# XVI explained — Gitanjali

> Chapter companion for Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore.

## What happens

The poet reflects on having received life's invitation and fulfilled his role at the world's festival, now asking if the time has come to see the divine face and offer silent salutation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Death and Immortality

The poet contemplates the end of his worldly participation and the transition to a silent, eternal meeting with the divine.

### Surrender and Egolessness

The poet's readiness to offer silent salutation reflects a humble surrender after fulfilling his duty.

## Character check-ins

### The Poet

The speaker who has played his part at life's feast and now seeks divine audience.

### The Divine

The one whose face the poet longs to see and to whom he offers silent salutation.

## Key lines

> I have had my invitation to this world’s festival, and thus my life has been blessed.

I have been called to participate in the celebration of life, and that has been a blessing.

_The poet acknowledges the gift of existence as an invitation to a grand celebration._

> Now, I ask, has the time come at last when I may go in and see thy face and offer thee my silent salutation?

Now I wonder if it is finally time to enter your presence and greet you in silence.

_The poet seeks permission to transition from worldly action to divine communion._

## Links

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