"Abhisara - The Tryst" – Reasoning Q&A (20+ Questions)

Complete the following sentences by providing a brief reason. Do not write the question.

1. Upagupta refused to go to Vasavadatta's home in their first meeting because __________

2. The atmosphere during the first meeting is dark and stormy because __________

3. Vasavadatta accidentally steps on Upagupta's chest while he sleeps because __________

4. The monk addresses Vasavadatta as "O graceful one" because __________

5. Upagupta promises to come to her "when the time is right" because __________

6. Vasavadatta was "glittering with jewels" during the first meeting because __________

7. The second meeting occurs in spring with a bright moon because __________

8. Vasavadatta had been abandoned by her city and people because __________

9. The poet contrasts the dark stormy night with a bright moonlit night because __________

10. Upagupta's "forgiving eyes" suggest compassion because __________

11. The monk pours water into Vasavadatta's chapped lips because __________

12. Vasavadatta does not recognize Upagupta when he returns because __________

13. Upagupta places Vasavadatta's head on his lap because __________

14. The poem is titled "The Tryst" rather than a romantic meeting because __________

15. Youth and beauty are emphasized as temporary in the poem because __________

16. The flute music and blooming trees appear in the second meeting because __________

17. Upagupta shows spiritual love rather than romantic love because __________

18. Vasavadatta's question "Who are you, o compassionate soul?" reveals __________

19. The monsoon and spring symbolize the changing conditions of life because __________

20. Upagupta's wisdom lies in recognizing the right time because __________

21. The poem uses third-person narrative rather than first-person because __________

Answer Key

i) He recognized that she needed no help at that moment; the time was not right for spiritual service and compassion.

ii) The dark, stormy atmosphere symbolizes Vasavadatta's spiritual ignorance and the uncertainty surrounding her pride in beauty.

iii) She was traveling at night in darkness to meet him, and she accidentally stumbled upon his sleeping body on the path.

iv) He shows respect and courtesy to her despite knowing her social status, treating her with dignity and grace.

v) He possesses wisdom and foresight about when true compassion and spiritual love will be needed by her in the future.

vi) She was a famous dancing girl and courtesan, representing the worldly beauty and vanity that disguises inner spiritual emptiness.

vii) Spring represents renewal, life, and spiritual fulfillment, symbolizing the positive outcome of their meeting unlike the dark stormy first encounter.

viii) She had contracted a plague-like disease and society's cruelty cast her out, showing the transitory nature of beauty and worldly acceptance.

ix) The contrasting settings mirror the contrasting conditions of Vasavadatta's life and emphasize how outer atmosphere reflects inner spiritual states differently.

x) His calm, composed demeanor despite being startled suggests he possesses inner spiritual peace and the ability to respond kindly to unexpected situations.