SHADOWS AND SUNSHINE : THE DICHOTOMY
"As flies to wanton boys
We are to the God's "
Thomas Hardy
Eloquent lines depicting Hardy's much - discussed pessimism !!
Lines that echo the truth but I would say just the half truth .
In defence of the classic and eminent novelist and poet Thomas Hardy my take is that writing is subjective and manifests one's attitude and state of mind . The autobiographical element is always there .
We are undoubtedly puppets at the mercy of fate and The Almighty .The trials and tribulations of life , adversities and misfortunes are certainly not easy to handle and need courage , fortitude and a balanced mind to go through them !
The above lines exemplify Hardy's fatalistic and negative approach to life more so because of his ardous personal experiences .
Equanimity and balance of mind , the ' sambhav' as is befittingly expressed in Hindi is what one
needs to practice to face hardships and the not - so - good times . Though easily said than done, the only way is to practice and try and develop a mind set that gives one the wisdom to think that these are all passing phases and this too shall pass. Meditation is a practice that gives inner strength , fortitude and equanimity . All our spiritual preachers are promoting it in a big way as they say that is also the only way to achieve salvation .
Again as Hardy expressed that happiness is " but an occasional episode in the general drama of pain " !!
This is the perception where the problem lies...
To magnify , exaggerate and keep harping on the trying times and hurdles that we all humans have to face only ends up in depression and disillusionment .
Likewise Keats' negative despondent perception is obvious in his ' Ode To Melancholy' in which he personifies Melancholy stating ,
" She dwells with Beauty -- Beauty that must die ;
And Joy , whose hand is every at his lips
Bidding adieu ; ..."
Keats' negative capability , though subtle is evident .However , through this Ode Keats is suggesting ways and means to cope with sadness as it is bound to overtake mortals as happiness recedes .
Melancholy has its shrine within the " temple of Delight " ! Keats wants to emphasis that joy and sorrow go hand - in-hand ! Keats tries to urge mortals to embrace Melancholy and not flee from it finding it's connection with beauty and joy .
The poet in his Ode To A Nightingale and Ode on a Greciun Urn also touches upon Melancholy by pondering on the ephemerality of beauty and joy.
Thus it is the impermanence of joy that causes sorrow especially when catastrophic events in life occur .
A deep - seated faith in The Lord and the realisation that He is our Caretaker , One who is looking after us every miniscule second can allay these negative thoughts .
Surrendering to Him is the ONLY OPTION for mortals and certainly that is what gives one the strength to develop a positive attitude and renews our reverence and faith in The Almighty .
Now in contrast to Hardy' and Keats I am immediately reminded of Robert Browning's powerfully optimistic lines
" Grow old along with me
The Best is yet to be !"
Browning is known for his robust optimism and these oft quoted lines signify that age is just a number . It is up to we humans beings to perceive life and advancing age prudently .
In other words what one has always wished to aspire in life can be done so even by the sexagenerians , septagenarians and even octogenarians ! Life begins anew for these age groups providing them some free time once their filial responsibilities are fulfilled..
This is the time to encash and pursue one's latent desires. Not only is this all-engaging and fulfilling but it also opens new avenues and vistas, as well as brings to the forefront various hidden skills that one was unaware of .
Tennyson's ' Ulysses 'shares a similar view point ,
" I will drink
Life to the lees : ..."
which is explicitly emblematic of positivity .
Advancing years should not bring despondency and a cessation or suspension of activity on the pretext of age . Rather it should instil hope and a feeling of blessedness that offers the elderly opportunities to indulge ,develop and hone their skill sets which ultimately gives joy and fulfilment .
As Tennyson's eloquent lines spill out the truth :
"How dull it is to pause , to make an end,
To rust burnish'd, no to shine in use ! "
Optimism and positivity at their best !
Nevertheless both Thomas Hardy ,the acclaimed English novelist - poet of the early 19th century , Keats. The acclaimed Romantic poet , and Robert Browning. the popular Victorian poet - playwright of the late 19th century as well as Tennyson belonging to the same age , are all celebrated authors, poets ...it
is just that they have different ideologies .
These writers are juxtaposed ! The paradox is apparent .This dichotomous relationship between pessimistic and optimistic characteristics in writers of the same age , clime , nation , however , is a matter of their own sensitivity and discernment . It all depends on how life has dealt with them and their perceptions .
Moreover as Indians our staunch belief in Karma and that karmic effects cannot be ignored provides some explanation of our circumstances and life situations .Yes Destiny also plays a significant role in shaping our outlook. Disappointmebts , betrayal , hurt , anger draw us into the trap of bitterness and negativism.Try as we might many a times situations are beyond our control throwing us in a helpless situation. It is in such conflicting times it is The Redeemer who will drag us out of depression and show us the right path .
Nevertheless we ourselves need to take charge of our own feelings and reactions . We have to
learn and make the courageous decision to LET GO of our disillusionments and carry on with our lives . Holding on to hurt , dismay and dejection will not make life better , richer or more meaningful .And finally one has to believe that God's grace is always descending on us !To look at the brighter side of life with the hope that life is not a bed of roses and that joy and sorrow are two sides of the same coin is what the stark reality that individuals need to imbibe and cultivate in themselves .
For as the great poet Shelley sums up in his poem " Ode To The West Wind " :
" If Winter comes , can Spring be far behind " !
A line that is suffused with an aura of hope , of never losing hope , and is imbued with the spirit of buoyancy and sanguinity .
Our unshakeable belief in the ONE who loves us unconditionally can make us see reason. Our deeds and our dedication towards them is important . However, we have no control over their results so no use fretting about that. As the universal message of The Bhagwad Gita says
कर्मण्येवाघिकारस्ते माफलेषु कदाचिन!!
