Nissim Ezekiel’s “Background, Casually” Summary

Nissim Ezekiel’s poetry “Background, Casually” is a thoughtful and contemplative poem that delves into the poet’s identity, cultural upbringing, and life experiences. The poem is broken up into multiple stanzas, each of which explores a distinct period in the poet’s life.

Childhood and Education

The poet is introduced in the poem as a “poet-rascal-clown” who was raised in a milieu of terror and poverty. The poet looks back on his early years and describes how he was a scared child who had trouble doing simple things like eating and sleeping. While the poet, a Jew, attends a Roman Catholic school where he encounters obstacles and persecution, the stanza presents themes of cultural variety.

Religious and Cultural Conflicts

The poet describes episodes of conflict and antagonism between religions that happened when he was in school. The poet struggles with the difficulties of identity and morality while being accused of killing Christ and subjected to prejudice from peers who are Muslims and Hindus alike. The poet is uneasy and dissatisfied after receiving a scriptural prize because of his experiences.

Search for Meaning

The poet studies Eastern ideas like Yoga and Zen and muses over spirituality as he gets older. A major subject emerges as the poet considers his purpose and possible roles—including the notion of being a “rabbi saint”—as he searches for meaning.

Journey Abroad

At twenty-two, the poet makes the decision to travel overseas with the company of poetry, poverty, and philosophy. In London, he stays in a room with these three friends and goes through a time of reflection and seclusion. The poet considers his personal conflicts and the passing of time.

Return to India

The poet experiences cultural differences and a sense of disconnection upon his return to India. He experiences major life changes, such as getting married and changing careers. The poem focuses on the poet’s awareness of his own folly and the fact that his experiences are still very early.

Ancestral Roots

The poet considers his ancestry and characterises his ancestors as manual labouring castes. The poet’s identity is made more complicated by the statement of a Major in the family who served in the Boer War.

Dreams and Poetry

The poem delves into the poet’s dreams, initially featuring oppressive scenarios, and later transitioning to dreams centered around words and poetry. The transformative power of poetry is hinted at as the poet grapples with the idea that words can both betray and liberate.

Commitments

The final stanzas underscore the poet’s resolve to remain in his current location and emphasise acceptance of it. The poet admits his uniqueness, saying he has blended with the Indian terrain so that outsiders can see him. The poem concludes with him deciding to remain in his “backward place,” implying acceptance and a sense of acceptance.