Evaluate the role of memory and history in “Grass.” How does Mahapatra use symbolism to reflect on the impact of personal and collective history on the speaker’s present state of mind?

In Jayanta Mahapatra’s poem “Grass,” memory and history play significant roles in shaping the speaker’s present state of mind. Through the use of potent symbolism, Mahapatra explores how the weight of personal and collective history influences the speaker's emotional and psychological condition, creating a complex interplay between the past and the present.

The imagery of "cracked earth" and the "ancestral smell of rot" serves as powerful symbols of the burdens of history. The "cracked earth" represents the deep, unresolved wounds of the past, both personal and collective. It symbolizes the harsh, unyielding realities that have shaped the speaker’s life and the broader history of a community or culture that has endured suffering and decay. This imagery reflects the speaker’s awareness of the long-standing impact of historical trauma, which continues to affect the present: "the cracked earth of years, the roots staggering about / an impatient sensuality, bland heads heaving / in the loneliness of unknown winds."

Similarly, the "ancestral smell of rot" symbolizes the lingering presence of past sins, wrongdoings, and failures that have been passed down through generations. This rot is not just physical decay but also a metaphor for the moral and emotional degradation that has been inherited over time. The speaker’s encounter with this “ancestral smell of rot” forces him to confront the dark, unresolved aspects of his own history, which have permeated his identity and contribute to his current state of despair and confusion. The poem states, "This joyous spectacle unfolds before him ‘an ancestral smell of rot, reminding me of secrets of my own.’"

Mahapatra uses the symbol of grass to juxtapose these heavy, decaying images with the potential for renewal and healing. Grass, often associated with life, growth, and continuity, represents the possibility of regeneration amidst the ruins of history. However, the grass in the poem is not just a symbol of hope but also a reminder of the cyclical nature of life, where creation and destruction are intertwined. The speaker watches the grass being scythed down, symbolizing the need to confront and possibly uproot the past in order to make way for new growth: “now I watch something out of the mind / scythe the grass, know that the trees end, / sensing the almost childlike submissiveness.”

The tension between the decayed past and the potential for renewal reflects the speaker’s struggle to reconcile with his history. The poem suggests that the speaker’s present state of mind is heavily influenced by the weight of history—both his personal memories and the collective history of his community. The persistent presence of decay and rot indicates that these historical burdens are not easily shed, and they continue to shape the speaker's outlook on life.

However, the grass’s ability to persist and grow, even in the face of such overwhelming decay, symbolizes a glimmer of hope. It suggests that while history cannot be erased, there is the possibility of moving forward by acknowledging and confronting the past. The grass’s quiet, enduring presence offers a form of solace and a path to healing, indicating that while the scars of history may never fully disappear, life can still find a way to continue.

In conclusion, Mahapatra’s use of symbolism in "Grass" powerfully reflects the impact of memory and history on the speaker’s present state of mind. The imagery of "cracked earth" and "ancestral smell of rot" represents the heavy burden of the past, while the symbol of grass offers a counterpoint of potential renewal. Together, these symbols illustrate the complex relationship between history and the present, highlighting the challenges of overcoming the past while also suggesting the possibility of growth and healing.