Arundhati Subramaniam's "I Live On A Road": Refraction of urban odyssey
"Subramaniam's poetry is one
of illumination. She flashes a pencil-torchlight on a subject, and suddenly you
feel you are the richer for it. Even more than precision, what defines her
verse is its subtlety and the angle of vision from which she sees life."
- Keki Daruwalla
Arundhathi
Subramaniam, a luminary in contemporary Indian poetry, and a Sahitya Akadwmi
Award winning author, navigates the complexities of existence with grace and
insight. Renowned for her illuminating verse, she possesses a unique ability to
shed light on the mundane and the profound alike, infusing her poetry with a
subtle yet profound wisdom. As Keki Daruwalla aptly observes, Subramaniam's
poetry transcends mere precision; it is imbued with a delicate subtlety and a
distinctive perspective that enriches the reader's understanding of the world.
"I
live on a Road" stands as a luminous piece within Arundhathi Subramaniam's
poetic repertoire, encapsulating the vibrant odyssey of urban life through a
refracted lens. In the poem, the road emerges as a potent metaphor, symbolizing
not only the physical pathway but also the manifold opportunities and
challenges it presents. Through the evocative imagery of a "long magic
road," Subramaniam ignites a sense of wonder and possibility, inviting
readers to traverse its length and explore its hidden depths. Within this
bustling thoroughfare, the inhabitants are rendered as "beautiful
people," infusing the setting with richness and complexity. In this way,
Subramaniam masterfully crafts a narrative that transcends the mundane,
offering a profound meditation on the dynamic interplay between environment and
experience.
The
poem: Themes and message
People are
obsessed over fashion and appearance, striving for an idealized image, yet they
remain fragmented, unable to see themselves as whole individuals. The influence
of cinematic perfection perpetuates feelings of inadequacy, leading to low
self-esteem and a constant pursuit of external validation through grooming and
material possessions. Amidst this rush for vanity and material success, people
overlook inner happiness and forget to live in the present moment, resulting in
a chaotic existence devoid of peace. Subramaniam captures this longing for a
better future, describing the road as blessed with hopeful anticipation, where
at any moment, it might lead to heavenly fulfillment.
In
short, the message conveyed by this poem is a poignant reflection on the allure
and pitfalls of a life lived on a road teeming with aspirations and dreams. It
highlights the pursuit of perfection and success, tempered by the emptiness and
uncertainty that accompany it. Ultimately, it hints at a glimmer of hope amidst
the relentless striving for something greater.
Structure
and Form of the poem
The
poem "I live on a Road" comprises four stanzas, each with a different
number of lines, ranging from 3 to 9. It doesn't adhere to a consistent rhyme
scheme, favoring free verse instead. The tone of the poem is contemplative,
exploring the themes of aspiration, beauty, and the allure of fame and success
in a bustling city. Moreover, colloquial expressions like 'beanstalk to
heaven' lend authenticity to the urban setting, while diverse poetic
devices make the poem distinctively unique.
Poetic Devices used in the poem
This
poem employs several poetic devices, including:
i) Metaphor: The road serves
as a metaphor for the journey of life, with its twist and turns representing
the obstacles and opportunities encountered along the way. Additionally, the
city is likened to an "ancient city of mirrors," suggesting a
place where one's reflection or self-image is constantly scrutinized and
distorted.
ii) Imagery: The poet employs
vivid imagery to describe the physical attributes of the people on the road,
such as "long mocha legs" and “sculpted torsos”. This imagery
helps to paint a picture of the glamorous and aspirational atmosphere of the
setting.
iii) Alliteration: The repetition
of consonent sounds in phrases like "sculpt their torsos"
and "beautiful people" adds musicality to the poem and
emphasizes key concepts. The use of alliteration, such as in "designer
curlicue" and "eyes, hair, teeth, butt," adds a
rhythmic quality to the poem and enhances its poetic effect.
iv) Hyperbole: Hyperbolic
language is used to exaggerate the consequences of life on the road, such as
being "bloat[ed]... into a centrespread" or "shrink[ed]...
into a commercial break." These exaggerated descriptions emphasize the
pressure and scrutiny faced by individuals in this environment.
'Sringara rasa' in the poem
Sringara
rasa, regarded as the foundational emotion, embodies beauty and love, giving
rise to a spectrum of feelings such as admiration, joy, intoxication, jealousy,
compassion, eroticism, and anger. It manifests in two forms: Sambhoga (union)
and Vipralambha (separation). Vipralambha, denoting separation, contrasts with
emotions like anger, jealousy, and sickness, capable of dimming vibrant
surroundings.
In
the poem "I Live on a Road," the poet explores the discord between
individuals and their inner essence, resulting in Vipralambha Sringara, or
separation from oneself. This disconnection leads to fatigue, anxiety, and
frustration, as the pursuit of external perfection overshadows the inherent
spiritual beauty within creation. Humanity often overlooks life's transience,
chasing superficial, physical ideals, and fleeting illusions of perfection. But
in the poem, the longing for transformation, from humble beginnings in PG digs
to grandeur in penthouses and Ferraris, embodies the spectrum of feelings
encompassed by Sringara rasa, from aspiration to eventual fulfillment or
separation
Examining the Poem: Critique and
Potential
In
"I live on a Road," the poet paints a vivid picture of a world
consumed by the pursuit of physical perfection and fame. While the imagery is
striking and the theme of aspiration is evident, the poem can be critiqued on
several fronts. Firstly, it lacks depth by primarily focusing on the
surface-level aspects of existence along this path, neglecting to delve into
the deeper emotions or experiences of the individuals it portrays.
Additionally, its portrayal of people fixated solely on physical beauty and material
success risks coming across as clichéd and lacking in nuance or complexity. The
use of predictable imagery, such as metaphors like "beanstalk to
heaven" and "ancient city of mirrors," further hinders the
poem's ability to offer fresh insights into the explored themes. Beside these, the
critical and slightly cynical tone may distance readers from fully engaging with
the poem's themes. Infusing moments of introspection or vulnerability could foster
a more empathetic connection.
Furthermore,
the poem suffers from a lack of individuality, presenting the road's
inhabitants in a homogeneous manner and overlooking the diversity of experiences,
backgrounds, and aspirations among them. Finally, while it critiques the
pursuit of physical perfection and fame, it could delve deeper into the
hollowness of these goals and their detrimental effects on individuals'
well-being. And lastly, while the poem concludes with a sense of anticipation, it
fails to provide any resolution or deeper contemplation on the consequences of the
depicted aspirations, leaving readers with an unsatisfying conclusion.
Thus, it
could deepen its exploration of the human condition and offer a more nuanced
critique of societal ideals. Addressing these aspects could elevate the poem's
impact and resonance with readers more efficiently.
However, through "I live on a Road", the poet presents a captivating exploration of human existence amid the urban sprawl. With its rich imagery and poignant language, the poem captures the intricacies of ambition and the relentless pursuit of dreams within modern society. The poet's introspective journey resonates with readers, inviting them to reflect on their own aspirations and the challenges they face along the road of life. From this perspective, the poet effectively justifies her intention through the poem.◻
Archana Gita Saikia