Nissim Ezekiel was an Indian poet, playwright, and art critic who is widely considered to be one of the pioneers of Indian English literature. Born in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1924, Ezekiel was exposed to a diverse range of cultural influences from an early age, and this is reflected in his poetry, which often incorporates elements of Indian mythology, Hindu philosophy, and Jewish tradition.
One of the most famous poems by Nissim Ezekiel is "A Very Indian Poem in Indian English." This poem is a tongue-in-cheek take on the various cultural and linguistic influences that shaped Ezekiel's own experience as an Indian poet writing in English.
The poem begins by poking fun at the way in which Indian English is often perceived as being a "broken" or "corrupted" form of the language. The speaker declares that he is "not a follower of Shakespeare," and that he has "no use for the Queen's English." Instead, he embraces the "broken phrases" and "half-baked idioms" of Indian English, which he sees as a rich and vibrant form of expression that reflects the complexity and diversity of Indian culture.
Throughout the poem, Ezekiel uses a range of literary devices to explore the themes of cultural identity and linguistic ambiguity. He employs paradox, oxymoron, and other forms of wordplay to challenge the reader's expectations and to highlight the contradictions and complexities of the Indian experience.
For example, the speaker declares that he is "not a poet, but a seer," suggesting that his words are not simply the product of artistic craft, but rather the result of a deeper spiritual or cultural insight. He also refers to himself as a "crocodile in a raincoat," a metaphor that suggests both the adaptability and the vulnerability of the Indian poet.
Overall, "A Very Indian Poem in Indian English" is a thought-provoking and humorous exploration of the complexities of cultural identity and linguistic expression. Through his use of literary devices and his wit and irony, Ezekiel gives voice to the rich and varied experiences of the Indian people and offers a unique perspective on the role of language in shaping cultural identity.
