POEM
10. Lord! Make Me a Sheep
by Laxmi Prasad Devkota
SUMMARY
Laxmi Prasad Devkota, known as "Mahakavi,"
is Nepal's greatest poet. Born in 1909, he received his basic education at
home, later completing a Bachelor's Degree at Patna University. Devkota,
proficient in Nepali and English, wrote prolifically. His epic work, "Muna
Madan" (1936), has been translated into over ten languages. Besides
poetry, he wrote essays, plays, and other works. "Lord! Make Me a
Sheep" expresses a desire for innocence, free from the burdens of
intellectual and physical labor, published in the collection "Lunatic and
other Poems."
Laxmi Prasad Devkota's poem "Lord! Make Me a
Sheep" is a profound and contemplative piece that expresses the poet's
weariness with the complexities of human existence and a yearning for the
simplicity of a sheep's life. The poem is structured into four stanzas, each
reflecting different aspects of the speaker's plea to be transformed into a
sheep.
In the first stanza, the speaker expresses exhaustion
and a desire to be relieved of the burdens of human life. The plea to God to
"make me a sheep" is a metaphorical request for a simpler and more
carefree existence.
The second stanza delves into the challenges and
complexities of human life that the speaker wishes to escape. The reference to
the "curse of mind," the "sin of knowledge," and the
burdens of responsibility highlights the mental and emotional toll of human
existence. The contrasting images of the "glory of reaching high" and
the "curse of responsibility" underscore the dualities and conflicts
inherent in human aspirations.
The third stanza rejects divine glory and alludes to a
desire for a simpler afterlife, free from the complexities and responsibilities
of the human world. The mention of "clearance of all accounts of
Kumarichok" suggests a longing for a clean slate, unencumbered by the
intricacies of human deeds.
The final stanza emphasizes the simplicity and joy of
a sheep's life. The speaker appreciates the idea of a life without labor, where
sustenance comes effortlessly from self-growing grass. The rhetorical questions
about the necessity of various human attributes and achievements highlight the
absurdities of human endeavors. The speaker wishes to embrace the innate and
uncomplicated existence of a sheep, free from the artificialities and struggles
of human life.
The poem is a poignant expression of the speaker's
disillusionment with the complexities of human existence and a plea for a
return to a simpler, more natural state. Through vivid imagery, rhetorical
questions, and a consistent theme of weariness, Devkota crafts a powerful
reflection on the contrasts between human and animal life, invoking a desire
for the innocence and simplicity symbolized by the life of a sheep.
A. Multiple Choice Questions.
1. The ship in the poem
symbolizes.....................
a) intellect
b) wisdom
c) power
d) innocence
2. By 'spiritual conflict', the poet may
be trying to signal.............in human society.
a) political confrontation
b) religious confrontation
c) economic confrontation
d) racial confrontation
3. The speaker thinks that the
Brahmins.............................
a) actually liberate people from sins
b) pretend to be liberating people from sins
c) can open the gate of heaven for common people
d) can pardon people's sins
4. The speakers seems standing against
all kinds of..........................
a) hypocrisies
b) heavenly blisses
c) earthly pleasures
d) systems
5. Raurab hell is described in detail
in......................................
a) Skanda Purana
b) Bishnu Purana
c) Garuda Purana
d) Shiva Purana
Extra MCQs
1. What is the central theme of Laxmi
Prasad Devkota's poem "Lord! Make Me a Sheep"?
a.
Celebration of human achievements
b. Yearning
for divine glory
c. Weariness
with human complexities and a desire for a simpler life
d.
Exploration of the challenges of animal existence
2. How many stanzas does the poem have?
a. Two
b. Three
c. Four
d. Five
3. In which stanza does the speaker express
a desire to be relieved of the burdens of human life?
a. First
b. Second
c. Third
d. Fourth
4. What is the metaphorical request made
by the speaker in the first stanza?
a. Make me a
shepherd
b. Make me a
philosopher
c. Make me a
king
d. Make me a
sheep
5. What does the second stanza primarily
focus on?
a. Divine
glory
b. Human
achievements
c. Challenges
and complexities of human life
d. Simplicity
of sheep's life
6. Which term is used to describe the
burdens that the speaker wishes to escape in the second stanza?
a. Blessings
b.
Responsibilities
c. Joys
d.
Achievements
7. What does the speaker reject in the
third stanza?
a. Divine
glory
b. Human
achievements
c. Simplicity
d. Complexity
and responsibilities of the human world
8. What does the mention of
"clearance of all accounts of Kumarichok" in the third stanza
suggest?
a. Desire for
a clean slate in the afterlife
b. Longing
for divine glory
c. Acceptance
of human complexities
d. Rejection
of simplicity
9. In the final stanza, what does the
speaker appreciate about a sheep's life?
a. Complexity
b. Labor
c. Simplicity
d. Challenges
10. What does the speaker wish to
embrace in the final stanza?
a. The
complexities of human existence
b. The
innate and uncomplicated existence of a sheep
c. Divine
glory
d. The
challenges of the afterlife
11. How does Devkota describe the
sustenance in a sheep's life?
a.
Effortless from self-growing grass
b. Obtained
through hard labor
c. Dependent
on divine intervention
d. Achieved
through human achievements
12. What do the rhetorical questions in
the final stanza highlight?
a. The
necessity of human attributes and achievements
b. The
simplicity of human life
c. The
challenges of a sheep's life
d. The
absurdities of human endeavors
13. What is the speaker's attitude
toward the challenges and complexities of human existence?
a.
Enthusiastic
b.
Disillusioned
c.
Indifferent
d. Accepting
14. What does the speaker consider an
absurdity in human life?
a. The
pursuit of divine glory
b. The
simplicity of a sheep's life
c. The
challenges of human endeavors
d. The
unnatural taste of different dishes
15. Which term is used to describe the
poem's reflection on the contrasts between human and animal life?
a.
Celebration
b.
Contemplation
c. Rejection
d.
Acceptance
16. What is the central emotion conveyed
in the poem?
a. Joy
b. Disgust
c. Weariness
d.
Excitement
17. What does the speaker long for in
the third stanza?
a. Divine
intervention
b.
Simplicity in the afterlife
c. Human
achievements
d. A complex
and challenging existence
18. What does the speaker emphasize in
the final stanza regarding the soul's journey?
a. The
inevitability of a difficult journey
b. The
importance of human achievements
c. The
desire to reach higher than the sages
d. The wish
to avoid making a single blemish
19. What does the speaker request God to
make them in the final line of the poem?
a. A
shepherd
b. A
philosopher
c. A king
d. A sheep
20. What does the poet desire to be
quick in the last line of the poem?
a. The human
complexities
b. The
afterlife challenges
c. The
divine intervention
d. The
transformation into a sheep
Short Questions
1. Why does the speaker request the god
to make him a ship?
The speaker in Laxmi Prasad Devkota's poem "Lord!
Make Me a Sheep" requests to be made a sheep, not a ship. The central
theme of the poem revolves around the speaker's weariness with the complexities
of human existence and a yearning for the simplicity of a sheep's life. The
speaker expresses exhaustion and a desire to be relieved from the burdens,
responsibilities, and intellectual challenges that come with being human. The
plea to God to "make me a sheep" is a metaphorical request for a
simpler and more carefree existence, one that is free from the drudgery of
human intellectual and physical labor.
By desiring to become a sheep, the speaker seeks to
escape the complexities and conflicts inherent in human life. Sheep are often
associated with innocence, simplicity, and a life free from the intricate
challenges that humans face. The metaphorical transformation into a sheep
becomes a symbolic expression of the speaker's wish to embrace a life that is
unburdened by the complexities of human consciousness, knowledge, and
responsibilities.
In essence, the speaker's request to be made a sheep
reflects a profound longing for a return to a state of simplicity, where life's
struggles are replaced by the innate and uncomplicated existence of an animal,
free from the artificialities and struggles of human life.
2. How do three kinds of fear torment
the speaker?
In Laxmi Prasad Devkota's poem "Lord! Make Me a
Sheep," the speaker articulates the torment caused by three kinds of fear
associated with human existence. These fears contribute to the speaker's
weariness and desire for a simpler life as symbolized by a sheep.
Firstly, the fear of the fall weighs heavily on the
speaker's mind. This fear may symbolize the apprehension of failure, both moral
and social, and the anxiety about losing one's elevated position. It reflects
the societal pressures and expectations that create a constant sense of
vulnerability and the potential for a downfall.
Secondly, the fear of reaching high introduces a
paradoxical element. The very act of achieving greatness or climbing higher in
life becomes a source of fear. This fear could stem from the burdens and
responsibilities that accompany success, highlighting the paradoxical nature of
human aspirations.
Lastly, the fear of responsibility adds to the
speaker's torment. The obligations and burdens associated with knowledge and
awareness are seen as curses. This fear emphasizes the mental and emotional
toll of shouldering responsibilities and suggests a longing for a carefree
existence.
Together, these three fears create a complex web of
torment for the speaker, contributing to their weariness with the intricacies
and challenges of human life. The desire to be transformed into a sheep
represents an attempt to escape these fears and embrace a life free from the
intellectual and emotional burdens associated with human existence.
3. Why does the poet allude to
Vedavyasha and Shukhabahattars ?
In Laxmi Prasad Devkota's poem "Lord! Make Me a
Sheep," the poet alludes to Vedavyasa and Shukabhattar to underscore the
absurdities and complexities of human life and intellectual pursuits.
Vedavyasa, also known as Vyasa, is a revered sage and author of the
Mahabharata, one of the longest epics in world literature. Shukabhattar, on the
other hand, is not explicitly identified, but the mention likely refers to a
fictional character or an obscure figure.
The allusion to Vedavyasa and Shukabhattar serves to
highlight the contrast between the poet's plea for simplicity as symbolized by
a sheep and the intricate, often convoluted nature of human knowledge and
intellectual pursuits. Vedavyasa represents the vast body of religious and
philosophical literature, while Shukabhattar may symbolize additional layers of
knowledge and complexity.
The poet questions the necessity of these intellectual
pursuits by juxtaposing them with the straightforward and uncomplicated life of
a sheep. The absurdity lies in the contrast between the elaborate intellectual
endeavors represented by Vedavyasa and Shukabhattar and the poet's desire for a
life free from the complexities of human knowledge.
Ultimately, the allusion reinforces the poet's
critique of the intellectual and cultural pursuits that contribute to the
weariness and burdens of human existence, emphasizing the poet's longing for
simplicity and innocence embodied by the image of a sheep.
4. What does the speaker think of
religious disputes?
The speaker in Laxmi Prasad Devkota's poem "Lord!
Make Me a Sheep" does not explicitly mention religious disputes, but the
overall tone of weariness and disillusionment with the complexities of human
existence suggests a critical view of the conflicts associated with religious
differences. The plea to be transformed into a sheep reflects a desire to
escape not only the burdens of intellectual and physical labor but also the
conflicts arising from diverse belief systems.
By expressing a longing for the simplicity of a
sheep's life, the speaker indirectly comments on the divisive nature of
religious disputes. The reference to a sheep, known for its innocence and lack
of complex thought, serves as a metaphor for a life unburdened by the
intricacies and conflicts that often accompany religious differences.
The weariness and desire for a simpler existence imply
a wish to transcend the religious confrontations that have historically caused
strife and discord in human societies. The speaker seems to seek refuge in a
state of innocence and simplicity, away from the complexities and disputes
associated with religious beliefs.
In essence, while the poem does not explicitly delve
into religious disputes, the speaker's broader sentiment of weariness and the
desire for simplicity can be interpreted as a critique of the conflicts arising
from religious differences, suggesting a preference for a more harmonious and
uncomplicated existence.
5. How does the speaker bring the
reference to his weak health in the poem?
The speaker in Laxmi Prasad Devkota's poem "Lord!
Make Me a Sheep" does not explicitly mention weak health, but there are
indirect references to the weariness and burdens associated with human
existence. Throughout the poem, the speaker expresses exhaustion and a desire
to be relieved from the complexities, responsibilities, and intellectual
challenges of life. These references suggest a sense of physical and mental
fatigue.
The weariness expressed by the speaker implies a state
of weakness, not necessarily in terms of a specific health condition but rather
as a metaphorical representation of the speaker's overall state. The burdens of
human life, both physical and mental, contribute to the speaker's plea for a
simpler and carefree existence symbolized by a sheep.
The desire to be transformed into a sheep is a
metaphorical expression of the speaker's wish to escape the struggles and
challenges that may have taken a toll on their health, both physically and
emotionally. While the poem does not explicitly address the speaker's health,
the weariness conveyed throughout implies a state of vulnerability and a
longing for relief from the burdens of human existence.
6. What does the speaker think of the
Brahmins?
The speaker in Laxmi Prasad Devkota's poem "Lord!
Make Me a Sheep" expresses a critical view of the Brahmins. The specific
lines that provide insight into the speaker's thoughts on Brahmins are:
"May I not be a Brahmin, living by cleansing
others' sins
And drinking the dirty water,
May I not creep toward the Raurab hell
Like the holy ones realizing the sins committed,
may I not bear and reform this world!"
In these lines, the speaker rejects the idea of being
a Brahmin who purportedly lives by cleansing the sins of others. The mention of
"drinking the dirty water" metaphorically suggests the speaker's
disdain for the practices associated with this role. The speaker distances
themselves from the Brahminical duties of purifying others and expresses a
desire not to bear the responsibility of reforming the world.
This rejection of the Brahmin identity is part of the
broader theme in the poem, where the speaker longs for a simpler, more natural
existence, free from the complexities, responsibilities, and conflicts
associated with human life, knowledge, and societal roles. The critique of
Brahmins aligns with the speaker's overall disillusionment with the societal
norms and responsibilities that contribute to the weariness expressed
throughout the poem.
7. What are the poet's views on sensual
pleasure and sentiments?
In Laxmi Prasad Devkota's poem "Lord! Make Me a
Sheep," the poet's views on sensual pleasure and sentiments are not
explicitly outlined. The poem primarily focuses on the speaker's weariness with
the complexities of human existence and the desire for a simpler life
symbolized by a sheep. The poet expresses a longing for innocence, simplicity,
and freedom from the burdens of intellectual and physical labor.
While the poem does not directly address sensual
pleasure or sentiments, the broader theme suggests a desire to escape the
intricacies and conflicts associated with human emotions and desires. The
speaker's plea for a life without labor, responsibilities, and the complexities
of knowledge implies a wish to transcend the emotional and sensual challenges
that accompany human experiences.
The emphasis on the simplicity of a sheep's life can
be interpreted as a rejection of the complexities and potential pitfalls of
human emotions and desires. The speaker seems to long for a state of purity and
innocence, free from the entanglements of sensual pleasure and emotional
complexities.
While the poem doesn't explicitly discuss the poet's
views on sensual pleasure and sentiments, the overarching theme suggests a
desire for a simpler, more straightforward existence that is unburdened by the
complexities of human emotions and desires.
8. Where, in the poem, and how does the
poet talk about the wrong course of human rationality?
In Laxmi Prasad Devkota's poem "Lord! Make Me a
Sheep," the poet indirectly addresses the wrong course of human
rationality by critiquing the complexities and burdens associated with
intellectual pursuits. The poet expresses weariness with the challenges of
human existence and a desire for a simpler life symbolized by a sheep.
The lines that allude to the wrong course of human
rationality can be found in the third stanza of the poem:
"Why all the different dishes?
Why the taste unnatural?
Why the ears unnatural?
So many perfumes for a snot-filled nose!
One Vedavyasha and million Shukabahattars for false
imagination?
The hard labour of dark ignorance
Shrodding (garment, shroud) the body to the
bones?"
In these lines, the poet questions the excessive and
seemingly unnecessary aspects of human life and intellectual pursuits. The
mention of "different dishes," "unnatural taste," and
"unnatural ears" suggests a critique of the artificial and complex
nature of human desires and sensory experiences. The reference to Vedavyasha
and Shukabahattars, likely representing complex intellectual and philosophical
pursuits, highlights the poet's skepticism about the value and authenticity of
such endeavors.
The poet further characterizes the pursuit of
knowledge as "the hard labor of dark ignorance," suggesting that,
despite the efforts invested, there is an underlying ignorance or lack of true
understanding. The metaphor of "shrodding the body to the bones"
emphasizes the toll that the wrong course of human rationality takes on an
individual, both mentally and physically.
These lines convey the poet's critical perspective on
the misguided and burdensome aspects of human rationality and intellectual
pursuits, aligning with the broader theme of the poem that seeks simplicity and
liberation from the complexities of human existence.
9. Rousseau is known to have said,
"Man is born free but everywhere he is in chains." Does the poet talk
about different kinds of human bondages in the poem? Discuss.
While Laxmi Prasad Devkota's poem "Lord! Make Me
a Sheep" does not explicitly reference Rousseau's quote, the overall theme
of the poem aligns with the sentiment of human bondage and the desire for
freedom. The poet expresses weariness with the complexities, burdens, and
challenges of human existence, suggesting a longing for a simpler and more
liberated life symbolized by a sheep.
The poem addresses various forms of human bondage,
primarily focusing on the intellectual and societal burdens that weigh down the
speaker. The references to the "curse of mind," the "sin of
knowledge," and the burdens of responsibility in the second stanza
highlight the mental and emotional toll of human existence. The speaker rejects
the pursuit of divine glory and expresses a desire for a simpler afterlife,
suggesting a desire to be free from the complexities and responsibilities of
the human world.
Additionally, the critique of Brahmins in the poem,
who are associated with certain societal roles and rituals, further underscores
the theme of human bondage. The rejection of being a Brahmin and the desire not
to bear the responsibility of reforming the world signify a wish to be free
from societal expectations and roles.
While the poem does not explicitly address political
or physical forms of bondage, it delves into the intellectual, societal, and
spiritual aspects of human life, expressing a profound weariness with various
forms of human bondage. The overarching theme of the poem reflects a desire for
freedom from the intricate chains that bind individuals in the complexities of
knowledge, responsibility, and societal expectations.
Long Questions
1. How does the poet compare and
contrast human ambition and animal meekness in the poem?
In Laxmi Prasad Devkota's poem "Lord! Make Me a
Sheep," the poet draws a vivid comparison between human ambition and
animal meekness, using the metaphor of a sheep to symbolize the desired
simplicity and innocence of an animal compared to the complexities of human
ambition. Here's an exploration of the comparison and contrast:
Human Ambition:
Intellectual Burdens: The poet portrays human life as
burdened by intellectual complexities, symbolized by the "curse of
mind" and the "sin of knowledge." These suggest the challenges
and burdens associated with human ambition, the pursuit of knowledge, and the
complexities of intellectual endeavors.
Responsibilities: The speaker laments the burdens of
responsibility, emphasizing the dualities and conflicts inherent in human
aspirations. The "glory of reaching high" is juxtaposed with the
"curse of responsibility," highlighting the challenges that come with
human ambition.
Religious and Social Critique: The rejection of divine
glory and the critique of Brahmins reflect the poet's skepticism about societal
and religious expectations, suggesting that human ambition is entangled with
societal roles and rituals.
Animal Meekness (Sheep):
Simplicity and Innocence: The poet uses the image of a
sheep to symbolize simplicity and innocence. The speaker expresses a desire to
embrace the uncomplicated life of a sheep, free from the intellectual and
emotional complexities that burden humans.
Freedom from Labor: The speaker appreciates the idea
of a life without labor, where sustenance comes effortlessly from self-growing
grass. This contrasts with the human condition, where labor and hard work are
often necessary for survival.
Critique of Human Rationality: The poet questions the
value of intellectual pursuits and knowledge, suggesting that the pursuit of
false imaginations represented by Vedavyasa and Shukabhattar contributes to the
burdens of human life.
The poet compares human ambition, laden with
intellectual complexities and societal expectations, with the meekness and
simplicity symbolized by a sheep. The contrast serves as a critique of the
intricacies and conflicts of human existence, expressing a profound longing for
the innocence and uncomplicated nature associated with the life of an animal.
2. Do you think the tone of the poem is
pessimistic? Give reasons.
Yes, the tone of Laxmi Prasad Devkota's poem
"Lord! Make Me a Sheep" can be interpreted as pessimistic. Several
elements contribute to this overall tone:
Weariness and Exhaustion: The poet expresses a sense
of weariness with the complexities and burdens of human existence. Phrases like
"I was kidnapped," "each three-month term, they sent
threats," and "I grew whiter and whiter" evoke a feeling of
exhaustion and distress.
Rejection of Human Pursuits: The poet rejects various
aspects of human life, including intellectual pursuits, societal roles (as seen
in the rejection of Brahmin responsibilities), and the challenges associated
with ambition and knowledge. This rejection contributes to a pessimistic view
of human endeavors.
Desire for Simplicity: The central theme of the poem
revolves around the speaker's desire for simplicity, symbolized by a sheep's
life. The longing to be released from the complexities of human existence
implies a dissatisfaction with the inherent difficulties and challenges of
life.
Critique of Intellectual Pursuits: The poet questions
the value of intellectual pursuits and knowledge, describing them as
"false imagination." This skepticism toward intellectual endeavors
adds to the overall pessimistic tone.
Metaphors of Bondage: The imagery and metaphors used
in the poem, such as being "kidnapped" by Western philosophers armed
with textbooks, suggest a sense of captivity or bondage. This contributes to a
negative portrayal of the impact of education and intellectual pursuits.
While there might be a sense of disillusionment and
weariness in the tone, it's essential to note that the pessimism is directed
toward certain aspects of human existence rather than a blanket condemnation of
life itself. The poet's critique is more focused on the complexities and
challenges introduced by intellectual, societal, and ambitious pursuits.
3. "Ignorance is bliss" is a
much-quoted proverb in English. Can you relate this proverb with the theme of
this poem? Explain.
Yes, the proverb "Ignorance is bliss" can be
related to the theme of Laxmi Prasad Devkota's poem "Lord! Make Me a
Sheep." The central theme of the poem revolves around the weariness and
desire of the speaker to escape the complexities, burdens, and challenges of
human existence, symbolized by the plea to be transformed into a sheep.
The proverb suggests that not knowing or being unaware
of certain things can lead to a more content and happy state. In the context of
the poem, the speaker expresses a desire to be free from the intellectual
burdens and responsibilities that come with knowledge. The rejection of the
"curse of mind" and the "sin of knowledge" implies a
longing for a state of innocence and simplicity.
The theme of the poem aligns with the idea that, in
certain situations, ignorance or lack of knowledge might bring about a more
carefree and blissful existence. The weariness expressed by the speaker
suggests that the pursuit of knowledge, the responsibilities associated with
it, and the complexities of human life contribute to a sense of burden.
By desiring to become a sheep, the speaker is
metaphorically expressing a wish to return to a state of innocence and
simplicity, free from the intellectual and emotional complexities that
knowledge brings. In this sense, the theme of the poem resonates with the
notion that, for the speaker, there is a certain bliss in escaping the burdens
of knowledge and embracing a more uncomplicated life.
Best of Luck
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