UNIT 7: KEKI N. DARUWALLA: “WOLF”

Keki N. Daruwalla’s Life

Keki Nasserwanji Daruwalla was born in 1937 in Lahore, which is now a part of Pakistan. He was born into a Parsi family and later moved to Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh and then to Rampur, well before the Partition. During his childhood, he had to change schools frequently, and he spent most of his early education and higher studies in India.

Daruwalla completed his post-graduation in English Literature from Government College, Ludhiana. He began his career in the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1958 and held various positions. He also served as the special Assistant to the Prime Minister on International Affairs and retired as the Cabinet Secretariat.

In addition to his career in law enforcement, Daruwalla gained recognition as an Indian poet and writer. He has written numerous poems, short stories, and novels that delve into themes such as history, politics, social issues, and the complexities of the human condition. Daruwalla’s writing style is characterized by vivid imagery and powerful language. He has been honored with prestigious awards like the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Commonwealth Poetry Prize for his literary contributions. Daruwalla was also awarded the Padmashree in 2014.

Keki N. Daruwalla continues to contribute to Indian literature, offering a unique voice and perspective through his writing.

Keki N. Daruwalla’s Work

Keki N. Daruwalla has written over twelve books, including collections of poetry and short stories. His first published work was a poetry book called “Under Orion” in 1970. This was followed by another poetry collection titled “Apparition in April” in 1971, which won him the Uttar Pradesh State Award in 1972. Some of his other notable works include “In Morning Dew,” “Crossing of Rivers,” “Winter Poems,” “The Keeper of the Dead,” “Landscapes,” “A Summer of Tigers: Poems,” “Night River Poems,” “The Scarecrow and the Ghost,” “A House in Ranikhet,” and “For Pepper and Christ.”

Daruwalla’s short story collections are titled “Swords and Abyss” and “The Minister for Permanent Unrest and Other Stories.” His writings often depict various aspects of Indian life, nature, wildlife, rivers, landscapes, birds, and animals using vivid and impactful imagery.

Despite his demanding career as a police officer, Daruwalla remained devoted to writing. He is now a respected Indian English poet and has received several accolades, including the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1984 and the Commonwealth Poetry Prize for Asia in 1987. In 2014, he was honored with the Padmashree, and he has also served as the President of The Poetry Society (India).

Summary of the Poem-

In the poem “Wolf” by Keki N. Daruwalla, the poet presents a vivid description of a wolf and explores its nature and symbolism. The poem highlights the wolf’s strength, cunning, and survival instincts.

The poet portrays the wolf as a mysterious and powerful creature that moves through the wilderness with grace and agility. The wolf’s eyes are described as “yellow ember” and its fur as “a coat of sleet.” It hunts its prey with precision and silence, embodying both beauty and danger.

Symbolically, the wolf represents the wild and untamed aspects of nature. It is a reminder of the primal instincts and the balance between predator and prey. The poet suggests that there is a wolf inside all of us, waiting to be awakened and set free.

Overall, the poem “Wolf” captures the essence of this magnificent creature and explores its significance in the natural world and in human existence.

Question and Answer

Q.1. Discuss the life and works of the Indian English poet Keki Daruwalla.

Answer- Keki N. Daruwalla is a famous Indian poet and short story writer. He was born in Lahore, Pakistan, in 1937. His family moved to India before the Partition, and he grew up in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, and Rampur. Daruwalla received his education in India and studied English literature at Government College, Ludhiana.

In 1958, Daruwalla joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) and worked there for many years. During that time, he also pursued his passion for writing and published his first book of poems, “Under Orion,” in 1970. Since then, he has written more than twelve books, including poetry collections like “Apparition in April,” “Crossing of Rivers,” and “Winter Poems,” as well as short story collections like “Swords and Abyss” and “The Minister for Permanent Unrest and Other Stories.”

Daruwalla’s poetry is known for its dark and thought-provoking themes, addressing issues like violence, poverty, and injustice. However, his poems also convey compassion, love, hope, and redemption. His writing is characterized by sharp wit, vivid imagery, and powerful emotions.

Daruwalla has received several awards for his literary achievements, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Commonwealth Poetry Prize, and the Padma Shri (2014). He is highly regarded in Indian literature and has served as the President of the Poetry Society (India).

Daruwalla’s poetry resonates with readers worldwide, offering a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Q.2. Give a detailed explanation of the poem “Wolf” in your own words.

Answer– “Wolf” is a poem written by Keki N. Daruwalla that talks about violence and how it affects society. The poem describes a scary wolf that represents destruction and chaos. The wolf is shown as a fierce and merciless hunter, with yellow eyes that never blink and a very thin body.

The poem focuses on the wolf’s actions and the damage it causes. It hunts innocent creatures, leaving behind a trail of blood and making people scared. The poem suggests that the violence of the wolf reflects the violence that exists in the world.

The poem uses powerful and vivid images to create a sense of danger and fear. It shows how violence can be very destructive and comments on the tough realities of life and how humans can be like predators.

In summary, “Wolf” is a poem that explores the theme of violence. It uses the image of a wolf to show how violent acts can be destructive. The poem reminds us of the consequences of violence and highlights the importance of kindness and understanding in our world.

Q.3. What are the main issues or themes highlighted in the poem “Wolf”?

or

Discuss the major themes in the poem “Wolf” by Keki N. Daruwalla.

Answer– The major themes in the poem “Wolf”:

1. Fragmented Memories: The poet remembers the presence of wolves from their childhood and how their mother used to scare them by saying the wolves would come if they didn’t sleep. The memories of hearing the wolves’ cries at night remain vivid in the poet’s mind, even though they no longer exist. Memories have a way of staying with us and evoking strong emotions.

2. Animals in Danger: The poem raises concerns about the killing of animals and the threat to their existence. The absence of wolves in the poet’s surroundings highlights the larger issue of animals facing danger and the conflict between humans and animals. It serves as a reminder of the need to protect and respect animal life to ensure future generations can appreciate their value.

The themes discussed in the poem revolve around personal memories and the importance of preserving animal life. Memories have a lasting impact, and the absence of animals in the natural world is a cause for concern. By understanding and valuing nature, we can work towards creating a better future for both humans and animals.

Q.4. Analyse the style and language employed in the poem “Wolf”

Answer– The style and language in Keki N. Daruwalla’s poem “Wolf” are captivating and easy to understand. The poet uses powerful imagery that captures the reader’s imagination. In the opening lines, the poet reveals the presence of a mysterious wolf in his memories, creating a hypnotic effect on the reader. The image of the wolf is emphasized through repetitive phrases like “half silhouette” and “half myth,” and descriptions of its black snout, extended paws, and sulphur body.

The poem has a dream-like quality, as the wolf exists in the realm of the poet’s imagination. The poet recalls his childhood nights when his mother would scare him with tales of wolves if he didn’t fall asleep. The poem skillfully moves between past and present, highlighting the play of memory. The reader can feel the silent movements of the wolf in the dark forest and its piercing cry that disrupts the tranquility of the nights.

The poem leaves a deep impression with its vivid images of the wolf as a prowler, wind surfer, and throat catcher. The image of the wolf is fragmented, gradually revealed through descriptions of its features and senses. The language used is simple, making the poem easy to comprehend, but the style of writing and expression is unique to Keki N. Daruwalla.

Q.5. Explain with reference to context:

a) “Prowler, wind-sniffer,

throat-catcher

his cries drew a ring

around my night”

Answer– In the poem “Wolf,” these lines are a description of the wolf and its actions. The poet refers to the wolf as a “prowler,” which means it moves quietly and stealthily. The term “wind-sniffer” suggests that the wolf has a keen sense of smell and can detect scents carried by the wind. “Throat-catcher” implies that the wolf is a predator and can catch its prey by attacking their throat.

The following line, “his cries drew a ring around my night,” indicates that the wolf’s howling sound echoed in the poet’s surroundings during the night. The cries created a ring-like effect, surrounding and filling the poet’s experience of the night.

These lines show the poet’s fascination and fear of the wolf. The wolf’s actions and abilities are depicted using vivid language, emphasizing its predatory nature and the impact it has on the poet’s perception of the night.

Overall, these lines contribute to the portrayal of the wolf as a powerful and mysterious creature in the poem.

b) “a child’s night in a village

on the forest edge.

My mother said

his ears stand up

at the fall of dew”

Answer– In these lines from the poem “Wolf,” the poet describes a child’s night in a village located on the edge of a forest. The poet recalls what their mother used to say about the wolf, mentioning that “his ears stand up at the fall of dew.” This means that the wolf becomes alert and attentive when the dew falls, which usually happens during the night.

The poet’s use of the phrase “a child’s night” suggests that they are reminiscing about their own childhood experiences. It evokes a sense of innocence and vulnerability, as the child would have been more susceptible to the stories and fears surrounding the presence of the wolf.

The mention of the village on the forest edge highlights the proximity to nature and the potential for encounters with wildlife, including the wolf. The poet’s mother’s words convey a sense of caution and awareness of the wolf’s behavior.

These lines contribute to the overall atmosphere of the poem, emphasizing the connection between the natural world, childhood memories, and the presence of the wolf in the poet’s imagination.

Q.6. “Black snout on sulphur body

he nudged his way

into my consciousness.”

Who does ‘he’ refer to in the above-mentioned lines of the poem?