Defamation, Rabindranath Tagore: Summary & Analysis
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"Defamation" by Rabindranath Tagore is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that addresses the theme of unfair criticism, judgment, and the impact of negative labels. Through vivid imagery and rhetorical questions, the poem challenges societal perceptions of innocence and purity, highlighting the arbitrariness of criticism and the tendency to find fault in trivial matters. The poem urges the reader to question the validity of such accusations and encourages a perspective that sees beyond superficial appearances. "Defamation" by Rabindranath Tagore
Why are those tears in your eyes, my child?
How horrid of them to be always scolding you for nothing!
You have stained your fingers and face with ink while writing—is that why they call you dirty?
O, fie! Would they dare to call the full moon dirty because
it has smudged its face with ink?
For every little trifle they blame you, my child. They are
ready to find fault for nothing.
You tore your clothes while playing—is tha…