Nissim Ezekiel

Nissim Ezekiel is the most notable poet, playwright and editor who is
considered as one of the most distinguished voices in post-independence
Indian English writings.
Born in a Jewish family in Bombay, Nissim after his initial education at
Bombay, went to study in London. He later worked as a professor at
Bombay University and a visiting professor at University of Leeds.
Coming from a minority ethnic group and having lived and studies abroad,
Nissim’ poetry always has a distinct feel making it different from other
contemporary poets.
Major Works
Poetry
A Time to Change 1952
The Unfinished Man 1965
Hymns in Darkness 1976
Latter Day Psalms 1982 [Winner of Sahitya Akademi award]

Drama
Three Plays: Nalini, Marriage poem and The Sleepwalkers
Edited
Indian Writers in Conference, The P>E>N All India Centre, 1964
Writing in India, P.E.N. All India Centre 1965
Night of the Scorpion is one of his most popular poems with a typical
Indian rural setting. The narrator’s mother is stung by a scorpion and the
tense dramatic situation created by this accident is presented through the
eyes of the narrator.
The poem is actually a very apt commentary on Indian rural milieu. Though
there are touches of irony and mild satire, but over all it is a sympathetic
observation of community life of illiterate peasants who take refuge in the
name of God and Karma for every calamity.
Night of the Scorpion is one of his most popular poems with a typical
Indian rural setting. The narrator’s mother is stung by a scorpion and the
tense dramatic situation created by this accident is presented through the
eyes of the narrator.
The poem is actually a very apt commentary on Indian rural milieu. Though
there are touches of irony and mild satire, but over all it is a sympathetic
observation of community life of illiterate pesants who take refuge in the
name of God and Karma for every clamity.