Thinking Activity : Vulture Poem

   'Vulture' by Chinua Achebe

This blog is a part of thinking activity about the poems in which I am going to discuss about the poem 'Vulture' by Chinua Achebe assigned by Megha Trivedi Mam, Department of English, MKBU.

Q : What is the connection between The Nazis and Vultures? Illustrate your answer with the help of Chinua Achebe’s Vulture

The Nazis and Vultures: A Reflection through Chinua Achebe’s Vultures

Introduction

The interplay between love and cruelty, tenderness and brutality, has long been a paradox of human nature. Chinua Achebe’s poem Vultures masterfully explores this paradox by drawing a striking comparison between scavenger birds and human perpetrators of evil. The poem particularly references the Commandant of Belsen, a Nazi officer, illustrating how even the most monstrous individuals can exhibit moments of tenderness. This essay delves into the connection between the Nazis and vultures, examining how Achebe uses the imagery of these birds to reflect on the nature of evil and its unsettling coexistence with love and familial affection.

This video is based on the poem 'Vulture' and it discusses line by line explanation.

Background of the Poem

The title Vultures suggests that the poem is about the bird vulture, but as the poem progresses, it becomes evident that the bird serves as a metaphor. The first section vividly describes vultures, their physical appearance, and their habits, while the latter sections introduce a deeper, satirical commentary on the Nazi commandant of the Belsen concentration camp. The metaphor of the vulture serves to highlight the cruelty of humankind, drawing a connection between the scavenger bird that feeds on death and the Nazi officer who supervised the mass killing of Jews.

Inspiration of the Poem

Chinua Achebe was deeply affected by the cruelty he witnessed during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), a conflict between the Nigerian government and the Republic of Biafra. This historical context informs his depiction of human brutality in Vultures. The reference to the Nazi concentration camp at Belsen further extends this theme, portraying the chilling ability of individuals to commit horrific atrocities while maintaining personal relationships and emotional warmth.

The Symbolism of Vultures

Vultures are often viewed with revulsion due to their association with death and decay. Achebe opens the poem with a bleak and dreary description of these creatures, emphasizing their grotesque yet paradoxically affectionate nature. The birds, despite their grim existence, display a form of companionship as they nestle close to each other. However, this moment of tenderness is juxtaposed against their earlier actions feasting on the decomposing remains of a corpse.

The juxtaposition in the first stanza mirrors the moral contradictions in human nature. Just as vultures can exhibit warmth towards their mates while indulging in grotesque scavenging, human beings, too, can compartmentalize their emotions expressing kindness to loved ones while committing acts of inhuman cruelty. This sets the stage for Achebe’s comparison to the Nazi Commandant, who embodies this duality in an even more disturbing manner.

The Connection to the Nazi Commandant

In the latter half of the poem, Achebe draws a direct parallel between the vultures and the Nazi Commandant at Belsen. The mention of “fumes of human roast clinging rebelliously to his hairy nostrils” is a harrowing reference to the atrocities committed in concentration camps, where millions of innocent people were subjected to inhumane conditions and mass extermination.

Despite his monstrous role, the Commandant is portrayed as a seemingly ordinary man, a father who stops by a sweet shop to buy chocolates for his child. This image is profoundly disturbing because it underscores how individuals responsible for genocide and immense suffering could simultaneously exhibit love and care in their personal lives.

The Coexistence of Love and Evil

Achebe’s poem raises an unsettling question: does the presence of love in a cruel heart redeem it, or does it make the cruelty even more horrifying? The closing lines suggest a grim conclusion: “in the very germ / of that kindred love is / lodged the perpetuity / of evil.” This implies that the capacity for affection does not absolve a person of their atrocities; rather, it perpetuates a cycle where acts of horror can be committed without disrupting the normalcy of everyday life.

The Nazis, much like the vultures in the poem, were able to detach their acts of cruelty from their personal lives. They followed orders, executed their roles in the Holocaust, and then returned home to their families as if nothing had happened. This psychological compartmentalization made them even more terrifying, as it suggested that monstrous acts do not necessarily require monstrous minds; ordinary individuals can carry out unimaginable horrors while maintaining an illusion of normalcy.

Forms and Technicalities

The poem is written in free verse, without a fixed rhyme scheme or rhythm. Achebe employs several literary devices to create a haunting and thought-provoking atmosphere:

• Imagery: Disturbing visuals such as the “bones of a dead tree” and “fumes of human roast” reinforce themes of death and cruelty.

• Personification: Love is depicted as a woman who chooses to reside in a “charnel house,” turning her face away from the horrors around her.

• Alliteration: Phrases like “drizzle of one despondent dawn” enhance the bleak mood of the poem.

• Enjambment: The continuous flow of lines reflects the persistence of cruelty and love’s uneasy coexistence with it.

• Juxtaposition: The stark contrast between the tenderness of the vultures and the savagery of their feeding habits mirrors the contrast between the Commandant’s paternal love and his inhumane actions.

The Moral Implications

Achebe’s poem serves as a stark warning about the dangers of moral detachment. It challenges the notion that love alone can redeem an individual, highlighting that the mere presence of tenderness does not counterbalance acts of evil. The Nazi Commandant’s affection for his child does not mitigate his role in genocide; rather, it amplifies the horror by demonstrating how cruelty can exist alongside love without contradiction.

Furthermore, the poem suggests that this moral duality is not confined to extreme cases like the Holocaust. Throughout history and in contemporary times, individuals and institutions have engaged in acts of violence while maintaining personal lives filled with affection and normalcy. This reflects a universal truth about human nature: evil is not always blatant but often insidiously woven into the fabric of everyday existence.

Conclusion

Achebe’s Vultures presents a haunting meditation on the coexistence of love and cruelty, using both avian scavengers and a Nazi Commandant as symbols of this unsettling duality. By drawing a parallel between vultures and the perpetrators of genocide, the poem forces readers to confront the uncomfortable reality that human beings, much like vultures, can balance tenderness with unspeakable brutality. The lesson is clear: the existence of love in a heart of darkness does not redeem the darkness it only underscores the depth of human moral contradictions.

Thank You!!!

A Dance of the Forest

 A Dance of the Forest 

This blog is a part of thinking activity assigned by Megha Trivedi Mam Department of English, MKBU. And in this blog I will discuss about the few questions related to the Play 'A Dance of the Forest' by Wole Soyinka.

'A Dance of the Forest'  is the play written by Wole Soyinka a African Writer.

Q :  Write a proposed alternative end of the play 'A Dance of the Forest' by Wole Soyinka. 

In an alternative ending to  'A Dance of the Forests', instead of the Forest Head leaving alone, the mortals finally realize the weight of their past actions and decide to atone for their sins. Demoke, instead of falling from the burning totem, climbs it to the top and calls upon Ogun for guidance. The god of carvers blesses him, and the fire miraculously dies out, symbolizing renewal instead of destruction. The Dead Man and Woman, seeing true repentance, decide to rest in peace, no longer seeking justice. Eshuoro, seeing the mortals take responsibility, abandons his vengeance and disappears into the shadows of the forest. The Gathering of the Tribes, instead of being a moment of ignorance, becomes a moment of reflection where the people vow to break the cycle of violence and oppression. The Forest Head, witnessing this change, smiles and disappears into the trees, knowing that his fight was not in vain. The play ends with the sound of drums, signaling a new beginning where humans and the spiritual world find balance.

Q  : Write a note on the play 'A Dance of the Forest' by Wole Soyinka.

'A Dance of the Forests'  by Wole Soyinka is a powerful play that explores themes of history, tradition, and the responsibilities of individuals in shaping the future. It was performed during Nigeria's independence celebrations but, rather than glorifying the moment, the play critically examines the country's past and warns against repeating the same mistakes. The story revolves around living and dead characters interacting in a mystical forest, where past lives and present actions are intertwined. The play highlights the cycle of violence, corruption, and betrayal that persists in society. Soyinka uses Yoruba traditions, rituals, and mythological elements to create a unique dramatic experience. The structure of the play is unconventional, blending reality, flashbacks, and supernatural interventions. Through characters like Demoke, a carver struggling with guilt, and the Forest Head, a figure who seeks to guide humanity, the play emphasizes self-examination and accountability. Ultimately, *A Dance of the Forests* is not just a critique of colonialism but also a call for self-awareness and change within postcolonial societies.

work Cited : 

https://www.lkouniv.ac.in/site/writereaddata/siteContent/202004120632194318nishi_Dance_of_the_Forests_9.pdf

Thank You!!!

'A Service of Love" by O.Henry

A Service of Love by William Sydney  Porter

  Hello! Here It's me Reshma  and  This blog is a part of BA's Short story  'I Want to Know Why by Sherwood Anderson and now at present in Semester 4 I am pursuing my Master's degree from Department of English, MKBU.

Summary of A Service of Love

The story starts with the idea that if someone loves their art, no sacrifice is too difficult. However, by the end, the story proves this idea wrong.

Joe Larrabee is a young artist from the Midwest who has dreamed of becoming a great painter since childhood. At the age of twenty, he moved to New York to study art. Meanwhile, Delia is a talented pianist from a southern village. Her family gathers money to send her to New York so she can improve her piano skills.

Joe and Delia meet at an art studio in New York, where many young artists come together to learn. They quickly fall in love and get married. They live happily in a small, simple apartment, supporting each other’s dreams. Joe joins an expensive painting class, hoping to sell his artwork to wealthy buyers, while Delia takes piano lessons with a famous teacher to refine her skills.

Their life goes well until they run out of money. To help Joe continue his studies, Delia decides to give piano lessons. This upsets Joe because he does not want her to work and sacrifice her own dreams. He considers quitting his painting classes to find a job, but Delia convinces him to continue.

One day, Delia happily tells Joe that she has found a student, Clementina, the daughter of a rich General Pinkney. She will earn fifteen dollars per week teaching music. Joe also claims to have sold one of his sketches for eighteen dollars. They celebrate their earnings together.

A week later, Joe notices that Delia has a bandaged hand. She explains that her student accidentally spilled hot food on it, but Joe senses she is hiding something. When he asks her for the truth, Delia confesses that she never found a student. Instead, she had been working at a laundry, ironing clothes to earn money for Joe’s classes.

Surprised, Delia then asks how Joe figured out her lie. Joe reveals that he also lied—he had not sold his artwork. Instead, he had been working at the same laundry, operating the engine. He even sent the cotton and ointment upstairs when he heard a girl had burned her hand.

Realizing that they had both been lying to protect each other’s dreams, Joe and Delia laugh. Their sacrifices were not for art, but for love.

Conclusion : 

The story highlights the deep love and selflessness between Joe and Delia. They both make sacrifices, not for their art, but for each other’s happiness. Their lies were not meant to deceive but to support one another.

In the end, A Service of Love challenges the idea that devotion to art is above everything else. Instead, it shows that love can inspire even greater sacrifices. Joe and Delia’s actions prove that their strongest commitment is not to their careers, but to each other. Their story is a touching reminder that true love often means putting someone else’s dreams before your own.

Thank You!!!

'I Want to Know Why' by Anderson Sherwood

 Hello! Here It's me Reshma  and  This blog is a part of BA's Short story  'I Want to Know Why by Sherwood Anderson and now at present in Semester 4 I am pursuing my Master's degree from Department of English, MKBU.

Summary of I Want to Know Why by Sherwood Anderson

Sherwood Anderson’s short story I Want to Know Why is about a teenage boy who loves racehorses and admires the men who train them. However, his idealistic view of the world is shattered when he sees a different side of someone he looks up to.

The story takes place in Beckersville, Kentucky, a small town that comes alive during the horse racing season. The 15-year-old narrator, who is simple-minded or perhaps just innocent, is passionate about racehorses. When all the famous horse trainers leave town, he and his friends decide to travel to Saratoga, New York, to watch a race.

At the race, the narrator meets the trainer of his favorite horse, Sunstreak. He admires the trainer deeply, even more than his own father, because they share the same love for horses. When Sunstreak wins the race and sets a world record, the narrator’s admiration for the trainer grows even stronger.

However, later that night, he follows the trainer and sees him in a brothel, bragging about winning the race. The narrator is shocked and disgusted. He cannot understand why a man who loves horses would behave in such a "rotten" place. This experience changes his feelings, and he begins to hate the trainer. His love for thoroughbred horses, which once brought him joy, is now ruined.

Throughout the story, the narrator is shown to be innocent but kind-hearted. However, he also uses racist language when talking about Black people in his town. Even though he does not mean harm, his words reflect his ignorance. He idolizes a Black man named Bildad Johnson, who works hard but struggles to find stable jobs. The narrator does not realize the difficulties of Bildad’s life and naively thinks it would be great to be like him.

In the end, the story highlights the loss of innocence. The narrator once saw horse racing as something beautiful, but he now realizes that the racetrack is also a place full of greed and corruption. This experience forces him to see the world differently, and he may never look at horse racing in the same way again.

Thank You!!!

Araby by  James Joyce

Hello! I am Reshma Bilakhiya and now I am pursuing my MA's   Degree  in Sem 4 .This is my blog of BA's  Syllabus in which I will  discuss about the Short Story of James Joyce of 'Araby'.

                                               James Joyce Biography

James Joyce was born into a middle-class, Catholic family in Rathgar, a suburb of Dublin, on February 2, 1882. The family’s prosperity dwindled soon after Joyce's Birth, forcing them to move from their comfortable home to the unfashionable and impoverished area of North Dublin. Nonetheless, Joyce attended a prestigious Jesuit school and went on to study philosophy and languages at University College, Dublin. He moved to Paris after graduation in 1902 for medical school, but instead he turned his attention to writing. In 1903 he returned to Dublin, where he met his future wife, Nora Barnacle, the following year. From then on, Joyce made his home in other countries. From 1905 to 1915, he and Nora lived in Rome and Trieste, Italy, and, from 1915 to 1919, they lived in Zurich, Switzerland. Between World War I and World War II, they lived in Paris. The couple returned to Zurich in 1940, where Joyce died in 1941.

Summary of "Araby" by James Joyce

"Araby" is a short story from James Joyce’s Dubliners, exploring themes of coming of age, escapism, and the disillusionment of romantic ideals. It follows the internal journey of an unnamed young boy living in Dublin, whose naive aspirations clash with the stark realities of life.

The narrator lives on North Richmond Street, a quiet and somber neighborhood, with his aunt and uncle. His life is largely monotonous, shaped by school, playing in the streets, and the oppressive atmosphere of his home. However, he finds excitement in his infatuation with Mangan’s sister, a girl he barely knows but idealizes as a symbol of beauty and mystery. He secretly watches her from a distance, dreaming of her constantly. His crush on her becomes an obsession, offering him an escape from the dreary world around him.

One day, Mangan’s sister speaks to him, and their brief conversation fills him with exhilaration. She mentions the Araby bazaar, an exotic-sounding marketplace, and expresses regret that she cannot go. In an attempt to impress her, the narrator promises that he will visit Araby and bring her back a gift. From that moment on, his thoughts become consumed by the bazaar, which he envisions as a magical and otherworldly place, far removed from the dull streets of Dublin. His schoolwork suffers as he fantasizes about the adventure ahead.

When the day of the bazaar arrives, the narrator is eager to set out, but his uncle, who was supposed to give him money for the trip, arrives home late and somewhat drunk, having forgotten about his promise. This delay means that the boy reaches Araby only when it is near closing time. The grand, mystical place he had imagined turns out to be a dull and uninspiring commercial event, lit dimly and mostly empty. He overhears a casual and unremarkable conversation between a young shop girl and two men, which further shatters his expectations. He realizes that the bazaar is just another mundane marketplace, not the romantic and enchanting escape he had hoped for.

As he stands in the near-empty bazaar, the narrator experiences a crushing epiphany. He recognizes the futility of his quest and understands that his grand dreams were based on childish illusions. The realization fills him with shame, anger, and deep disappointment. He sees himself as foolish for believing that Araby or his affection for Mangan’s sister could provide meaning or fulfillment. The story ends with the boy standing in the darkness, his youthful idealism replaced by the painful awareness of reality, marking his first step toward adulthood and the loss of innocence.

Conclusion

James Joyce’s Araby is a deeply introspective story that explores themes of coming of age, religious influence, escapism, and disillusionment. Through the narrator’s infatuation with Mangan’s sister and his ultimate disappointment at the Araby market, Joyce illustrates the inevitable clash between youthful idealism and the harsh realities of the world. The story’s conclusion, where the narrator experiences an epiphany of self-awareness, highlights the pain of growing up where one realizes that dreams often fall short of reality. His religious upbringing, romanticized notions of love, and belief in an exotic escape all dissolve into anguish and self-reproach. This moment of disillusionment serves as a powerful commentary on the loss of innocence and the difficulty of reconciling fantasy with reality. Ultimately, Araby is not just about a boy’s failed quest for a token of affection, but rather a universal reflection on the disappointment that often accompanies maturity and self-discovery.

Thank You!!!

The Black Cat (Edgar Allen Poe)

The Black Cat 

 Hello! I am Reshma Bilakhiya, a student of MA and now I am Pursuing my

Master's Degree in Sem 4 . This blog is a part of  BA 'S Syllabus which is a

Short Story written by Edgar Allen Poe.

Summary of "The Black Cat" by Edgar Allan Poe

The story is told by a narrator who is about to die the next day. He insists that he is not mad and recounts the strange and horrifying events that led to his downfall. As a child, he loved animals and continued this affection into adulthood. He and his wife had many pets, including a black cat named Pluto.

However, the narrator became an alcoholic, which made him violent and cruel. One night, in a drunken rage, he gouged out Pluto’s eye with a quill pen. Later, driven by guilt and a strange feeling of perverseness, he hung the cat from a tree, killing it. That same night, his house caught fire, and the only remaining wall had the image of a cat imprinted on it.

Haunted by guilt, the narrator found another black cat that closely resembled Pluto, except for a white mark on its chest. He adopted the cat, but over time, he grew to hate it. The cat was always near him, increasing his paranoia and anger. One day, in a fit of rage, he tried to kill the cat with an axe, but his wife stopped him. In response, he murdered his wife instead and hid her body inside a wall in the cellar.

The cat disappeared, and the narrator felt relieved. However, when the police came to search his house, he confidently led them around, sure they wouldn’t find anything. In his arrogance, he tapped on the wall where his wife was hidden. To his horror, a loud wailing sound came from inside. The police tore down the wall and found the wife’s corpse with the black cat sitting on top of it. The narrator realized that he had sealed the cat inside the wall along with his wife's body. He was caught, and his fate was sealed.

Characters in "The Black Cat"

1. The Narrator – The unnamed main character, who loves animals but becomes cruel due to alcoholism. He commits terrible crimes and eventually faces punishment.

2. Pluto – The first black cat, whom the narrator loves but later mutilates and kills in a fit of rage.

3. The Second Black Cat – A mysterious cat that looks like Pluto but has a white mark resembling a gallows. It becomes a symbol of the narrator’s guilt and leads to his downfall.

4. The Narrator’s Wife – A kind and patient woman who loves animals. She is ultimately murdered by the narrator when she tries to protect the cat.

5. The Police Officers – They investigate the narrator’s house and ultimately uncover his crime.

Themes in "The Black Cat"

1. Guilt and Conscience – The narrator is tormented by guilt after killing Pluto. The second black cat acts as a symbol of his conscience, reminding him of his crime.

2. Perversity and Self-Destruction – The narrator knowingly does wrong things, simply because he wants to. His own actions lead to his downfall.

3. Alcoholism and Violence – The narrator’s addiction to alcohol makes him aggressive, leading him to commit horrible crimes.

4. The Supernatural vs. Reality – The second black cat and the strange events suggest a supernatural force at work, though the narrator tries to explain them rationally.

5. Madness – The narrator insists he is sane, but his actions and paranoia suggest otherwise. His mental instability drives him to murder.

Conclusion of "The Black Cat"

In the end, the narrator’s arrogance leads to his downfall. His attempt to show off the solid construction of his house exposes his crime when the cat's cries reveal the hidden body. The cat serves as a symbol of his guilt and fate, ensuring that justice is served. Poe’s story explores the dark side of human nature, showing how guilt, madness, and the need for self-destruction can lead to one’s own ruin.

Thank You !!!

Quality by John Galsworthy

 Hello! Here It's me Reshma  and  This blog is a part of BA's Short story  'Quality' by John Galsworthy.

Summary of Quality by John Galsworthy 

The short story Quality by John Galsworthy tells the touching story of two shoemaker brothers, the Gesslers, who dedicate their lives to making the finest boots. The narrator, a loyal customer, admires their skill and craftsmanship. The Gessler brothers make shoes by hand, ensuring excellent quality, but their small business struggles against large firms that use advertisements to attract customers. 

One day, the narrator visits their shop and orders a pair of Russian-leather shoes. The younger Gessler brother carefully selects the best leather for the boots. Another time, when the narrator complains about a pair of creaking shoes, Mr. Gessler promises to fix them or refund the money. The shoemaker takes great pride in his work and never compromises on quality. 

During another visit, the narrator wears shoes bought from a big firm. Mr. Gessler immediately notices and points out where they are uncomfortable. He expresses his frustration that large companies use advertising to sell low-quality products, making it difficult for small craftsmen like him to survive. The narrator, moved by his passion and struggles, places a large order of boots. 

Later, the narrator returns to find that the elder Gessler brother has died. The younger brother continues working with the same dedication. However, due to financial difficulties, he barely has enough to eat. The narrator gives another big order, and the boots take longer to arrive, but their quality is even better. When he visits again, he finds that Mr. Gessler has passed away, having starved while remaining true to his craft. The shop is now owned by an Englishman, who tells the narrator how Mr. Gessler worked tirelessly until his last breath. 

Themes 

The story explores several important themes: 

• Commitment to Work – Mr. Gessler is deeply dedicated to his craft, treating shoemaking as an art. 

• Struggle Between Small and Big Businesses – Small artisans suffer because large companies use advertisements to attract customers, even if their products are inferior. 

• Decline of Traditional Craftsmanship – Industrialization threatens skilled workers who value quality over profit. 

• Humility and Passion – Mr. Gessler remains humble and passionate about his work, refusing to compromise on quality. 

• Tragedy of Hard Work Without Recognition – Despite his dedication, Mr. Gessler’s business fails, and he dies in poverty. 

Characters 

1. Mr. Gessler (Younger Brother) – The main character, a highly skilled shoemaker who values quality over profit. He remains committed to his art but suffers due to competition from large firms. 

2. Elder Gessler Brother – Works alongside his younger brother but dies due to financial struggles. 

3. The Narrator – A loyal customer who respects Mr. Gessler’s craftsmanship. Through his eyes, we see the hardships faced by traditional artisans. 

4. The Englishman – The man who takes over the Gessler Brothers' shop after Mr. Gessler’s death. He tells the narrator about Mr. Gessler’s struggles and ultimate fate. 

Conclusion : 

Quality is a deeply moving story about dedication, craftsmanship, and the harsh realities of industrialization. Mr. Gessler’s unwavering commitment to quality makes him a tragic hero, showing that true artistry often goes unrecognized in a world driven by profit. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of values, hard work, and integrity in one’s profession.

Thank You!!!