The Sower
Introduction
Poet: Victor Hugo
Translated by: Toru Dutt
About the Poet and Translator:
Victor Hugo: A famous French writer of the 19th century. He wrote novels like Notre-Dame de Paris and Les Misérables. He was also a great poet.
Toru Dutt: An Indian poet from Kolkata who wrote in English and French. She translated many poems and wrote beautiful poetry before she died young at 21.
Theme of the Poem:
This poem describes a farmer (sower) who works hard in the field, sowing seeds. Even though it’s dark and the working day is over, he keeps working with hope. It shows his faith, patience, and dedication to his work. The poet feels deep respect for him.
Line-by-Line Explanation (Easy Language):
1. Sitting in a porchway cool…
- The poet sits and watches the sunset.
- The day is ending and night is coming.
2.Twilight hastens on to rule…
- Twilight (evening time) is quickly turning into night.
- Work time is almost over.
3.But a sower lingers still…
- All other workers have left.
- Only the old farmer stays back, still working.
4.Looking on, I feel a thrill…
- The poet feels emotional and inspired seeing the sower’s hard work.
5.Black and high, his silhouette…
- The farmer’s shape stands tall against the evening sky.
- His figure is dark and powerful.
6.Marches he along the plain…
- He walks across the field, throwing seeds far and wide.
- His movement is strong and steady.
7.Darkness deepens. Fades the light…
- It is now completely dark.
- Still, the sower continues his work with full dedication.
8. His gestures… august…
- The poet feels the farmer is a noble and dignified person.
- His height seems to touch the sky – a sign of greatness.
Poetic Devices Used:
1. Alliteration: Repetition of sounds.
- “Sitting in a porchway cool”
- “Darkness deepens”
2. Imagery: Creating a mental picture.
- “Black and high, his silhouette”
- “His height seems to touch the starry skies”
3.Personification: Giving human qualities to something non-human.
- “Twilight hastens on to rule”
4. Symbolism: The sower represents hope, patience, and faith in the future.
The Poet’s Feelings About the Sower:
- He feels respect and admiration.
- He sees the farmer as noble and god-like because of his dedication.
- Even when there is no light, the sower believes in the future harvest.
Message of the Poem:
- Hard work never goes to waste.
- Farmers are the true heroes who work silently and selflessly.
- Hope and determination are important even in difficult times.
Values Shown in the Poem:
- Dedication
- Optimism
- Hard Work
- Respect for labor
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