Unit I: Poetry
Very Indian Poem in Indian English
by Nissim Ezekiel
Prescribed reading for English II (Unit I: Poetry). Read the guide before class; finish with the quiz to check your understanding.
Overview
The poem is a humorous dramatic monologue by a stereotypical middle-class Indian patriot who speaks broken English while earnestly advocating for peace, ancient Indian values, and national unity. The comedy arises from the speaker's sincere self-confidence contrasting with grammatical chaos.
About the Author
Nissim Ezekiel (1924–2004) was the foundational figure of Indian English poetry. Born in Mumbai to a Bene Israel Jewish family, he studied philosophy in London and returned to dedicate his life to building an Indian English literary tradition. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983.
Writing style: Ezekiel employs dramatic monologue using deliberate grammatical errors — a style critics call 'Indian English poetry' — to create satirical portraits of real social types without condescension or cruelty.
Major works: Night of the Scorpion · Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S. · The Professor · The Patriot · Jewish Wedding in Bombay
Influence: Ezekiel virtually created the tradition of Indian writing in English poetry. He mentored generations of Indian poets and proved that Indian English, with all its quirks, was a legitimate and rich literary medium worthy of serious study.
Historical Context
Written in the 1970s–80s, the poem reflects post-independence India's identity conflict — a nation trying to modernise while honouring ancient heritage, all while navigating the politics of English as the language of aspiration for millions.
Read
Tap the bolded words for definitions and connotations.
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.
Ancient Indian Wisdom is 100% correct, I should say without fear, But modern generation is neglecting— Too much going for fashion and foreign thing.
Other day I'm reading in newspaper (Every day I'm reading Times of India To improve my English language) How one goonda fellow Threw stone at Indira behan.
Bad times are coming, friends, Bad times are coming. But Nehru's dream is not yet one. Forget not that 30 crore people Are still foodless, clothless, and sheless.
Can only be said of your article That I am not agreeing, Some modern girls are not nice things, Because they are not respecting And obeying their elders.
Your advice is to use brain freely, But first learn to control senses Then brain will be automatic— This is our ancient heritage, friend.
I am ending with a humble request, Great lecturer on the spot, Let us all do the good deed, Let us all stop the evil things. And be the unity and integrity of India.
Themes
- Cultural identity and postcolonial hybridity
- The politics of English in India
- Generational conflict between tradition and modernity
- Nationalism and civic idealism
- Irony and self-unawareness as a literary mode
Literary Devices
- Dramatic Irony
- “The speaker preaches wisdom in broken English, unaware of the contrast between the authority of the message and the imperfection of its delivery.”
- Satire
- “The poem gently mocks the over-earnest patriot who conflates political rhetoric with grammar lessons and newspaper reading.”
- Code-switching
- “The mix of formal English with Indian cultural references (goonda, Indira behan, 30 crore) reflects authentic spoken Indian English.”
Critical Analysis
Critics read the poem on two levels: as gentle mockery of a social type, and as celebration of Indian English as a living, evolving language. Ezekiel himself insisted the poem was an act of love — honouring the sincerity of a man who loves his country even if he cannot master the colonial language.
Why It Matters
In an era of globalisation, the poem's tension between indigenous wisdom and foreign influence remains deeply relevant. It invites students to think about linguistic identity, cultural pride, and the politics of language in postcolonial societies.
Vocabulary
- Goonda
- A hired thug or ruffian; a hooligan in Indian English.
- Connotation: Carries specific urban-criminal connotation unique to South Asian English, implying lawless street violence.
- Teetotaller
- A person who completely abstains from alcoholic beverages.
- Connotation: Implies strict moral or religious discipline, held up as a virtue contrasting with modern decadence.
- Non-violence
- The philosophy and practice of refusing to cause harm or use force against others.
- Connotation: A profound moral and political principle deeply associated with Gandhi and India's independence struggle.
- Heritage
- Valued traditions, objects, and achievements passed down from previous generations.
- Connotation: Carries pride and responsibility — here representing ancient Indian wisdom as a living inheritance.
- Integrity
- The quality of being morally upright; also the state of being undivided or whole.
- Connotation: Dual meaning — both national unity and personal moral honesty, combining the political and ethical in one word.
- Neglecting
- Failing to give proper care, attention, or respect to something important.
- Connotation: Implies cultural betrayal — abandoning ancestral wisdom carelessly in pursuit of fashion.
- Automatic
- Working by itself without conscious effort; self-regulating.
- Connotation: The speaker suggests that controlling senses first makes the brain function at its optimal capacity naturally.
- Humility
- A modest or low view of one's own importance; respectful understatement.
- Connotation: A core virtue in Indian culture; the speaker practises ironic self-deprecating humility while simultaneously lecturing others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check Your Understanding
Which newspaper does the speaker mention reading daily to improve English?