The Night Darkened by Rabindranath Tagore (Poem & Summary)

 

The Night Darkened

by Rabindranath Tagore

(Poem & Summary) 

In the poem, "The Night Darkened," the setting is a quiet village where the day's work has been completed, and the villagers believe that all the doors are shut for the night. Some rumors circulate that the king is expected, but most dismiss it as mere speculation. As the night progresses, there are mysterious knocks at the door, which are attributed to the wind. The atmosphere grows more unsettling when a sound, reminiscent of thunder, disrupts their sleep. Again, some suggest it is the sound of wheels, but it is dismissed as the rumbling of clouds. Suddenly, a drum beats, and a voice urges everyone to wake up without delay. Fear grips the villagers as they realize the king has arrived, but they are unprepared. They lament their lack of lights, wreaths, a throne, and proper decorations. However, amidst the storm and darkness, they are compelled to open the doors and welcome their king, even if it means doing so with empty hands and bare rooms. The arrival of this unexpected king, symbolizing the fear and darkness within, challenges the villagers to confront their shame and honor him despite their inadequacies.

The Night Darkened

The night darkened. Our day's works had been done. We thought that the last guest had arrived for the night and the doors in the village were all shut. Only some said, The king was to come. We laughed and said "No, it cannot be!"

It seemed there were knocks at the door and we said it was nothing but the wind. We put out the lamps and lay down to sleep. Only some said, "It is the messenger!" We laughed and said "No, it must be the wind!"

There came a sound in the dead of the night. We sleepily thought it was the distant thunder. The earth shook, the walls rocked, and it troubled us in our sleep. Only some said, it was the sound of wheels. We said in a drowsy murmur, "No, it must be the rumbling of clouds!"

The night was still dark when the drum sounded. The voice came “Wake up! Delay not! "We pressed our hands on our hearts and shuddered with fear. Some said, "Lo, there is the king's flag!" We stood up on our feet and cried "There is no time for delay!"

The king has come but where are lights, where are wreaths? Where is the throne to seat him? Oh, shame! Oh utter shame! Where is the hall, the decorations? Someone has said, "Vain is this cry! Greet him with empty hands, lead him into thy rooms all bare!"

Open the doors, let the conch-shells be sounded! In the depth of the night has come the king of our dark, dreary house. The thunder roars in the sky. The darkness shudders with lightning. Bring out thy tattered piece of mat and spread it in the courtyard. With the storm has come of a sudden our king of the fearful night.

Summary

In this poem, like many other works by Tagore, the poet emphasizes the importance of spiritual enlightenment. The poem tells the story of a man who is caught up in his busy life and has lost touch with the divine. The sky is dark, indicating a sense of distance from heavenly glory. The poet and his friends have finished their work for the day, and the villagers have closed their doors, thinking that the last guest has arrived. Some believe that the king, representing God, is still to come, but the poet and his friends laugh at this idea, thinking it is impossible.

 

The villagers hear knocking at the door, but they assume it is just the sound of the wind and go to sleep. Some villagers think it might be messengers from the king, but the ignorant poet and his companions dismiss it as just the wind. Later in the night, thunder is heard and the earth shakes, but they still ignore this as just a thunderstorm and not the arrival of the king. They hear the sound of a drum and a voice telling them to wake up and not delay. Fear grips the poet and the others. Someone sees the king's flag. There is confusion, embarrassment, and fear because they have not prepared to welcome Him.

 

A wise voice suggests that their regret is useless and that they should welcome the king with open hands and guide him to an empty room. The true heart, pure devotion, and selfless love are what God seeks, not material possessions. They decide to welcome Him with a tattered carpet for His seat, and in this way, the king of their dark and dreary house is welcomed.

The human soul longs for a divine connection and spiritual enlightenment. However, the attractions of the material world often pull the soul away from this union. The ignorant poet and his companions were afraid when God arrived, but true spiritual seekers should not fear Him. God resides where there is genuine love for Him, and worldly possessions and decorations hold no value for Him.

This poem reveals the Indian doctrine of Bhakti, which emphasizes devotion to God. The king in the poem represents God, who visits His devotees when they remember Him with a pure heart. Just like Mira and Kabir, who were deeply devoted to their beloved and embraced the opportunity to meet God with pure ecstasy. Therefore, spiritual seekers should always be prepared, as enlightenment can come unexpectedly. Tagore, like other mystics, uses symbolism and imagery drawn from everyday life, such as villagers awaiting a disguised king. This imagery conveys the abstract truth of Bhakti to readers with remarkable clarity.