The parrot in the cage

The parrot in the cage

                                              - Lekhanath Paudyal (1885-1966)

                                          (Translated by Laxmi Prasad Devkota)

I. Literal Comprehension

            Context: Originally written in Nepali as 'Pinjadaa ko Sugaa' by Lekhanath Paudyal, celebrated as the poet laureate of Nepal, this poem was translated into English by Laxmi Prasad Devkota, the Mahaakavi (great poet) of Nepali literature. Written in a classical form, this poem has compelled us to rethink about the world through the point of view of a caged parrot.

The parrot, the speaker of this poem, has been captivated in an iron cage. He has lost his peace of mind and restful situation. Since his parents and relatives are in the forest far away, he cannot share his unpleasant laments to them. He jumps like a mad creature with teary and swollen eyes, and feels like a corpse without its soul when he recalls the pleasures he used to have in the forest. He wandered in the forest freely, eating wild fruits happily. Now, he has lost the affection of his parents and relatives and his free movements. He has been confined in a narrow cage, and doesn't see any friend around to rely on. He has been defeated with blunt beak and cramped wings and feet while trying to break the iron cage open. He is now shocked and doesn't want to speak, but the people who have confined him show him a cane and force him to speak. They do not provide him with enough quality food and water. They humiliate him very much. He thinks that his ability to talk the human language and to reason, which he took as his virtues before, are the sources of his woe.

Finally, he concludes that human beings do not like the fairness and good virtues. They exploit the worthy. Therefore, he expresses his wish to God that he would not be reborn as a parrot as long as the human beings remain on earth.

II. Interpretation

            The poet indicates that human beings often treat animals and birds unfairly. They are not sensitive enough towards the sufferings of animals and birds while captivating them for humanly pleasures. The poet might also be trying to tell us that there is nothing in the world as important as freedom. Unless one is free, one cannot enjoy anything else in the world. Therefore, the greatest asset in one's life is freedom. Not only that, the poet might also be trying to make us aware of possible danger or harm if we have 'power of speech' and 'reasoning'. A dumb person doesn't know anything about what's going on around him or her. S/he doesn't know the value of dignity and freedom. But one with reasoning cannot accept slavery of any kind and has to suffer very much in life.

III. Critical Thinking

            While appreciating the use of smooth, simple and mellifluous language in the poem, I disagree with the poet on some issues. Is it possible for a bird to speak the human language so wittily? Are all the human beings torturers only to the animals and birds? Aren't there the people who advocate of animal rights? These questions arose in my mind after reading this poem. I also feel that the poem contains too much of fatalism. We all know that lamenting for one's past mistake and expressing hopelessness do not help one to solve the problem. The parrot should have thought about his situation a bit more critically and found out the way to set himself free. There are also too many repetitions of the same words and ideas in the poem.

IV. Assimilation

            The poem has taught me that even birds have some sense of their situation. Therefore, I am not going to captivate any bird. I now know there is nothing like freedom in one's life. I will always value it above all things in my life.