"What the Thunder Said" Annotations
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The setting changes to India, then a part of the British Empire, so we are not far from British civilization, really. "Ganga" is the Ganges, the sacred river of India, and "Himavant" is another word for snowy, making it any mountain. | The setting changes to India, then a part of the British Empire, so we are not far from British civilization, really. "Ganga" is the Ganges, the sacred river of India, and "Himavant" is another word for snowy, making it any mountain. | ||
| − | When the thunder begins to speak, it enlists | + | When the thunder begins to speak, it enlists [["The Fable of the Meaning of Thunder"]]. |
| + | :"Da" is the beginning of the thunder's voice. | ||
| + | :"Damyata" is what Prajapati says to the gods, as a word of advice. It means "control yourselves," perhaps because the gods are especially unruly. | ||
| + | :"Datta" is what Prajapati says to men, as a word of advice. It means "give," perhaps because humans are especially greedy. | ||
| + | :"Dayadhvam" is what Prajapati says to demons, as a word of advice. It means "be compassionate," perhaps because demons are especially evil. | ||
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| + | In essence, each of the words applies to a certain group in the world. The order above is the one cited in the "Fable," but Eliot lists it as Datta, Dayadhvam, Damyata--from men, to demons, to gods--perhaps as a mode for human progress. Give of yourselves, be compassionate, and gain control. | ||
===Lines 401-410=== | ===Lines 401-410=== | ||
