Analysis of “Background, Casually”

Introduction

“Background, Casually,” published in Nissim Ezekiel’s 1965 collection The Exact Name, is one of his most significant and autobiographical poems. It is a confessional poem that offers a candid and often ironic self-portrait of the poet, reflecting on his life, his identity as an Indian Jew, his struggles, and his place in the world. The poem is a powerful exploration of self-awareness, cultural hybridity, and the search for belonging.

Plot Summary (or Poetic Narrative)

The poem is a retrospective look at the speaker’s life, presented in a seemingly casual, conversational tone. He begins by recounting his early life, his education, and his travels abroad. He mentions his time in London, where he felt like an outsider, struggling with poverty and a sense of displacement. He describes his attempts to find his place, both geographically and intellectually.

Upon returning to India, he finds himself still an outsider, a “poet-rascal-clown” in his own land. He reflects on his identity as a Bene Israel Jew in predominantly Hindu India, acknowledging his unique cultural background. He touches upon his literary aspirations and his commitment to writing in English, despite the challenges.

Throughout the poem, there’s a recurring theme of self-acceptance and a wry acknowledgment of his own limitations and failures. He speaks of his “sins” and his “virtues,” his “failures” and his “successes,” all with a detached, almost clinical honesty. The poem concludes with a sense of resignation and acceptance of his fate, his identity, and his chosen path as a poet in India.

Major Characters (or Poetic Elements)

• The Speaker (Nissim Ezekiel): The central figure, who is the poet himself. He is introspective, self-aware, and often ironic in his self-assessment. He represents the modern Indian intellectual grappling with identity in a post-colonial world.

• London: Symbolizes the West, a place of intellectual growth but also of alienation and struggle for the Indian intellectual.

• India/Bombay: Represents home, but also a place where the speaker feels like an outsider due to his unique background.

Major Themes

• Search for Identity and Belonging: This is a central and recurring theme. As an Indian Jew, Ezekiel explores the complexities of cultural hybridity and the challenge of finding a sense of belonging in a diverse and often contradictory society. He is neither fully Western nor fully Indian in the traditional sense.

• Alienation and Otherness: The poem vividly portrays the speaker’s sense of being an outsider, both in the West and in his own country. This alienation stems from his cultural background, his intellectual pursuits, and his chosen profession as a poet.

• Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance: Despite the struggles and the sense of otherness, the poem ultimately conveys a message of self-acceptance. The speaker acknowledges his flaws and his unique position, embracing his identity with a wry, almost detached, honesty.

• The Role of the Poet: The poem reflects on the challenges and responsibilities of being a poet in India. It touches upon the struggle for recognition, the commitment to the craft, and the often solitary nature of the artistic life.

• Cultural Hybridity: The poem implicitly explores the experience of living at the intersection of multiple cultures—Indian, Jewish, and Western—and the unique perspective this provides.

Literary Style

• Confessional and Autobiographical: The poem is deeply personal, offering direct insights into the poet’s life and inner thoughts.
• Conversational and Casual Tone: Despite the serious themes, the language is informal and conversational, creating a sense of intimacy with the reader. The title itself reflects this casual approach.
• Irony and Understatement: Ezekiel uses subtle irony to comment on his own experiences and the societal expectations he faces. There is often an understated humor in his self-deprecating remarks.
• Clarity and Precision: Even in its casualness, the language is precise and economical, a hallmark of Ezekiel’s poetic craftsmanship.

Critical Reception and Legacy

“Background, Casually” is considered a seminal work in Nissim Ezekiel’s oeuvre and in Indian English poetry. It is praised for its honesty, its psychological depth, and its insightful exploration of identity in a post-colonial context. The poem’s enduring relevance lies in its universal themes of self-discovery, belonging, and the challenges of navigating a complex cultural landscape, making it a powerful and relatable work for readers across backgrounds.