“The Logic”, a neatly structured poem, is a dramatic monologue in which the protagonist patiently expresses his logical deliberations about past, women and life. He explores the intricacies of human relationships with a robust tenderness and unexpected quietude. R. Parthasarthy remarks: “Love offers a sort of relief from the uncertainties one has come to expect of life, probed rigorously, for instance in “Lost” and the “Logic.”
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| Jayanta Mahapatra’s Poem, The Logic, Critical Analysis |
In the first stanza the protagonist reclining in his upholstered chair seriously and quietly deliberates about the intricacies of love and life. His pose and posture reflect the logical conflict going on in his mind:
“Recline in your upholstered chair
under the lemon - yellow logic,
in the golden corner of the light
Clasping geometric hands together.”
These lines are highly picturesque and suggestive of the calm and quiet mood and logical deliberations of the protagonist.
In the second stanza he seems to be reading a book. He points a finger and quotes something. His gestures suggest that he understands the person sitting before him as an accomplice in the game of love. In the third stanza he reviews the calm and dignified gesture of the person sitting before him. His mind goes back to the hoary past where he endeavours to find out the nature and habits of troglodytes (persons living in caves). He concludes that one cannot find peace in the past because it is dead and gone.
“you will not sleep with centuries
any more as with your women,
no more than you would
find me to be a proof of you."
The protagonist ultimately comes to the conclusion that one should live in the present enjoying unblemished beauty and love:
“My skin cups unblemished milk
you shatter each lonely vein with,
my devoted pads of flesh pave the ground
for what you strave to accomplish
Make me small and edible, love
This scalp hurts not from the steep drag
of your hands but from my own practised drivel.”
“Logic” is an imagistic poem. Highly suggestive and picturesque images expressions contribute to the revelation of the protagonist's mood's and his sombre and logical deliberations. Images and expressions such as “lemon - yellow logic”, “clasping geometric hands together”, “Cosy composed gesture” and “my skin cups unblemished milk” also enhance the poetic effect.