There is no rhyme scheme or meter in the poem. It is written in free verse. Becoming a Brahmin Summary
There is no rhyme scheme or meter in the poem. It is written in free verse.
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"Becoming a Brahmin" by Meena Kandasamy satirically deconstructs the deeply entrenched caste system in India through a facetious algorithm. The poem outlines a process, resembling an algorithm, to convert a Shudra into a Brahmin, emphasizing the absurdity of attempting such a transformation. The steRead more
“Becoming a Brahmin” by Meena Kandasamy satirically deconstructs the deeply entrenched caste system in India through a facetious algorithm. The poem outlines a process, resembling an algorithm, to convert a Shudra into a Brahmin, emphasizing the absurdity of attempting such a transformation. The steps involve marrying a Shudra girl to a Brahmin, repeated across generations, culminating in the display of the “end product”—a Brahmin. This algorithm, attributed to the “Father of the Nation” at Tirupur and documented by Periyar in 1947, underscores the historical struggle against caste-based discrimination. The introduction of the second algorithm highlights the persistence of discriminatory practices done against marginalised communities. Thus, through satire, irony, and historical references, Kandasamy critiques the arbitrariness and injustice embedded in the caste system, challenging societal norms and advocating for a more equitable and inclusive society.
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This answer was edited.
Alliteration- The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words, creating a rhythmic effect. It can be seen in phrases like, “Algorithm advocated…”, “awaiting another”, “Make her marry”, etc. Anaphora- Anaphora is a rhetorical device in which a wordRead more
- Alliteration- The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words, creating a rhythmic effect. It can be seen in phrases like, “Algorithm advocated…”, “awaiting another”, “Make her marry”, etc.
- Anaphora- Anaphora is a rhetorical device in which a word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of successive clauses, phrases, or sentences. The word “step” is repeated several times in order to mirror an actual computer algorithm.
- Symbolism- Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, often adding deeper layers of meaning to the text. The algorithm is a symbol of a political act of erasure done to the Shudra community and to convert their identities altogether.
The poem is essentially a satirical commentary on the idea of converting one's caste through a systematic process of inter-caste marriage and reproduction of a mixed-caste progeny. Shudras, the marginalized community of the Indian landscape are historically known to be oppressed by the upper caste cRead more
The poem is essentially a satirical commentary on the idea of converting one’s caste through a systematic process of inter-caste marriage and reproduction of a mixed-caste progeny. Shudras, the marginalized community of the Indian landscape are historically known to be oppressed by the upper caste communities just because of their caste hierarchy. Thus, the “algorithm” that the poem conveys does not aim to uplift the Shudra identity amongst other castes but rather aims to erase their presence altogether and convert them into Brahmins. Also, the use of an algorithm, typically associated with logical and systematic processes, to describe something as inherently arbitrary as caste conversion serves as a form of irony and mockery. It challenges the legitimacy and rationality of such discriminatory practices.
Becoming a Brahmin Summary
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