Saturday, November 25, 2023

Assignment - 2 - Nissim Ezekiel's Satirical Style: A Deeper Look at His Works

TOPIC OF THE BLOG:-

This blog is part of an assignment for the Paper 202 - Indian English Literature - Post-Independence - Sem - 3, 2023.

NISSIM EZEKIEL’S SATIRICAL STYLE: A DEEPER LOOK AT HIS WORKS

Table of Contents:-

  • Personal Information
  • Assignment Details
  • Abstract
  • Keywords
  • Introduction
  • Nissim Ezekiel
  • Satire in Literature
  • Satirical Themes Used by Ezekiel
    • Social Issues
    • Cultural Clashes and Political Satire
    • Modernization
    • Post Independence
  • Literary Devices Used by Ezekiel
    • Irony
    • Wit and Humor
    • Symbolism 
    • Tone 
    • Language 
  • Conclusion
  • Works Cited

Personal Information:-

  • Name:- Pooja Anilbhai Bhuva
  • Batch:- M.A. Sem 3 (2022-2024)
  • Enrollment Number:- 4069206420220005
  • E-mail Address:- poojabhuva2002@gmail.com
  • Roll Number:- 15

Assignment Details:-

  • Topic:- Nissim Ezekiel's Satirical Style: A Deeper Look at His Works
  • Subject Code & Paper:- 22407 - Paper 202 - Indian English Literature – Post-Independence
  • Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar
  • Date of Submission:- 27th November, 2023
  • About Assignment:- In this Assignment I am going to discuss Nissim Ezekiel's satirical writing style through his works.
Abstract:-
This Assignment explores Nissim Ezekiel’s clever use of satire and literary tools. Born in Mumbai in 1924, he became a key player in the post-independence Modernist literary movement, tackling complex societal issues. Ezekiel's skillful satire, seen in works like "Night of the Scorpion," and his thoughts on modernization in "The Professor," provided a sharp critique of changing cultures. Using irony, wit, symbolism, and a unique tone, he added layers to his writing. Ezekiel's lasting impact is found in his perceptive and humorous commentary, offering readers a special lens to understand the unfolding story of Indian life. In essence, he was not just a writer but a guide, unraveling the intricacies of society with insight and wit.

Key Words:-
Nissim Ezekiel, Satire, Role of Satire in Literature, Poems, Writing Style

Introduction:-
Satire is a common element in literature that makes works more understandable and helps uncover their motives. Nissim Ezekiel, one of the most prominent poets of his time, made significant contributions to literature through his skillful use of satire, making his works both insightful and accessible. What sets Ezekiel apart is his adept employment of metaphors, satire, and various literary devices, which add a unique and distinctive flavor to his writing. This blend of elements not only makes his poetry stand out but also enhances the reader's experience by providing a deeper understanding of the underlying messages. In this introduction, we will delve into the details of how Nissim Ezekiel masterfully utilized satire, metaphor, and literary devices, exploring the reasons behind his distinctiveness and the enduring impact of his contributions to literature. Let’s see detailed information about Nissim Ezekiel, Satire and how he used Satire.

Nissim Ezekiel:-
Nissim Ezekiel was a famous Indian poet, born in 1924 in Mumbai. He did a lot for Indian literature after the country gained independence. Ezekiel didn't just write poems; he also wrote essays and plays. He was an important person in the "Modernist" literary movement in India, which was about the changes happening in society and culture. (Joffe)
In his writing, Ezekiel often talked about city life, different cultures coming together, and how India was finding its identity after becoming independent. What makes his work special is his funny and clever way of criticizing things. He used satire, which is a way of making fun of something to show its problems. This made his writing interesting for many people and also made his thoughts on society and politics more thoughtful. Nissim Ezekiel's writing style and his way of looking at life continue to be important in Indian literature even today. In 1983, Nissim Ezekiel received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his poetry collection titled "Latter-Day Psalms" from the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters. (Sahitya Akademi Award)

Satire in Literature:-
Satire plays a significant and multifaceted role in literature. Its primary purpose is to criticize and mock individuals, societies, or institutions with the aim of inspiring change or provoking thought. Satire is often used to highlight and criticize the flaws, vices, and absurdities of individuals or society. By exaggerating or distorting certain aspects, it aims to draw attention to issues and prompt reflection. Satire isn't just about writing – it's any way of making art that makes fun of something or someone known to the public. (Wollacott)
It acts as a mirror reflecting cultural norms, exposing contradictions, and encouraging personal and societal reflection. Satire also showcases literary style and technique, requiring a deep understanding of the subject matter and a keen sense of humor. Notable examples of satirical literature, such as Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" and George Orwell's "Animal Farm," use satire to critique politics, human nature, and societal norms, aiming to bring about change and provide catharsis for both writers and audiences. Not only in Texts but Television also has embraced satire as a popular comedic genre, as evidenced by shows like 'The Colbert Report' in the United States and 'Bremner, Bird and Fortune' in Britain. (Wollacott)

Satirical Themes Used by Ezekiel:-
Social Issues:-
Ezekiel consistently engages with societal issues, employing satirical commentary to shed light on prevalent concerns like class disparities, the impact of urbanization, and the intricacies of societal norms. Through his works, he skillfully dissects these themes, using humor and irony to offer a discerning perspective on the complexities and challenges inherent in contemporary society.
‘The peasants came like swarms of flies 
and buzzed the name of God a hundred times
 to paralyze the Evil One.’ (Ezekiel) 
-‘Night of the Scorpion’
The peasants' reaction to the scorpion sting reflects a communal response to adversity. The collective effort, with people gathering and invoking the name of God, underscores the communal fabric of society.

Cultural Clashes and Political Satire:-
‘My mother twisted through and through, 
groaning on a mat.
My father, skeptic, rationalist,
trying every curse and blessing,
powder, mixture, herb and hybrid.
He even poured a little paraffin 
upon the bitten toe and put a match to it.’ (Ezekiel)
-‘Night of the Scorpion’
The poem highlights the clash between traditional beliefs and rationalism. As we can see in the above lines, the peasants rely on traditional rituals, invoking God and performing rites, while the father, described as a skeptic and rationalist, tries various scientific methods. This shows how thoughts, culture and beliefs change and sparkle against each other. Having opposite thoughts can also have this idea that the poem indirectly touches upon the theme of political satire through the contrast between the father's attempts at practical solutions (such as pouring paraffin and lighting a match) and the villagers' reliance on religious and traditional practices.

Modernization:-
‘One is Sales Manager,
One is Bank Manager,
Both have cars.’ (Rukhaya) 
-‘The Professor’ 
The poem talks about a family and mentions things like cars, settled lives, and progress. The cars in the story show that the family is doing well economically and living a modern life. Back in post-independence India, having a car meant you were moving up in the world and adopting a Western-style lifestyle. When the poem talks about settled lives and the kids having jobs like Sales Manager and Bank Manager, it means the family is financially stable and successful. This reflects the dreams of the middle class at that time - they wanted stability and to move forward. The professor in the poem talks about his children being well-settled, meaning they have good jobs and are successful. This hints at a change in how families work. Traditionally, roles were different, but now kids are going for careers and becoming financially independent, showing how society is changing.
The poem also mentions family planning, which means they are thinking about how many kids to have. This shows the family is open to modern ideas. The professor talks about progress and the changing world in a positive way, which was common in post-independence India. It might also be a comment on how people used hopeful words without really saying what progress was happening. (Dwivedi)

Post Independence:- 
‘It started as a pilgrimage 
Exalting minds and making all 
The burdens light, The second stage 
Explored but did not test the call.’ (Ezekiel) 
-’Enterprise’ 
Though the poem doesn't explicitly mention post-independence, it can be seen as reflecting the challenges and quest for identity during that period in India. The pilgrimage (Garman) in the poem might symbolize the nation's journey after gaining independence, capturing the initial enthusiasm and aspirations of the post-independence era. The differences and disputes among the group on how to cross the desert could represent the political and ideological divergences that hindered national progress and unity during this time. The instances of losing the way and being attacked could symbolize the challenges and conflicts India faced in defining its identity post-independence, amid external and internal pressures. 
The claim of liberty to leave the group might represent the emergence of new nations or states seeking independence after colonial rule, reflecting geopolitical changes like the partition of India. The concluding lines about gathering grace and finding home can be interpreted as the collective effort to establish stability, identity, and belonging in the aftermath of the post-independence period's turbulence. The references to deprivation and brokenness within the group could also allude to the socio-economic challenges faced by the masses in post-independence India. Thus, by interpreting the poem as an allegory for India's post-colonial experience, it reveals a narrative of challenges, disillusionment, and the pursuit of identity during the early years of independence.

Literary Devices Used by Ezekiel in ‘The Patriot’:- 
Irony:- 
‘Other day I'm reading newspaper 
(Every day I'm reading Times of India 
To improve my English Language) 
How one goonda fellow 
Threw stone at Indirabehn.’ 
The irony in these lines lies in the use of the term "Indirabehn" to refer to someone who has been attacked by a "goonda fellow" throwing a stone. "Indirabehn" is a term of respect that combines the name "Indira" with the Hindi word "behn," which means sister. It's a way of addressing or referring to Indira Gandhi with a degree of familiarity and respect. 
The irony arises because, despite using a respectful term like "Indirabehn," the incident described is a violent and disrespectful act – someone throwing a stone at her. The contrast between the respectful term and the violent action creates an ironic tone, emphasizing the unexpected and contradictory nature of the situation. Irony often involves a gap between appearance and reality or between expectation and outcome. In this case, the use of a respectful term to describe an act of aggression creates that gap, highlighting the unexpected and somewhat absurd nature of the event.

Wit and Humour:- 
‘I am standing for peace and non-violence. 
Why world is fighting fighting 
Why all people of world 
Are not following Mahatma Gandhi, 
I am simply not understanding.’ 
The funny part in these lines comes from how the speaker really, really wants everyone to be peaceful and not fight, just like Mahatma Gandhi said. But, surprise, surprise, the world is still full of fights and problems. It's like the speaker is scratching their head, saying, "I just don't get it!" This innocent confusion is what makes it amusing. It's as if the speaker thinks that if everyone followed Gandhi's ideas, everything should be fine. The humor also sneaks in because the speaker is kind of saying, "Why is this so hard for everyone?" without directly saying it. So, the wit here is like a clever joke about how the world should be simpler, but, well, it isn't.

Symbolism:- 
"Friends, Romans, Countrymen" - This phrase is a direct reference to Mark Antony's speech in Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar." It serves as a symbol of addressing a larger audience, perhaps emphasizing the universal themes the speaker wants to discuss. 
"Everything is coming - Regeneration, Remuneration, Contraception" - These words symbolize various aspects of societal change and progress. "Regeneration" could refer to renewal, "Remuneration" to compensation or reward, and "Contraception" to a changing approach to family planning. The use of these words symbolizes the speaker's observation of societal shifts.

Tone:-
The tone of the poem is a mix of earnestness and gentle satire. The speaker expresses genuine concern about the state of the world, particularly in terms of conflicts and the neglect of ancient wisdom. However, there's also a subtle humor in the speaker's innocent confusion and observations, such as the mention of "fashion and foreign thing."

Language:- 
The language used in the poem is colloquial, reflecting the speaker's conversational style. Phrases like "I am simply not understanding" and "Must be student unrest fellow, I am thinking" add a personal and relatable touch to the language. The use of Indian English, as seen in expressions like "Gujaratis, Maharashtrians, Hindiwallahs," adds cultural authenticity and flavor to the language. Even when expressing ideas in a clear and straightforward manner, he has the skill to infuse his words with profound meaning. (VERGHESE)

Conclusion:-
In conclusion, Nissim Ezekiel's masterful use of satire, metaphors, and various literary devices sets him apart as a significant figure in Indian literature. Ezekiel contributed significantly to the Modernist literary movement in India, addressing the societal changes and cultural shifts post-independence. His writing, encompassing poetry, essays, and plays, exhibits a keen understanding of the complexities of city life, cultural clashes, and the challenges of a newly independent India. Ezekiel's satire, a prominent feature in his works, serves as a powerful tool to critique and mock societal issues. Through poems like "Night of the Scorpion," he explores themes of communal response to adversity, cultural clashes, and political satire. His keen observations on modernization, as seen in "The Professor," reflect the aspirations and dreams of post-independence India. Furthermore, in "Enterprise," Ezekiel subtly allegorizes the post-colonial experience, capturing the challenges, conflicts, and the pursuit of identity in the early years of independence. 
The literary devices employed by Ezekiel, including irony, wit, symbolism, and a distinctive tone, contribute to the richness of his work. His use of colloquial language and cultural references adds authenticity and relatability to his writing. Ezekiel's impact on Indian literature remains enduring, as his insightful and humorous commentary continues to resonate with readers, offering a unique lens through which to understand the complexities of society and culture. In honoring Ezekiel's contributions, we recognize not only a literary master but also a perceptive commentator on the evolving tapestry of Indian life.

Works Cited:- 
Words - 2578
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