Literary Insights: Anand, Gardiner, Bacon’s Wisdom
The Parrot in the Cage: Plot & Symbolism
“The Parrot in the Cage” is a short story by Mulk Raj Anand, one of India’s most prominent writers in English. Known for his humanistic themes, Anand often explores injustice, suffering, and social realities in his works. This story is a symbolic and emotional monologue of a parrot, trapped in a cage and voicing its sorrow and longing for freedom. The story is a strong allegory for human suffering, particularly the suffering of women and those oppressed in society.
Plot Summary
The Caged Parrot’s Monologue
The story is told from the point of view of a parrot who is locked in a cage and owned by a Bania widow (merchant’s widow). The parrot narrates its feelings and experiences directly to the reader. The entire plot unfolds as an internal dialogue filled with pain, regret, and memories of freedom.
Life Before Captivity
The parrot recalls its joyful life in the jungle, flying freely among trees, eating fresh fruits, and interacting with other birds. This part of the story represents freedom, innocence, and the natural world. The parrot cherishes these memories, which now seem like a distant dream.
The Pain of Confinement
Now confined in a small cage, the parrot expresses deep sorrow and frustration. It cannot fly, cannot sing happily, and must eat what is given to it. The parrot compares the cage to a prison, and its daily life becomes monotonous and emotionally torturous.
This part of the story draws a symbolic parallel with the lives of many widows or oppressed women in traditional Indian society, who are trapped by social expectations, ignored, and stripped of joy.
The Widow’s Role
The parrot often addresses the widow, who feeds it and talks to it. Though she gives the parrot food and water, she cannot understand its pain. The widow herself seems to live a dull and routine life, bound by rules of widowhood.
Thus, the parrot and the widow both become mirrors of each other’s suffering—both are caged, though one physically and the other emotionally and socially.
Desire for Death or Freedom
As the parrot reflects on its miserable condition, it wishes for death as a release from suffering. It craves the open skies, longing to return to its natural state. The parrot questions the cruelty of humans who take away freedom for their own pleasure.
This desire for release becomes a metaphor for the universal longing for liberation—whether spiritual, physical, or emotional.
Conclusion
The story ends with the parrot still in its cage, highlighting the helplessness of the oppressed. The plot of “The Parrot in the Cage” is not action-driven but emotionally intense, and its symbolism reflects the larger human condition—particularly the plight of women, animals, and the powerless in society.
Mulk Raj Anand masterfully uses the parrot’s voice to evoke empathy, critique social norms, and explore themes of freedom, confinement, and silent suffering. The story leaves the reader with a deep sense of compassion and awareness of invisible pain.
A.G. Gardiner: Characteristics of an Essayist
Simplicity & Clarity of Expression
Gardiner’s essays are marked by a simple, lucid, and elegant style.
He avoided complex words or abstract ideas and instead focused on clarity and natural flow.
His essays are accessible even to average readers and are admired for their graceful English.
Example: In essays like “On Habits” or “On Being Tidy”, he presents simple ideas in a conversational and engaging tone.
Humanistic Approach
Gardiner’s writing reflects a deep concern for human values, ethical conduct, and social responsibility.
He believed in the dignity of the individual, tolerance, and moral behavior.
His essays often aim to uplift and inspire the reader.
Example: In “On Saying Please”, he emphasizes the importance of courtesy and manners in public life.
Gentle Humor & Satire
Gardiner had a gift for using mild humor and satire to expose human follies and criticize social conventions.
His humor is never harsh; it is kind, thoughtful, and reflective.
Example: His essay “On Being Tidy” humorously explores the idea of untidiness without offending anyone.
Moral & Philosophical Insight
Almost every essay of Gardiner ends with a moral or philosophical observation.
He used ordinary incidents to reflect on ethical and spiritual truths.
His essays contain subtle messages about how one should live a better life.
Example: “On Saying Please” is not just about manners—it is about the power of kindness and human decency.
Personal Anecdotes & Everyday Experiences
Gardiner often drew upon personal experiences, small incidents, or commonplace situations.
These familiar settings help readers easily relate to his themes.
Example: In “On Being Tidy”, he talks about his personal struggle with keeping things organized, making the essay relatable and insightful.
Universal Appeal
Though rooted in his own time, Gardiner’s essays deal with timeless human issues—like habits, politeness, punctuality, and personal responsibility.
His ideas still resonate with modern readers.
Balanced & Rational Outlook
Gardiner shows a balanced view of life.
He never forces his opinion but instead encourages thoughtful reflection.
His tone is always moderate, calm, and reasoned.
Artistic Prose & Imagery
While simple, his prose is artistic and well-crafted, often using metaphors and analogies.
His imagery adds depth and vividness to his thoughts.
Conclusion
A.G. Gardiner’s essays are a perfect blend of wit, wisdom, and warmth. He had the unique ability to turn everyday experiences into thought-provoking reflections. As an essayist, his chief strengths lie in his simplicity, moral sensitivity, gentle humor, and universal themes. His writing continues to inspire readers to observe life carefully and live with dignity, kindness, and understanding.
Gardiner’s essays remain classics of English literature, proving that profound truths can be conveyed through simple words and sincere observations.
Francis Bacon’s “Of Studies”: Wisdom & Learning
“Crafty men condemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them; for they teach not their own use; but that is a wisdom.”
This line is taken from the famous essay “Of Studies” by Francis Bacon, a renowned English essayist, philosopher, and statesman. In this essay, Bacon discusses the value, purpose, and proper use of studies and learning in life. The essay is rich in practical wisdom and reflects Bacon’s realistic and utilitarian approach to education.
Explanation & Meaning
In this line, Bacon divides people into three categories based on how they perceive studies or learning:
Crafty Men Condemn Studies
These are clever but deceitful people, who often undervalue or dismiss education, because they rely on manipulation and trickery rather than knowledge or logic.
Simple Men Admire Studies
These are ordinary or uneducated people, who look at studies with awe and respect, but often do not understand their practical use. They praise learning, but don’t go beyond admiration.
Wise Men Use Studies
These are truly intelligent and practical individuals who know how to apply their learning in real life. They don’t just read for knowledge but use their education to make better decisions, solve problems, and improve themselves.
Bacon concludes that studies alone do not teach how to use knowledge—they must be applied with judgment and experience, which itself is a form of wisdom.
Critical Analysis
This quote reveals Bacon’s pragmatic approach to education. He does not value studies merely for scholarship or theory, but for how they shape character, improve judgment, and enhance life. The line is a brilliant example of Bacon’s aphoristic style—concise, wise, and full of meaning.
Conclusion
Through this quote, Bacon emphasizes that true wisdom lies not just in learning, but in knowing how and when to use that learning. It is a powerful message for students and scholars that education is a tool, not an end in itself.