Complexities Of Diasporic Life In Vikram Seth’s All You Who Sleep Tonight

Abstract

This paper attempts to examine the complexities of diasporic life from the select poems of Vikram Seth’s third major collection of poetry All You Who Sleep Tonight (1990). His empathy for others and his own feelings are explored in a few chosen poems. These poems, which are autobiographical in style, cover a wide range of topics, including loneliness, longing, and his attempts to make a name for himself abroad. The titles depict his time there as well as his travels to China, India, and the United States. Even though the themes are mostly diasporic, there is a clear play with the traditional and classical styles of poetry. He is a lyrical poet who draws influence from many different places. Seth understands the loneliness that some people feel and wants them to know that they are not going through life alone. He values empathy, compassion, and love. He wants the readers to understand the importance of love and to have empathy.