In On the Casuarina Tree, Toru Dutt reflects on the tree as a symbol of ________.

Correct option is B

Explanation:

In On the Casuarina Tree, Toru Dutt uses the tree as a symbol of the passage of time and the permanence of memory. Throughout the poem, the casuarina tree is depicted as a witness to the poet's personal history, standing firm through the years as a reminder of the past, particularly the loss of her loved ones. The tree’s enduring presence contrasts with the transience of human life, symbolizing how memories of the past, especially those tied to loved ones, can endure even as time moves on. Through the tree, Dutt explores the idea that while life may be fleeting, the memories of those we have lost can remain alive in our hearts, much like the tree continues to stand and evoke remembrance.

Information Booster:

Toru Dutt (1856–1877) was an Indian poet, translator, and writer who wrote in English and French.

• In On the Casuarina Tree, Dutt reflects on personal loss, particularly the death of her brother, through the symbolism of the tree.
• The poem embodies her grief and nostalgia for the past, using the tree as a lasting marker of memory and time.
• The poem describes the casuarina tree, a prominent symbol of endurance and memory, which stands as a marker of the poet’s emotional connection to her childhood and lost loved ones.
• Dutt meditates on the beauty and resilience of the tree, contrasting it with the impermanence of human life.
• The tree is described as “a living monument”, representing the enduring nature of memories that outlast the physical presence of those who are no longer alive.
• The tree’s ability to withstand time, weather, and age makes it a symbol of the permanence of remembrance and the continuous connection between the past and the present.
• The casuarina tree is also personified in the poem, giving it a human-like quality, as it seems to "whisper" the memories of the past. The poet’s reflective tone conveys both the beauty of the tree and the sorrow of loss, making the tree a symbol of both growth and decay.
• Memory and Loss: The central theme of the poem revolves around the emotional impact of loss and how memories can be preserved through symbols like the tree. The tree serves as a marker of the past, representing the poet’s continued connection to her lost brother.
• Imagery and Symbolism: Dutt uses vivid imagery to describe the tree, making it a symbol not just of nature but of life’s continuity, even in the face of loss. She also uses personification to give the tree a voice, allowing it to act as a silent witness to the poet’s grief and memory.
• Cultural and Emotional Significance: Dutt merges Indian nature imagery with Western poetic forms, creating a unique blend of cultural and emotional expression.
• On the Casuarina Tree is a lyric poem, typically characterized by its personal, reflective nature. The poem is an example of elegiac verse, focusing on the themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time. The use of nature as a symbol of human experience is common in Romantic poetry, and Toru Dutt employs this effectively to convey her emotional state.