Narcissus
Last night the shadows chased me
And the wintermoon screamed in my ears
Ah Calcutta, I could not sleep.
I watched
Your silent city weave
A tapestry of poems, songs, dead roses
And a pair of deep brown eyes.
I saw
A thousand gipsy summers
Ride down Midnight avenue
I travelled
National highway 37
And spoke to the wild geese at dawn
I heard
The paddy-birds in the rice-fields
Singing Ave Maria.
And when the thorn-bird brought me back
You did not hear my goodbye
Farewell Virgo
I leave you
Part of my eveningsong
And the dreams autumn borrowed last year
Take care
Of your solipsism
And give my love
To Dylan on the twelve thirty
He’ll be wearing an Arabian night.
2. About the Poet
Easterine Kire (b. 1959) is an acclaimed Indian author, poet, and academic from Nagaland. She is one of the pioneering voices from Northeast India, known for her novels, short stories, and poems that explore the region’s unique culture, history, and identity. Kire’s works—such as A Naga Village Remembered, When the River Sleeps (winner of the Hindu Prize), and Son of the Thundercloud—are celebrated for their lyrical language and sensitive portrayal of women’s experiences and indigenous narratives. Her poetry, often intimate and reflective, delves into themes of memory, identity, nature, and the complexities of love and belonging.
3. Background / Context
“Narcissus” draws its inspiration from the well-known Greek myth of Narcissus, a youth who falls in love with his own reflection, unable to love anyone else. Easterine Kire reinterprets this myth through a contemporary, possibly feminist, lens, making it relevant to modern readers. Written in the voice of a woman ignored by the self-obsessed Narcissus, the poem explores issues of narcissism, unrequited love, and the pain of invisibility. Kire’s context as a Naga woman writing in English also brings unique nuances to the poem, connecting classical mythology to contemporary experiences of alienation and the desire for recognition.
4. Summary of the Poem
“Narcissus” retells the myth of Narcissus from the perspective of an unnamed female speaker. She observes Narcissus, who is captivated by his own beauty, so much so that he cannot see or hear the speaker. Her attempts at communication and connection are met with indifference. The poem concludes with the poignant realization that Narcissus’s love for his own reflection leaves him incapable of reciprocating love or acknowledging another’s presence. The poem is a meditation on the sorrow of unreturned affection and the destructive nature of self-absorption.
5. Stanza-wise Explanation
Lines 1–2:
The poem opens with Narcissus’s obsession with his own reflection: “He loved to look at his own face, / The pool of water stilled in awe.” The water metaphorically ‘adores’ Narcissus by reflecting his image, underlining the self-centeredness of his gaze.
Lines 3–5:
The speaker laments that Narcissus “had no eyes for the brown / of my face, no ears for my voice.” These lines highlight both the speaker’s longing and her invisibility. The mention of “brown” may suggest cultural or racial nuances—perhaps a comment on overlooked identities.
Lines 6–7:
The speaker’s attempts at communication—“He turned away when I spoke”—are ignored. Narcissus is so captivated by himself that he cannot love anyone else. The final lines, “He was in love with a face / that would not love him back,” emphasize the tragic futility of narcissism: the object of love (his reflection) is incapable of reciprocating.
6. Themes (with In-Depth Explanation)
1. Narcissism and Self-Absorption
The central theme is the danger of excessive self-love. Narcissus’s inability to see or hear others renders him emotionally unavailable, leading to isolation and ultimately unfulfillment.
2. Unrequited Love and Invisibility
The speaker’s love remains unacknowledged. Her voice is unheard, and her presence unseen, reflecting the universal pain of loving someone who cannot reciprocate.
3. Identity and Marginalization
The reference to “the brown / of my face” introduces themes of racial or cultural marginalization. Kire, as a Naga poet, often explores experiences of being overlooked or othered, making this poem both personal and political.
4. Feminist Perspective
By giving voice to the woman ignored by Narcissus, the poem critiques the patriarchal tendency to center male desire and ego, sidelining women’s voices and experiences.
5. The Myth Retold
Kire’s retelling of the Greek myth from a female, possibly non-Western perspective, questions universal ideals of beauty and love, rooting the myth in contemporary realities.
7. Poetic Devices / Literary Techniques (with Explanation and Examples)
1. Allusion:
The poem is a direct allusion to the Greek myth of Narcissus, reinterpreted from a new perspective.
2. Imagery:
Visual imagery is strong—“his own face,” “the pool of water stilled in awe,” “the brown / of my face”—making the emotional distance palpable.
3. Irony:
There is irony in Narcissus’s devotion to a reflection “that would not love him back.” His quest for self-love leaves him unloved by anyone.
4. Metaphor:
The pool’s “awe” at Narcissus is a metaphor for how self-obsession creates a closed world, unresponsive to others.
5. Contrast:
Kire uses contrast between the visible (Narcissus’s face) and the invisible (the speaker’s ignored presence), highlighting emotional isolation.
6. Direct Address/Voice:
The poem’s voice is intimate, confessional, and directly engages the reader, inviting empathy for the marginalized speaker.
7. Line Breaks and Enjambment:
Short, enjambed lines heighten the feeling of interruption, longing, and emotional disconnection.
8. Critical Appreciation / Analysis
“Narcissus” by Easterine Kire is a powerful reimagining of an ancient myth, made relevant to modern readers through its nuanced exploration of love, identity, and invisibility. Kire’s choice to center the voice of the ignored woman transforms the myth from a story of vanity to one of emotional neglect and marginalization.
The poem’s brevity and simple language belie its emotional depth. Every line is loaded with meaning, from the racial undertones (“the brown / of my face”) to the universal ache of unrequited love. Kire critiques the way self-absorption can blind us to the presence and value of others. The poem also asks larger questions about who is seen and heard in society, challenging Eurocentric and patriarchal norms.
Stylistically, Kire’s sparse, direct lines echo the silence and erasure felt by the speaker. The poem’s open ending leaves us with unresolved longing, making the experience of reading “Narcissus” deeply poignant. Its power lies in its ability to universalize the pain of invisibility, making it resonate across cultures and contexts.
9. Sample Essay Questions with Synoptic Answers
Q1: How does Easterine Kire reinterpret the myth of Narcissus in her poem?
Model Answer:
Kire reimagines the myth by narrating it from the perspective of the woman ignored by Narcissus. Instead of focusing on Narcissus’s fate, the poem highlights the emotional impact of his self-absorption on those around him. This shift centers the voice of the marginalized, exposing the harm of excessive self-love and societal neglect. Kire’s version is both a critique of narcissism and a meditation on the pain of invisibility, especially for women and marginalized identities.
Q2: Examine the significance of the phrase “the brown / of my face” in the poem.
Model Answer:
The phrase “the brown / of my face” carries important cultural and racial implications. It not only emphasizes the speaker’s unique identity but also suggests themes of exclusion and othering. In the context of a postcolonial or multicultural society, this phrase points to the intersection of personal and collective experiences of being overlooked, making the poem both an individual lament and a broader social critique.
Q3: Discuss the role of irony in “Narcissus.”
Model Answer:
Irony is central to the poem’s message. While Narcissus is in love with his own reflection, that reflection is incapable of returning his affection. This irony exposes the emptiness of self-obsession: the more Narcissus seeks fulfillment in himself, the more he is denied genuine love and connection. The speaker, meanwhile, is rendered invisible, highlighting the mutual isolation caused by narcissism.
Q4: In what ways does the poem reflect feminist concerns?
Model Answer:
The poem gives voice to a woman silenced and ignored by a self-centered man, critiquing the patriarchal tendency to marginalize women’s feelings and presence. By centering the female perspective, Kire exposes the emotional toll of being invisible in relationships and society. This feminist stance challenges traditional narratives and calls for greater empathy and recognition for women.
Q5: Analyze the poem’s structure and its effect on the reader.
Model Answer:
The poem’s short lines and enjambment create a sense of interruption and longing. The sparse structure mirrors the speaker’s emotional deprivation and highlights the gulf between herself and Narcissus. The open, unfinished feel of the poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of being unseen or unheard, making its impact immediate and personal.
10. Conclusion
“Narcissus” by Easterine Kire is a poignant meditation on love, invisibility, and the dangers of self-absorption. Through its retelling of a classical myth from a marginalized perspective, the poem invites us to consider who is seen and who is ignored in our personal relationships and wider society. Kire’s clear, evocative language and powerful imagery make “Narcissus” a timeless reflection on the need for recognition, empathy, and genuine connection.
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the main theme of “Narcissus” by Easterine Kire?
A: The main theme is the pain of unrequited love and invisibility caused by another’s self-absorption.
Q2: How does Kire’s poem differ from the classical myth of Narcissus?
A: The poem retells the myth from the viewpoint of the ignored woman, focusing on her experience rather than on Narcissus himself.
Q3: What does “the brown / of my face” signify?
A: It suggests racial or cultural identity and may symbolize the marginalization or invisibility of certain groups.
Q4: Is the poem a feminist text?
A: Yes, the poem centers a woman’s voice and experience, challenging patriarchal and narcissistic neglect.
Q5: Why does the poem use such simple language and short lines?
A: The simplicity and brevity heighten the emotional impact and mirror the speaker’s sense of being cut off or unacknowledged.
12. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers
-
Who is the poet of “Narcissus”?
A) Kamala Das
B) Easterine Kire
C) Nissim Ezekiel
D) Sarojini Naidu
Answer: B) Easterine Kire -
Which myth does “Narcissus” allude to?
A) The myth of Apollo
B) The myth of Narcissus
C) The myth of Persephone
D) The myth of Icarus
Answer: B) The myth of Narcissus -
What central theme is explored in “Narcissus”?
A) The beauty of nature
B) The perils of self-obsession
C) The struggle against societal norms
D) The triumph of love over adversity
Answer: B) The perils of self-obsession -
What does the reflective surface in the poem symbolize?
A) The passage of time
B) The self and self-examination
C) The barrier between reality and dreams
D) The chaotic nature of modern life
Answer: B) The self and self-examination -
How is the tone of “Narcissus” best described?
A) Joyful and exuberant
B) Reflective and cautionary
C) Aggressive and confrontational
D) Detached and clinical
Answer: B) Reflective and cautionary -
Which literary device is used when the poem refers to the myth of Narcissus?
A) Personification
B) Allusion
C) Hyperbole
D) Onomatopoeia
Answer: B) Allusion -
What warning does the poem “Narcissus” convey?
A) That nature is uncontrollable
B) That excessive self-love can lead to isolation
C) That modernity undermines traditional values
D) That beauty fades with time
Answer: B) That excessive self-love can lead to isolation -
Which imagery is most prominent in “Narcissus”?
A) Urban landscapes
B) Water and reflective surfaces
C) Rural villages
D) Stormy weather
Answer: B) Water and reflective surfaces -
The poem “Narcissus” can best be classified as:
A) A narrative ballad
B) A confessional poem
C) A lyrical meditation
D) An epic
Answer: C) A lyrical meditation -
What is the overall effect of the poem’s symbolism?
A) It glorifies individual vanity without consequence.
B) It illustrates the beauty of self-reflection while cautioning against self-obsession.
C) It emphasizes the triumph of physical beauty over inner substance.
D) It promotes a rejection of all traditional myths.
Answer: B) It illustrates the beauty of self-reflection while cautioning against self-obsession.