Question

My mother only said,Thank god the scorpion picked on me and spared my children.1) what light do these lines throw on the character of poet mother?2)explain the phrase picked on me?

Answer 1

1. this phrase tells the poet's mother is considerate and equally concerned about her children. her life does not hold so much importance in front of her children.

2. picked on me means bitten or targeted

Answer 2

Answer :

This question is based on the poem 'Night of the Scorpion' by Nissim Ezekiel.

1. The given lines reveal the caring and protective attitude of the mother towards her children. A mother's love is completely selfless and unconditional. She places the health and safety of her children before her own life. The mother doesn't blame God for the scorpion bite but only thanks him for sparing her precious children.

2. Collins English Dictionary defines the phrasal verb 'pick on' as 'to select (someone) for something unpleasant, esp in order to bully, blame, or cause to perform a distasteful task.'

In the given lines, the phrase 'picked on me' has been used to say 'stung me.'