Our Casuarina Tree is a poem published in 1881 by Toru Dutt [Ancient In the final stanza, the speaker wants
speaker wants to erect something in the honor of the
Ballads and Legends of Hindustan], an Indian poet. In this poem Toru Dutt
celebrates the majesty of the casuarina tree that she used to see by her
window, and remembers her happy childhood days spent under it and
revives her memories with her beloved siblings.
Summary
The poem begins with the description of the tree.The poet says that the
creeper has wound itself around the rugged trunk of the Casuarina Tree, like
a huge Python. The creeper has left deep marks on the trunk of the tree. The
tree is so strong that it bears the tight hold of the creeper. The tree is
described as being gallant, and possibly brave, as very few trees could
survive in the strangle-hold of this creeper. The poet then goes on to describe
the life that thrives amidst every facet of the tree. The tree is metaphorically
said as a giant due to its huge size, strength and boldness. The Casuarina
Tree is covered with creeper which bears red crimson flowers which appear
as though the tree is wearing a colorful scarf. Often at night, the garden
echoes and it seems to be jubilant and the song has no end;there's also the
sound of darkling beetle at night, it continues till dawn. At dawn when the
poet opens her window she is delighted to see the Casuarina Tree. Mostly in
winters a gray baboon is seen sitting on the crest of the tree seeing the
sunrise with her younger ones leaping and playing in the tree's boughs. The
shadow of the tree appears to fall on the huge water tank. Toru Dutt says
that it is not because of the majestic appearance of the Casuarina Tree that it
is dear to her heart and soul, but also that she along with her siblings spent
happy moments under it. Toru Dutt has brought out the theme of nature as
something that shares feelings with humans, that lightens the burden on the
heart. The poet continues with a description of how strong the image of the
tree is, even when in lands far away. Even in France and Italy (where the
poet studied), she can hear the tree's lament. The poet wishes to consecrate
the tree's memory and importance for the sake of those who are now dead -
and looks ahead to her own death, hoping that the tree be spared obscurity
(or that no-one will remember it). She immortalizes the tree through this
poem like how Wordsworth sanctified the Yew trees of Borrowdale. She says
"May Love defend thee from Oblivion's curse'"- expressing her wish that love
shield her tree against the curse of forgetfulness(Oblivion), that the tree be
remembered out of love and must be saved from the curse of forgetfulness.
casuarina tree. For those who were beloved, who are resting in peace, loved
it. She wants the tree to live long like those trees of “Borrowdale” making a
reference to Wordsworth’s “Yew-trees.” Also, she makes an attempt to
distinguish the trees of England from the Casuarina tree, connecting to her
varying emotions. The Casuarina tree stands for nostalgia, longing, and
memory, whereas the trees of England reflect her isolation. The final lines of
the poem underscore the idea of a poem as a written memory. The poet
seeks “Love” to protect the tree and her poem from time’s ravage.
Synopsis
Our Casuarina Tree is an autobiographical poem . While living abroad, she is
pining for the scenes of her native land and reliving the memories of
childhood. In the first part of the poem the poet depicts the Casuarina Tree
trailed by a creeper vine like a huge python, winding round and round the
rough trunk, sunken deep with scars . It reached to the height touching the
very summit of stars. The Casuarina Tree stood alone unaccompanied in the
compound. It was wearing the scarf of the creeper hung with crimson
cluster of flowers among the boughs accompanied by the bird and swarms
of bees humming around. The tree is dear to the poet because it is the solo
bond between the poet's past and present. When she recalls it a chain of
pleasant and poignant memories occur to her mind and again she tastes the
flavour of her childhood. In her imagination she is again transported to the
golden age and hears the same cries, laughter and noise of her sweet
departed playmates. This tree reminds of her siblings who used to play with
her under itself (Casuarina Tree).
Analysis
In this poem, Toru Dutt sings glories of the Casuarina tree and describes it in
detail. On the surface of it, it appears that it is all about the Casuarina tree,
but actually the tree is just a medium to link the poet's past with the present.
The poet remembers the tree because of the many happy memories of
childhood days that are linked to it which are a source of comfort and
consolation to her in another country. The poem, therefore, underlines the
importance of memories in human life. The tree brings to her mind the
memories of time when she used to play under it in the company of her
brother and sister, both of whom are already dead. She was very close to her
dead brother and sister named Abju and Aru respectively who loved the
Casuarina tree very greatly. So she loves the tree greatly. But lost in the
memories of her siblings who are now dead, she is looking forward to death
as an acceptable thing. The memories of her brother and sister brings tears
into her eyes. She hopes that the tree will be remembered for ever as the
yew trees of Borrowdale immortalized by Wordsworth are still remembered.
She immortalizes the tree for the sake of her loved ones by writing a poem
for it.