Introduction to R. Parthasarathy
R Parthasarathy is a prominent figure in Indian English literature. Born in 1934 in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, he received his education at Don Bosco High School and later at Siddhartha College in Mumbai. His academic journey continued at Leeds University in England, where his experience as an Indian in a foreign land deeply influenced his writing.
His most notable work “Rough Passage” (1977) explores themes of cultural displacement and identity crisis. Beyond his poetic contributions, Parthasarathy worked as an editor at Oxford University Press, India for nearly two decades and taught at various universities including the University of Texas at Austin.
Parthasarathy’s significance stems from:
- His authentic portrayal of the dilemma faced by Indian writers writing in English
- His exploration of exile, both physical and linguistic
- His efforts to reconnect with his Tamil roots
- His skillful translation work, particularly “Cilappatikaram,” an ancient Tamil epic
Detailed Study of “Rough Passage”
Structure and Organization
“Rough Passage” consists of three distinct sections, each representing a stage in the poet’s emotional and intellectual journey:
- Exile (1959-1964): Chronicles the poet’s experiences in England
- Trial (1964-1971): Explores his return to India and subsequent struggles
- Homecoming (1971-1976): Depicts his reconnection with Tamil heritage and identity
This tripartite structure mirrors a psychological journey from alienation to reconciliation, creating a narrative arc throughout the collection.
Major Themes
Cultural Alienation and Identity Crisis
The poet grapples with being caught between two worlds:
“I return to England, confront
my exile, my ashen waste of feeling.”
This sentiment captures his sense of not fully belonging to either culture. The poet experiences alienation both in England (as a foreigner) and in India (having been influenced by Western education).
Language as Identity
Parthasarathy explores the complex relationship between language and identity:
“My tongue in English chains,
I return, after a generation, to you.”
English becomes both a tool and a barrier—enabling communication yet distancing him from his native culture. The poet views English as “a burden” that he “carries with ease,” highlighting the paradoxical relationship.
Return to Roots
The final section “Homecoming” marks his attempt to reconnect with Tamil identity:
“Tamil has gone underground.
English blossoms on my tongue.
I have to write in the language of care.”
This struggle to reclaim his native language and heritage forms a central concern in the work.
The Journey Motif
The entire collection uses journey as an extended metaphor for:
- Physical travel between countries
- Psychological growth
- Cultural rediscovery
Literary Techniques
Poetic Form and Style
Parthasarathy employs:
- Free verse with occasional rhyme
- Long, meditative lines inspired by Walt Whitman
- Compact imagery reminiscent of Ezra Pound
- Plain, direct language with occasional lyrical intensity
Imagery and Symbolism
The poet uses concrete images to convey abstract concepts:
- Sea/water imagery: Represents flux, transition, and the journey between cultures
- Maps and geography: Symbolizes cultural boundaries and identity
- Linguistic references: Highlights the struggle between English and Tamil
Voice and Tone
The poetic voice is:
- Reflective and introspective
- Often melancholic when addressing displacement
- Occasionally bitter when confronting colonial legacy
- Ultimately searching for reconciliation
R. Parthasarathy’s Literary Context
Placement in Indian English Poetry
Parthasarathy belongs to the second generation of post-independence Indian English poets, following figures like Nissim Ezekiel and preceding poets like Arun Kolatkar. His work emerged during a period when Indian English poetry was establishing its authentic voice.
Key contemporaries include:
- A.K. Ramanujan
- Kamala Das
- Jayanta Mahapatra
Postcolonial Dimensions
His poetry engages with postcolonial themes:
- The lasting impact of colonial education
- Linguistic colonization
- Cultural hybridity
- The search for authentic expression
Contribution to Indian English Literature
Parthasarathy’s significance includes:
- Bringing Tamil literary traditions into English poetry
- Questioning the validity of writing in English
- Exploring the authenticity of Indian expression in a colonial language
- Bridging traditional Indian poetics with modern Western forms
Critical Analysis of Key Poems
“Exile” (From “Rough Passage”)
This poem establishes the foundational conflict:
“I learn my separateness from you;
each act of mine is a rehearsal of it.”
Analysis: The poem captures the poet’s sense of growing distance from his homeland. The word “rehearsal” suggests that exile is not just a state but a continuous performance that must be learned and practiced.
“Trial” (From “Rough Passage”)
The middle section explores his return to India and subsequent disillusionment:
“Going back is not the same as staying back.”
Analysis: This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the immigrant’s dilemma—returning physically doesn’t equate to undoing the psychological distance created by absence.
“Homecoming” (From “Rough Passage”)
The final section represents his attempt to reconnect with Tamil:
“Tamil has become
an obsession, the way
some women become obsessed
with jewels.”
Analysis: The simile comparing language to jewels highlights how Tamil has become both precious and ornamental—valued but not fully integrated into daily life.
Important Quotes and Their Analysis
On Language and Identity
“My tongue in English chains,
I return, after a generation, to you.”
Analysis: The metaphor of “chains” presents English as both restrictive and binding. However, the poet acknowledges that these chains are now part of his identity, creating a complex relationship with the language.
On Cultural Dislocation
“I can no longer
speak the language without a foreign accent.”
Analysis: This statement works on multiple levels—referring to both literal accent in Tamil and a metaphorical “accent” in cultural understanding. It captures the irreversible changes that occur through migration.
On Return and Belonging
“I return to India, to play the part of Ulysses.”
Analysis: The classical allusion to Odysseus (Ulysses) suggests that the poet’s return, like the Greek hero’s, is complicated by change—both in the homeland and in himself. The word “play” suggests performance rather than authentic being.
On Poetic Mission
“To write, to reconcile
the fear in the human grain.”
Analysis: This statement reveals Parthasarathy’s view of poetry’s purpose: not merely aesthetic but reconciliatory, addressing fundamental human anxieties about identity and belonging.
Translation Work and Criticism
“Cilappatikaram” Translation
Parthasarathy translated this ancient Tamil epic into English, making it accessible to a wider audience. His translation shows:
- Careful preservation of cultural context
- Sensitivity to poetic form
- Detailed annotations explaining Tamil cultural references
Critical Essays
Parthasarathy has written influential criticism on:
- The role of English in India
- The challenges of Indian poets writing in English
- The importance of translation in preserving cultural heritage
His essay collection “Rough Passage to the Future” offers insights into his poetic philosophy.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers
Multiple Choice Questions
- Question: “Rough Passage” by R. Parthasarathy is divided into how many sections?
- A) Two
- B) Three
- C) Four
- D) Five Answer: B) Three (Exile, Trial, Homecoming)
- Question: Which of these themes is NOT central to Parthasarathy’s poetry?
- A) Cultural alienation
- B) Linguistic identity
- C) Political revolution
- D) Return to native roots Answer: C) Political revolution
- Question: Which ancient Tamil epic did R. Parthasarathy translate into English?
- A) Tirukkural
- B) Cilappatikaram
- C) Silappadikaram
- D) Manimekalai Answer: B) Cilappatikaram
- Question: Which section of “Rough Passage” deals with the poet’s experiences in England?
- A) Trial
- B) Exile
- C) Homecoming
- D) Journey Answer: B) Exile
- Question: Which of these contemporary poets shares similar themes with Parthasarathy?
- A) A.K. Ramanujan
- B) Sarojini Naidu
- C) Sri Aurobindo
- D) Michael Madhusudan Dutt Answer: A) A.K. Ramanujan
Short Answer Questions
- Question: Explain the significance of the title “Rough Passage.” Answer: The title “Rough Passage” works on multiple levels. Literally, it refers to the difficult sea journey between England and India. Metaphorically, it represents the poet’s challenging psychological journey between cultures, languages, and identities. The word “passage” also suggests transition rather than arrival, highlighting that identity formation is an ongoing process.
- Question: How does Parthasarathy address the conflict between English and Tamil in his poetry? Answer: Parthasarathy presents English as both a tool of expression and a colonial burden. He describes his “tongue in English chains” while acknowledging that Tamil has “gone underground.” This conflict is central to his work as he struggles to find authentic expression while using the colonizer’s language. The final section of “Rough Passage” represents his attempt to reconnect with Tamil while still writing in English, creating a tension that is never fully resolved.
- Question: Discuss the theme of exile in R. Parthasarathy’s poetry. Answer: Exile in Parthasarathy’s work is multi-layered. Beyond physical displacement from India to England, he explores linguistic exile (separation from Tamil), cultural exile (alienation from traditional Indian values), and psychological exile (internal fragmentation). Even upon returning to India, he experiences a form of exile as he can no longer fully belong to his native culture, making exile a permanent condition rather than a temporary state.
Advanced Literary Analysis
Postcolonial Reading
Parthasarathy’s work embodies what Homi Bhabha terms “hybridity”—the creation of new transcultural forms within the contact zone produced by colonization. His poetry demonstrates:
- Ambivalence: Toward both English and Indian culture
- Mimicry: Adoption and adaptation of Western poetic forms
- Liminality: Existing in the threshold space between cultures
His work challenges colonial binary thinking by presenting identity as fluid and complex.
Comparative Analysis
When compared to other Indian English poets:
- Unlike Ezekiel, who mostly accepted his hybrid identity, Parthasarathy actively struggles against it
- Similar to A.K. Ramanujan in his focus on language and translation, though with more explicit conflict
- Shares Kamala Das’s concern with authenticity, but focuses on cultural rather than gender identity
Formal Innovation
Parthasarathy’s formal techniques include:
- Combining Western free verse with Tamil poetic traditions
- Incorporating Tamil words and concepts into English verse
- Using enjambment to create tension between lines, mirroring cultural tensions
- Employing spatial arrangements on the page to suggest displacement
Teaching Strategies for Exam Preparation
Key Points for Memorization
Students should memorize:
- Basic biographical details
- The three-part structure of “Rough Passage”
- 5-6 significant quotes illustrating major themes
- Literary techniques employed
- Comparisons with contemporary poets
Analysis Framework
When answering questions about Parthasarathy’s poems, use this approach:
- Identify the theme or technique being asked about
- Provide a relevant quote from the text
- Analyze the quote in relation to broader themes
- Connect to postcolonial context or biographical elements
- Compare with other sections of the poem or other works if relevant
Common Misinterpretations to Avoid
- Oversimplification: Avoid reducing his work to simple binaries of East/West
- Biographical fallacy: While autobiography informs his work, it should not be read as direct autobiography
- Neglecting formal aspects: Don’t focus only on themes at the expense of poetic techniques
- Missing irony: Recognize his complex, sometimes contradictory attitudes toward both cultures
Practice Questions for Self-Assessment
Multiple Choice Questions
- Question: Which of these statements best captures Parthasarathy’s view of language?
- A) English should be rejected in favor of Indian languages
- B) English provides superior expressive capabilities
- C) Language creates both connection and alienation
- D) Language is merely a tool without cultural significance Answer: C) Language creates both connection and alienation
- Question: In which decade was “Rough Passage” published?
- A) 1960s
- B) 1970s
- C) 1980s
- D) 1990s Answer: B) 1970s
- Question: Which literary movement is R. Parthasarathy most closely associated with?
- A) Romanticism
- B) Modernism
- C) Postcolonialism
- D) Surrealism Answer: C) Postcolonialism
- Question: Which Western poet influenced Parthasarathy’s long, meditative lines?
- A) T.S. Eliot
- B) Walt Whitman
- C) W.B. Yeats
- D) Sylvia Plath Answer: B) Walt Whitman
- Question: What historical context shapes Parthasarathy’s poetry?
- A) Indian independence and its aftermath
- B) World War II
- C) The Emergency period in India
- D) Economic liberalization Answer: A) Indian independence and its aftermath
Essay Questions
- Question: “R. Parthasarathy’s poetry represents a journey from alienation to reconciliation.” Discuss with reference to “Rough Passage.”
- Question: Analyze how Parthasarathy uses imagery and symbolism to explore cultural identity in his poetry.
- Question: Compare and contrast R. Parthasarathy’s approach to cultural identity with that of any other Indian English poet you have studied.
Conclusion: R. Parthasarathy’s Legacy
R. Parthasarathy’s contribution to Indian English literature extends beyond his poetry. His work as an editor, translator, and critic has helped shape the field. His poetry stands as an important exploration of:
- The complexities of postcolonial identity
- The relationship between language and culture
- The immigrant experience
- The search for authenticity in a globalized world
For the RPSC Second Grade English Exam, understanding Parthasarathy’s work requires attention to both thematic concerns and formal techniques. His poetry captures a specific historical moment in Indian literature while addressing universal questions about belonging and identity that remain relevant today.
His lasting impact lies in his unflinching examination of the “rough passage” between cultures—a journey that many continue to experience in our increasingly interconnected yet divided world.
