Question

Critically discuss the central idea of the poem Our casuarina tree

Answer 1

Toru Dutt has used the image of the tree which she fondly remembers in recalling memories of her childhood where "Beneath it we have played." The tree is strong and "... gallantly The giant wears the scarf," which is significant as she has identified with the tree and its ability to withstand even the harshest creeper which has the capacity to choke the tree "LIKE a huge Python." In understanding the tone and theme of Our Casuarina Tree, the reader sympathizes with Toru Dutt's words as she longs to revisit memories without the painful association, as it is not only the tree that is "deep with scars."

o To the narrator, the tree represents nature and nature shares feeling and emotions and, in fact," the tree’s lament" comforts the narrator as she "saw thee, in my own loved native clime." This also links to the tree as representative of her culture as she is far away in "distant lands," but is safe in the knowledge that the tree shall "be ever dear" due to her recollections of her childhood and her loved ones "Who now in blessed sleep for aye repose."

The tree represents all life as "all day are gathered bird and bee"and "to their pastures wend our sleepy cows" and it has the capacity to unite all things together to the point that this theme of unity with her past and therefore her family, her beloved country and even the future as she wishes that "may Love defend thee" is confirmed. When she is dead, the tree is so strong and represents so much that she hopes it will be saved from "Oblivion."

Answer 2

Answer:

dedication of the poem to the casuarina tree