Enterprise by Nissim Ezekiel - Stanza to Stanza Explanation - Summary
The poem begins the beginning of a journey, sort of a "pilgrimage". Everyone in the group is so devout and optimistic about the journey. They are vigorous in their pursuit and their energy dwarfs every minor issues and "burdens". After getting through the initial steps, they faced some real hassles or difficulties but it didn't push them. But at that point, the scorching sun played with them and it was also symbolized that the further issues wouldn't be soft on them. Their potential strength is being tested by nature.
The narrator reckoned that they had worked out quite well till the time. He and his group learnt a lot from the hurdles of this enterprise and they observed and made notes on the ways of peasants of the regions and their modus operandi. They also kept their eye on agents of both goodness and evil. "Surpants" is an allegory of evil people whereas "goats" represent good people.
They crossed three cities where a renowned sage had given his sermons. It was also the time when conflicts began to divide them. Differences among the group began to arise on the scheme to crossing a desert patch. The tussle was so intense that one crucial member whose was known for his "stylish prose" left the group. He was the best of his teammates.
The exit of him left them broken and more differences grew among them and their bonding began to loose. Adding fuel to the fire, their caravan was attacked twice, moreover, they lost their way amidst the bad times. This whole chapter contributed to the bickering of the group. A section within the group wanted to separate their paths from the mainstream goal. The narrator saddened by the imbroglio prayed.
After this bad phase, the remaining members moved on and at a certain point, the leader of the group from his experience could feel that they were near the sea i.e. a beacon of hope. But they could not notice anything as they moved on. From a group of "exalting minds" they were then "a straggling crowd of little hope". Hopeless and weary of the arduous journey with divisions in their group, they weren't even taking any cognizance of any "thunder", which symbolizes the divine signs sent by the god. Moreover, they had to face a serious paucity of even the basic necessities of life. Some of the members were either mentally and physically broken or bent due to the harsh events.
At last, they reached their destination but there was no amiability in their demeanour. It seems that the whole purpose of the journey was futile and aimlessness lurks in their minds. The intense implications of the journey were clearly visible on their faces that had lost their fairness. They were not proud of their journey and regretful thoughts occurred in their minds. But as there were home then and even after the worthless move, they felt a little hopeful on reaching home. It is their only solace that can raise them above their past actions.
The narrator reckoned that they had worked out quite well till the time. He and his group learnt a lot from the hurdles of this enterprise and they observed and made notes on the ways of peasants of the regions and their modus operandi. They also kept their eye on agents of both goodness and evil. "Surpants" is an allegory of evil people whereas "goats" represent good people.
They crossed three cities where a renowned sage had given his sermons. It was also the time when conflicts began to divide them. Differences among the group began to arise on the scheme to crossing a desert patch. The tussle was so intense that one crucial member whose was known for his "stylish prose" left the group. He was the best of his teammates.
The exit of him left them broken and more differences grew among them and their bonding began to loose. Adding fuel to the fire, their caravan was attacked twice, moreover, they lost their way amidst the bad times. This whole chapter contributed to the bickering of the group. A section within the group wanted to separate their paths from the mainstream goal. The narrator saddened by the imbroglio prayed.
After this bad phase, the remaining members moved on and at a certain point, the leader of the group from his experience could feel that they were near the sea i.e. a beacon of hope. But they could not notice anything as they moved on. From a group of "exalting minds" they were then "a straggling crowd of little hope". Hopeless and weary of the arduous journey with divisions in their group, they weren't even taking any cognizance of any "thunder", which symbolizes the divine signs sent by the god. Moreover, they had to face a serious paucity of even the basic necessities of life. Some of the members were either mentally and physically broken or bent due to the harsh events.
At last, they reached their destination but there was no amiability in their demeanour. It seems that the whole purpose of the journey was futile and aimlessness lurks in their minds. The intense implications of the journey were clearly visible on their faces that had lost their fairness. They were not proud of their journey and regretful thoughts occurred in their minds. But as there were home then and even after the worthless move, they felt a little hopeful on reaching home. It is their only solace that can raise them above their past actions.
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