At the outset of the poem speaker states that she may be ignorant of politics but is well aware the names of political figures. She can recollect it as easily as the days of the week or months, right from Nehru, who was the first Prime Minister of India.
The speaker talks about her identity as Indian, emphasizing their brown skin color and birthplace in Malabar, a region in Kerala, India. The speaker is multilingual, capable of speaking three languages, writing in two, and dreaming in one.
The speaker mentions criticism received for writing in English, with a suggestion that English is not their native language. The speaker strongly reacts against such criticism and expresses her artistic freedom and autonomy. She boldly accepts all the deformities of her language as it is her genuine and truthful feelings. Her language may be a blend of English and Indian elements, acknowledging its hybrid nature but emphasizes its honesty. It expresses her emotions, aspirations, and desires.
In order to highlight the genuine nature of her language she brings the analogy of the cawing of the crows and the roaring of the lions. In contrast, the speaker differentiates her language from the non-human or inanimate sounds, emphasizing its meaningful and intentional nature.
Speaker continues to emphasize the meaningful and intentional nature of human speech by contrasting it with the natural sounds of trees, clouds, rain, and the incoherent muttering of a funeral pyre.
She recaptures her adolescence and the physical changes happened to her body and the unforgettable moment of premature marriage and the resulting disappointments in terms of love. Despite not being physically beaten, the speaker describes the emotional and psychological impact of the encounter, feeling oppressed by rampant patriarchal intrusion.
The society imposed several stereotypes and roles of being a girl, wife, embroiderer, cook and to fit into the expected norms. She points out all the external pressure enforced by the male dominated society.
She reveals the treatments and attitude of the society and criticises their expectations especially against the labelling with mental health terms like schizophrenia or nymphomania.
The speaker recollects a romantic encounter, emphasizing that the man is representative of every man seeking a woman, and the speaker herself is representative of every woman seeking love. The striking images of river and ocean symbolically signify the intense instinct of love and union of souls.
The speaker poses a question about identity and self-awareness, suggesting that everyone is essentially the same. The metaphor of a tightly-packed sword in its sheath implies hidden potential or a constrained identity.
Towards the end of the poem the speaker acknowledges the duality within her, embodying both positive and negative aspects and asserts again her individual self.
Critical analysis
The title Introduction suggests that the poem as the title itself carries, is an introduction or an exploration of the speaker's identity, experiences, and challenges.
The poem is structured in free verse, lacking a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This form aligns with the theme of individuality and self-expression, allowing the poet to convey her thoughts and emotions in an unrestrained manner.
The poem addresses the identity crisis and challenges faced by the writer and she criticises societal norms and expectations imposed on women.
The poem celebrates individuality and authenticity. Throughout the poem she asserts her individuality by questioning the male dominated society.
The poem also remarkably touches upon the theme of love and desire. The speaker's experiences with love are depicted as complex, including both moments of joy and shame. The universal nature of love is highlighted by portraying the man she loves as representative of every man, and herself as representative of every woman seeking love.
The poem embraces the dualities and contradictions within the speaker's life. She identifies herself as both a sinner and a saint, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of her existence. This adds depth and complexity to her character.
Kamala Das employs a conversational and confessional tone throughout the poem. The language is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for readers to connect with the emotions and experiences conveyed. The choice of words and imagery adds richness to the narrative, enhancing the overall impact of the poem.
vivid imageries and symbolism in the poem
"The language I speak / Becomes mine, its distortions, its queerness / All mine, mine alone."
Language becomes a symbol of personal identity. The speaker asserts ownership over her language, emphasizing its distortions and queerness as integral aspects of her individuality. It symbolizes her right to self-expression.
"It is half English, half / Indian, funny perhaps, but it is honest..."
The blending of English and Indian languages symbolizes the hybrid identity of the speaker. It is indeed the result of colonialism.
"Not the deaf, blind speech / Of trees in storm or of monsoon clouds..."
The poet contrasts the natural sounds of trees and storms with "human speech," symbolizing the meaningful, intentional nature of human communication. This reinforces the importance of the speaker's voice and self-expression.
"If in this world, he is tightly-packed like the / Sword in its sheath."
The tightly-packed sword in its sheath is a metaphor for societal constraints or expectations that confine individuals. It symbolizes the suppression of true identity, hinting at the struggle against societal norms.
"In him…the hungry haste / Of river in me… the oceans’ tireless / Waiting."
The river's hungry haste and the ocean's tireless waiting symbolize the intensity and patience of the speaker's emotions and desires. It conveys a sense of longing and the vastness of her emotional landscape.
"Then…I wore a shirt and my / Brother’s trousers, cut my hair short and ignored / My womanliness."
The act of wearing a shirt, trousers, and cutting hair short symbolizes the speaker's rebellion against traditional gender roles. It represents a rejection of societal expectations related to femininity and an assertion of her right to define her own identity.
"Be Amy, or be Kamla, or better / Still, be Madhavikutty."
The names represent societal expectations and roles imposed on the speaker. Choosing between these names symbolizes the pressure to conform and fit into predefined categories, emphasizing the struggle for individuality.
These imageries and symbols mark the craftmanship of Kamala Das's as an impeccable poet of the modern times.
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