This blog is written as a part of my third semester assignment in the paper of Post-Independence Indian English Literature. In this blog, I will explore the topic "Cultural Identity and Historical Context in Nissim Ezekiel's 'The Patriot'".
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Name: - Trushali Dodiya
Roll No: - 19
Semester: - 3(Batch 2022-24)
Enrolment number: - 4069206420220011
Paper No: - 202
Paper name: - Post-Independent Indian English Literature
Paper code: - 22407
Topic: - Cultural Identity and Historical Context in Nissim Ezekiel's 'The Patriot'
Submitted to: - Smt. S. B. Gardi Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University
Email Address: - trushalidodiya84@gmail.com
Abstract:
Indian English literature occupies a distinct realm within the broader landscape of English literature. While many Indian writers choose to retain indigenous words to preserve the touch of Indianness in their works, Nissim Ezekiel takes a different stance. Unlike those who see Indian English as the sole marker of cultural identity, Ezekiel, in his poem 'The Patriot,' engages in a fusion of history and the use of typical Indian English language with a touch of parody. This study delves into the representation of cultural identity and historical context in Ezekiel's work, unveiling the intricate interplay of English language, Indian culture, and historical nuances.
Table of Content:
- Introduction
- Historical Context
- Cultural Identity
- Indian Culture
- Colonial Legacy
- Bicultural Experiences
- Identity Crisis
- Language and Style
- Use of Language
- Irony and Satire
- Conclusion
- References
Introduction:
Indian English literature is a unique and vibrant part of global writing. Writers from India, including, use English to vividly depict the nation's rich cultural heritage. In 'The Patriot,' Ezekiel skillfully blends language, culture, and history.
The Patriot is a poem written by an Indian poet Nissim Ezekiel, who is also known as the father of post-independence verses in English. This poem is also known as 'A Very Indian Poem In Indian English'.(Ahmed) This poem in typical Indian tome represents its culture and also includes some of the major historical events of India. Ezekiel, an Indian poet who wrote in English, often dealt with themes related to the complexities of post-colonial identity and the clash between tradition and modernity.(Joffe)
Historical Context: The poem unfolds against the historical canvas of significant events, including: 1. The Indian Independence movement, marked by Mahatma Gandhi's commitment to peace and non-violence. 2. The death of Indira Gandhi and the ensuing student unrest.
Written during the 1977 Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi to quell political rivals, the poem portrays corruption, injustice, and oppression in the guise of a 20-point program for regeneration.(Ahmed) This is evident in lines such as:
"Everything is coming-
Regeneration, Remuneration, Contraception"(Ezekiel)
Furthermore, the poem explores ancient Indian wisdom, advocating for world peace while commenting on the behavior of China and Pakistan, expressing a deep concern for contemporary issues in India.(Kumar)
"What you think of prospects of world peace?
Pakistan behaving like this,
China behaving like that,"(Ezekiel)
Ezekiel's exploration of history extends to the linguistic impact of colonial rule, notably the prevalence of English in India. This multifaceted historical context enriches the poem's examination of cultural identity, revealing the intricate interplay between tradition and external influences.
Cultural Identity:
Every culture possesses a distinct identity that sets it apart from others, but it's essential to acknowledge that no culture remains static. Over time, the constant intermingling with diverse cultural influences leads to subtle transformations. This phenomenon is not new; even in ancient times, the conquests of kings resulted in the amalgamation of two cultures, shaping a new identity. Today, the ongoing impact of various influences continues to mold and reshape cultures. In India, historical rulers such as the Mughals, Portuguese, and English have each left their mark, contributing to a rich tapestry of bicultural experiences. This intricate blend often gives rise to an identity crisis within the nation as it grapples with the multifaceted layers of its cultural heritage.
Indian Culture:
The poem encapsulates diverse facets of Indian culture, drawing on elements such as Ancient Indian Wisdom, the principles of peace and non-violence, and the idea of universal brotherhood expressed through the assertion that we are all brothers. It weaves together these cultural threads to create a rich tapestry that reflects the essence of Indian heritage.
Colonial Legacy:
The British rule in India, spanning from 1858 to 1947, significantly influenced Indian culture.(Wolpert) The impact was profound, primarily due to the imposition of English as the medium of instruction and the mandatory English education introduced by Macaulay under Governor General Bentinck.(Ghosh) This study of the English language persists even today, long after gaining independence, showcasing the enduring legacy of colonial policies that shaped educational practices in India.
Repeatedly, there is a strong emphasis on English language education, both as a medium of instruction and a subject of study. This persistent focus underscores the enduring significance of English in educational practices and highlights its recurrent prioritization over time.
Nissim Ezekiel in "The Patriot" addresses the conflict faced by individuals who are caught between the values imposed by the colonisers and their own cultural heritage.
Bicultural Experiences:
The poem encapsulates the profound tension inherent in bicultural experiences, highlighting the clash between Ancient Indian Wisdom and the influence of the Western world. It underscores the poignant struggle, emphasizing that the modern generation tends to overlook the profound correctness of ancient insights while avidly adopting Western trends. Ezekiel articulates this conflict with the lines:
"Ancient Indian Wisdom is unequivocally correct,
I would assert even doubly so,
Yet the contemporary generation neglects it,
Preferring the allure of fashion and foreign influences."(Ezekiel)
The poem's use of English itself exemplifies bicultural experiences, symbolizing the clash between Ancient Indian Wisdom and Western influence. This linguistic choice by Ezekiel underscores the complexity of cultural identity within the realm of language. The lines enclosed in brackets illuminate the bicultural experiences portrayed in the poem. Despite the speaker's emphasis on Indian traditions, the admission of reading the Times of India daily to enhance English proficiency reflects the dual cultural influence.
To improve my English Language).(Ezekiel)
This juxtaposition underscores the intricate balance and tension in the speaker's attempt to navigate both Western and Indian cultural elements, encapsulating the essence of bicultural experiences.
Identity Crisis:
The poem navigates a deep identity crisis, portraying the speaker's conflict between Western influences and a yearning for Indian traditions. This tension reflects a broader societal struggle to reconcile cultural identity amid changing influences. He condemns wine and promotes Lassi.
"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.'(Ezekiel)
The juxtaposition of promoting Indian wisdom and culture while learning the Western language illustrates the complexity and at times contradictory nature of individuals in a bicultural context.
Language and Style:
Use of Language:
Ezekiel's choice to write in English adds another layer to the exploration of cultural identity. English, a language associated with the colonizers, becomes a medium through which post-colonial voices express their struggles and aspirations.
In 'The Patriot,' Nissim Ezekiel intricately weaves an Indian identity into the language of the poem. This is evident in the distinctive tone, featuring the use of Indian words while conversing in English and grammatically unconventional sentences. Continuous tenses are overused, as seen in a cascade of verbs: standing, following, understanding, going, neglecting, reading, thinking, saying, coming, tasting, making, behaving, harassing, having, believing, enjoying. The unmistakable tone of Indianness surfaces when the speaker poses, "All men are brothers, no?" The inclusion of the typical Indian question tag "no", contributing to the cultural flavor of the poem. Moreover, Ezekiel retains Indian words in their original form, such as "goonda fellow," "Lassi," and "Rama Rajya," preserving the authenticity of the Indian linguistic landscape within the English framework. This deliberate incorporation of linguistic elements reflects a conscious effort to express cultural identity through language in a post-colonial context.
The poet advocated for the use of standard English without losing the essence of Indian identity. According to him, maintaining an Indian sensibility in language did not necessarily require exclusively using Indian English. Instead, he saw "Indianness" as a complex, multifaceted concept that couldn't be oversimplified or reduced to a singular marker, even within language. This nuanced perspective suggests that the richness of Indian identity transcends language choices and requires a more comprehensive understanding.(Ahmed) As he states,
"There is no single Indian flavour which alone can claim the designation and that its value to depends on the host of generative factors which should never be simplified for purpose of praise or blame."(Das)
Irshad Gulam Ahmed also points out that "On one hand, Such poems are extremely delightful and realistic presentation of one of such variant of English on the other hand these poems may also be seen as criticism, a satiric projection of the so called institutionalized Indian English, if not a completed reception of such a notion."(Ahmed)
Irony and satire in 'The Patriot':
Nissim Ezekiel's poem "The Patriot" employs irony and satire as powerful tools to comment on the complexities of cultural identity and societal issues.
The title itself sets the tone for irony. A patriot, traditionally associated with unwavering loyalty and love for one's country, is portrayed in a satirical light. The poem unfolds as a parody, challenging conventional notions of patriotism.
It satirizes the speaker's attempt to embody a stereotypical image of a patriot. The use of English and the pseudo-modern attitude, while claiming allegiance to Indian traditions, creates an ironic juxtaposition.
The speaker's actions, such as reading the Times of India to improve English and adopting a superficial embrace of Indian culture, ironically question the authenticity of his patriotism. The portrayal of a misguided sense of nationalistic fervor is satirical.
The poem is also a rich in linguistic irony. The continuous tense verbs, the use of Indian words within English sentences, and the grammatically incorrect elements contribute to a satirical commentary on language and cultural identity.
The use of inappropriate question tags, such as "All men are brothers, no?" incorporates linguistic irony. The mismatch between formal English and colloquial question tags adds a satirical layer, reflecting the complexity of cultural amalgamation.
The poem, composed during the period of the Emergency enforced by Indira Gandhi, uses satire to critique political corruption and oppression. It delves into the ideals of universal brotherhood and the vision of "Rama Rajya" on one side, juxtaposed with the social turmoil following the demise of Indira Gandhi and the resentment towards other cultures on the other side.
The mention of "Rama Rajya," though initially appearing patriotic, is employed as a satirical reflection on the exploitation of religious sentiments for political gains.
In essence, "The Patriot" uses irony and satire to dismantle conventional notions of patriotism, critique the superficial adoption of cultural identity, and comment on the socio-political landscape of the time. The poem serves as a nuanced exploration of the challenges and contradictions inherent in the quest for a genuine and meaningful cultural and national identity.
Conclusion:
In a nushel, Nissim Ezekiel's poem "The Patriot" intricately explores cultural identity and historical context within post-Independence Indian English literature. Through language, satire, and irony, the poem critiques political corruption, delves into bicultural experiences, and navigates the clash between tradition and modernity. The poem reflects the enduring impact of colonialism, particularly in language, and uses irony to challenge conventional patriotism.
Work Cited:
- Ahmed, Irshad Gulam. “Nissim Ezekiel's Critical Nationalism and the Question of Indian English.” Indian Literature, vol. 53, no. 2, 2009, pp. 164-169. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/23348053.
- Das, Bijay Kumar. Critical Essays on Post-colonial Literature. Atlantic Publishers and Distributors, 2007.
- Ezekiel, Nissim. “The Patriot by Nissim Ezekiel - Famous poems, famous poets.” All Poetry, https://allpoetry.com/poem/8592073-The-Patriot-by-Nissim-Ezekiel. Accessed 27 November 2023.
- Ghosh, Suresh Chandra. “Bentinck, Macaulay and the introduction of English education in India.” Journal of the History of Education Society, vol. 24, no. 1, 1995, pp. 17-24. Taylor & Francis Online, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0046760950240102#:~:text=I%20In%20India%20Thomas%20Babington,2%20February%201835%20at%20the.
- Joffe, Lawrence. “Nissim Ezekiel | India.” The Guardian, 9 March 2004, https://www.theguardian.com/news/2004/mar/09/guardianobituaries.india. Accessed 27 November 2023.
- Kumar, Ashok. “INDIANNESS IN THE POETRY OF NISSIM EZEKIEL.” International Journal of Research in Engineering, IT & Social Sciences, vol. 4, no. 8, 2014. IJREISS,
https://www.indusedu.org/pdfs/IJREISS/IJREISS_507_32179.pdf.
- Wolpert, Stanley A. “British raj | Imperialism, Impact, History, & Facts.” Britannica, 14 November 2023, https:https://www.britannica.com/event/British-raj. Accessed 27 November 2023.
Word Count: 1800
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