ThAct: Poem by Nissim Ezekiel : The Patriot

 This blog task is given by Prakruti ma'am. 

In this blog we have to discuss on given poetry. so in our group we have Nissim Ezekiel's 'The Patriot'.in classroom we already discuss the poem. now we have to write blog on it.

What is Group Discussion?

Group Discussion (GD) is a method of learning where students discuss issues and ideas together. In GD, students work in groups to solve problems and learn from each other. It helps students develop their critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills. Group Discussions are very important in teaching because it empowers teachers to help students in building their confidence.  

Poem The Patriot by Nissim Ezekiel

                        

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.

Long and short question and answer on this poem according question bank:

Q 1) Comment on the ironic mode of The Patriot by Nissim Ezekiel.

Ans:

 Introduction:

 Nissim Ezekiel’s poem The Patriot is written in a very unique and clever way. At first, it looks like a simple speech by a common man who loves his country, but when we read it closely, we understand that the poem is full of irony. Irony means saying something but meaning something else, often to point out the difference between reality and what is being claimed. In this poem, Ezekiel uses irony to make fun of blind patriotism, confused political views, and poor understanding of national issues. Through this technique, he comments on how some people talk about patriotism without really knowing what it means.

• The speaker in the poem talks with great confidence about his love for India. He says things like, “I am standing for peace and non-violence,” and “I am not communal,” but immediately after, he says things that contradict his own statements. For example, he says he doesn’t believe in Gandhiji, who was the symbol of peace and non-violence. He also says he likes all religions, but still adds, “but I don’t believe in Pakistan.” These statements show confusion, but he does not realize it. This is where the irony lies — he thinks he is being patriotic and wise, but in reality, he is exposing his lack of knowledge.

• Ezekiel also uses broken English and incorrect grammar in the poem to add another layer of irony. The speaker wants to sound serious and educated, but his language creates a comic effect. For instance, he says, “All the people of world are my brothers, I am not proud of my country’s achievement.” This kind of speech shows that he is trying hard to sound important, but instead, we see how little he understands.

• The poet is not mocking the speaker in a cruel way. Instead, Ezekiel is gently showing us how many people in India talk emotionally about the country but do not have clear ideas. The poem becomes a mirror of society, where people repeat what they hear on the news or in politics, without truly thinking. The ironic tone helps the reader realize that true patriotism is not about shouting slogans, but about being thoughtful, informed, and inclusive.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the ironic mode in The Patriot by Nissim Ezekiel plays a very important role. It turns a simple poem into a strong social commentary. Through the use of irony, the poet shows the gap between what people say and what they actually understand. The speaker thinks he is a perfect patriot, but the irony reveals his confusion, prejudice, and ignorance. Still, Ezekiel does not insult him. Instead, he makes us reflect on what real patriotism should be — not just loud words, but deep, honest understanding of the country. In this way, irony becomes the heart of the poem, making it both funny and meaningful.

Q 2) Explain Nissim Ezekiel as the true patriot:

Ans :

Introduction:

Nissim Ezekiel’s poem The Patriot is not about a freedom fighter or a soldier. Instead, it presents a humorous and satirical portrait of an ordinary man who sees himself as a true Indian patriot. Through this poem, Ezekiel shows us how people express love for their country in their own personal and sometimes funny ways. The poem reflects the thoughts, confusion, and struggles of a common man who deeply loves his country, even if he doesn’t always fully understand what patriotism really means.

• In The Patriot, the speaker claims to love India very much. He says, “I am standing for peace and non-violence.” This line shows that he wants his country to be peaceful, and that is his idea of patriotism. However, the poem also shows that he is not well-informed or educated, as he says strange things like “I don’t believe in Gandhiji” and “I am not communal.” He mixes up political ideas, speaks in broken English, and sometimes contradicts himself.

• Even though he makes mistakes, his emotions are honest. He tries to connect with all Indians by saying he likes Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Jews. He supports modern India and wants progress, but at the same time, he is proud of Indian culture. His speech is full of confusion, but deep inside, his heart is in the right place. This shows that he may not be a textbook intellectual or a politician, but his love for the country is simple and pure.

• Ezekiel uses irony and broken English to show the gap between thoughts and expression. Still, the speaker’s attempt to make India better in his own way makes him a true patriot—one who cares and tries, even if he’s not perfect.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Nissim Ezekiel’s The Patriot presents the image of a common Indian who genuinely loves his country. Through humor and satire, Ezekiel shows that patriotism is not always about big speeches or perfect grammar. True patriotism lies in the honest desire to see one’s country grow and stay united. So, the speaker, though simple and confused, represents the real spirit of India—full of hope, emotion, and love. In this way, Ezekiel gives us the image of a true patriot from the heart, not just by words.

Report of the group discussion addressing the following questions:

1) Which poem and question were discussed by the group? was there any unique approach or technique used by your group to discuss the topic?

 

Ans: we discuss about The Patriot by Nissim Ezekiel. like we take one by one topics first we discussed about the poet Nissim Ezekiel. his education and some imp points about his life. then Plot summary of the poem and then critical analysis of the poem. stanza vise thematic study and we find this poem can be read in two different way first as a satire or mockery of the speaker of the poem and another is as an affectionate portrayal of the poem's speaker. then how does Ezekiel balance humor and respect in his poem, and in last style and form of the poem. 

2) Who led the group discussion or contributed most to the discussion? did everyone contribute equally?

Ans:  Yes, in our group we can say that everyone contribute equally because we devided topics in our group members, Rutvi Pal: Nissim Ezekiel's introduction and give information about his life, education,

Devangini Vyas: Plot summary of the poem, Shrushti Chaudhari: Critical analysis, Trupti Hadiya: Stanza vise thematic study, Rajdeep Bavaliya: Nissim Ezekiel's poem The Patriot can be read in at least two conflicting way as a satire and mockery of the speaker of the poem and as an affectionate portrayal of the poem's speaker, Sagar Bokadiya: is the speaker's broken english meant to be satirical, sympathetic, or both? how does Ezekiel balance humor and respect in his portrayal of the speaker?, Krishna Vala: style and form.

3) Which points were easy and which ones were difficult for everyone in your group to understand?

Ans: Yes, we can find personally me difficult to understand the poem properly like what poet wants to say in this poem? and after the discussion we all clear about the poet and poem.

Briefly present your learning outcomes from this activity:

From the group discussion on the poem The Patriot by Nissim Ezekiel, we learned that the poem uses humour and irony to show the thoughts of a man who thinks he is a true patriot. It helped us understand how the poet cleverly criticizes blind nationalism and wrong ideas about patriotism. We also saw how simple words can be used to express deep and serious messages. The discussion helped us see different views and understand the poem more clearly.