This episode contains critical analysis of So Many Oaks by Sujata Bhatt
Welcome to theclasswithmason.com. Today we are going to discuss the analysis of so many oaks In the poem, the narrator stands amidst a forest of oaks, which symbolise long-standing cultural traditions and practices. These oaks represent the deeply rooted traditions in society.
The act of attempting to eliminate or challenge these traditions is metaphorically portrayed as an attempt to cut down these oaks. In this context, someone who challenges or threatens these traditions is labelled as an evil witch. This reflects society's resistance to change and its tendency to demonise those who question or seek to break with established norms.
The poem then shifts its focus to a house with bright and clean windows, which initially appears pure and pristine. However, the brightness of the house is contrasted with the profound sorrow that resides within it. The house is inhabited by a woman who has endured the loss of her five sons in a war.
This observation underscores the idea that appearances can be deceiving and within even the most seemingly idyllic settings, profound suffering and loss may exist. The poem adopts a reflective tone as it explores human limitations and aspirations. The reference to birds with feathers emphasises their freedom and the ability to fly.
In contrast, humans, referred to as mammals, are depicted as bound to the earth and unable to experience the same freedom. This longing for the freedom to soar above earthly constraints is portrayed as a pitiful desire. The poem also delves into humans' sensory experiences. While humans are equipped with eyes to see and ears to hear, the poem acknowledges that some individuals are born blind.
This metaphorical blindness signifies those who are unable or unwilling to perceive the world with an open and free perspective. They remain ensnared by the constraints of society and refuse to acknowledge or listen to those who offer alternative viewpoints. The reference to plum trees bearing both red and white fruit symbolizes the duality of mindset.
The red fruit represents a mindset entrenched in traditions, while the white fruit symbolizes the desire for freedom and change. The narrator's ownership of both types of trees suggests an inner conflict, a coexistence of these opposing mindsets. The neutral color brown worn by the narrator symbolizes practicality and adaptability.
Choosing this color allows the narrator to blend into society without drawing attention. In a society that may label those who challenge traditions as evil witches, brown serves as a practical choice to navigate the world without inviting unnecessary scrutiny.