Stories found on the way to stories

                                                                         - Beera

Books are places where we learn so much. We often spend a great deal of time reading, but nowadays it is usually on our mobile phones. As I was travelling on the metro today, I noticed that most young people were absorbed in their phones. Many were listening to music or watching videos, while a few preferred the silence and calm before the chaos of working hours began.

A busy life can be exhausting. In the evenings, while travelling on the same metro, you can see people dozing off even while standing in the crowded compartment. Although the mode of transport remains the same, the atmosphere feels completely different in the morning and in the evening.

After this short journey of observation, we reached the venue for a book release. We were the first to arrive. I had gone there simply as a member of the audience, but unexpectedly I was given a tag and entrusted with responsibilities, including welcoming guests and assisting at the book stall.

It was a beautiful day, a shining moment for the many people who had worked tirelessly behind the scenes. When we buy a book, we usually notice only the title and the author. We often forget about the numerous individuals who contribute to bringing that book to life. It is not intentional; it is simply how things tend to be.

Watching several people stand on stage and share their experiences and journeys in completing the book was inspiring. As the event came to an end, hunger finally made itself known. Until then, everyone had been completely engaged in the program. Soon, people moved towards the dining area, where fellowship and lively conversations followed.

Meeting new people, reconnecting with others, and promising to meet again was how the day concluded. A room filled with excitement, delicious food, and meaningful conversations did not feel tiring at all. It had been a long time since such a gathering took place, and even now, the anticipation for the next book event remains.

Pre-Victorian elements in
 Rabbi Ben Ezra by Robert Browning

“Rabbi Ben Ezra” (1864) by Robert Browning reflects philosophical and literary ideas that were common long before the Victorian age. Although the poem was written during the Victorian period, its themes and approach feel closer to earlier traditions. In this blog, I explore the pre-Victorian elements in Rabbi Ben Ezra and how Browning uses them to express his ideas about the relationship between God and the individual.

The poem can be considered pre-Victorian in spirit because it focuses less on social issues and more on personal reflection. One of its strongest themes is ageing and mortality. Instead of fearing old age or death, Browning presents them as meaningful stages of life. The speaker accepts growing older with calmness and even hope, believing that life’s later years bring spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God. This positive view of ageing reflects earlier philosophical beliefs that saw life as a gradual preparation for the soul’s union with the divine.

Religion plays an important role in the poem, especially through biblical references and spiritual imagery. Browning uses these elements to explore how human life fits into God’s larger plan. The poem suggests that struggles, failures, and unanswered questions are not meaningless but are part of a purposeful journey. Through this idea, Browning highlights the complex relationship between God and humanity.

What makes Rabbi Ben Ezra especially reflective of pre-Victorian sensibilities is its focus on the individual's inner life. The speaker openly confronts fears, doubts, and uncertainties, making the poem deeply personal and introspective. Rather than following social conventions or moral expectations, the poem concentrates on understanding life’s purpose from a spiritual and philosophical point of view.

Overall, the pre-Victorian elements in Rabbi Ben Ezra give the poem a unique character. While Victorian literature often emphasised social reform, morality, and sentiment, Browning’s poem looks inward, celebrating personal growth, faith, and the lifelong search for meaning. This blend of philosophy and reflection is what makes Rabbi Ben Ezra both thoughtful and timeless.