Exile by R. Parthasarthy

As a man approaches thirty he may

take stock of himself.

Not that anything important happens.

–

At thirty the mud will have settled:

you see yourself in a mirror.

Perhaps, refuse the image as yours.

–

Makes no difference, unless

you overtake yourself. Pause for breath.

Time gave you distance: you see little else.

–

You stir, and the mirror dissolves.

Experience doesn’t always make for knowledge:

you make the same mistakes.

–

Do the same things over again.

The woman you may have loved

you never married. These many years

–

you warmed yourself at her hands.

The luminous pebbles of her body

stayed your feet, else you had overflowed

–

the banks, never reached shore.

The sides of the river swell

with the least pressure of her toes.

–

All night your hand has rested

on her left breast.

In the morning when she is gone

–

you will be alone like the stone benches

in the park, and would have forgotten

her whispers in the noises of the city.

About the Poet

R. Parthasarathy (b. 1934) is an Indian poet, translator, and critic who writes in English. He is best known for his poetry collection Rough Passage (1977), which explores themes of identity, exile, and cultural alienation. Born in Tamil Nadu, Parthasarathy’s work often reflects his engagement with Indian traditions, his experiences with bilingualism, and his complex relationship with English as a colonial language. His poetry is deeply introspective, often focusing on themes of loss, displacement, and self-exploration.

Background of the Poem

“Exile” is part of Rough Passage, a poetic sequence that explores the poet’s journey from India to the West and back. The poem reflects Parthasarathy’s personal and cultural alienation as he struggles with his identity in a post-colonial world. His experience as an Indian writer using English—often perceived as a colonial imposition—creates a deep sense of displacement. The poem serves as a meditation on linguistic, cultural, and emotional exile, making it a powerful commentary on the broader themes of migration, belonging, and nostalgia.

Summary of the Poem

“Exile” portrays the poet’s conflicted sense of identity as he grapples with the cultural and linguistic challenges of existing between two worlds. The poem highlights the poet’s feelings of alienation from both his native Tamil culture and the Western literary tradition he has embraced. It underscores his struggle with language, particularly English, which he feels distances him from his roots. As he reflects on his past and present, the poem conveys a deep longing for connection and reconciliation between his inherited traditions and his contemporary experiences. Ultimately, Exile captures the pain of displacement and the poet’s quest for self-understanding.

Main Themes

1. Cultural Alienation – The poem reflects the poet’s struggle to reconcile his Indian heritage with the Western influences that shape his literary identity.
2. Linguistic Dilemma – English, as a colonial language, becomes a source of both empowerment and estrangement for the poet.
3. Displacement and Nostalgia – The poet experiences a sense of exile, feeling disconnected from both his homeland and the Western world he inhabits.
4. Identity and Self-Discovery – The poem explores the poet’s personal journey toward understanding his place in a post-colonial world.
5. Post-Colonial Critique – The poet critiques the lasting impact of colonialism on language, culture, and self-perception.

Poetic Devices Used in the Poem

1. Imagery – Vivid descriptions of landscapes and emotions evoke a sense of displacement and longing.
2. Symbolism – Language, geography, and memory serve as symbols of the poet’s exile and struggle for identity.
3. Alliteration – The repetition of consonant sounds adds rhythm and emphasis to the poem.
4. Enjambment – The flow of thoughts across multiple lines reflects the poet’s inner turmoil.
5. Irony – The irony of using English to express alienation from English-speaking cultures highlights the poet’s dilemma.
6. Contrast – The poet contrasts his Indian roots with the Western influences shaping his literary identity.

Essay Questions for Further Exploration

1. How does R. Parthasarathy depict the theme of exile in the poem? Discuss with reference to personal and cultural identity.
2. Analyze the linguistic struggle in Exile and its impact on the poet’s self-perception.
3. Compare Exile with other poems that deal with themes of displacement and cultural alienation.
4. Discuss the significance of nostalgia in Exile and how it shapes the poet’s emotions.
5. How does the poet use imagery and symbolism to convey his feelings of loss and estrangement?

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Exile is a poem by: a) A. K. Ramanujan
   b) Nissim Ezekiel
   c) R. Parthasarathy
   d) Kamala Das
   Answer: c) R. Parthasarathy
2. Which collection includes the poem Exile? a) The Striders
   b) Rough Passage
   c) Latter-Day Psalms
   d) The Unfinished Man
   Answer: b) Rough Passage
3. What is the central theme of the poem? a) Celebration of nature
   b) Nostalgia and displacement
   c) Political revolution
   d) Religious devotion
   Answer: b) Nostalgia and displacement
4. The poet experiences a linguistic dilemma because: a) He prefers writing in Tamil but is forced to write in English.
   b) He does not understand English.
   c) He has forgotten his native language.
   d) He is unable to write poetry.
   Answer: a) He prefers writing in Tamil but is forced to write in English.
5. What does the poet critique in Exile? a) The beauty of Western literature
   b) The loss of native identity due to colonial influence
   c) The importance of political power
   d) The advantages of bilingualism
   Answer: b) The loss of native identity due to colonial influence
6. What poetic device is predominantly used to convey the poet’s internal conflict? a) Hyperbole
   b) Irony
   c) Simile
   d) Euphemism
   Answer: b) Irony
7. How does Exile reflect post-colonial concerns? a) By emphasizing the natural beauty of India
   b) By highlighting the impact of colonial rule on language and identity
   c) By discussing economic policies
   d) By glorifying British rule
   Answer: b) By highlighting the impact of colonial rule on language and identity
8. The poet’s nostalgia is primarily for: a) His childhood memories
   b) His lost cultural and linguistic roots
   c) His academic achievements
   d) His experiences in the West
   Answer: b) His lost cultural and linguistic roots