Exploring the Multifaceted Concept of Death
in Indian and Western English Literature
Dr. Anupamratanshanker Nagar
Principal,
Gurukul Mahila Arts & Commerce College,
Porbandar, Gujarat, India
Abstract:
Death, being an inescapable aspect of the
human condition, has been a perennial subject of exploration and contemplation
in literature. Both Indian and Western English literature offer rich and
diverse perspectives on the nature of mortality, drawing from cultural,
religious, and philosophical traditions. This research paper undertakes a
comprehensive analysis of the portrayal of death in select texts from these
literary traditions, examining the various ways in which death is
conceptualized, interpreted, and imbued with meaning. Through a comparative
lens, this paper seeks to elucidate the similarities, differences, and
underlying themes that emerge in the depiction of death in Indian and Western
English literature.
Keywords: Death, Servant, Disillusionment, Karma,
Moksha, Salvation
Introduction:
Death, with its enigmatic and universal presence, has served as a
central theme in literary works across cultures and epochs. From ancient epics
to modern poetry, writers have grappled with the existential, spiritual, and
philosophical implications of mortality, offering insights into the human
condition and the mysteries of life beyond. In both Indian and Western English
literature, the concept of death is explored with depth and complexity,
reflecting the unique cultural, religious, and philosophical landscapes of each
tradition. This paper endeavours to delve into the multifaceted portrayal of
death in Indian and Western English literature, analysing select texts to
discern the diverse perspectives and themes that emerge.
Indian English literature:
In Indian English literature, the concept of death is often intertwined
with spiritual and philosophical motifs drawn from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain
traditions. The cyclical nature of life and death, as exemplified by the
doctrine of reincarnation, permeates many literary works, offering a
perspective of continuity and transcendence beyond physical existence. For
instance, in Rabindranath Tagore's "Gitanjali," death is depicted as
a gateway to spiritual union with the divine, symbolizing the ultimate liberation
of the soul from the cycles of birth and rebirth. Tagore writes,
"Death, thy servant, is at my
door,"
capturing the profound acceptance of mortality as a natural part of the
cosmic order (Tagore, 1912). Similarly, in R.K. Narayan's "The
Guide," death is portrayed as a transformative force, marking the
culmination of the protagonist's spiritual journey towards self-realization and
enlightenment. Through the protagonist's encounter with death, Narayan explores
themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the impermanence of worldly attachments.
Additionally, in Arundhati Roy's "The God of Small Things," death
serves as a catalyst for introspection and reconciliation, as characters
confront the consequences of their actions amidst the backdrop of Kerala's
social and political upheavals. Roy's evocative prose captures the poignancy of
loss and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, weaving a
tapestry of interconnected lives shaped by the spectre of mortality.
Western
English Literature:
In Western English literature, death is often explored through
existential, religious, and metaphysical frameworks, reflecting Judeo-Christian
beliefs and philosophical inquiries into the nature of existence. Writers like
John Donne and Emily Dickinson grapple with the paradoxes and mysteries of
mortality, offering poignant reflections on the human experience of death. In
Donne's "Death Be Not Proud," the poet challenges the conventional
fear of death, asserting the triumph of the soul over mortality:
"Death, thou shalt die" (Donne,
1633).
Similarly, in T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land," death is depicted
as a pervasive and transformative force, symbolizing the spiritual desolation
and moral decay of modern civilization. Through fragmented narratives and
mythical allusions, Eliot evokes a sense of existential angst and
disillusionment, highlighting the erosion of traditional values and the search
for spiritual renewal amidst the ruins of the modern world. Additionally, in
Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway," death looms as a haunting presence,
shaping the inner lives of characters grappling with loss, trauma, and
existential despair. Through stream-of-consciousness narration and lyrical
prose, Woolf captures the ephemeral nature of human existence, illuminating the
interconnectedness of past, present, and future in the tapestry of life and
death. Furthermore, in Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar," death is
explored as a metaphor for psychological breakdown and existential crisis, as
the protagonist wrestles with feelings of alienation, emptiness, and
self-destruction in the face of societal pressures and personal demons. Plath's
haunting imagery and confessional style provide a visceral portrayal of mental
illness and the search for identity amidst the spectre of mortality.
Comparative Analysis:
Despite the cultural and geographical disparities between Indian and
Western English literature, both traditions share common themes and motifs
concerning death. The existential and spiritual dimensions of mortality
resonate across diverse cultural contexts, reflecting humanity's universal
quest for meaning and transcendence. While Indian literature often emphasizes
concepts of reincarnation, karma, and moksha, Western literature
tends to focus on themes of redemption, judgment, and the afterlife. However, underlying
these differences are fundamental questions about the nature of existence, the
meaning of life, and the inevitability of death.
In Indian literature, death is often portrayed as an integral part of
the cyclical nature of existence, wherein the soul undergoes successive births
and deaths until it achieves ultimate liberation or moksha. The concept of
reincarnation, rooted in Hindu and Buddhist philosophies, posits that
individuals are bound by the cycle of samsara, wherein their actions (karma) determine
their future existence. Through narratives of reincarnation and rebirth, Indian
literature explores the moral and spiritual dimensions of death, highlighting
the interconnectedness of life, death, and the cosmos. For example, in the epic
poem "Mahabharata," the protagonist Arjuna grapples with questions of
duty, morality, and the transience of life on the battlefield of Kurukshetra,
seeking guidance from Lord Krishna on the path to righteousness and liberation
from worldly attachments.
Conversely, Western literature often grapples with the existential angst
and moral dilemmas posed by the inevitability of death. Influenced by
Judeo-Christian beliefs, Western literature explores themes of sin, redemption,
and the afterlife, positing death as a gateway to spiritual judgment and
eternal salvation or damnation. The motif of the "memento mori"
(Latin for "remember death") pervades Western literary works, serving
as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of moral virtue
in the face of mortality. For instance, in William Shakespeare's
"Hamlet," the titular character contemplates the futility of human
existence and the uncertainty of the afterlife in his soliloquy, "To be,
or not to be." Through Hamlet's introspective musings, Shakespeare delves
into the existential crisis sparked by the specter of death, probing the limits
of human understanding and the search for existential meaning amidst the chaos
of existence.
Despite these thematic differences, Indian and Western literature
converge on fundamental questions about the nature of existence, the meaning of
life, and the inevitability of death. Whether through the lens of reincarnation
and karma or redemption and judgment, both traditions offer profound insights
into the human condition and the mysteries of mortality. Through nuanced
portrayals of death, these literary works invite readers to contemplate the
complexities of life, death, and the eternal quest for transcendence.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the concept of death serves as a profound and fertile
ground for exploration in Indian and Western English literature. Through a
comparative analysis of select texts, this paper has sought to elucidate the
diverse perspectives and themes that emerge in the portrayal of death across
these literary traditions. From Tagore's spiritual reveries to Donne's
metaphysical meditations, from Narayan's existential dilemmas to Dickinson's
lyrical musings, writers in both traditions have grappled with the complexities
of mortality, offering readers insights into the human condition and the
mysteries of life beyond.
References
·
Tagore,
R. (1912). Gitanjali. Macmillan Publishers.
·
Narayan,
R.K. (1958). The Guide. Indian Thought Publications.
·
Donne,
J. (1633). Death Be Not Proud. Holy Sonnets. (https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44107/holy-sonnets-death-be-not-proud)
·
Dickinson,
E. (1890). Because I could not stop for Death. Selected Poems
(https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47652/because-i-could-not-stop-for-death)