# XCIV explained — Gitanjali

> Chapter companion for Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore.

## What happens

The poet bids farewell to friends at dawn, embarking on a journey with empty hands and an expectant heart, wearing a wedding garland and facing dangers without fear, with the evening star and twilight melodies awaiting at the King's gateway.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom and Renunciation

The poet starts with empty hands, symbolizing detachment and freedom from worldly possessions.

### Death and Immortality

The parting and journey suggest a transition akin to death, yet the wedding garland and King's gateway imply union with the divine and immortality.

## Character check-ins

### The Poet

The speaker who takes leave of friends and begins a journey at dawn.

### The Divine

Implied as the King whose gateway marks the end of the voyage.

## Key lines

> At this time of my parting, wish me good luck, my friends!

As I depart now, my friends, please bid me farewell with good wishes.

_The poet requests a blessing from companions at the moment of leaving._

> I start on my journey with empty hands and expectant heart.

I begin my travels carrying nothing and with hopeful anticipation.

_Emphasizes renunciation and openness to what lies ahead._

> I shall put on my wedding garland.

I will adorn myself with the garland meant for a bridegroom.

_Symbolizes the soul's union with the divine, a marriage metaphor._

> The evening star will come out when my voyage is done and the plaintive notes of the twilight melodies be struck up from the King’s gateway.

At the end of my journey, the evening star will appear and sad songs will be played from the King's entrance.

_Describes the culmination of the spiritual journey at the divine threshold._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xciv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gitanjali_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters