Application of Vakrokti Theory in Othello’s Desdemona: An Enhancing tool to Indian Knowledge System

Abstract

This research paper is about famous Sanskrit rhetorician, literary theorist Kuntaka and his poetic theory of Vakrokti. He belongs to Vakrokti school of Sanskrit of ancient Indian poetics. This research paper briefly talks about Kuntaka and his poetic beauty in the linguistics and its application of Character of Desdemona, heroin of Othello play. Othello is written by Great English Dramatist William Shakespeare. This paper deals with the all aspect i.e. of Vakrokti and how it estimates to Desdemona. Kuntaka is the originator of the Vakrokti school of Sanskrit literary theory. He came after Anandvardhan of 9th century and before Abhinavagupta of 10th century. In this context, Ganesh Devy says that Vakrorkti and the Alaṃkāra are two Indian schools which are very close to two Western schools of thought formalism and new criticism. Kuntaka says about the Vakrokti                  

             Vakroktireva Vaidagdhyabhṇginbhaṇitirucchyate.

            Vakroktiḥ, prasiddhabhidhānvyatirekiṇi vicitraivabhidhā.   Kidr̥isi

            Vaidgdhyabhaṇgibhaditiḥ vaidagdhyan vidghaṁ bhāvḥ

Kavikarmakauśalaṁ, tasyabhaṇgivichittiḥ, tayā sbhaṇitiḥvicitraivāhidhā vakroktirityuchyate.

            We can see the fallowing instances from Othello about Desdemona how her statement inbuild the vakrokti theory. 

            Desdemona: Do you know, sirrah, where the lieutenant Cassio lies?

            Clown: I dare not say he lies anywhere?

            Desdemona: Why Man?

            Clown: He is solider, and for one to say a soldier lies, is stabbing.

                                                                                                            (Act III scene IV)

Here in these lines Desdemona asks to Clown that where is great soldier    Cassio. Then he says no I don’t know about his location and not telling a lie. Desdemona asks why then he again told her that a soldier’s address should not be tell right.

Key Words:  Kuntaka, Vakrokti, Othello, Desdemona, theory.