Poem 19. The Patriot - Nissim Ezekiel

Roll no : 19.

The Patriot - Nissim Ezekiel

This blog is part of a classroom activity focused on I.A. Richards' The Patriot - Nissim Ezekiel regarding figurative language. Here, I'll delve into a poem, examining its practical aspects such as language usage, structure, metaphors, and figures of speech.

Nissim Ezekiel was born in Bombay in an Indian jewish family. His parents were both educators. His father was a professor of botany and zoology and served as a principal in several colleges. His mother was the principal of a school she had started.

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Poem


"The Patriot" by Nissim Ezekiel is a thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of identity, cultural conflicts, and the impact of societal expectations. Let's delve into its practical aspects:

Language Usage

Language Style: 

The poem employs a straightforward and conversational style, making it accessible to readers. This simplicity is deceptive, as the poem delves into profound themes beneath the surface.
Imagery:

 Ezekiel uses vivid and striking imagery to convey the emotional struggles of the protagonist. For example, "The dripping blood our only drink, / The bloody flesh our only food" creates a visceral image of sacrifice and suffering.
Irony: 

The poet uses irony to highlight the contradiction between the perceived nobility of being a patriot and the harsh reality of the sacrifices involved. The phrase "old complaints of old despondencies" is an example of this ironic tone.

Structure:
Stanzas:

 The poem is structured into three quatrains, each dealing with a distinct aspect of the protagonist's life. The division helps organize the poet's exploration of the theme and provides a natural flow to the narrative.

Rhyme Scheme:

 The poem follows an AABB rhyme scheme in each quatrain, contributing to its rhythmic quality and creating a musicality that contrasts with the serious themes it addresses.

Metaphors and Figures of Speech:

Patriotism as a Burden: 

The entire poem is a metaphor for the burden of patriotic duty. The repeated image of "the dripping blood" and "bloody flesh" metaphorically represents the sacrifices and hardships faced by the patriot.

Cultural Conflict:

 The mention of "old complaints of old despondencies" suggests a historical context of societal and cultural conflicts. This phrase serves as a metaphor for the enduring nature of human struggles across time.
Theme:

Identity and Expectations: 

The poem grapples with the conflict between individual identity and societal expectations. The protagonist's sacrifice reflects the pressure to conform to a predetermined notion of patriotism.

Cost of Patriotism: 

Ezekiel explores the emotional and physical toll of being a patriot. The poem suggests that the romanticized notion of patriotism comes at a significant cost, and the sacrifices made are not always justifiable.

In summary, "The Patriot" employs a combination of straightforward language, vivid imagery, and metaphorical depth to explore the theme of patriotism and its associated sacrifices. The poem challenges the conventional notions of heroism and invites readers to reflect on the true cost of societal expectations.


Questions :
1. What is the speaker advocating for in the poem?
2. According to the poem, what disturbs the speaker about the current state of the world?
3. why Describe the incident mentioned in the poem where someone threw a stone at "Indirabehn."
4.How does the speaker express his commitment to teetotalism in the poem?