Richards Figurative Language (Practical Criticism)
This blog task is given by Barad Dilipsir. It is part of Criticism of poetry reading.
In this blog there are some poems of some poets and reading or analyze by our understanding of reading it. I have poem num: 19. " The Patriot " by Nissim Ezekiel. He was an Indian Poet. This criticism is part of I.A .Richards new criticism . I. A. Richards (1893–1979) was an English literary critic and a founder of New Criticism. He emphasized close reading of texts and reader responses, focusing on the text itself. His key works include Principles of Literary Criticism and Practical Criticism. He also contributed to language theory and education. Here the another poetries :Click here
The Patriot - Nissim Ezekiel
Why world is fighting fighting
Why all people of world
Are not following Mahatma Gandhi,
I am simply not understanding.
Ancient Indian Wisdom is 100% correct,
I should say even 200% correct,
But modern generation is neglecting -
Too much going for fashion and foreign thing.
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.
Must be student unrest fellow, I am thinking.
Friends, Romans, Countrymen, I am saying (to myself)
Lend me the ears.
Everything is coming -
Regeneration, Remuneration, Contraception.
Be patiently, brothers and sisters.
You want one glass lassi?
Very good for digestion.
With little salt, lovely drink,
Better than wine;
Not that I am ever tasting the wine.
I'm the total teetotaller, completely total,
But I say
Wine is for the drunkards only.
What you think of prospects of world peace?
Pakistan behaving like this,
China behaving like that,
It is making me really sad, I am telling you.
Really, most harassing me.
All men are brothers, no?
In India also
Gujaratis, Maharashtrians, Hindiwallahs
All brothers -
Though some are having funny habits.
Still, you tolerate me,
I tolerate you,
One day Ram Rajya is surely coming.
You are going?
But you will visit again
Any time, any day,
I am not believing in ceremony
Always I am enjoying your company.
Analization of the poem :
Sense:
Literal Meaning:
The poem "Patriot" is a monologue by a speaker who expresses his views on peace, non-violence, and ancient Indian wisdom. The speaker is earnest but often naive and simplistic in his understanding of these concepts. The repeated references to Mahatma Gandhi and "ancient Indian wisdom" highlight his belief in these ideals.
Detailed Analysis:
The speaker repeatedly questions why the world is not following Gandhi's principles and expresses his confusion and frustration. His statements, such as "I am standing for peace and non-violence" and "Ancient Indian Wisdom is 100% correct. / I should say even 200% correct," reveal a superficial grasp of these profound concepts. The language is informal and unrefined, reflecting the speaker's lack of sophistication.
Feeling:
Emotional Undercurrent:
The poem evokes a range of emotions, including amusement, empathy, and irony. The speaker's broken English and repetitive phrases contribute to the humorous tone.
Detailed Analysis:
The humor arises from the speaker's naive and exaggerated expressions of patriotism, such as his repetitive questioning of why the world is "fighting fighting" and not following Gandhi. Despite the satire, there is an element of empathy for the speaker, who genuinely believes in his simplistic understanding of these ideals. The ironic contrast between the speaker's earnestness and his superficial grasp of the concepts adds depth to the emotional experience.
Tone:
Author's Attitude:
The tone of the poem is conversational, colloquial, satirical, and ironic. Ezekiel adopts a humorous and critical stance towards the speaker's simplistic patriotism.
Detailed Analysis:
The conversational tone makes the poem feel like a casual monologue, enhancing its relatability. The satirical tone is evident in the way the speaker's naive views are subtly mocked. For example, the speaker's exaggerated praise of ancient Indian wisdom as "200% correct" highlights his lack of critical engagement. The irony in the poem lies in the contrast between the speaker's earnestness and the complexity of the issues he addresses, revealing the superficiality of his understanding.
Intention:
Author's Purpose:
Ezekiel aims to critique superficial and naive expressions of patriotism and to prompt readers to reflect on their own understanding of these concepts. The poem serves as a social commentary on cultural identity and national pride in postcolonial India.
Detailed Analysis:
Through the character of the speaker, Ezekiel exposes the contradictions and absurdities in certain expressions of patriotism. The use of humor and satire makes the critique more engaging and accessible. By presenting the speaker's naive and simplistic views, Ezekiel encourages readers to question their own beliefs and to engage more deeply with the complexities of cultural identity and patriotism. The poem also highlights the blending of cultures and the struggles for a coherent national identity in contemporary India.
Integration of Elements:
Coherence and Overall Impact:
By examining the sense, feeling, tone, and intention, we see how these elements work together to create the poem's overall impact. The sense provides a straightforward narrative, the feeling evokes a range of emotions, the tone adds layers of satire and irony, and the intention drives the poem's critical message.
Detailed Analysis:
"Patriot" masterfully combines these elements to create a satirical and thought-provoking critique of superficial patriotism. The conversational tone, free verse structure, vivid imagery, and humorous language all contribute to the poem's effectiveness. Ezekiel invites readers to reflect on their own understanding of patriotism and cultural identity, using the speaker's naive perspective as a mirror to the broader societal contradictions.
Doubts during reading :
I have doubt in the lines are here :
Friends, Romans, Countrymen, I am saying (to myself)
Lend me the ears.
I'm the total teetotaller, completely total,
I am not believing in ceremony
Always I am enjoying your company.
Conclusion:
"Patriot" by Nissim Ezekiel masterfully combines humor, satire, and social commentary to critique the shallow and often contradictory expressions of patriotism in postcolonial India. Through its conversational tone, free verse structure, vivid imagery, and satirical approach, the poem highlights the superficiality and inconsistencies in the narrator's views. Ezekiel invites readers to reflect on their own understanding of these concepts and to engage with the deeper and more complex realities of cultural identity and national pride.
Thank you ..
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