Gitanjali · Chapter
LXXXIII explained
The poet offers his sorrow as a personal gift to the Divine, contrasting it with external wealth and fame that come from the Divine, and finds reward in the grace received in return.
What happens
The poet offers his sorrow as a personal gift to the Divine, contrasting it with external wealth and fame that come from the Divine, and finds reward in the grace received in return.
Themes in this chapter
The Pain of Separation and Longing
The poet's tears of sorrow are transformed into a personal offering, highlighting the intimate connection between suffering and devotion.
Surrender and Egolessness
The poet acknowledges that wealth and fame come from the Divine, while his sorrow is his own, yet he surrenders it as an offering.
Characters to notice
- The Poet
The speaker who weaves a chain of pearls from tears and offers his own sorrow to the Divine.
- The Divine
Addressed as 'Mother', the recipient of the poet's offering of sorrow and the source of grace.
Key passages
“Mother, I shall weave a chain of pearls for thy neck with my tears of sorrow.”
I will create a precious offering for you from my own grief.
The poet transforms his sorrow into a devotional gift.
“Wealth and fame come from thee and it is for thee to give or to withhold them. But this my sorrow is absolutely mine own, and when I bring it to thee as my offering thou rewardest me with thy grace.”
Material blessings are yours to bestow or withhold, but my sorrow is uniquely mine; offering it to you brings me your grace.
The poet distinguishes between external gifts from the Divine and his personal suffering, which becomes a means of receiving grace.