Patriot into Traitor – A New Anthology of English Poetry Notes

Q. No. 01: – Bring out the contrast in the fate of the hero as shown in “Patriot into Traitor”?

 Answer: –      

The Poet present the picture of political leader who suffers a serious set back in the hands of his fate. The two pictures of the same person have been given. The first picture is one year old and the second picture is the present one. The leader is present there in both pictures. The comparison comes to end and contrast starts.

One year ago, the leader was at the climax of his fame. He was entering the city as a victorious fellow. He was welcomed by all the people of the city. The roofs of the houses were crowded. Slogans were raised in his honor. He was their hero, their leader. They loved him. They honored him. They obeyed him. They had gathered to welcome him. The ways were decorated with flowers. The people were ready to sacrifice everything for him. But then he himself began to do impossible work the welfare of mass.

But after a year the political situation changes. He is out of power now. The patriot of yesterday has been branded as a traitor. His downfall is very rapid and dramatic. He is deserted by every body. He is no, longer their beloved leader. His actions during one year are regarded as his misdeeds. He is stoned at now. He is humiliated and disgraced. His hands are tied with rope and his forehead bleeds. He is taken to the gallows. He is in great pain and yet he does not despair. He will be killed for so called crimes. But he hopes to be rewarded by in the hands of God.

Q. No. 02: – What is the relevance of this poem to the political condition prevailing in the countries of third world?

 Answer: –      

This poem has a special relevance to the political condition prevailing in the under developed countries. Writer is fully aware of the unstable political situation of these countries. He has visited many these third world countries. He has not written this poem especially for these countries. But generally, it is applicable to any country and age.

In the third world countries the regime changes have become frequent. Normally the under developed countries are populated by poor and illiterate. Due to political instability, people love and admire one political leader for a short time. Soon they are fed up with his policies. They declare him a traitor. After a little passage of time, they favour a change in the country. At this time military takes over the rule. The political leader of the people is now taken to the place of execution. This scene is revised again and again and so many number of times.

In under developed countries political system and traditions are not still deep rooted. Therefore, the chances of political instability always remain in these countries. This poem throws light on the value of tolerance. The people should show tolerance for their political leaders. They should not favour an unfair political change in the country.