Question

How does the personification in the lines, "From thieving light of eyes impure, / From coveting sun or wind's caress," affect meaning?

Answer 1

Answer:

The portrayal of the sun as “coveting” reinforces the purpose of the pardah, which is to protect women from the dangers of the outside world.

Explanation:

The given question concerns the poem written by Sarojini Naidu, titled 'The Pardah Nashin.' The poem touches the topic of woman behind the veil and its impact on the lives of women.

In these lines, by using personification of sun 'coveting', the poetess is reinforcing that the purpose of pardah was to protect women from outside world's dangers. It is an indirect satire on the concept of making woman cover their faces with veil.