Contemporary Poets in Indian English-6
Jeet Thayil, from Kerala, is a poet, novelist and musician. He received many awards including Sahitya Academi Award and his writings were published by prestigious international publishers. He edited two anthologies of Indian Poets. In his poem “Penitent” he describes how he went astray and had to speak to things in his room suggesting his estrangement from his beloved and his subsequent lifeless life.
Also read: Shiv Kumar
He tries to deceive himself by trying to believe that he is happy only to be vain. The poem has deep undertones and is a commentary on the present day maladjustment between wife and husband.
Also read: Keiki Daruwala
Each one does not wish to come out of his or her shell and expects others to adjust which results in clashes. Further there is a suggestion that women are not being treated equal and with respect. The words ‘honour me, honour everything’ speak loud and clear about the secondary status of women in Indian society which is not acceptable to the educated and financially independent modern women. Compared to many feminists his voice is stronger in support of women.
Also read: Jayant Mahapatra
Also read: Nissim Ezekiel
Also read: A. K. Ramanujan
