It started as a pilgrimage
Exalting minds and making all
The burdens light, The second stage
Explored but did not test the call.
The sun beat down to match our rage.
We stood it very well, I thought,
Observed and put down copious notes
On things the peasants sold and bought
The way of serpents and of goats.
Three cities where a sage had taught
But when the differences arose
On how to cross a desert patch,
We lost a friend whose stylish prose
Was quite the best of all our batch.
A shadow falls on us and grows.
Another phase was reached when we
Were twice attacked, and lost our way.
A section claimed its liberty
To leave the group. I tried to pray.
Our leader said he smelt the sea
We noticed nothing as we went,
A straggling crowd of little hope,
Ignoring what the thunder meant,
Deprived of common needs like soap.
Some were broken, some merely bent.
When, finally, we reached the place,
We hardly know why we were there.
The trip had darkened every face,
Our deeds were neither great nor rare.
Home is where we have to gather grace
About the Poet
Nissim Ezekiel (1924–2004) was an Indian poet, playwright, and essayist, often regarded as the father of modern Indian English poetry. His poetry is marked by themes of alienation, self-exploration, and urban life. Ezekiel’s works reflect both personal and social concerns, often infused with irony and wit. Some of his notable collections include A Time to Change (1952), The Unfinished Man (1960), and The Exact Name (1965). His poetry captures the complexities of Indian identity and the challenges of modernity.
Background of the Poem
“Enterprise” was published in Nissim Ezekiel’s collection The Unfinished Man (1960). The poem is an allegorical journey that reflects both literal and metaphorical struggles faced by individuals in pursuit of their goals. The poem can be interpreted as a critique of human ambition, the nature of suffering, and the ultimate realization that achievements may not always lead to fulfillment. The pilgrimage described in the poem serves as a metaphor for life’s journey and the trials that accompany it.
Summary of the Poem
The poem narrates the journey of a group of individuals who set out with great enthusiasm and a sense of purpose. Initially, their journey is filled with hope and unity, but as they proceed, obstacles begin to emerge. They face hardships such as physical exhaustion, differences in opinions, and betrayal. Disillusionment sets in as the group fragments, and the initial excitement diminishes. By the time they reach their destination, they realize that their struggles have led to nothing extraordinary, highlighting the futility of their quest. The poem ultimately presents a philosophical reflection on the nature of human endeavors and the realization that the journey itself, rather than the destination, defines life’s meaning.
Main Themes
- Human Ambition and Disillusionment – The poem explores how individuals set out with grand aspirations but often end up disillusioned.
- The Journey as a Metaphor for Life – The pilgrimage serves as an allegory for life’s journey, filled with obstacles and existential questioning.
- Unity and Fragmentation – The journey begins with unity but gradually disintegrates as conflicts arise, reflecting the fragile nature of human relationships.
- The Futility of Achievement – The poem questions whether the struggles and hardships endured in pursuit of goals ultimately lead to fulfillment.
- Endurance and Reflection – Despite the hardships, the journey fosters self-reflection, leading to a deeper understanding of existence.
Poetic Devices Used in the Poem
- Allegory – The entire journey serves as a metaphor for life and human ambition.
- Imagery – Vivid descriptions of landscapes, hardships, and emotions enhance the poem’s impact.
- Symbolism – The journey symbolizes human endeavors, and the challenges reflect life’s struggles.
- Irony – The realization that the journey led to nothing remarkable underscores the irony of human ambition.
- Enjambment – The continuation of thoughts across lines maintains the poem’s flow and rhythm.
- Contrast – The shift from initial enthusiasm to eventual disillusionment highlights the unpredictability of human aspirations.
Essay Questions for Further Exploration
- How does Nissim Ezekiel use the journey as a metaphor in “Enterprise”?
- Discuss the theme of disillusionment in the poem. How does it reflect broader human experiences?
- Analyze the role of unity and fragmentation in the poem. What does this suggest about human relationships?
- How does the poem critique blind ambition and the pursuit of success?
- In what ways does “Enterprise” reflect modernist concerns in poetry?
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- What is the central theme of “Enterprise”? a) Religious devotion
b) The futility of human ambition
c) The joy of traveling
d) The beauty of nature
Answer: b) The futility of human ambition - What kind of journey is described in the poem? a) A religious pilgrimage
b) A voyage across the sea
c) A war campaign
d) A leisure trip
Answer: a) A religious pilgrimage - How does the group’s unity change over the course of the journey? a) It strengthens as they overcome obstacles
b) It weakens due to disagreements and hardships
c) It remains constant throughout
d) It is never challenged
Answer: b) It weakens due to disagreements and hardships - What realization do the travelers come to by the end of the journey? a) Their struggles have led to profound enlightenment
b) They have discovered a new land
c) Their journey was ultimately meaningless
d) They need to travel further
Answer: c) Their journey was ultimately meaningless - What poetic device is most evident in the structure of the poem? a) Rhyme scheme
b) Enjambment
c) Simile
d) Alliteration
Answer: b) Enjambment - What does the journey symbolize in the poem? a) Political struggles
b) Human aspirations and the reality of failure
c) The power of nature
d) The benefits of teamwork
Answer: b) Human aspirations and the reality of failure - Which of the following best describes the tone of the poem? a) Optimistic and hopeful
b) Mournful and nostalgic
c) Reflective and ironic
d) Excited and adventurous
Answer: c) Reflective and ironic - In which collection was “Enterprise” published? a) The Exact Name
b) A Time to Change
c) The Unfinished Man
d) Hymns in Darkness
Answer: c) The Unfinished Man