Bhartendu ke Kavya me Vyang ka Swaroop: Ek Sameekshatmak Addhyan

The Nature of Satire in Bharatendu’s Poetry: An Analytical Study

Abstract

Literature is one of humanity’s finest creations. It is rooted in human life and the workings of the human mind. Before the modern era, literature was primarily created to give pleasure and awaken empathy. However, the complexities and struggles of contemporary life demanded a change in literary ideals and perspectives. Consequently, literature began to include creative responses to the absurdity, anxiety, frustration, and depression embedded in modern life. These responses form the foundation of satire. Among the established literary genres, satire occupies a prominent position. The meaning and broad context in which satire is used today are unprecedented. Its presence can be seen across various literary forms, including poetry, epics, short epics, drama, and essays. The difficult conditions of the modern age, together with the influence of Western civilization, have given satire many new dimensions. By addressing inequality, pretension, corruption, violence, greed, and similar social problems, satire opens the way for reform. Bharatendu Harishchandra’s writings contain powerful currents of humour and satire through which his reformist outlook becomes clearly visible.