In this post, notes of “Unit 2: C(ii) In Salutation to the Eternal Peace” from “DSC- 11: Indian Writing in English” are given which is helpful for the students doing graduation this year.
Read First Part: In Salutation to the Eternal Peace
In Salutation to the Eternal Peace
in salutation to the eternal peace summary
Read Full Poem: In Salutation to the Eternal Peace
“In Salutation to the Eternal Peace” by Sarojini Naidu is a thoughtful poem that shows great respect for peace. The speaker honors “Eternal Peace,” which is a peace that goes beyond the troubles of the world and personal pain. The poem describes peace as a powerful and divine presence in the universe that brings comfort and healing to everyone. It reflects the poet’s deep belief in a peaceful existence that rises above human conflicts.
The tone of the poem is calm and respectful, with Naidu describing eternal peace as something pure and divine. The speaker wishes for peace not just for themselves but for everyone, showing a connection between all people and the universe. Peace is seen as a spiritual force that provides comfort and completeness, making it the ultimate goal of human life.
In Salutation to the Eternal Peace Themes
- Peace:
The main theme is peace, shown as more than just the absence of fighting; it is a deep spiritual calm that goes beyond our everyday lives. The speaker praises “Eternal Peace” as a sacred presence that can heal and comfort. This peace is a universal force that creates balance in a chaotic world and exists outside of time and place, offering safety to those who seek it. - Spirituality:
Spirituality is important in the poem as the speaker connects peace with the divine. The praise for peace reflects a devotion to a higher truth. The poem talks about the soul’s journey towards spiritual fulfillment and unity with the divine through peace. The wish for “Eternal Peace” suggests that finding peace is not just a personal goal but an ideal for everyone that connects them to a larger harmony. - Universality:
Naidu emphasizes that peace is for everyone. “Eternal Peace” is a force that crosses personal boundaries and is available to all, regardless of their experiences or struggles. This theme connects to Naidu’s belief in unity among all people and aspects of life. The poem shows a shared desire for peace and highlights its role in healing both individuals and communities.
Literary Devices and Techniques
- Personification:
Naidu gives human qualities to “Eternal Peace,” making it seem like a living, caring presence that can heal and comfort. This makes the idea of peace more relatable and sacred. - Alliteration:
The poem uses alliteration, or the repetition of sounds, to create rhythm and a musical feel. For example, phrases like “silent, sweet, and still” use the ‘s’ sound to create a calming effect, matching the peaceful theme of the poem. - Metaphor:
Metaphor is used to describe “Eternal Peace” as not just a spiritual idea but also as the ultimate state of being, beyond life’s struggles. It is seen as a protective force that brings rest and is a goal for humans in their spiritual journeys.
Discussion of the Poem’s Depth and Value
The philosophical depth of ‘In Salutation to the Eternal Peace’ explores peace, spirituality, and the human search for something greater. Naidu defines peace not just as the lack of conflict but as a deep, divine state that connects everyone. The peace she describes is a force that brings unity and harmony to both the physical and spiritual worlds.
From a literary perspective, Naidu’s use of personification, alliteration, and metaphor adds a rich, musical quality to the poem. Her lyrical language encourages readers to reflect, and the repeated themes of peace and calm create a soothing atmosphere. The poem flows with a rhythm that, along with its spiritual messages, makes it a powerful reflection on finding inner peace during life’s challenges.
The poem’s literary value lies in its timeless nature. Naidu balances form and content, allowing the poem to resonate with readers from different cultures and times. The focus on the eternal and divine, combined with simple language, makes the poem easy to understand while still carrying deep meaning.
In conclusion, ‘In Salutation to the Eternal Peace’ is a thoughtful and spiritually rich poem. Its themes of peace, spirituality, and universality show Sarojini Naidu’s dedication to both literary quality and philosophical insight. Through her use of literary devices and her reflective tone, Naidu creates a work that is soothing and thought-provoking, offering readers a lasting message of hope and inner peace.
4. Comparative Analysis
Themes in Both Poems
Both ‘An Indian Love Song’ and ‘In Salutation to the Eternal Peace’ deal with strong feelings and spiritual ideas, but in different ways. In ‘An Indian Love Song’, the main ideas are love, longing, and desire. The speaker misses her lover and describes this feeling with beautiful nature images. The natural world shows her sadness of not having her love nearby. The poem highlights the pain of separation and waiting.
On the other hand, ‘In Salutation to the Eternal Peace’ focuses more on spirituality, peace, and unity. The speaker honors the idea of “Eternal Peace,” which brings comfort and healing. Here, peace is presented as something that everyone can share, not just a personal wish. Nature serves as a calm background for this peace, creating a peaceful emotional feeling.
While ‘An Indian Love Song’ is full of passion and longing, ‘In Salutation to the Eternal Peace’ feels calm and thoughtful, considering a higher state of being. Both poems connect nature and human feelings, which is a key part of Naidu’s poetry style.
Naidu’s Poetic Style and Changes Over Time
Naidu’s style changed over the years, but her early works, like those in The Golden Threshold (1905), show strong influences from Indian stories, myths, and nature. In ‘An Indian Love Song’, she uses strong images and musical language to create deep emotions. The use of rhyme and rhythm makes the poem flow smoothly, reflecting feelings of longing. Love and nature are important themes here, showing her connection to Indian romanticism.
In ‘In Salutation to the Eternal Peace’, Naidu’s style becomes more thoughtful and calm. The images remain vivid, but the focus is on spiritual peace and unity, rather than personal feelings. The calm rhythm reflects her growing interest in spirituality and her involvement in social issues, especially during the independence movement.
Both poems show how Naidu blends Western poetic forms with Indian themes, moving effortlessly between personal feelings and universal ideas.
Emotions and Ideals in Both Poems
In ‘An Indian Love Song’, the feelings are very personal and intense. The longing for love is strong and evokes a deep, beautiful sadness. The ideal here is personal: the reunion with the lover is seen as a special, sacred moment.
In contrast, ‘In Salutation to the Eternal Peace’ presents emotions in a more universal and spiritual way. The ideal is not about personal love, but about peace, a force that connects all beings. The tone is calm and thoughtful, showing peace as the highest fulfillment, beyond individual desires.
Both poems highlight Naidu’s skill in expressing deep feelings, but the intensity in ‘An Indian Love Song’ is different from the calmness in ‘In Salutation to the Eternal Peace’, showing her range in emotional expression.
5. Critical Perspectives
Feminist and Post-Colonial Views
From a feminist perspective, both poems explore themes of desire and spiritual longing from a woman’s viewpoint. In ‘An Indian Love Song’, the speaker’s strong feelings reflect a woman’s perspective on love and relationships. It shows the complexity of love while also hinting at societal expectations for women.
In ‘In Salutation to the Eternal Peace’, the focus on spiritual peace can be seen as a form of empowerment. The speaker seeks a higher experience that offers comfort and strength, rather than just romantic fulfillment.
From a post-colonial perspective, Naidu’s poems express resistance to colonial rule. In ‘An Indian Love Song’, missing the lover symbolizes India’s desire for freedom from British control. Similarly, ‘In Salutation to the Eternal Peace’ suggests a vision of harmony after colonization, where peace can flourish.
Naidu’s Influence on Indian Literature
Sarojini Naidu greatly influenced Indian literature by mixing traditional Indian themes with Western styles. She was one of the first Indian poets writing in English, paving the way for future writers like R.K. Narayan and Vikram Seth.
Naidu inspired her contemporaries, including Rabindranath Tagore and Aurobindo Ghosh, who also combined spirituality and beauty in their work. Her unique voice helped shape Indian English poetry, balancing traditional stories with modern techniques.
Relevance of the Poems Today
Both ‘An Indian Love Song’ and ‘In Salutation to the Eternal Peace’ are still important in modern studies due to their universal themes and emotional depth. They explore love, longing, peace, and spirituality, providing a way to discuss human experiences. Naidu’s blend of Western and Indian traditions offers valuable insights into personal desires and collective goals, making her work timeless.
6. Conclusion
Summary of Key Points
We examined the rich themes and emotions in Sarojini Naidu’s poems ‘An Indian Love Song’ and ‘In Salutation to the Eternal Peace’. The first focuses on love and longing, while the second emphasizes peace and spirituality. Both highlight Naidu’s talent for connecting nature with human feelings and touching on universal ideas. Her style evolved from romantic expressions to more philosophical thoughts, showing her literary range.
The Impact of the Poems
Naidu’s poems have had a lasting effect on Indian literature by helping to develop Indian English poetry and offering insights into personal and national identity. Her work continues to inspire readers both in India and around the world, connecting emotional expression with spiritual exploration.
Personal Reflections
Naidu’s poems blend passion, peace, and deeper understanding. As a reader, her work evokes strong feelings about human experiences while encouraging reflection on larger themes of love, loss, and spiritual fulfillment. Her ability to connect personal and universal experiences makes her poetry significant in Indian literature and beyond.