Introduction of the Poem: Luminol, taken from The Old Playhouse and Other Poems (1973), has been named after a sleep inducing pill. This irregularly written fourteen – line poem, is about the poetess’ longing for deep slumber from which nothing can arouse or awaken her. Critical Summary: Her husband’s treatment of her, particularly during … Read more
Introduction of the Poem: In The Old Playhouse, taken from The Old Playhouse and Other Poems (1973), Kamala Das recounts the unsatisfactory and disappointing conjugal life with her husband, and expresses her resolve to free herself from the prison of her husband’s house. Critical Summary: The poet compares herself to a swallow and her … Read more
Introduction of the Poem: “The Dance of the Eunuchs,” The first poem in Kamala Das’ collection of poems, Summer in Calcutta (1965), set the tone and the temper of all the poems in that anthology, the tone being one of frustration and the temper being the futility of love. The eunuch is incapable of performing … Read more
Introduction of the Poem: In The Looking – Glass, Kamala Das offers a few suggestions to woman on how to maximize their pleasure during the sex act with their lovers and admirers. When he leaves her and she does not find an equally existing and stimulating partner, she despairs and life loses its charm. … Read more
Introduction of the Poem: The poetess here recalls her experience of having sex with one of her lovers. He went away after making love to her but she could not forget the delicious experience and its bitter – sweet memory continued to haunt her. Critical Summary: One day the poet felt as if a … Read more
Introduction of the Poem “The Sunshine Cat,” a poem from the collection Summer in Calcutta (1965), delves into the stark contrast between lust and love, offering a compelling exploration of their consequences. This personal yet universally resonant poem portrays the tragic outcomes of a life consumed by lust, devoid of emotional and spiritual fulfillment. The … Read more
Introduction of the Poem: The poem “The Wild Bougainvillea” by Kamala Das, featured in the collection “Summer in Calcutta” (1965), serves as a form of ‘psychic striptease,’ reflecting Kamala Das’ own life experiences. It delves into a profound exploration of true love and philosophically contemplates life’s continuation beyond death. The poem concludes on an optimistic … Read more
Introduction of the Poem: “Glass” appeared in The Old Playhouse and Other Poems (1973). The word “glass” has here been used metaphorically for a woman who is fragile and thus easily broken and shattered. In this poem, Kamala Das gives vent to her frustration, verging on despair, because of the unfulfilled sex acts she has … Read more
Introduction of the Poem: “The Freaks” is, again, another poem in which the poet does not find fulfilment in the sex act as she lies in bed with her lover. She calls herself a freak who pretends to be lustful in order that she may be regarded as a normal person. Critical Summary: As she … Read more
Introduction of the Poem: Kamala Das here gives a brief account of a sexual experience she had but which put her in a dilemma. The lover made love to her with much fervour and much passion, but still the end she could not decide whether it was sheer lust which motivated him, or he had … Read more