Between Kalidasa and Chikamatsu, I enjoyed Kalidasa much more. For this reason, I have chosen to focus on it for my third project. Although there are many themes present in the play, I wanted to target the role of nature in the play, and touch on the idea of fate. For this project, I also decided to create a drawing rather than an essay. Everything in the drawing is a symbol or metaphor that was used in the play. On the right side are the things that represent Sakuntala. On the left, the king.
There are many references to animals throughout the play, each symbolizing something important. The play begins with the king chasing after the deer with a bow and arrow. Often, this animal represents innocence, meaning the king is chasing after this innocent creature. Because of Sakuntala’s age, she is automatically assumed to be pure. The connection between Sakuntala and the deer is made when the king says
“or will she live forever among these hinds, Doe-eyed among her beloved does?” (17).
The king, the hunter, is chasing after Sakuntala, the deer. I think it is also important to mention the king’s respect for nature.
Again, in the beginning of the play, the king grows frustrated as the deer moves out of eyesight and he loses his chances of getting it. When the deer comes back into sight and the king is about to shoot, an ascetic approaches. He asks the king not to kill the deer. Instead of using his power as king to reject this, he does what he is asked. This shows a huge amount of respect for not only the people he is meant to serve, but also the animals on their land. Later, when describing the land he says
“The confident deer stroll by undistressed, And tolerate our noise;” (10).
The king sees the harmony between nature and people. He also uses the word “tolerate”. The king recognizes that he is the one trespassing into the animal’s world. I think this again shows the relationship between the king and Sakuntala. They seem to come from different worlds but he is still able to see the beauty in it.
Another animal mentioned in the play is a bee. This animal, I think, is meant to symbolize attraction and love. The first time a bee is shown is in Act 1 when one flies out of the jasmine and attacks Sakuntala. The king says to himself
“Ah, honey-maker, fanned by her lashes, you brush her tender lids, or hover in her ear, murmuring a secret that is yours alone… and so you win her, while I am stalled, in supposition” (14).
The king comes off as jealous because the bee was able to be so close to Sakuntala, something the king wants. Later, in Act 6, the king seems to be depressed because he cannot see Sakuntala. A maid brings the king the painting he had made of Sakuntala. In this painting, is a bee. Once again, this bee is able to be near Sakuntala while the King is not. In my drawing I have the bees going down the middle between the two sides, showing how they represent the connection between the characters while they are away from each other.
Draped over the deer in my drawing, is a jasmine vine. I believe that the blossoming jasmine vine is meant to represent Sakuntala and the strong mango tree is meant to represent the king. The most obvious meaning of these two symbols is that the two characters are intertwined. This brings in the idea of fate. Because of the blessing given to the king in the beginning of the play, he and Sakuntala are destined to be together. At the bottom of my drawing, I have the vine and the roots of the tree come together to spell out entangled.
Sprockets and Springes 
I chose to comment on this project because the visuals are amazing! They are detailed and beautiful art. I think it was much more interesting than an essay, and am glad that you connected these drawings to your explanation. I also can see the themes and meaning in the drawings after you explained them, especially the animals! nice job.
Man, that is some really pretty art. The symbolism is on point as well, nice job.
You are really good at art! I love this a lot, oh my god. I like how you went with a picture rather than an essay, I mean you know what they say “a picture is worth a thousand words”. I like how you chose nature as a way to symbolize different aspects on Kalidasa. I also like the quotes you used to tie in the drawing to the themes! Really good job!!
These are excellent images that really capture the moods of the metaphors and symbols. I totally agree with your connections of nature and themes and/or people. After reading the opening deer hunting scene for the first time, I did not make much of it. But after reading more of the play one can witness a connection between that dynamic and the chase of the king after Shakuntala. Your images really bring these ideas together. The word ‘entangled’ is a powerful one, both in the title and in the piece itself. It definitely highlights that point of interconnected nature and people. You also mention fate, which I would agree is a powerful theme in this piece. Shakuntala and Jihei’s faith in their decisions, one another, and the life afterwards guaranteeing their connection is an important part of the piece, and you highlight it well with the jasmine vine and the tree. You highlight the symbolism and nature themes well in this project. Great work!