NIGHT OF THE SCORPION | MODULE - 11

Night of the Scorpion – Module 11

NIOS Class 12 English Summary | Themes, Analysis & Personal Reflection

📘 Introduction

“Night of the Scorpion” is a moving poem by Nissim Ezekiel, featured in Module 11 of the NIOS Class 12 English syllabus. It narrates the tense events of a rainy night when the poet’s mother is stung by a scorpion. The poem skillfully explores themes of superstition, maternal sacrifice, human endurance, and the contrast between faith and reason.

📖 Detailed Summary

On a stormy night, a scorpion bites the poet’s mother, causing her severe pain. The villagers, deeply rooted in superstition, gather quickly to help. They perform various rituals and prayers, believing the sting is a curse or a punishment from nature.

The father, portrayed as a rational and scientific thinker, tries a mix of folk remedies and medical treatment in his desperate effort to save her.

Throughout the ordeal, the mother’s endurance and selflessness shine. Despite her suffering, she worries about her children, relieved that none of them have been harmed by the scorpion.

The poem highlights the stark contrast between the villagers’ blind faith and the father’s scientific rationality, while celebrating the mother’s strength and love.

💡 Themes & Moral Lessons

  • Superstition vs. Reason: The poem questions blind faith while respecting cultural beliefs.

  • Maternal Sacrifice: A mother’s pain is borne with love and concern for her family.

  • Human Endurance: Endurance is shown as a profound strength in the face of suffering.

  • Community and Compassion: Despite superstition, the villagers’ actions reflect care and solidarity.

📌 Key Takeaways

  • A scorpion sting sparks fear, pain, and superstition.

  • Villagers perform traditional rituals to ward off evil.

  • The father balances folk remedies with rational treatment.

  • The mother endures pain with grace and love for her children.

  • The poem critiques superstition but honors human resilience and maternal love.

✍️ Personal Reflection

“Night of the Scorpion” made me reflect on how people respond to fear and suffering in different ways—some through superstition, others through reason. Above all, it reminds me of a mother’s incredible strength and selflessness, and the importance of balancing faith with practical knowledge.

📝 Disclaimer

This summary is for educational purposes only, adapted with AI assistance and verified against the official NIOS Class 12 English syllabus. Students should consult their textbooks for detailed study.

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