I Cannot Remember My Mother
Rabindra Nath Tagore
About The Author
Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941), Indian poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate, was born in Calcutta (now Kolkata). He began to write poetry as a child; his first book appeared when he was 17 years old. After a brief stay in England (1878) to study law, he returned to India, where he rapidly became the most important and popular author of the colonial era, writing poetry, short stories, novels, and plays. He composed several hundred popular songs and in 1929 also began painting.
Tagore wrote primarily in Bengali, but translated many of his works into English himself; critics agree they are much more effective in the original. Tagore’s writing is highly imagistic, deeply religious and imbued with his love for nature and his homeland. He was awarded the 1913 Nobel Prize in literature for his work Geetanjali, and in 1915 he was knighted by the British king George V. Tagore renounced his knighthood in 1919 following the Amritsar massacre of nearly 400 Indian demonstrators by British troops. His Collected Poems and Plays were published in 1966. He is also known for establishing Shantiniketan, a University at Calcutta.
Poem
I cannot remember my mother
only sometimes in the midst of my play
a tune seems to hover over my playthings,
the tune of some song that she used to
hum while rocking my cradle.
I cannot remember my mother
but when in the early autumn morning
the smell of the shiuli flowers floats in the air
the scent of the morning service in the temple
comes to me as the scent of my mother.
I cannot remember my mother
only when from my bedroom window I send
my eyes into the blue of the distant sky,
I feel that the stillness of
my mother’s gaze on my face
has spread all over the sky.
By Rabindranath Tagore and translated by Sishu Bholanath
Central Idea
The central idea of Rabindranath Tagore's poem "I Cannot Remember My Mother" revolves around the poet's emotional connection and longing for his deceased mother. The poem is about the sensitive and intense feelings of a child. He remembers all the things that his mother used to do. Although he cannot recall her face or specific memories, her presence is evoked through sensory experiences and the natural world. The poem conveys how the mother's essence and love continue to influence and comfort the poet, manifesting in a tune, a scent, and the stillness of the sky. This suggests that even in her absence, her spirit and influence are profoundly felt, highlighting the enduring bond between mother and child.
Summary of the Poem
The poem "I Cannot Remember My Mother" by Rabindranath Tagore tenderly expresses the poet's deep affection and memories of his mother. Mothers are the very essence of a child’s being. They provide warmth and affection like no other. They are precious and must be respected and loved. The child here finds remnants of his late mother in little things and rejoices in them. Tagore fondly recalls moments from his childhood: the familiar tune she sang while rocking his cradle, the scent of flowers that reminds him of her during morning temple rituals, and the comforting gaze she bestowed upon him when he gazes into the distant sky. Despite her physical absence, Tagore feels his mother's presence in these everyday experiences, reflecting on her love, guidance, and the lasting impact she had on him. The title of the poem signifies that although he cannot recall her face or specific details, his mother's memory and influence remain vivid and cherished in his heart.
Reference to Context
Stanza I
I cannot remember my mother
only sometimes in the midst of my play
a tune seems to hover over my playthings,
the tune of some song that she used to
hum while rocking my cradle.
In the first stanza of Rabindranath Tagore's poem "I Cannot Remember My Mother," the poet reflects on his inability to recall memories of his mother directly. However, during moments of play, a particular tune resonates with him, evoking a sense of her presence. This tune is reminiscent of a song she used to hum while gently rocking his cradle to soothe him to sleep.
Stanza II
I cannot remember my mother
but when in the early autumn morning
the smell of shiuli flowers floats in the air,
the scent of the morning service in the temple
comes to me as the scent of my mother.
As the fragrance of the shiuli flowers and the scent of the morning temple prayers evade his senses, he is taken back to the scent of his mother. His mother must have shared the same beautiful scent as these elements and he can not help but sense her as the early autumn air around him.
Stanza III
I cannot remember my mother
only when from my bedroom window I send
my eyes into the blue of the distant sky,
I feel that the stillness of my mother’s gaze on my face
has spread all over the sky.
The poet repeats the line, “I cannot remember my mother” in each stanza to powerfully portray the intense emotions and pain of the child reminiscing his mother’s memories and longing to be loved. However, he describes a moment of profound connection and presence. When he gazes out of his bedroom window into the distant blue sky, he imagines that the stillness and love of his mother's gaze, which used to comfort him, now envelops the entire expanse of the sky. So, When the child gazes from his window, the vast blue sky above him takes his mother’s form, watching him and protecting him, reminding him that he is not alone.
Understanding the Poem
1. What is the poet doing when he remembers his mother?
Answer: When the poet is in the middle of the play, he remembers his mother for the first time. The next time the poet remembers his mother was the time he smelt the scent of the flower that his mother used to offer in the temple. Then finally the poet remembers his mother at the time of gazing at the sky the way his mother used to gaze at him.
2. In what ways does the poet feel the presence of his mother?
Answer: The poet feels his mother's presence through sensory experiences: the tune of her cradle song during play, the scent of "Shiuli" flowers during morning temple rituals, and the imagined gaze reflected in the stillness of the sky.
3. What does the poet hear when he is at play?
Answer: When the poet is at play, he hears a tune that reminds him of the cradle song his mother used to hum while rocking him to sleep.
4. What word do we use for the cradle song?
Answer: The cradle song is often referred to as a lullaby. In Hindi, we use 'lori' for the cradle song. The 'lori' is sung as a cradle song for the baby to sleep.
5. Is the poet’s mother dead or alive? How do you come to know about it?
Answer: The poet's mother is implied to be deceased. This is inferred from the poet's reflections on memories rather than direct interaction or current experiences with her.
6. What sights and smells remind the poet of his mother?
Answer: The poet is reminded of his mother by the scent of flowers during morning temple services and the imagined gaze reflected in the vastness of the sky.
7. What are the feelings that this poem arouses in you?
Answer: This poem evokes feelings of nostalgia, longing, and a deep sense of maternal love and loss. It captures the universal experience of remembering a loved one who has passed away, while highlighting the enduring bond between mother and child through poignant sensory recollections.
Learning about the literary devices
1. Imagery: imagery gives sensory impressions and lends clarity to a poem. In this poem the poet creates beautiful images that relate to sight, sound and smell.
Pick out the visual and aural images related to smell which appeal to our senses directly.
Visual Imagery: The poet creates visual images such as the child playing with toys, looking out of the bedroom window at the distant sky.
"only sometimes in the midst of my play a tune seems to hover over my playthings,"This line creates a visual image of a child playing with toys, with a faint tune floating around the toys, evoking a sense of childhood innocence and nostalgia.
Aural Imagery: Aural images related to smell include the mention of the fragrance of flowers during the morning temple service, which evokes a sensory impression directly related to smell.
Aural Imagery Related to Smell: "the scent of the morning service in the temple"This line appeals directly to the sense of smell, describing the fragrance of flowers used in the morning temple rituals. It creates an auditory image that also evokes the sensory experience of smelling flowers, linking the memory of the mother to a specific sensory impression.
2. The poem does not have a rhyme scheme or a fixed length for each line. Did you enjoy the poem? If yes, why?
The poem lacks a traditional rhyme scheme or fixed line length, allowing for a free verse style that focuses more on the emotional and sensory content rather than strict formal structure.
We enjoyed the poem, it might be because of its poignant portrayal of maternal love and longing, conveyed through sensory imagery and evocative language. The absence of a rigid structure allows the emotions and memories to flow naturally, creating a heartfelt and nostalgic atmosphere.
Discussion
Do you help your mother while she performs her house hold chores?
Helping Your Mother with Household Chores: Helping your mother with household chores can strengthen your bond and show appreciation for her efforts. Whether it's tidying up, cooking together, or assisting with daily tasks, it reflects care and support for her role in the family.
How does your mother inspire you?
Inspiration from Your Mother: Mothers often inspire through their resilience, kindness, and dedication. Their nurturing nature and wisdom can shape values, ambitions, and character traits. They often provide unwavering support and guidance, serving as role models in various aspects of life.
How is your mother different from your father?
Differences Between Mother and Father: Mothers and fathers often have distinct roles and approaches in parenting. Mothers are typically associated with nurturing, emotional support, and day-to-day caregiving, while fathers may emphasize discipline, practical skills, and broader life lessons. However, these roles can vary widely based on individual family dynamics.
Write an account of any memorable moment that you have shared with your mother.
Memorable Moment Shared with Your Mother: Reflecting on a memorable moment with your mother can include experiences like celebrations, heartfelt conversations, shared hobbies, or times of personal growth. These moments often leave lasting impressions due to the emotional connection and significance attached to them
When we are small kids our parents take care of us. When we grow older and our parents become old. Do you think we should care for them in the same way as they did when we were small babies? Why do you think we should do so?
Caring for Aging Parents: It is essential to care for aging parents with the same love and dedication they provided during your upbringing. As parents age, they may require more assistance with daily tasks, health care needs, and emotional support. Showing compassion and respect for their contributions throughout their lives reinforces familial bonds and honors their sacrifices.
Suggested Reading
Leave this Chanting by R. N. Tagore.
Quote to remember
Paradise lies beneath the feet of your mother.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)