(855) 4-ESSAYS

Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

Night Of The Scorpion

            There are many instances in the poem that the writer has used language to create impressions and contrasts.
             In using the word "diabolic" (line 3) for instance, the scorpion is seen as being an evil or cruel creature. The poet also uses the metaphor of "the Evil One" (line 5) to describe the scorpion. This contrasts with the his overall portrayal of the scorpion as not being the villain as it was "driven" (line 2) from the constant rain to take shelter beneath a sack of rice and then having to "risk the rain again" (line 4) after the peasants came, presumably scared of them.
             Another contrast is found when the neighbours have "peace of understanding" (line 14) while the poet's mother lay "twisted groaning on a mat" (line 16). It is incongruous that they are at peace because of her pain. They are not doing anything apparent to the woman while she is suffering.
             The poet compares the peasants to "swarm of flies" (line 4). This is striking as flies are insects and scorpions are arachnids. He uses an insect image as a reaction to the arachnid's sting. He further extends the simile when he describes how the villagers "buzzed the Name of God" (line 5). This gives the reader an impression that he finds them an irritant. This impression is reinforced by the following line: "More candles, more lanterns, / More neighbours." (lines 14 and 15). This clearly shows his frustration as more and more peasants arrive with candles and lanterns but not doing much else to actively relieve the pain his mother is going through.
             Another instance of the poet's uneasiness with the neighbours is evident when he describes how their candles and lanterns throw "giant scorpion shadows" (line 6). Since the scorpion has parted, the images on the walls have to be those of the neighbours - shaped like a scorpion. He seems to imply that they are more of a burden than help.
             The poet effectively portrays a sense of desperation and helplessness on the part of his father because although he, the father, is a sceptic and rationalist, he tries "every curse and blessing" (line 17) to help his suffering wife.


Essays Related to Night Of The Scorpion

1. Can English be a medium of expression for Indian sensibiliti

Lines from Nissim Ezekiel's poem, Night of the Scorpion', that reflect a truly Indian sensibility This poem can be called Indian not only in the sentiment but also in the jargon used. ... "I remember the night my mother was stung by a scorpion. ... Scorpions are found in abundance in Indian fields. ... "My mother only said: Thank God the scorpion picked on me and spared my children." ... Night of the Scorpion "Nissim Ezekiel "I remember the night my mother was stung by a scorpion. ...

  • Word Count: 1833
  • Approx Pages: 7
  • Grade Level: High School

2. The Pearl

After eating breakfast Kino sees a scorpion on his son Coyotito's cradle. Just as he was going to capture the scorpion it stung the baby. ... That very same night someone broke into their house and was going to steal the pearl. ...

  • Word Count: 328
  • Approx Pages: 1
  • Grade Level: High School

3. The Pearl

Coyotito touched the rope and the scorpion fell. Kino tried to catch the scorpion, but it was to late. ... It was a wery good medicine against scorpion sting. ... In the middle of the night Kino waked up because he heard when Juana opened the door. ... In the middle of the night Kino could see the three tracers againg sitting bisaid the pool. ...

  • Word Count: 1266
  • Approx Pages: 5
  • Grade Level: High School

4. The Pearl by John Steinbeck

Everything is going fine until a scorpion quietly climbs onto Coyotito's shoulder and stings him. Kino crushes the scorpion, but the baby's shoulder begins to swell as he cries. ... That night, he is attacked in his hut by someone who is trying to steal the pearl. ... One night, the family spots the three trackers below them, getting ready to rest. ...

  • Word Count: 554
  • Approx Pages: 2
  • Grade Level: High School

5. The Pearl

The sudden movement was caused by a scorpion that was down the rope that hung the baby's box from the roof. ... Kino stepped up to the box cautiously and slowly, while Coyotito was laughing and reaching to touch the scorpion. The laughing Coyotito shook the rope and the scorpion fell. ... Kino threw the scorpion on to the floor and started to beat it with his fists. ... Later that night, Kino stands near the door way keeping the pearl close to his body, while Juana was baking beans. ...

  • Word Count: 3558
  • Approx Pages: 14
  • Grade Level: High School

6. Orion's Constel

The Orion Constellation Astronomy is the study of the universe and objects in it. And is perhaps the oldest science, dating from early observation of the heavens, astronomy has a long tradition. As stated in the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, modern astronomy uses techniques from many other sciences, including physics, mathematics, chemistry, geology, and biology. The astronomers' point of view, however, is often different from that of scientists in other disciplines, because the goal of astronomical research is to understand celestial objects or groups of objec...

  • Word Count: 5465
  • Approx Pages: 22
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

7. Gilgamesh - Description of the Underworld

At the gate to Mount Mashu, scorpions stand guard who are half man and half dragon, and have a stare that can strike a man to death. Scorpion guards try to convince Gilgamesh, that his journey is futile and with fraught danger. ... Past Mount Mashu is the land of the night, where no light ever appears. ...

  • Word Count: 891
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

8. The Pearl Main Events

Summary of major events in The Pearl The first major event in The Pearl is when the baby is stung by the scorpion. ... But, that night Kino was attacked when he went to look at the lake and decide what to do next. ...

  • Word Count: 436
  • Approx Pages: 2
  • Grade Level: High School

9. Greed Destoys People

When a scorpion stung her son Coyito, she immediately turned to God and began to pray for her son's life. ... That night, as they were about to go to sleep, he heard a "sound so soft that it might have been simply a thought..." and he quickly at-tacked the trespasser. ...

  • Word Count: 632
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

Got a writing question? Ask our professional writer!
Submit My Question