SHAPER SHAPED

-HARIDRANATH CHATTOPADHYAY
Introduction-
The poem 'Shaper Shaped' is by Bengali intellectual Harindranath Chatopadyaya. He was wealthy,
high born, temperamental, eccentric, exceptionally brilliant  proud of his abilities, but wasting them
by his self-destructive tendencies.  He was a man of varying abilities. He was an artist, poet, dramatist,
actor and philosopher.  The poem deals with a change from a man's obsession with himself.  With
self-realisation, has come the knowledge of humility and surrender to the will of God.

Obsession with self-

The poem reveals the poet's frank admission of his obsession with himself in the past. He is arrogant
enough to think that he is all powerful. With humility, self-realization brings in a glimpse of the larger
purpose of the conscience.

Self-Realisation-

Initially, the poet neglects everything around him and is very arrogant. Later, when he realizes his
true purpose in life, humility follows Self-Realisation. The poet tells us that we are mere human
beings and cautions us not to be wrapped up in our tiny little egos. He adds that only when man sheds
the idea of being all powerful and gives up the obsession with self will he be able to experience the
awakening of his soul.

Potter and Clay-

The poet used to think he was a potter who was gifted and could magically design beautiful pots and
vessels of clay. Wisdom dawned on him. The pride of being a potter is lost. He has realized that he is
not the potter but the clay which the creator would shape how it pleased him.

Poet and Song-

Then, the poet used to think he was a talented poet who would write beautiful songs which men
would adore. He is fortunate that he has acquired new knowledge. He has realized that he is only a
song which the creator has written.

Sword Maker and Sword-

The poet used to be a maker of swords. The swords designed by him glittered and brought glory

in thousands of battle fields. Now, he is filled with the new found silence of the creator and has
become the sword which will be used by God to do his will.

The Dreamer and dream-

In olden days, in his arrogance, he would think he was an excellent dreamer and showed disrespect to
everyone.  He would hurl the insolence of emerald and pearl everywhere. With the realization comes
humility and he is kneeling at the feet of the creator. Now he has become the dream.

 Conclusion-
The poet talks about arrogance in human beings which does not allow one to appreciate the power of
God. Hence, it is necessary for human beings to submit to the will of God to lead a fruitful life. It is
essential to get rid of the narcissistic tendencies and realize the will of God.