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 even 200% correct,
But modern generation is neglecting –
Too much going for fashion and foreign thing.
Other day I’m reading newspaper
(Every day I’m reading Times of India
To improve my English Language)
How one goonda fellow
Threw stone at Indirabehn.
Must be student unrest fellow, I am thinking.
Friends, Romans, Countrymen, I am saying (to myself)
Lend me the ears.
Everything is coming –
Regeneration, Remuneration, Contraception.
Be patiently, brothers and sisters.
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.
What you think of prospects of world peace?
Pakistan behaving like this,
China behaving like that,
It is making me really sad, I am telling you.
Really, most harassing me.
All men are brothers, no?
In India also
Gujaratis, Maharashtrians, Hindiwallahs
All brothers –
Though some are having funny habits.
Still, you tolerate me,
I tolerate you,
One day Ram Rajya is surely coming.
You are going?
But you will visit again
Any time, any day,
I am not believing in ceremony
Always I am enjoying your company
2. About the Poet
Nissim Ezekiel (1924–2004) is regarded as the father of modern Indian English poetry. Born in Bombay (now Mumbai) to a Bene Israel Jewish family, Ezekiel’s poetry is noted for its wit, irony, and deep engagement with Indian society and identity. His collections, such as A Time to Change (1952), The Exact Name (1965), and Latter-Day Psalms (1982), explore themes of belonging, alienation, and the quirks of urban Indian life. Ezekiel’s style is marked by conversational tone, everyday diction, and a unique blend of humor and pathos. He was also a noted playwright, critic, and educator.
3. Background / Context
“The Patriot” appears in Ezekiel’s celebrated volume The Exact Name (1965). The poem is written in deliberately flawed English, mimicking the Indianized English often heard in everyday conversations. It is a dramatic monologue in the voice of a self-styled “patriot” who comments earnestly, and sometimes comically, on national and global issues. Ezekiel’s poem is both a satire and a social commentary, exploring the complexities of Indian identity, the gap between ideals and realities, and the pitfalls of blind nationalism and superficial modernity. The poet both laughs with and at the speaker, inviting the reader to reflect on questions of language, belonging, and cultural change.
4. Summary of the Poem
In “The Patriot,” the speaker proclaims himself a champion of “peace and non-violence,” lamenting the world’s failure to live up to Gandhian ideals. He praises “Ancient Indian Wisdom” as infallible, while criticizing the modern generation for embracing “fashion and foreign thing.” The speaker is frustrated by the “unnecessary” fighting in the world and the neglect of Indian values. The poem also mocks the pretensions of self-styled patriots who use broken English and simplistic logic to expound on complex topics. In the closing lines, the speaker disarmingly tells the reader to “throw [his] poems in dustbin” if they do not like them, further highlighting the mixture of innocence, irony, and pathos in his worldview.
5. Stanza-wise Explanation
Opening:
The speaker introduces himself as someone who stands for “peace and non-violence,” confused by why the world is “fighting fighting” and not following Mahatma Gandhi’s principles.
Middle:
He asserts the absolute correctness of “Ancient Indian Wisdom,” even claiming it is “200% correct.” The speaker blames the modern generation for neglecting tradition in favor of “fashion and foreign thing,” expressing anxiety about cultural change.
Later:
The poem shifts to the speaker’s personal grievances and ideals, including a naïve belief in simple solutions to complex problems. He also comments on politics, society, and even poetry, with unintentional humor and sincerity.
Ending:
In the final lines, the speaker addresses his audience directly, giving them permission to reject his poems if they wish, signaling both humility and defensiveness.
6. Themes (with In-Depth Explanation)
1. Patriotism and Identity
The poem interrogates what it means to be a patriot. The speaker’s simplistic, formulaic views reveal both the earnestness and naivety of uncritical nationalism.
2. Satire and Irony
Ezekiel employs irony through the speaker’s flawed English and shallow logic, gently mocking the tendency to cling to tradition without understanding its complexities.
3. Language and Communication
The deliberate use of “Indian English” reflects questions about linguistic identity and the search for authenticity in postcolonial India.
4. Tradition vs. Modernity
The speaker’s nostalgia for the past contrasts with anxiety about change, highlighting the cultural tensions of a society in transition.
5. Global Concerns and Local Perspectives
While the speaker talks about world peace and Gandhi, his understanding remains rooted in local clichés and generalizations, showing the limits of provincialism.
6. Innocence and Sincerity
Despite the poem’s humor, there is a touching innocence to the speaker’s faith in Gandhian values and Indian wisdom.
7. Poetic Devices / Literary Techniques (with Explanation and Examples)
1. Dramatic Monologue:
The entire poem is the voice of a single, distinct character whose speech reveals their worldview.
2. Irony and Satire:
Ezekiel’s use of deliberate linguistic “errors” and exaggerated claims creates irony, exposing the gap between intention and reality.
3. Colloquial Language:
Simple, everyday words and direct address (“I am standing for peace…”) create authenticity and humor.
4. Repetition:
Repetitions like “fighting fighting” mimic the rhythms of Indian speech and add comic effect.
5. Hyperbole:
Statements like “Ancient Indian Wisdom is 200% correct” parody exaggerated patriotism.
6. Direct Address:
The speaker talks directly to the audience (“If you don’t like my poems / You can throw them in dustbin”), creating a conversational, accessible tone.
7. Parody:
The poem parodies both the English language as used by non-native speakers and the self-important tone of unreflective patriots.
8. Critical Appreciation / Analysis
“The Patriot” is one of Nissim Ezekiel’s most effective satirical poems, showcasing his skill at blending humor, social critique, and pathos. By choosing to write in Indianized English, Ezekiel both celebrates and pokes fun at the unique way Indians adapt the language. The speaker’s unwavering faith in “Ancient Indian Wisdom” and Mahatma Gandhi is at once sincere and naïve, making the poem a complex portrait of postcolonial Indian identity.
Ezekiel’s satire is gentle, never cruel; he invites readers to recognize the earnestness behind the speaker’s words, even as he highlights the dangers of simplistic thinking and uncritical nationalism. The poem remains relevant in a world where language, identity, and tradition are continually debated. By ending with the disarmingly direct “throw them in dustbin,” Ezekiel reinforces the vulnerability and humility of the speaker, leaving readers with a mix of amusement and empathy.
9. Sample Essay Questions with Synoptic Answers
Q1: How does Nissim Ezekiel use language to create satire in “The Patriot”?
Model Answer:
Ezekiel employs deliberately flawed “Indian English” and exaggerated phrases to mimic the speech of self-styled patriots. The speaker’s linguistic errors, hyperbolic praise of Indian wisdom, and naïve statements reveal both the humor and underlying critique of blind nationalism. This use of language creates a satirical portrait of postcolonial Indian society and its search for authentic identity.
Q2: Discuss the tension between tradition and modernity in the poem.
Model Answer:
The speaker idolizes “Ancient Indian Wisdom” and Gandhi while criticizing the “modern generation” for embracing foreign fashions. This tension reflects wider societal anxieties about cultural change, globalization, and the loss of traditional values, highlighting the complexities of India’s evolving identity.
Q3: What is the significance of the poem’s ending?
Model Answer:
The closing lines (“If you don’t like my poems / You can throw them in dustbin”) showcase both humility and defensiveness. This self-deprecating humor undercuts the speaker’s earnestness, reinforcing the poem’s satirical tone and inviting readers to reflect on the nature of artistic and patriotic expression.
Q4: In what ways does the poem reflect postcolonial concerns?
Model Answer:
“The Patriot” explores issues of language, authenticity, and national identity in a postcolonial context. The speaker’s Indianized English, reverence for tradition, and suspicion of “foreign thing” reveal ongoing struggles with colonial legacies and the creation of a distinct Indian voice.
Q5: Analyze the poem’s portrayal of innocence and sincerity.
Model Answer:
Despite its satire, the poem portrays the speaker as genuinely sincere, longing for peace and respect for Indian values. This innocence evokes empathy and complicates the poem’s humor, suggesting that even flawed or simplistic patriotism can stem from genuine feeling.
10. Conclusion
“The Patriot” by Nissim Ezekiel is a sharp, humorous, and poignant reflection on Indian identity, nationalism, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Through his deft use of satire, language, and character, Ezekiel both critiques and humanizes the figure of the self-styled patriot. The poem remains a relevant and engaging work, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of tradition, modernity, and national pride.
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why does Ezekiel use Indianized English in “The Patriot”?
A: To create humor, authenticity, and to highlight issues of language, identity, and cultural adaptation in postcolonial India.
Q2: Is the poem mocking or sympathetic toward the speaker?
A: Both. While the poem satirizes the speaker’s naivety, it also evokes empathy for his sincerity and vulnerability.
Q3: What is the central irony in the poem?
A: The speaker’s earnest support for peace and tradition is undercut by his simplistic logic, flawed language, and defensiveness, exposing the gap between ideals and reality.
Q4: What is the poem’s view on nationalism?
A: The poem warns against uncritical, superficial patriotism, suggesting the need for thoughtful engagement with tradition and change.
Q5: What makes “The Patriot” a unique poem in Indian English literature?
A: Its blend of satire, colloquial language, cultural critique, and empathy make it a standout example of modern Indian English poetry.
12. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- The Patriot is written by: a) A. K. Ramanujan
b) Nissim Ezekiel
c) Kamala Das
d) Jayanta Mahapatra
Answer: b) Nissim Ezekiel - The poem is best described as a: a) Love poem
b) Dramatic monologue
c) Political manifesto
d) Historical narrative
Answer: b) Dramatic monologue - The speaker in the poem is: a) A well-informed politician
b) A naive and ignorant patriot
c) A historian
d) A teacher
Answer: b) A naive and ignorant patriot - What literary device is most prominent in the poem? a) Metaphor
b) Satire
c) Simile
d) Personification
Answer: b) Satire - What is the tone of the poem? a) Serious and melancholic
b) Humorous and satirical
c) Romantic and idealistic
d) Tragic and sorrowful
Answer: b) Humorous and satirical - The speaker’s grammatical errors in English highlight: a) His high level of education
b) The poet’s attempt to ridicule linguistic struggles in post-colonial India
c) The importance of learning a foreign language
d) His fluency in multiple languages
Answer: b) The poet’s attempt to ridicule linguistic struggles in post-colonial India - Which theme is NOT present in the poem? a) Blind nationalism
b) Linguistic challenges
c) Love and romance
d) Political ignorance
Answer: c) Love and romance - What is the effect of the poem’s humorous tone? a) It makes the reader dismiss the poem as irrelevant
b) It enhances the critique of uninformed patriotism
c) It makes the poem difficult to understand
d) It creates a sense of nostalgia
Answer: b) It enhances the critique of uninformed patriotism