# XL: Bankim Chandra explained — My Reminiscences

> Chapter companion for My Reminiscences by Rabindranath Tagore.

## What happens

The narrator describes his first sight of Bankim Chandra at a Calcutta University reunion, his awe at Bankim's distinguished appearance, and a later visit to Bankim when he was Deputy Magistrate of Hawrah. He recounts his own early literary reputation as the 'Lisping Poet' and his growing acquaintance with Bankim through contributions to periodicals like Nabajiban and Prachar. The chapter also touches on Pandit Sashadhar's rise, theosophy, and a period of antagonism with Bankim that ended with a generous letter from Bankim.

## Themes in this chapter

### Literary Development and Self-Expression

The narrator's evolution from a diffident young poet to an active participant in literary controversies, contributing to periodicals and sparring with established figures like Bankim Chandra.

### Cultural Clash and Colonial Influence

The trend of comparing Bengali writers to Western counterparts (e.g., 'the Bengal Shelley') reflects the colonial influence on literary identity and the tension between local and Western standards.

## Character check-ins

### Bankim Chandra

First seen at a students' reunion; later met as Deputy Magistrate of Hawrah; editor of Banga Darsan and Prachar; generous in resolving a period of antagonism.

### Chandranath Babu

Leading spirit of the Calcutta University reunion; recited a martial German poem in English.

### Pandit Sashadhar

Rose into prominence during this time; introduced to the public by Bankim Babu.

### Narrator

Young poet known as the 'Lisping Poet'; contributed to Nabajiban and Prachar; engaged in literary controversies.

## Key lines

> His sharp aquiline nose, his compressed lips, and his keen glance all betokened immense power. With his arms folded across his breast he seemed to walk as one apart, towering above the ordinary throng.

Bankim Chandra's physical features and demeanor conveyed authority and distinction, setting him apart from the crowd.

_The narrator's vivid first impression of Bankim's commanding presence at the reunion._

> I began to be styled by some the Bengal Shelley. This was insulting to Shelley and only likely to get me laughed at. My recognised cognomen was the Lisping Poet.

The narrator was called the 'Bengal Shelley,' a comparison he found embarrassing and inaccurate; he was more commonly known as the 'Lisping Poet.'

_Reflects the colonial practice of comparing Bengali writers to Western literary figures and the narrator's self-deprecating view of his early reputation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/my_reminiscences_se/chapters/part-vii-xl-bankim-chandra
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/my_reminiscences_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/my_reminiscences_se/chapters