Nature
Many of the poems in Selected Poems of Rabindranath Tagore are set in nature. As such, nature, and humanity's connection with it, plays an important role in Tagore's collection. "Earth" and “In the Eyes of a Peacock” are set in nature and show how nature works without the influence of humans, who frequently interfere with nature and its processes. Other poems explore how humans interact with nature and the organisms that live inside of it. "New Rain," for instance, explores how Tagore connected with nature through long walks together with his grandfather.
History
History plays an important role in Tagore's collection. Each of Tagore's poems are rich and complex with history and culture. Growing up in an Indian household, Tagore was exposed to quite a bit of history, including Indian history and other, world history. He was also exposed to different cultures through his family, especially his grandfather, who readily exposed young Tagore to different and new and unique cultures. His experience with other culture, including and especially the culture of the English, give depth and color most of his poems. Rather than taking a singular world view, in other words, Tagore explores how people from around the world must view the issue he is exploring in each poem.
God
God and religion not only play a key role in Tagore's life and the lives of many of those around him, God colors many of Tagore's poems. For Tagore and many people in India, God is an all-knowing being capable of influencing the lives of everyone. He creates and He destroys; he loves but he never hates. He is a good and benevolent being capable of doing tremendous good. In Tagore's eyes, God influences how people view the world and, thus, influences his poems.
