Gitanjali · Chapter
XCV explained
The poet reflects on the mystery of birth and the familiarity of the world, expressing a love for life that extends to death, likening it to a child finding consolation in the mother's other breast.
What happens
The poet reflects on the mystery of birth and the familiarity of the world, expressing a love for life that extends to death, likening it to a child finding consolation in the mother's other breast.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional peak occurs when the speaker surrenders to "glad humiliation" and "dim delight," abandoning the…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Death and Immortality
The poet expresses love for death as well as life, seeing the unknown as familiar in death.
- Beauty of the Ordinary and Nature
The imagery of a bud opening in the forest at midnight and the mother's breast highlights the beauty in natural, ordinary experiences.
Characters to notice
- The Poet
Reflects on the moment of entering life and the familiarity of the world.
- The Divine
Referred to as the inscrutable without name and form, taking the poet in its arms in the form of the mother.
Key passages
“I was not aware of the moment when I first crossed the threshold of this life.”
I did not notice the instant I entered this world.
Opening reflection on the unconscious beginning of existence.
“And because I love this life, I know I shall love death as well.”
Since I cherish living, I am certain I will also cherish dying.
Expression of acceptance and love for both life and death.
“The child cries out when from the right breast the mother takes it away, in the very next moment to find in the left one its consolation.”
A child protests when moved from the mother's right breast, only to be comforted by the left one.
Metaphor for finding comfort in change, from life to death.
