Question

What is the central theme of Nissim Ezekiel’s poem Night of the Scorpion?

• A. Celebration of rural traditions
• B. The mother’s selfless love and human suffering
• C. The power of superstition to heal
• D. The biological study of scorpions

Answer 1

Answer:

B. The mother’s selfless love and human suffering

• The poem Night of the Scorpion centers on an incident where the poet’s mother is stung by a scorpion.

• Through vivid imagery and symbolism, Ezekiel portrays:

  • The mother’s suffering as she endures the pain of the sting.

  • The villagers’ and father’s various attempts (both superstitious and rational) to ease her suffering.

  • Most importantly, the mother’s selfless love — seen in her final words:
    👉 “Thank God the scorpion picked on me and spared my children.”

• This statement reflects maternal sacrifice, unconditional love, and human resilience.