ABHISARA – THE TRYST

MCQS
Read the questions and answers the correct answer from the options given below:
1. Who was Upagupta?
a) A follower of Buddha
b) A dancing girl
c) A citizen of Mathura
d) A young ascetic
2. Where was Upagupta sleeping?
a) In a temple
b) By the city wall of Mathura
c) Under a mango tree
d) In a house in Mathura
3. What was the weather like when Upagupta was sleeping?
a) Rainy
b) Sunny
c) Windy
d) Snowy
4. Whose feet tripped over Upagupta?
a) Vasavadatta’s
b) Buddha’s
c) Upagupta’s
d) The citizens’
5. What fell on Upagupta’s forgiving eyes?
a) Dust
b) Raindrops
c) Starlight
d) Light from a woman’s lamp
6. Who was Vasavadatta?
a) A young ascetic
b) A dancing girl
c) Upagupta’s disciple
d) A citizen of Mathura
7. What did Vasavadatta request Upagupta to do?
a) Forgive her
b) Come to her city
c) Leave the city
d) Wake up from his sleep
8. When did Upagupta say he would go to Vasavadatta?
a) When the storm passed
b) When the time was ripe
c) When it was daytime
d) When he finished meditating
9. What happened suddenly during the encounter between Upagupta and Vasavadatta?
a) It started raining heavily
b) The city gates closed
c) The stars became visible
d) There was a flash of lightning
10. What season was it when Upagupta was walking in the lonely street?
a) Summer
b) Winter
c) Spring
d) Autumn
11. Where did Upagupta NOT find the woman with smallpox sores?
a) At the festival of flowers
b) Under the city rampart
c) In a mango grove
d) In the woods
12. How did Upagupta show mercy to the woman?
a) He drove her away from the town
b) He gave her water and balm
c) He chided her
d) He sang a lullaby to her
13. How did the young ascetic respond when the woman asked who he was?
a) He said he was a citizen of Mathura
b) He asked for forgiveness
c) He said the time had come to visit her
d) He remained silent
14. What was the significance of the stars being hidden by the murky sky of August?
a) It symbolized the end of the monsoon season.
b) It reflected the polluted atmosphere of Mathura.
c) It created an atmosphere of mystery and darkness.
d) It indicated an upcoming celestial event.
15. Which literary device is used when describing Vasavadatta as “clouded with a pale blue mantle, drunk
with the wine of her youth”?
a) Simile
b) Personification
c) Metaphor
d) Symbolism
16. What message did Upagupta convey to Vasavadatta by telling her to go on her way?
a) He wanted to avoid further interaction with her.
b) He was testing her sincerity and determination.
c) He intended to meet her at a specific location.
d) He had no interest in her invitation.
17. What does the personification of the black night showing its teeth in a flash of lightning symbolically
represent?
a) The wrath of nature
b) Upagupta’s sudden realization
c) Vasavadatta’s fear and vulnerability
d) The arrival of a supernatural being
18. What is the symbolic significance of the citizens going to the woods for the festival of flowers?
a) The renewal of nature and the cycle of life
b) The escape from the city’s mundane routine
c) The pursuit of spiritual enlightenment
d) The celebration of Mathura’s cultural heritage
19. In the line “The young ascetic was walking in the lonely street, while overhead the love-sick koels
uttered from the mango branches their sleepless plaint,” what effect do the koels’ love-sick plaint have
on the scene?
a) They intensify the atmosphere of solitude and longing.
b) They evoke a sense of melancholy and despair.
c) They symbolize the fleeting nature of happiness.
d) They sing of love
20. What does Upagupta’s response to the woman’s question, “Who are you, merciful one?” reveal about his
identity?
a) He is a divine being.
b) He is a wandering saint with mystical powers.
c) He is an ordinary person who values compassion.
d) He is the reincarnation of a famous spiritual leader.
21. What is the underlying theme conveyed through Upagupta’s interaction with Vasavadatta?
a) The power of forgiveness and compassion
b) The struggle between duty and desire
c) The limitations of societal expectations
d) The inevitability of fate and destiny
22. Which of the following best describes the narrative tone of the text?
a) Melancholic and introspective
b) Whimsical and fantastical
c) Satirical and ironic
d) Suspenseful and mysterious
23. Which figure of speech is used in the line “The storm growled from the corner of the sky”?
a) Personification
b) Metaphor
c) Simile
d) Hyperbole
24. What figure of speech is used in the line “Suddenly the black night showed its teeth in a flash of
lightning”?
a) Simile
b) Personification
c) Metaphor
d) Hyperbole
25. In the line “Gay notes of a flute came floating in the warm spring air from afar,” what figure of speech is
used to describe the flute’s notes?
a) Simile
b) Metaphor
c) Personification
d) Hyperbole
26. What figure of speech is used in the line “The young ascetic was walking in the lonely street, while
overhead the love-sick koels uttered from the mango branches their sleepless plaint”?
a) Simile
b) Metaphor
c) Personification
d) Hyperbole
27. Which theme is most prominently portrayed in the interaction between Upagupta and Vasavadatta?
a) Compassion and forgiveness
b) Social hierarchy and class distinctions
c) Romantic love and desire
d) Spiritual enlightenment and devotion
28. What is the predominant style of writing used in this text?
a) Symbolism and allegory
b) Satire and irony
c) Realism and naturalism
d) Epic poetry and mythology
29. Which theme is reflected in the description of the storm and the woman’s fear?
a) Power of nature and its unpredictability
b) Human vulnerability and mortality
c) Duality of light and darkness
d) The fleeting nature of beauty and youth
30. What is the underlying message conveyed through Upagupta’s decision to stay with the woman suffering
from smallpox?
a) Importance of selflessness and empathy
b) Embrace of suffering as a path to enlightenment
c) Rejection of societal norms and expectations
d) Pursuit of divine love and salvation
31. Which style of writing is evident in the descriptions of the city, the season, and the characters’ emotions?
a) Sensory imagery and vivid descriptions
b) Stream of consciousness and introspection
c) Detailed narrative
d) Dramatic dialogue and monologues
Answers of MCQS:
 1. Option A
2. Option B
3. Option A
4. Option A
5. Option D
6. Option B
7. Option A
8. Option B
9. Option D
10. Option D
11. Option A
12. Option B
13. Option C
14. Option C
15. Option C
16. Option C
17. Option C
18. Option A
19. Option A
20. Option C
21. Option A
22. Option D
23. Option A
24. Option B
25. Option C
26. Option C
27. Option A
28. Option A
29. Option A
30. Option A
31. Option A

Fill in the blanks with proper reasons from the poem:

1. The poem makes us realize that _________________________________________
2. Upagupta was sleeping on the road because ______________________________
3. The woman trembled in fear because _______________________________________
4. Thunder and lightning presage the _______________________________________
5. The streets in the spring season were lonely because ________________________
6. The month of August symbolizes _______________________________________
7. The poem points out that youth and beauty ________________________________
8. The major theme of this poem is ______________________________________________
9. The initial setting of the poem is ___________________________________________
10. The spring season symbolizes ________________________________________________

Answers of fill in the blanks:

The poem makes us realize that compassion and human connection have the power to transform lives and bring
redemption.
Upagupta was sleeping on the road because he lived a simple and detached life as an ascetic, not seeking
material comforts.
The woman trembled in fear because the storm and lightning symbolized the turbulent and uncertain forces of
nature, reflecting the turmoil in her own life.
Thunder and lightning presage the approaching chaos and upheaval in the woman’s life, leading to her seeking
solace and redemption through her encounter with Upagupta.
The streets in the spring season were lonely because the citizens had gone to the woods for the festival of
flowers, leaving the streets devoid of people.
The month of August symbolizes a dark and murky sky, representing uncertainty and challenges, as it is the
rainy season.
The poem points out that youth and beauty are fleeting and transient, and true richness lies in spiritual depth
and acts of compassion.
The major theme of this poem is the transformative power of compassion, human connection, and selfless acts
of kindness.
The initial setting of the poem is the city of Mathura, specifically the road beside the city wall where Upagupta is
sleeping.
The spring season symbolizes renewal, hope, and the beauty of nature, contrasting the turmoil and suffering
depicted in the rest of the poem.
Some important questions and answers:
Who is Sanyasi Upagupta and what is he doing in Mathura?
Sanyasi Upagupta is a disciple of Buddha who is visiting Mathura, the setting of the poem. He is depicted as an
ascetic, living a simple and detached life.
What is the significance of the court dancer’s foot ringing on the sanyasi’s chest?
The significance of the court dancer’s foot ringing on the sanyasi’s chest is a moment of awakening for both of
them. It symbolizes the collision of two contrasting worlds—the spiritual realm represented by Upagupta and the
materialistic world symbolized by Vasavadatta, the court dancer. It is a moment of connection and realization for
Vasavadatta that there is something beyond her lavish and superficial lifestyle.
What is the court dancer’s request to the sanyasi and how does he respond?
The court dancer, Vasavadatta, requests the sanyasi to come to her house, offering him a more comfortable
place to rest than the dusty earth. However, Upagupta politely refuses her invitation, suggesting that when the
time is right, he will visit her.
What is the significance of the lightning and the destructive wind in the first part of the poem?
The lightning and the destructive wind in the first part of the poem represent the disruptive forces of nature.
They serve as a metaphor for the turbulence and uncertainty in Vasavadatta’s life and the world around her. It
foreshadows the upcoming storm in Vasavadatta’s life, which will ultimately lead to her seeking solace in
Upagupta.
What is the setting and mood in the second part of the poem?
The setting in the second part of the poem is a lonely street in Mathura during the festival of flowers. The mood
is serene and tranquil, with the fragrance of blossoms and the melody of flutes in the air. It creates a contrast to
the earlier chaos and symbolizes a moment of respite and reflection for Upagupta and Vasavadatta.
What is the sanyasi’s reaction when he sees the young woman lying near his foot?
When the sanyasi sees the young woman lying near his foot, he shows compassion and empathy. His reaction is
not of disgust or indifference, but rather he cares for her well-being. She applied balm on her body, sitting by
her whereas everybody else had discarded her, left her near the city walls as she was suffering from smallpox.
How does the sanyasi treat the young woman and what is the significance of his actions? (before
and after)
A few months back, in the month of August, Upagupta met Vasavdatta while he was suddenly woken up hit by
Vasavdatta’s foot unknowingly. He was not annoyed at that time but when Vasavadatta requested him to come
to her home as according to her, the street was not a suitable place for him to rest, he denied. He had said that
when time came, they would meet again. Soon after, in the month of spring, Upagupta meets Vasavadatta
again. She was left all alone at the edge of the city, in a mango grove by the people of the city as she was
suffering from small pox and people were afraid of contagion. There was nobody to treat the ailing lady.
Upagupta treats the young woman with kindness and tenderness. He takes her head on his knees, moistens her
lips with water, and applies balm to her body to alleviate her suffering. His actions demonstrate his selflessness,
compassion, and the idea of service to others. It emphasizes the theme of unconditional love, empathy, and the
inherent value of every individual.
What is the theme of the poem and how is it conveyed through the characters and events?
The theme of the poem revolves around the power of compassion and the transformative potential of human
connection. It highlights the contrast between material wealth and spiritual richness, and the potential for
redemption and healing through acts of kindness. The characters and events in the poem illustrate the choices
individuals make when faced with suffering, and how these choices can shape their lives and relationships.
What literary devices are used in the poem and how do they contribute to its meaning and effect?
The poem employs various literary devices. Personification is used to describe the night showing its teeth and
the storm growling, adding vividness to the imagery. Metaphors, such as Vasavadatta being “drunk with the
wine of her youth,” convey her excessive pride and vanity. Symbolism is present in the festival of flowers
representing joy and beauty, while the smallpox-ridden woman symbolizes suffering and societal rejection.
These devices enhance the emotional impact and depth of the poem.
What is the significance of the title “The Tryst” and how does it relate to the poem as a whole?
The title “The Tryst” refers to a meeting or rendezvous, typically between lovers. In this context, it signifies the
meeting of two souls, Upagupta and Vasavadatta, from vastly different worlds. Their encounter becomes a
transformative and pivotal moment in both their lives. The title captures the essence of the poem, which
explores the power of compassion and human connection in bringing about personal growth and redemption.

Comment on the use of imagery in Abhisara- the Tryst, with close reference to the text.
Abhisara - the Tryst by Rabindranath Tagore is replete with appropriate, rich, concrete and functional imagery.
This literary device has allowed the poet to paint pictures in the reader’s mind so that they can easily
understand the story of Upagupta and Vasavdatta and their characters, their emotions and settings.
This poem has two parts set in to entirely different seasons. On her first meeting with the ascetic in the rainy
season of August, the sky is ‘murky’ and ‘stars are all hidden’. Though the night is dark, Vasavdatta is bright with
her sparkling jewellery shining like stars. Though she carries a lamp, (light), she is in darkness, (metaphorically).
In other words she is ignorant of the transitoriness of beauty, youth, wealth and wordly pleasures. Upagupta
does not need such a light because he has seen the inner light of wisdom and spirituality. Visual imagery, thus is
prominent in the first stanza of the poem. In fact, such images are present throughout the poem.
The imagery used in the poem is often symbolic. Light and darkness are used symbolically. On her second
meeting with Upagupta, the sky is bright with ‘the full moon’ on the ‘shadows’ of the silent town, whereas
Vasavdatta’s life is dark, being stricken with ‘black pestilence’. Spring is a season of joy, hope, festivities. The
branches of a wayside tree are full of blossoms (visual imagery). Gay ‘notes of a flute come floating in the warm
spring air from afar’ (auditory imagery). These images are integral to the description of nature. The ‘black night’
is personified when the poet writes ‘showed its teeth in a flash of lightning’. This is also a visual image. The
storm ‘growled’ (auditory image) and the dancing girl ‘trembled in fear’ (visual image). Thunder and lightning
foreshadow the coming sorrow and suffering of Vasavdatta.
Vasavdatta’s deformed ugly ‘body spotted with sores of smallpox’ and Vasavdatta ‘starred with jewels’ clouded
with ‘a pale blue mantle’, ‘drunk with the wine of her youth’ are contrasting visual images showing the two
phases in her life.
The ‘dusty earth’ is another image which highlights the simplicity of Upagupta and the pitiable plight of
Vasavdatta. The ‘tinkling anklets’ (auditory image) breaks the silence of the night. Thus, imagery enriches the
poem.
Explain the significance of the title of the poem. How does it reflect the theme and the tone of the
poem?
The title of the poem, Abhisara: The Tryst, is significant for the following reasons: - Abhisara is a Sanskrit word
that means "going towards" or "approaching". It is often used to describe the act of going to meet one's
beloved or lover. The title suggests the theme of love and longing that pervades the poem, as well as the
anticipation and curiosity that both Upagupta and Vasavadatta feel for each other. - The Tryst is an English word
that means "a secret meeting of lovers" or "an appointment to meet at a certain time and place". The title
suggests the theme of secrecy and intimacy that characterizes the poem, as well as the fulfilment and peace
that both Upagupta and Vasavadatta experience when they finally meet under the moonlight. - The title also
creates a contrast between the two words, Abhisara and The Tryst, which reflect the different cultural and
linguistic backgrounds of the poet and the audience. The title shows how Tagore bridges the gap between the
East and the West, as well as between the ancient and the modern, through his universal and timeless message
of love and compassion. The title also reflects the tone of the poem, which is lyrical and evocative. The title
creates a musical effect through the use of alliteration (the repetition of consonant sounds) and assonance (the
repetition of vowel sounds). The title also creates visual effect through the use of imagery (the use of words to
create a picture in the reader’s mind). The title conveys a sense of beauty, harmony, and mystery that matches
the mood and atmosphere of the poem.
Discuss the contrast between the worldly and the spiritual life as portrayed by Tagore in this
poem. How does he use the characters of Vasavdatta and Upagupta to illustrate this contrast?
One of the main themes of the poem is the contrast between the worldlyand the spiritual life, which Tagore
portrays through the characters of Vasavdatta and Upagupta. Vasavdatta represents the worldly life, which is
characterized by materialism, passion, and pleasure. Upagupta represents the spiritual life, which is
characterized by detachment, wisdom, and peace.
Vasavdatta is a court dancer who enjoys her beauty, wealth, and fame. She is driven by her passions and
desires, and seeks pleasure and happiness in her lover. She is also vulnerable to the dangers and uncertainties
of the world, such as the storm and the disease that afflict her. She symbolizes the impermanence and suffering
of worldly existence, as well as the potential for redemption and transformation through love and compassion. -
Upagupta is a sanyasi who lives a simple and detached life as an ascetic. He has renounced worldly pleasures
and attachments and follows the path of Buddhism. He is not tempted by Vasavdatta’s beauty or wealth, but
remains faithful to his vows and principles. He also does not reject Vasavdatta's invitation, but postpones it for
amore appropriate time. He believes that everything happens according to a divine plan and that he will meet
her when the time is right. He symbolizes the detachment and patience of spiritual existence, as well as the
potential for transformation and enlightenment through love and compassion. Tagore uses various literary
devices such as contrast, irony, and symbolism to illustrate this contrast between the two characters and their
lifestyles. For example, he contrasts the dark and stormy night in the first part of the poem with the serene and
festive evening in the second part of the poem. He also contrasts Vasavdatta's lavish and superficial lifestyle
with Upagupta's simple and profound lifestyle. He uses irony to show how Vasavdatta's worldly success leads to
her downfall, while Upagupta’s spiritual renunciation leads to his fulfilment. He also uses symbolism to show
how Vasavdatta and Upagupta represent different aspects of human nature and different paths to happiness.
Analyse the use of imagery and symbolism in this poem. How does Tagore create a sensory
experience for the reader andconvey deeper meanings and messages through his choice ofwords
and images?
Tagore uses imagery and symbolism in this poem in various ways, such as: - He uses imagery to create a vivid
picture of the setting and the mood of the poem. For example, he describes the dark and stormy night in the
first part of the poem, and the serene and festive evening in the second part of the poem. He also uses sensory
details to appeal to the reader's sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. For example, he describes the colours,
sounds, and fragrances of the flowers, the wind, and the flute in the second part of the poem. - He uses
symbolism to convey deeper meanings and messages through objects, characters, and events. For example, he
uses Basabd Vasavdatta atta and Upagupta as symbols of the worldly and the spiritual life, respectively. He also
uses the storm and the spring season as symbols of the suffering and the renewal that both characters undergo.
He also uses the moon and the mango grove as symbols of their tryst and their relationship. Tagore creates a
sensory experience for the reader by using imagery and symbolism to engage their emotions and imagination.
He also conveys deeper meanings and messages by using imagery and symbolism to express his views on love,
compassion, and spirituality. He shows how love can transform a person's life andbring them peace and
happiness. He also shows how compassion can heal a person’s wounds and bring them dignity and grace. He
also shows how spirituality can guide a person's actions and decisions and bring them wisdom and serenity.