Discover the essence of childhood dreams and freedom in Rabindranath Tagore’s poem “Vocation.” This in-depth summary explores the boy’s longing for independence and the poet’s deeper reflections on life and desire.
Summary of Vocation Poem Class 6 Summary
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Summary of Vocation Poem By Rabindranath Tagore
Introduction
“Vocation” is a very emotional and thoughtful poem written by Rabindranath Tagore, which depicts the different occupations of the society and the idea of freedom hidden in them through the innocent eyes of a small child. This poem was first published in 1918 and is still as relevant today.
In this poem, the child looks at the working people around him – like the hawkers shouting in the market, the labourer digging the ditch to make the road, and the guard standing in front of the school – and he thinks how “free” they are.
Theme and Summary of the Poem
This poem is basically divided into three major parts – morning, noon and night. In these three parts, the child looks at three different people and each time he thinks “I wish I could be like this too”.
But the real message of the poem lies behind these lines – the professions that the child is attracted to may be difficult, but in his eyes they represent independence, freedom to take decisions and a stress-free life.
1. Morning scene – Hawker
The poem begins in the morning. The child gets ready and leaves for school. On the way, he meets a hawker – a hawker who sells his goods by shouting loudly.
“When the gong sounds ten in the morning
And I walk to school by our lane,
Every day I meet the hawker…”
The hawker is free – no school rules, no fear of any teacher, no homework. He roams wherever he wants, shouts, sits comfortably. The child feels that this freedom is absolutely ideal.
“I wish I were a hawker, spending my day in the road…”
The child gets the idea of roaming around in the open like a hawker, speaking loudly, and spending the day in his own way. This freedom attracts him.
2. Afternoon scene – Mazdoor (Gardener / Labourer)
Now it is afternoon, school is over. The child sees a gardener on his way home – who is working in the field or garden, digging the soil.
“When at four in the afternoon
I come back from the school,
I can see through the gate of that house…”
The hard work of the gardener (maali or mazdoor) attracts the child. He thinks that this man is also working in his own way, without any scolding or restrictions. He does not follow anyone’s orders, nor is he in a fearful environment like school.
“I wish I were a gardener, digging away at the garden…”
Here the child also sees that the gardener is sweating in the sun, but still there is a pride in him, a freedom. This idea attracts the child a lot.
3. Night Scene – Watchman
Now it is night. The child looks down at the street from the balcony of his house. There a watchman (chowkidar) patrols with a stick in his hand. He is alone, the whole street is his, and he is walking confidently.
“When it is night, I go to bed,
and lie in bed and listen…”
The child looks at him and thinks – when everyone is sleeping, then this man is awake. He has the whole street to himself. He is fearless, does not answer anyone, does whatever he wants.
“I wish I were a watchman walking the street all night…”
The child finds it strange that the watchman’s duty is at night, but still he looks so powerful and independent. This image settles deep in his mind.
In-depth analysis – Are these people really free?
Here the poem takes on a new meaning. Those whom the child considers free – like the hawker, the labourer and the watchman – are actually the most labouring and tired sections of society. But the child’s eyes are fixed only on the external freedom – he neither sees the worries nor the fatigue.
This poem also indicates that a person of every age has a “desire to become” what he is not.
The child wants to become a hawker
Adults sometimes wish that they were children
This human desire – the tendency to believe that the life of others is better – is the central theme of the poem.
Features of the poem
Simple but effective language:
Tagore has written this poem in very simple English language, which makes it understandable for both children and adults.
Use of Metaphors
The three different professions in the poem are not just professions – they are metaphors for the freedom, self-reliance and individuality that every human being desires.
Glimpse of the Human Mind
The poem shows how humans are always drawn to the life they are not living.
Emotional Connection:
The reader feels like a child – who sometimes wants to be a hawker, sometimes a gardener, and sometimes a watchman.
Moral Lessons
Every person is important in his own way.
There is dignity in the tasks that appear difficult.
A lot can be learned from the imagination and innocence of children.
It is not necessary to always idealize the lives of others – our own lives are also precious.
The true definition of freedom is not only external – it is internal.
Conclusion
“Vocation” is a very human and sensitive poem that teaches us that every person, every task, and every experience in life has its own depth. The child depicted in this poem is a symbol of the willing mind hidden within everyone who sometimes wants freedom, sometimes comfort, sometimes importance.
Rabindranath Tagore has written this poem very simply, but with deep emotions. This poem is not just the imagination of a child, but it is the story of every person in the society who wants something different from his circumstances.
Recommended Reading
Gitanjali By Rabindranath Tagore
English 
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