The Professor by Nissim Ezekiel

 The Professor by  Nissim Ezekiel

"Nissim Ezekiel: The Professor" is a poem by Indian poet Nissim Ezekiel. It's a humorous and satirical piece that offers a witty portrayal of a university professor. Here's a summary of the poem:

The Setting:

The poem is set in a university or academic environment, where the speaker, presumably a student, observes the behavior and quirks of a particular professor.

The Professor's Personality:

The poem describes the professor in a somewhat comical and exaggerated manner. He is depicted as a pompous and eccentric figure who enjoys the sound of his own voice and indulges in self-importance.

Lectures and Monologues:

The central focus of the poem is on the professor's lectures, which are characterized by long-winded monologues. The professor seems to relish the act of lecturing, speaking at length on various subjects without much regard for his students' comprehension or interest.

Lack of Engagement:

Despite the professor's verbosity, the students appear disengaged and uninterested in what he is saying. They doodle on their notebooks and yawn, suggesting that they find his lectures tedious and uninspiring.

Irony and Satire:

The poem employs irony and satire to highlight the absurdity of the professor's behavior. While he may see himself as a wise and erudite figure, the students perceive him as somewhat ridiculous.

The Last Stanza:

In the final stanza, the poem takes a humorous twist. The professor, seemingly oblivious to the students' indifference, continues to lecture, believing that he is imparting profound wisdom. Meanwhile, the students have left the room, revealing their utter lack of interest in his discourse.

Themes:

Satire: The poem satirizes the pompous and self-absorbed behavior of some academics who relish their position as authorities but fail to engage their students effectively.

Irony: The contrast between the professor's self-assuredness and the students' disinterest creates an ironic tone, highlighting the divide between perception and reality.

Academic Culture: "Nissim Ezekiel: The Professor" offers a humorous glimpse into the world of academia, particularly the dynamics between professors and students in a lecture setting.

Overall, the poem "Nissim Ezekiel: The Professor" provides a lighthearted and satirical commentary on the quirks and foibles of a university professor, using humor and irony to underscore the gap between the professor's perception of himself and the reality of his students' indifference. within families.