Nehru: An Autobiographer
J.L. Nehru was a great
politician. He had an inborn instinct for writing. The Glimpses of the World
History, The Discovery of India and An Autobiography are his famous
books. His autobiography entitled as An Autobiography is an outstanding
piece of prose. It has immense literary value.
The writings of Nehru bear the
imprint of a scholarly mind and sensitive heart. His writings are marked with a
unique style. It is lucid, spontaneous and suggestive.
It has poetic richness. Tom
Wrightington is of the view that Indians can learn English not from Macaulay or
Gibbon but from Nehru. Albert Einstein, R.N. Tagore and Narasimahaiah have
praised Nehru’s mastery over English and his rhythmic style. In short, he is
one of the greatest prose writers in the annals of Indian English Literature.
His writings are as powerful as his personality.
Nehru’s autobiography is a milestone
in the history of Indian Writing of English. It was written in a continuous
spell of about nine months. When it appeared, it was acknowledged as a world
classic. It was a very personal book. This personal history was fused with
national history.
Nehru’s autobiography has been
divided into various chapters. Among them the fourth chapter is very
significant. Herein Nehru talks about his adolescence. This portion of this
autobiography deals with 1905 to 1912.
During this period Nehru spent his life
in England as a student. At the age of fifteen Nehru left for England. In
England he joined a school at Harrow. A major part of this chapter deals with
Nehru’s experience as a school student. After finishing school education he
proceeded to study natural sciences at Trinity College, Cambridge. In short, in
the fourth chapter Nehru recounts his early education at Harrow and Cambridge.
When Nehru was leading a life of
student, he was aware of the Indian liberation movement. He was preparing
himself for struggle against imperialism.
He actively participated in the
political activities of the Indian student’s community. In London he was
attracted by nationalism, socialism and liberation. On the ground of all these
things Nehru played an important role in Indian freedom movement and became the
first prime minister of India.
Nehru’s autobiography has great
literary significance. It is not only the presentation of the life of an
individual but it has the essence of sublime literature. It appears as the
masterpiece in the realm of politics and literature. Especially the fourth
chapter of this autobiography is like a lamp post for the young generation of
India.
Before Nehru, prose was not a powerful genre of Indo Anglican
literature. There was hardly any standard prose in existence. Nehru enhanced
the popularity of English prose in India. As an autobiographer Nehru earned
wide acclaim. For this he is appreciated in the entire world.
To conclude, Nehru’s An Autobiography is an
excellent composition. It reveals the author’s mastery and control over English
prose. It combines literature, history and science all together. Here words and
phrases, simile and metaphors etc. have
been used wisely and appropriately.
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