I. A. Richards : Reading Poems ( Practical Criticism by I. A. Richards)

Greetings everyone! My this blog is a part of a classroom activity in context of I. A. Richards practical criticism regarding figurative language. In this blog I'm dealing with the poem 'Mohandas Karamchand' by Meenakandasamy. 

∆ So let's see the poem,

Who? Who? Who?

Mahatma. Sorry no.

Truth. Non-violence.

Stop it. Enough taboo.

That trash is long overdue.

You need a thorough review.

Your tax-free salt stimulated our wounds

We gonna sue you, the Congress shoe.

Gone half-cuckoo, you called us names,

You dubbed us pariahs—“Harijans”

goody-goody guys of a bigot god

Ram Ram Hey Ram—boo.

Don’t ever act like a holy saint.

we can see through you, impure you.

Remember, how you dealt with your poor wife.

But, they wrote your books, they made your life.

They stuffed you up, the imposter true.

And sew you up—filled you with virtue

and gave you all that glossy deeds

enough reason we still lick you.

You knew, you bloody well knew,

Caste won’t go, they wouldn’t let it go.

It haunts us now, the way you do

with a spooky stick, a eerie laugh or two.

But they killed you, the naked you,

your blood with mud was gooey goo.

Sadist fool, you killed your body

many times before this too.

Bapu, bapu, you big fraud, we hate you.

∆ Here are some questions that arise in my mind while reading the poem, 

1. Who is the speaker addressing with the repeated "Who?" and the mention of Mahatma and Truth?

2. What is the significance of the lines "Your tax-free salt stimulated our wounds" and "We gonna sue you, the Congress shoe"?

3. How does the speaker perceive Mahatma Gandhi's actions and legacy, especially in relation to issues like caste and treatment of his wife?

4. What emotions are conveyed through the phrases like "Gone half-cuckoo," "impure you," and "Sadist fool"?

5. How does the poet explore the complexities of Mahatma Gandhi's character, acknowledging both positive and negative aspects?

6. What role does caste play in the poem, and how is it connected to the haunting legacy of Mahatma Gandhi?

7. How does the speaker view the impact of Mahatma Gandhi's books and deeds on society?

8. What is the significance of the lines "But they killed you, the naked you, your blood with mud was gooey goo" in the context of the poem's critique?

∆ Here are some important metaphors, 

This poem employs powerful metaphors to criticize Mahatma Gandhi. 

• The repeated questioning of "Who? Who? Who?" emphasizes doubt and rejection, suggesting a lack of belief in Gandhi's principles. 

• "Your tax-free salt stimulated our wounds" metaphorically links Gandhi's symbolic salt march to causing pain and resentment. 

• The term "Congress shoe" implies dissatisfaction with political leadership.

• The poet accuses Gandhi of hypocrisy, referencing his treatment of his wife and using phrases like "imposter true" and "filled you with virtue." Metaphors such as "glossy deeds" suggest a superficial image. "Caste won't go, they wouldn't let it go" metaphorically reflects the persistent issue of caste despite Gandhi's efforts.

• The poem's conclusion, "But they killed you, the naked you," employs metaphorical language to express disillusionment, portraying Gandhi's assassination as a symbolic killing of his ideals.

•  The overall tone conveys strong resentment and disappointment toward Gandhi.

∆ Why the poem is problematic, 

According to me, 

(It's a harsh satire Or we can say that Direct attack on Mahatma Gandhi's character) 

This poem appears problematic as it criticizes Mahatma Gandhi, questioning his principles of truth and non-violence, accusing him of hypocrisy in dealing with his wife and labeling him as an imposter. The use of strong language, such as calling him a "big fraud," contributes to the negative tone. It also highlights the enduring issue of caste discrimination, suggesting that Gandhi's efforts did not effectively address this societal problem. The poem reflects a critical perspective on Gandhi's legacy, emphasizing perceived shortcomings and failures.