Symbolism and

Metaphor
in Abhijnanashakuntalam

by Akshit and Sharvi

 Kalidasa
Kalidasa (circa 4th–5th century CE) is widely regarded as one of the
greatest Sanskrit poets and dramatists in Indian literature. Though little is
known about his life, his works suggest he lived during the Gupta Empire,
often referred to as the "Golden Age" of India. He is believed to have been
a court poet in Ujjain.

Kalidasa's most famous works include:-

Abhijnanashakuntalam ; Vikramorvashiyam ;
Malavikagnimitram.
Meghaduta ; Raghuvamsha ; Kumarasambhava

His works are characterized by their rich imagery, lyrical beauty, and
profound understanding of human emotions and nature. Kalidasa's
influence extends beyond literature into art and culture, making him an
enduring figure in Indian heritage.
 Symbolism Metapho
Symbolism is a literary and artistic r of speech where
Metaphor is a figure
device where an object, character, one thing is described as being another
color, or action represents a deeper to suggest a similarity or shared quality.
meaning or abstract idea beyond its It does not use the words "like" or "as"
literal interpretation. It allows creators (which would make it a simile).
to convey complex ideas, emotions, or Metaphors are used to create vivid
themes subtly and powerfully, imagery, evoke emotions, and express
enriching the audience's experience complex ideas in a more relatable or
Death
and understanding.
Angry
imaginative way.
Good
/ Evil / Bad
 Symbolism in
Abhijnanashakuntalam
Bees -
Bees primarily symbolize erotic attraction, particularly the fleeting, teasing touch of
flirtation. In the Prologue, for instance, the actress sings an erotic song in which blossoms
are “gently brushed by black woodland bees.” In Act 1, when Shakuntala is attacked by a
bee in the sacred grove, King Dusyanta envies the “honey-maker” because it brushes her
eyelids, murmurs in her ear, and “[wins] her, / While I am stalled.” After he and Shakuntala
come together, he likens himself to a bee, who “[kisses] the bud of your unbruised lip /
And [floods] my thirsting mouth with nectar.” At the midpoint of the play, however, the
symbol changes somewhat, when the cursed King compares himself to “a bee mithering
at dawn” because he doesn’t recognize Shakuntala and can’t decide whether to draw
close to her or flee. Dusyanta also includes a likeness of a bee in his portrait of
Shakuntala and pretends to shoo it away, recalling the significance of the bee attack in his
initial attraction to her and suggesting that perhaps bees might signify the confusion of
passion as well as its pleasure.
 Symbolism in
Abhijnanashakuntalam
Deer -
In the early part of the play, deer symbolize innocence, especially Shakuntala’s sheltered
innocence, while the pursuit of deer symbolizes the King’s romantic appetites (and the
taming of those appetites). The play opens with King Dusyanta recklessly chasing a deer,
until an ascetic warns him not to shoot the animal because it belongs to the hermitage,
where it’s lovingly tended and protected. Here the deer symbolizes Shakuntala, who’s
been tenderly raised within the bounds of the hermitage and isn’t to be aggressively
pursued. When, after abandoning the hunt, the King meets and falls in love with
Shakuntala, he asks if she will “live forever among these hinds, / Doe-eyed among her
beloved does,” suggesting that he wants her to give up her virginal (doe-like) innocence
and give herself to him. But the next day, lovesick, the King has completely lost his
appetite for the hunt, content that “deer chew the cud in crowded shadows” instead of
being the object of pursuit. There is only a single “deer” who interests him now, and he
must respect her purity and wait for her to act.
 Symbolism in
Abhijnanashakuntalam
Tree -
Throughout the play, trees often symbolize fertility and beauty. Because Shakuntala has
spent her life lovingly tending the hermitage trees, she thinks of them like “sisters,” and
their allure is often associated with her own. A certain favorite jasmine vine, entwined with
a neighboring mango, catches her attention in Act 1, as she says: “The union of this tree
and this jasmine has taken place at the most wonderful time—the jasmine is a young
plant, covered in fresh blossoms, the mango has soft buds, and is ready for enjoyment…”
Though Shakuntala hasn’t met the King yet, her personification of the two trees signals
her openness to romance and marriage, giving hope to the spying Dusyanta. In Act 4,
when Shakuntala departs from the hermitage, the gods of the trees offer her garments
and jewels and utter a blessing, not only confirming Shakuntala’s sisterly bond with them,
but symbolizing a fruitful marriage in the future.
 Symbolism in
Abhijnanashakuntalam
Ring -
The ring in Abhijnanashakuntalam symbolizes love, memory, fate, and redemption,
encapsulating the play’s central themes. Initially gifted by Dushyanta to Shakuntala as a
token of their union, it represents their love and commitment. Its loss, following Durvasa’s
curse, mirrors the fragility of human memory and relationships, while its rediscovery
triggers Dushyanta’s recognition, restoring their bond. The ring’s journey, guided by divine
intervention, reflects the inevitability of fate and the ultimate triumph of truth and love,
making it a profound metaphor for the cyclical nature of separation and reunion.
 Metaphors in
Abhijnanashakuntalam
If we consider the entire play as a metaphor, we
can interpret it as a microcosm of the human
experience itself. It's a tale of love, loss, and
redemption, reflecting the universal journey of
human emotions.
 Metaphors in
Abhijnanashakuntalam
The Illusion of Permanence

Abhijnanashakuntalam delves into the illusory nature of human existence.

Dushyanta's temporary loss of memory underscores the impermanence of material
possessions, social status, and even personal identity. It serves as a poignant
reminder that nothing in this world is permanent.
The play also highlights the fragility of human memory. Dushyanta's inability to
recall Shakuntala demonstrates how easily memories can fade and how quickly the
past can be forgotten. This serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to cherish the
present moment and to hold on to the people we love.
 Metaphors in
Abhijnanashakuntalam
The Power of Divine Intervention

The divine intervention of Indra in recognizing Shakuntala's ring symbolizes the

role of fate and destiny in shaping human lives. It suggests that even in the
darkest hours, hope and divine justice can prevail. The play ultimately
celebrates the triumph of virtue and the restoration of justice. Shakuntala's
unwavering love and patience are rewarded, demonstrating the power of
human spirit to overcome adversity.
Through its exploration of love, loss, and redemption, Abhijnanashakuntalam
offers a timeless and universal message. It reminds us of the cyclical nature of
life, the importance of human connection, and the enduring power of love,
hope, and virtue.
 The Cycle of Seasons as a Metaphor in
Abhijnanashakuntalam
Spring: The Blossoming of Love
Just as spring brings forth new life, the play begins with the blossoming of
love between Shakuntala and Dushyanta. Their initial encounter in the lush,
vibrant forest symbolizes the fresh, hopeful beginnings of a romantic
relationship.
Summer: The Intensity of Passion
As summer intensifies, so does the passion between Shakuntala and
Dushyanta. Their love reaches its peak, burning brightly like the summer
sun.
Autumn: The Fading of Love
The onset of autumn, with its falling leaves and fading colors, mirrors the
decline of Shakuntala and Dushyanta's relationship. Their separation due to
Dushyanta's forgetfulness symbolizes the withering of their love.
Winter: The Coldness of Separation
Harsh Reality: Winter, with its cold and barren landscape, reflects the
harsh realities of life and the pain of separation. Shakuntala's exile and
subsequent hardships mirror the harshness of winter.
 Conclusion
“Shakuntala” can be compared to the plays based on The Ramayana and consider
the problems of moral choice and fate. The hero Rama is confronted with choices
to be made and is driven by a certain fate. The mood of pity pervades the story.
Similarly, in “Shakuntala”, as in The Ramayana, suffering is displayed for the sake
of relishing the state of suffering. The production of Sanskrit literature reached its
height of development in the 1st to the 7th centuries. In addition to sacred and
philosophical writings, such genres as erotic and devotional lyrics, court poetry,
plays, and narrative folktales emerged. The Sanskrit philosophies were the source
of philosophical writing in the later literatures, and the Sanskrit schools of rhetoric
were of great importance for the development of court poetry in many of the
modern literatures. “Shakuntala” by the author Kalidasa is in the literary form of a
drama and a heroic romance. It is a work which celebrates the harmonious
interplay and ultimate unity of complementary aspects of reality. Unity emerging
from diversity pervades the entire work at many levels.
 Bibliography
Abhijnanasakuntalam Love and Longing in
(The Recognition of Shakuntala) Kalidasa’s Shakuntala
Kalidasa Kaufman, Sarah

The Loom of Time

Penguine Classics