Discuss nehrus love and concern for animals with reference to 'animal in prison'
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Answer:
This unit is a continuation of the previous unit where we have
discussed the life and works of Nehru, as well as the context of the prose
piece titled “Animals in Prison”. The essay “Animals in Prison” illustrates
Nehru’s love for nature and his skill as an essayist. In this unit, we will deal
in details with this prose piece. Besides, explaining the text, the unit shall
also deal with the major concerns of Nehru as a prose writer as reflected in
this text. When you read the prose piece, you will notice that your attention
is drawn to his keen observation and his great love for animals. Thereby, it
becomes necessary to throw light on Nehru’s prose style and his use of
language, through which he describes in minute detail his life at the jail and
his closeness with the objects of nature.
“Animals in Prison” an example of Jawaharlal Nehru’s excellent
prose. In simple yet evocative language, Nehru describes his stay of fourteen
and a half months at his little cell at Dehra Dun Gaol. His term in prison was
so long that by the end of it he had gathered a rich treasure trove of
experience that he could share with the world.
Nehru gives a detailed account of how he passed his time in the
confinement of the cell, waiting eagerly for the evening when he was allowed
the luxury of a brief stroll near the prison gate. This was the time when he
could have a glimpse of the majestic Himalayas which formed the skyline
of the Dehra Dun Gaol. He also describes how several insects, birds, small
animals and even snakes had at times made his cell a home or had come
in like a casual visitor. He says that instead of being afraid or repulsed he
was glad of the diversion that their presence provided. Nehru’s love for
nature and for animals also finds description in the passage.
At the very beginning of the passage, Nehru mentions that he had
become familiar with the dent and mark on the walls of the prison cell.
Though he was in solitary confinement he did not feel alone, because several
insects and lizards paid regular visits to his cell– some even making it their
home at different periods of time. Nehru spent fourteen and a half months
in the cell, and in those months variety of thoughts and impressions had
passed through his mind. The pangs of loneliness assailed his mind at
times but the appearance of little tufts of grass, newly grown and the
pervading green would be enough to cheer him up. He makes special
mention of the many lizards and colonies of hornets and wasps that lived in
and around his cell. The lizards would remain hidden behind the rafters for
most part of the day, coming out in the evenings to prey on the small flying
insects and, sometimes, though rarely, even on hornets and wasps.
Nehru seems to have been particularly happy in the Dehra Dun
Gaol, as he mentions, despite the rather poor living conditions. This
happiness was due to the proximity of the Himalayan ranges, and the
spectacular view that he could observe in the course of his brief evening
walks. These evening walks seem to have been the high point of Nehru’s
stay at the Dehra Dun Goal. He mentions that since the cells were very
small, with hardly any walking place, most of the prisoners were allowed to
take a stroll near the prison gates in the evening. This was the time when
Nehru had the pleasure of observing the serene beauty of the Himalayas,
and observe the changing hues of the mountain range at different times of
the year. This time of the evening was deemed very precious by Nehru.
In the essay, Nehru also points out the disparity between the living
condition of the native and the European inmates of the prison. He states
that the living quarters of the European inmates were without an enclosing
wall and thus they could have an unobstructed view of the mountains as
well as the public road outside the prison.
Nehru goes on to mention the psychological effects of long and
solitary confinement and also speaks of the immense value that an outdoor
walk can have under such circumstances. So much did he love these
outings that he did not refrain from going out even during the monsoons
even when the relentless downpour of rains compelled him to walk in ankle-
deep water.
Nehru quotes a verse from the poet, Li Tai Po, where the poet
expresses his companionship with the mountains. Though not in full
agreement with the quoted lines yet Nehru agrees that the closeness of the
mountains gave him a great sense of comfort and security. For him, the
mountains seemed to stand for an eternal spring of wisdom, from which he
could draw inspiration and comfort whenever he was distressed or he felt
that hope was shrinking in his heart.
Answer:
accha to ye chahiye kya