Rabindranath Tagore left an indelible mark on literature and social thought. In “The Kingdom of Cards,” Tagore introduces us to an intriguing realm where the inhabitants are not humans but cards. Each individual takes the form of a playing card, and their existence revolves around a hierarchical society. The story stands out as a thought-provoking tale that offers a piercing critique of societal values and norms. This blog explores the dehumanising effects of segregation in the island’s society and blind conformism, all leading to the loss of identity.
Segregation in society
In a distant island called the “Kingdom of Cards,” a strict social hierarchy governed the life and roles of the inhabitants. The Ace, King, and Knave held the highest positions, while the Twos and Threes were at the bottom. Since the Twos and Threes were “inferior Cards”, they were “never allowed to sit in the same row with the great Court Cards”. This was because they were “not twice-born people, like the famous Court Cards”. Hence, one can see that everybody had a specific rank that had been established from time immemorial. They only worked according to their rank and “never did anything else”.
Subsequently, the Prince, the Son of the Kotwal and the Merchant’s Son had set out to seek their “fortunes in the sea”. These individuals were inhabitants of the “far-off foreign land across the sea”. They were stranded on the island due to the capsizing of their ship. Since they were hungry, they ate “all they could find and” drank “out of every vessel”. They broke all regulations regarding caste-based segregation. This made everyone very angry, and they exclaimed, “These people are openly shameless!”
Blind conformism and herd mentality in Tagore’s Kingdom of Cards
“The Kingdom of Cards” also serves as a commentary on the pitfalls of blind conformism and herd mentality. The inhabitants of the Kingdom mindlessly followed the norms set by society, “No one in the Kingdom of Cards had any occasion to think; no one had any need to come to any decision; no one was ever required to debate any new subject”. They never questioned their purpose or talked about any implications. “The citizens all moved along in a listless groove without speech”. Evidently, “There was never any excitement or enthusiasm” in the Kingdom. All of them lived a subdued existence. On the other hand, “the Queens of Spades and Clubs and Diamonds and Hearts had remained behind curtains” and followed the patriarchal norms set by their society. As a result, their authenticity and identity are lost.
This mirrors the tendencies observed in present-day Indian society, where many individuals are forced to unquestioningly accept majoritarian societal norms, even if they go against their values or principles. Tagore’s critique urges readers to break free from this conformist mindset and think critically.
The loss of authenticity and identity in the Kingdom of Cards
In this relentless process of societal subjugation, the individuals on the island lost touch with their true selves. The Queen of Spades and other members had lost their individuality. They “gazed vacantly into space, or else remained fixed upon the ground.” They had transformed into mechanised people. Tagore describes the native population as moving in “dismal processions with prim and solemn faces”. This showcases the innominate individuals who were devoid of identity and authenticity.
Their loss of identity is further exacerbated by the “unseen hand” that “appeared to be directing them wherever they went,— according to the Rules”. They were bound by the societal rules governing the island, diluting their sense of freedom.
Hence, Tagore’s narrative highlights the consequences of forsaking one’s genuine self to conform to societal expectations. This loss of identity resonates with the challenges individuals face in modern Indian society, where the pressure to conform to a particular ideological standard often leads to a sense of alienation from one’s true nature.
Conclusion:
Thus, “The Kingdom of Cards” remains a timeless and compelling tale that resonates with readers today. Rabindranath Tagore’s poignant critique of societal values and norms encourages us to reflect on the consequences of a segregated and conforming society, which leads to an identity-less existence of individuals. This enduring message is a testament to Tagore’s brilliance as a writer and social critic, leaving us with lessons for generations to come.
It is also interesting to listen to Tagore’s Rabindrasangeet, which is available on Phalguni Mookhopadhaya’s Youtube Channel — https://www.youtube.com/@pmbrainware
