Mystical consciousness in the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore and Robert Frost with special reference to nature mysticism

Abstract

This is an account of the part-time research on "Mystical Consciousness in the Poetry of Rabindranath Tagore and Robert Frost with special reference to Nature Mysticism." Mysticism, though not easy to define, is a subject of interest to writers, thinkers, believers and non- believers alike. The present concern for environment and peace of mind has a lot to imbibe from a Mystical Consciousness of Nature. Even a casual reading of the poems of Rabindranath Tagore and Robert Frost would reveal their awareness of the profound harmony which exists in Nature. The aim of this research is to determine the Mystical Consciousness in their poetry with the focus on Nature Mysticism. The study has 4 chapters. Chapter 1 makes an attempt to analyse the various definitions of Mysticism, its characteristics, and its manifestations in Literature, especially English, American and Indian Literature. Various stages of Mystical Consciousness are also discussed in this chapter. The chapter concludes with a survey of the relevance and manifestations of Nature Mysticism in Literature. Chapter 2 traces the development of the Mystical Consciousness in the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore. It also discusses Tagore's mysticalvision, his God-concept and his concept of Nature. The prime characteristics of Nature Mysticism in his poetry are analysed. Chapter 3 endeavours a similar evaluation of Frost's poetry, his views on God-realisation, concept of Nature and the Mystical Consciousness of Nature as manifested in his poems. Chapter 4 compares and reviews the findings. The study comes to the conclusion that despite the subtle differences, the poetry of both Tagore and Frost is a quest for the Ultimate Reality and it is based on a Mystical Consciousness of Nature. As the investigation adopts a thematic approach, thrust is given to the poems which best reflect the Mystical Consciousness of the two poets.