Night of the Scorpion

 As a student of English literature, one of the first poems that really got my attention was “Night of the Scorpion” by Nissim Ezekiel. I’ll be honest — when I first read it, I thought it was just a simple narrative about a scorpion sting in an Indian village. 

Summary of the Poem

The poem starts with a dramatic incident: a scorpion stings the poet’s mother during a rainy night. The villagers gather quickly, concerned for her safety, and try various superstitious methods to help. They chant prayers, search for the scorpion, and even believe that each movement of the scorpion will increase her pain. Meanwhile, the poet's father, described as a rational and scientific man, tries everything from powders to herbs and even alcohol in hopes of easing her pain. After hours of suffering, the poison eventually loses its power, and the mother recovers. Her first words are a simple yet powerful expression of gratitude: she thanks God that the scorpion stung her and not her children.

A Blend of Superstition and Rationality

One of the most fascinating aspects of this poem is the contrast between faith and reason — something I think a lot of us can relate to, especially growing up in households where both coexist. The villagers represent the traditional, superstitious mindset. They say things like:

“May the poison purify your flesh / of desire, and your spirit of ambition.”

They actually see the sting as something spiritual — even cleansing. To them, it’s not just a physical wound, but a cosmic event with some kind of deeper meaning. These lines reflect how in rural India, pain and suffering are often tied to beliefs in karma or divine will.

Then we have the poet’s father — described as a “sceptic, rationalist,” who doesn’t believe in all the superstitious stuff, but still acts desperately. He applies “powder, mixture, herb and hybrid” and even burns the toe with a match. That’s a strong image: a man who trusts science, reduced to desperation by love. It shows that when someone we love is suffering, belief systems start to blur.

Cultural Setting: The Soul of the Poem

Even though I’ve lived most of my life in cities, this poem transported me to a village — one where people gather in times of need, where prayers are whispered in candlelight, and where even a scorpion sting turns into a collective emotional moment. Ezekiel was known for being an urban poet, but here he captures rural life with authenticity and respect.

This also reflects the India of contrasts — a place where ancient beliefs and modern thinking often collide. As a student who has grown up in the digital age, this mixture of faith and science feels very familiar. I’ve seen my own family chant mantras during illness, while also rushing to the nearest hospital.

Imagery and Language

Ezekiel’s use of imagery in Night of the Scorpion is brilliant. One of the most vivid lines is:

“The peasants came like swarms of flies”

It’s such a strong image — we can almost hear the buzzing, see the crowded, chaotic scene. But the choice of “flies” is also interesting; flies are usually seen as pests. Is Ezekiel being critical of the villagers? Or is he simply showing how overwhelming and uncontrollable the situation felt?

The poem is written in free verse — no rhyme scheme or strict structure — which gives it a more natural, flowing feel. It reads almost like a story being told aloud, which adds to its authenticity. The shift from third-person observation to first-person reflection (when the mother speaks) is subtle but powerful.

Emotional Core: A Mother’s Love

The real emotional punch of the poem comes at the end. After all the panic, the rituals, the attempts at healing, and the passing of the storm, the mother speaks:

“Thank God the scorpion picked on me / And spared my children.”

That line gets me every time. It’s so simple, so quiet — but filled with so much love. It shows the deep, selfless nature of a mother’s heart. Despite all the pain she went through, her first thought is for her children. It’s a universal truth that anyone can understand, no matter where you come from.

This is where I think Ezekiel moves beyond cultural commentary and touches something human and timeless. Every reader can feel the warmth and pain in those lines. It’s not about superstition or science anymore — it’s about love.

Final Thoughts

“Night of the Scorpion” is more than just a poem about a scorpion sting. It’s about the tension between tradition and modernity, about community and isolation, about the intensity of love that lives quietly in the background of chaos. Ezekiel uses simple language to express complex emotions, which is what makes this poem stand out.

As a bachelor’s student still learning to appreciate the depth of literature, this poem taught me that sometimes, the most powerful stories are the ones rooted in everyday life. They stay with us not because they are grand or poetic in the usual sense, but because they are real.

If you haven’t read Night of the Scorpion yet, I highly recommend you do. And if you have — read it again. You might be surprised at how much more it says the second or third time.

References