"Face to Face" by Rabindranath Tagore expresses a spiritual yearning and a desire for a direct, intimate connection with the divine. Through vivid imagery and introspective thoughts, the poem explores the idea of standing before the divine presence with humility, devotion, and a sense of solitude. The poem emphasizes the moments of personal connection with the divine, whether in solitude, amidst daily struggles, or in the final stages of life's journey. It conveys a sense of reverence, awe, and the aspiration to experience a profound encounter with the divine.
"Face to Face" by Rabindranath Tagore
Day after day, O lord of my life,
shall I stand before thee face to face.
With folded hands, O lord of all worlds,
shall I stand before thee face to face.
Under thy great sky in solitude and silence,
with humble heart shall I stand before thee face to face.
In this laborious world of thine, tumultuous with toil
and with struggle, among hurrying crowds
shall I stand before thee face to face.
And when my work shall be done in this world,
O King of kings, alone and speechless
shall I stand before thee face to face.
Summary
"Face to Face" conveys the speaker's spiritual yearning to stand before the divine presence with devotion and humility. The poem contemplates the idea of having a direct and intimate connection with the divine, characterized by moments of deep solitude, silence, and reverence. The speaker expresses the intention to approach the divine presence with folded hands, symbolizing humility and surrender. The poem envisions encountering the divine both in solitude and amidst the busyness of the world's struggles. The poem's final lines contemplate the moment when the speaker's earthly work is completed, and they stand alone before the divine presence, speechless and in awe.
Critical Analysis
The poem captures the speaker's yearning for a meaningful connection with the divine.
The repetition of the phrase "shall I stand before thee face to face" emphasizes the desire for direct and personal encounter with the divine.
The imagery of "folded hands" and "humble heart" conveys a sense of reverence, submission, and devotion in the speaker's approach to the divine.
The phrases "under thy great sky," "solitude and silence," and "hurrying crowds" contrast different settings in which the speaker seeks to encounter the divine, highlighting the versatility of such moments.
The phrase "King of kings" conveys the divinity's supreme authority and power.
The final lines, "And when my work shall be done in this world, O King of kings, alone and speechless shall I stand before thee face to face," convey the idea of ultimate surrender and awe when the speaker's earthly journey comes to an end.
Themes
- Spiritual Yearning: The poem conveys the speaker's longing for a direct, personal connection with the divine.
- Humility and Devotion: The poem emphasizes the importance of approaching the divine with folded hands, a humble heart, and a sense of reverence.
- Encounter with the Divine: The poem explores the various settings and stages of life in which the speaker aspires to experience moments of direct encounter with the divine presence.
Attitudes/Feelings
- Reverence: The poem conveys a sense of awe and reverence in the presence of the divine.
- Yearning: The poem reflects the speaker's deep yearning and aspiration for a meaningful connection with the divine.
Literary Devices
- Imagery: The imagery of "folded hands," "solitude and silence," and "hurrying crowds" creates vivid scenes that convey the different ways in which the speaker seeks to encounter the divine.
- Repetition: The repetition of the phrase "shall I stand before thee face to face" emphasizes the recurring desire for direct encounter.
Discussion Question
How does "Face to Face" by Rabindranath Tagore explore the speaker's spiritual yearning for direct encounters with the divine presence? How does the poem convey a sense of reverence, humility, and awe in the face of the divine?