Gitanjali · Chapter
XLII explained
The poet reflects on a whispered promise of a solitary voyage with the Divine, a pilgrimage without destination, where songs flow freely like waves.
What happens
The poet reflects on a whispered promise of a solitary voyage with the Divine, a pilgrimage without destination, where songs flow freely like waves. As evening falls, he questions whether the time for this release has come or if there are still tasks to complete, longing for the chains to fall away and the boat to vanish into the night.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom and Renunciation
The poet longs to break free from worldly bonds and embark on a limitless voyage with the Divine.
The Pain of Separation and Longing
The poet's questioning 'Is the time not come yet?' reveals a deep longing for union and release.
Characters to notice
- The Poet
The poet yearns for a solitary journey with the Divine, questioning the timing of their departure.
- The Divine
The Divine is the silent companion in the imagined pilgrimage, listening as the poet's songs swell.
Key passages
“Early in the day it was whispered that we should sail in a boat, only thou and I, and never a soul in the world would know of this our pilgrimage to no country and to no end.”
At dawn, a secret promise was made that we would set sail alone together, on a journey without destination, unknown to anyone.
The poet recalls a divine invitation to an intimate, boundless voyage.
“In that shoreless ocean, at thy silently listening smile my songs would swell in melodies, free as waves, free from all bondage of words.”
On that endless sea, with your quiet, approving smile, my songs would rise like waves, unbound by language.
The poet imagines a state of pure, wordless expression in the presence of the Divine.
“Who knows when the chains will be off, and the boat, like the last glimmer of sunset, vanish into the night?”
No one knows when the restraints will finally break, and the boat will disappear like the final flash of sunset into darkness.
The poet contemplates the uncertain moment of final liberation and dissolution.