Question

Write a note on the elaborate prayer the neighbours make for the poet’s mother. What does it reveal about their belief and philosophy of life?

Answer 1

Hint: In Nissim Ezekiel ‘s poem “Night of the Scorpion”. The poet Symbolizes darkness, hope and light. Firstly, the suffering, pain, and biting of the scorpion reveals the darkness. Secondly, multiple attempts by the villagers, by the father or by the holy man to save the life of the poet’s mother shows hope. Lastly, when the mother’s life is saved, she finally says something that depicts light. The poem is typically an Indian poem written by an Indian poet, so he stressed Indian’s lives. Many people living in the country are simple and superstitious whereas some are educated and believe in modern techniques.

Complete answer:
The poem “Night of the Scorpion'' is written by an Indian poet Nissim Ezekiel. He shows the beliefs of the people living in India. In many parts of the country, people are illiterate, simple and superstitious but they are caring, loving and helpful. On the other hand, some are educated and don't believe in these superstitious things. They follow modern techniques to solve any issue.

In the poem, one rainy night, the poet’s mother is stung by a scorpion. A large number of villagers came to rescue her. They all were simple, helpful and believed in the efficiency of prayers. They were mythical and traditional. Peasants came with candles and lanterns and started searching for the scorpion in a house to stop him from moving because they believe if the scorpion will move, the poison in the victim will also move and spread all over her body.

Some people were saying she is suffering hard because of sinful acts she committed in her previous birth. On the other side, many were saying everyone has to balance good and evil in their lives therefore her endearment will remove the effects of sins of previous birth and give happiness in her future birth. People believe the pain tolerated by the prominent figure will reduce the number of her evil deeds.

The statements by the people residing there clearly show they don’t know anything other than superstitious practices. This shows instead of helping her from her pain, all were busy talking against her. The villagers were showing sympathy but didn't know what to do. One holy man was performing some incantations but did not succeed. The poet’s father also applied many herbs, medicines to kill the poison inside her but nothing worked well. He is an example of an educated person in society who does not believe in superstitious practices.

Finally, the cure came by itself. She gets well on her own. The poet wants to tell everything is predetermined. He believes in fate.

Note: It starts in a house at night where it is raining and a scorpion, in order to take some shelter, comes to the house. This poem is about how the scorpion stung the poet's mother and the mother's love for her children. The scorpion then flees the scene and, thus, risks the rain again.