Sunday, December 14, 2008

Metaphorical shadows

It is interesting how a certain metaphor can transcend cultural and physical boundaries. Granted that all the broad human emotions are the same world over and as a result, the recurrence of particular theme should not be surprising. [The lines written by William Blake - Every Night and every Morn, Some to Misery are Born; Every Morn and every Night, Some are Born to sweet delight and 'मुखी कुणाच्या पडते लोणी, कुणा मुखी अंगार' by Gadima talk of one concept in slightly different ways.] But when the same metaphor is used across different languages, the similarity is quite striking. (Does this also pose a question mark on the opening statement of Anna Karenina viz. Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.?)

The recurring metaphor is for loneliness, no one but your shadow to accompany you.

1. Saaya hi apne saath tha, saaya hi apne saath hai - Jaane kahan gaye woh din
2. My shadow's the only one that walks beside me - Greenday
3. Gum ke maare pukare kise hum, hum se bichhada hamara hi saaya - Dil Apna aur preet parai

Of course, there could be many more such examples. No 'shadow' of a doubt there.

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