Question

Write the summary of the poem “Fire-Hymn”.

Hint:

Daruwalla uses fire both as a symbol of sacred ritual and as a reminder of human sorrow.

Answer 1

Step 1: Introduction.
“Fire-Hymn” is a powerful poem written by Keki N. Daruwalla. It expresses the poet’s reflections on death, fire, and the sacred rituals of cremation in Hindu culture. The poem blends emotion, spirituality, and philosophy.
Step 2: Explanation.
The poet recalls a tragic incident from his childhood when he witnessed the burning of his dead child’s body. The fire, once sacred and purifying, now becomes a symbol of pain and guilt. He feels that even the sacred element cannot erase the emotional scars left by death.
Step 3: Theme and Meaning.
The poem highlights the contrast between ritual purity and human suffering. Fire, which traditionally signifies purification, here becomes a symbol of moral and emotional conflict. The poet questions whether ritual truly brings peace or if grief continues to burn within the heart.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, “Fire-Hymn” reflects on the eternal struggle between faith and personal loss, revealing the emotional depth of human experience in the face of death.