Classifying Dutt

Last Thursday, I made the statement that Dutt should be primarily seen as a Christian poet, rather than an Indian or English poet. Several classmates agreed. I've given some further thought as to why Dutt wrote to promote Christianity, yet included tales from the Hindu culture. I believe that she was showing that her people are not barbaric, and are able to, when dealt with properly, understand Christian ideals.

In "Savitri," the idea is that if you have enough faith and are pure in heart, you will be greatly blessed. This idea is very strongly associated with the Christian Bible's teachings. However, it also, as told from Dutt's account of this particular Sanscrit epic, stems from Indian morals. Dutt frequently makes parallels between Inidan teachings and Christianity (or English) teachings. I believe that to her, the world was unified and that cultures were not so different from each other as it seemed on the surface. To Dutt, I think Christianity was what she strove to spread; however, I believe that her audience was the entire world.

-Camille Turner