that the time has come. This shows that there’s a right time
for everything, and it’s not always when we expect it.
Love and Duty: The poem also explores the themes of love
and duty. Love isn’t always romantic or physical, as seen in
the pure and compassionate love that Upagupta shows
Vasavadatta. He performs his duty as a monk not by
preaching but by showing kindness and compassion to
someone in need.
Figure of speech
Metaphor: Metaphors are direct comparisons between two
things. In the poem, the line “the black night showed its
teeth in a flash of lightning” uses the metaphor of the night
showing its teeth to describe a sudden, bright flash of
lightning. It enhances the mood, making the night seem
dangerous and foreboding.
Simile: Similes are comparisons that use “like” or “as.”
While the poem does not directly employ a simile, it does
compare elements in an implicit manner, as in “drunk with
the wine of her youth,” which compares the intoxicating
effects of youth to wine.
Personification: This is giving human traits to non-human
objects. In “the storm growled from the corner of the sky,”
the storm is personified as a creature that can growl. This
not only makes the storm seem more threatening, but also
adds a sense of movement and sound to the scene.
Imagery: Tagore uses vivid and descriptive language to
create mental images for the reader. An example would be
“struck with the black pestilence, her body spotted with
sores of smallpox,” which paints a detailed and unsettling
picture of Vasavadatta’s suffering.
Symbolism: The poet uses various symbols to convey
deeper meanings. For instance, the mango grove may
symbolize shelter and comfort, while the sores of smallpox
symbolize suffering and societal ostracism.
Hyperbole: Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves
exaggeration for emphasis. The line “the love-sick koels
uttered from the mango branches their sleepless plaint”
could be seen as an example of hyperbole, exaggerating the
birds’ calls to emphasize the loneliness and longing in the
scene.