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.

When the Sun Took a Day Off

After a week of bright, sunny days and yesterday’s heat that almost made us feel as if summer was on its way, everything changed this morning. Dark clouds roamed across the sky, and strong winds blew relentlessly. The moment I stepped outside, I felt a sudden shiver run through me. Soon after, a light drizzle began, as though the weather had been waiting for the perfect moment to surprise us.

As I walked along the road, I noticed that most people were not using umbrellas. Walking with my bright blue umbrella made me feel strange and a little out of place. There were moments when I thought of folding it and keeping it in my bag, but the cold raindrops changed my mind. I was afraid of falling sick, which would be especially unpleasant during winter.

Everyone seemed to be waiting for the sky to clear. Usually, after around 9 a.m., the sun slowly peeps out and warms the day. In rooms where artificial lights are normally unnecessary, sunlight provides all the brightness needed. Today, however, since the sun seemed to be on leave, the bulbs had to take over and use their own energy. Even though the sun refused to appear, the sky gradually became brighter. The rain stopped, but the roads were filled with puddles, reflecting the grey sky above.

The park was wet and muddy, so children could not play outside, which was surely disappointing for them. The day felt unusual, neither completely gloomy nor cheerful, caught somewhere between winter’s chill and the promise of warmer days. It was a gentle reminder that nature often changes its mood without warning.

Winter's slow awakening

Saturday morning usually makes one feel extremely lazy. But today, even the weather looks gloomier than an upset child. A chilly and harsh morning is generally followed by a bright, sunny afternoon to balance the day. However, today, a thick layer of fog spread across the sky, and the barely visible roads made the situation much worse. It felt as though the weather was waiting for schools to reopen, only to become colder. The roads were invisible as layers of cloud descended to the ground. Clouds are not only seen from flights; they are clearly visible on Delhi roads during winter.

The only visible lights came from the headlights of vehicles desperately rushing to their workplaces. It was troublesome wearing too many clothes, which felt suffocating, while wearing too few could make one sick. Covering the hands and face was necessary, or they would turn numb. Just five minutes away from home, my legs seemed to stop working, making it difficult to move forward. My eyes burned, my nose turned red, and my palms froze. The cold was far from pleasant, as warming up became essential. Even with shoes and socks on, my toes remained icy, causing pain.

Winters may be beautiful, but they can also be painful. This might be the reason why many poets associate winter with sorrow. Waiting for the sun to rise in such cold weather surely brings hope. People stand in the sunlight to absorb warmth, a sight quite different from summer, when everyone tries to hide from the heat. As noon approached, the sun peeked out from its hiding place, offering slight relief on this chilly day. Thus, the day moved on, marked by the contrast between the freezing morning and the warmth of the afternoon.

A Pleasant Detour 

I set out to visit one place, but along the way, I got distracted, adding new places to my list of must-visit spots. Standing in the metro for a long time felt congested due to the heavy rush during peak working hours. After exiting the station, I decided to walk instead.

As I walked, I noticed a unique restaurant that instantly caught my attention, and I made a mental note to visit it later as the assigned task needs to be completed first. A little further ahead, I came across a small park with a pond at its centre, which felt calm and inviting.

        

After finishing my work, I returned to the park to relax and take a walk. Students were seated nearby, feeding the fish and spending time together. Pigeons had gathered on the ground, pecking at the grains scattered around. It surely was a peaceful winter afternoon filled with warmth radiating from the sun.

Soon hunger struck, and a railway-themed restaurant came to my mind. I walked over to it and was fascinated by its design; it looked like a train both inside and out, complete with couches, a pantry-style setup, dim lighting, and soft music that created a pleasant ambience. The restaurant served South Indian food, especially Kerala cuisine, and the signboard was written in Malayalam.

With a full stomach and a happy heart, I walked back to the metro station to catch my ride home, which was about an hour away. This time, I found a seat, leaned back, listened to music, and relaxed with my eyes closed.

 A stressful morning is never how anyone wants to begin a Monday. The chill in the air and the thick blanket of fog hardly promised a pleasant start to the day. The weather seemed to work against everyone, and no one was willing to accept rides on Rapido or Uber. Each rejection added to the growing anxiety as time kept slipping away.

After a few failed attempts, luck finally showed up in an unexpected form. Two riders initially accepted the request, and soon after, we found an auto uncle nearby. When we asked him, he readily agreed without hesitation. The destination was quite far, and the journey took almost an hour. With every passing minute, the fear of being late grew stronger.

Just when I thought I wouldn’t make it at all, the auto uncle surprised me. He drove swiftly along the nearly empty roads, cutting through the fog with confidence. Even though I arrived three minutes late, I was still allowed to enter. That small moment felt like a blessing. I had prepared myself for the worst, and instead, relief washed over me.

After the exam, hunger took over completely. It clouded my thoughts and left me desperately searching for something filling and comforting. I wandered around, hoping to find something delicious, but luck didn’t seem as kind this time. Still, the search itself felt lighter now that the main worry was over.

The journey back was long and exhausting, filled with hours spent on the metro. The cold morning had slowly turned into a sunny afternoon, yet neither the chill nor the warmth brought much comfort. Fatigue settled in, reminding me how draining the day had been.

Yet, as the day came to an end, the stress slowly faded into calm. What began as a tense and uncertain morning concluded on a peaceful note. That is the beauty of unexpected moments, they arrive quietly and remind us that even the most stressful beginnings can lead to gentle endings.

When time slips by

Moments before the ticking clock 

Life keeps us constantly busy. If I am asked what I did this month, everything feels blurred, as time keeps ticking without pause. Mornings slip away at the workplace, and evenings feel so short that before we realise it, it is already time to rest. Perhaps it feels this way during winter, when days are shorter and nights are longer, creating the illusion that time is moving faster than we can catch up with.

Amid this constant rush, it becomes difficult to sit, relax, and have conversations beyond work. I often wonder if it is truly okay to be this busy. The lack of idle time makes me question whether I can still find space for hobbies and reflection, or if it is just a feeling that time itself is shrinking day by day.

As the year slowly draws to a close, it feels like the right moment to pause and look back. Reflecting on the year brings forth memories of joys, blessings, fellowship, companionship, and valuable lessons, almost like flipping through a picture book of the past year. The mistakes we made and the regrets we carried can serve as lessons, guiding us into the coming year with greater wisdom.

While reading through my journal, I felt a sense of comfort and nostalgia. The small details of each day took me back in time, as if I were watching my life unfold once again. So much has happened during the year that I might have forgotten if not for these written memories.

The human brain is truly fascinating. It tends to store only what feels necessary or significant, while smaller details quietly fade away. Yet, these memories resurface when the moment demands it, sometimes triggered by the smallest hint. Life mirrors this process as well, moving through challenges while also celebrating moments of joy.

As this year walks toward its end, it leaves behind experiences, lessons, and memories, while the next year patiently awaits ready to be written, one day at a time.

When Guests Become Family

Guests are always welcome in every Indian household. We live by the saying “Atithi Devo Bhava,” which means that a guest is like God and must be treated with respect. However, at times, the label guest creates a sense of formality and awkwardness. The feeling is completely different when the person is close and treated like family.

A small fellowship or gathering with a comfortable group feels truly special. Sitting together, talking, bonding, and sharing food creates a sense of warmth and belonging. This entire month was centred on sharing, caring, and fellowship. The last two days, in particular, were about two different families coming together and eating as one. Such moments are special because, despite busy schedules, we rarely find time to gather in this way.

The cutlery reserved for guests, hidden away in cupboards, finally comes into use. If it could speak, it would surely shout, “Hurray!” This is followed by a long process of cleaning and arranging, often cleaning an already clean room. Yet, the moment guests arrive, we somehow notice a spot we had missed earlier.

All the effort and tiredness fade away when everyone finally sits together to enjoy a hot meal not just eating, but truly savouring every last grain of rice. In the end, it is not only the guests who leave with happiness; the family that hosts them feels equally blessed and fulfilled.

A Christmas to remember

Christmas is a season filled with the themes of joy, hope, and love. As Christmas draws near, the festive spirit becomes more visible everywhere. Houses are decorated with lights and stars, and in many homes, families lovingly set up cribs. Carol singing fills the streets as groups move from house to house, spreading happiness through their songs. The joy and warmth shared during this time are truly heart-warming.

The spirit of Christmas was also beautifully celebrated at school. It was not only a Christmas celebration but also a special occasion to honour teachers who completed 25 years of dedicated service. They were genuinely touched and happy to be remembered and celebrated for their commitment.

Students then shared heartfelt experiences about teachers who had influenced and shaped their lives in meaningful ways. The school choir dedicated the song “You Raise Me Up” to the teachers, creating a deeply emotional moment. This was followed by familiar Christmas carols, reminding everyone that Christmas feels incomplete without the joy of carol singing.

A series of performances followed one after another. The programme began with a dramatic representation of the birth of Jesus, followed by a skit highlighting the transformation Christmas brings into our lives by turning hatred into love, greed into giving, sorrow into joy, and pride into humility. The celebration also included the story of a man closely associated with Christmas, Santa Claus, whose real name is Saint Nicholas.

Finally, Santa Claus made a cheerful appearance with music and bells, followed by a lively dance performance by the students, as they joyfully wished everyone a “Merry Christmas.”

Aaryan

 When art turns into crime

A movie is truly engaging when it grips you in your seat until the very end. One such movie that I watched recently definitely piqued my interest, as it kept me curious about what would happen next. The name of the movie is Aaryan. When I first read the title, I assumed it referred to either the protagonist or the antagonist, but it turned out to be the names of the victims themselves, which was an unexpected and interesting take.

Usually, crime thrillers focus on a crime followed by the police or investigators searching for the perpetrator. However, this movie breaks that pattern by beginning from the very end. The story starts with the person who commits the crime, making the audience wonder how a common man could carry out such a major crime using only his talent and intellect.

“The world is a stage, and we are merely actors who play our assigned roles.” 

The central character believes himself to be an artist and views his victims as puppets who perform important roles in his unfinished novel, which is yet to be published. This perspective adds depth to his character and makes the narrative more thought-provoking.

On the other hand, the victims represent people from different sections of society. Each of them plays a significant role in bringing change or represents those who were once neglected and isolated. Interestingly, the names of the victims begin with letters that together form the word A-A-R-Y-A-N, adding another layer of meaning to the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the movie and found myself completely invested in it. The storyline felt fresh and different from stereotypical crime thrillers, and it successfully managed to hold my attention from beginning to end.

A beautiful coincidence

 

A coincidence is totally unbelievable, as it happens at the most unexpected moments and times. We meet people we believe are strangers, but are they really? Sometimes, it is the past that brings people together. We meet, talk, and then part ways, walking in different directions, only to meet again after a few years, having completely forgotten them, even their faces.

Later, we begin talking slowly, engaging in random conversations that eventually lead to discussions about college. Gradually, the name of the college comes up, leading to the surprising discovery that we lived in the same city for two years. As the conversation continues and friends are mentioned, we realise we have common friends; our common friend was with me during my bachelor’s degree and with my new friend during my master’s degree. What a beautiful coincidence.

Nature plays unexpected games. Some people enter our lives as mere passengers, travelling alongside us for a short time, whom we believe we will never meet again. Yet, they leave behind an impression that resurfaces in the future, reminding us of the past. I have often heard of coincidences where people were present at the same place and time but remained completely unaware of it.

Long-forgotten discussions, once locked away in hidden chambers of the mind, suddenly come alive. Conversations bring back vivid images of walking along paths strewn with flower petals, meeting new friends from another college through common acquaintances, mingling with the crowd during a college fest, listening to bands and singers, and then parting ways as the event ends.

It may not have been a long encounter, but the excitement of recalling those small, forgotten details surely prevails. The joy of meeting someone who shares the same stories is far greater than answering questions about why I chose MCC over any other college. It might have been a pure coincidence, but it was certainly a beautiful one.

Bagless day

A day to sit and reflect on the entire week reminds us how much has happened in just a few days. It has been a heavy and extremely busy week, especially with the senior classes having their examinations. The students were stressed and occupied with a demanding schedule, trying their best to prepare and perform well. As the week came to an end, the school observed a bagless day, bringing a refreshing change for both students and teachers. Instead of regular classes, students engaged in various fun and creative activities.

One of the junior classes had a craft session. Many students brought clay pots and decorated them beautifully, adding bright colours, patterns, and even fresh flowers that made the classroom vibrant. One child crafted a Ferris wheel with great detail, showcasing exceptional creativity. Others decorated bottles, cups, and flower pots, each one unique. The excitement among the students was evident as they helped one another, shared materials, and proudly admired each other’s work.

The higher classes took part in "cooking without fire," which was equally exciting. They prepared a variety of dishes that looked colourful and tasted delicious. The joy on their faces showed how much they enjoyed the experience. After cooking, they shared their dishes with classmates and ate together like a family, turning the activity into a warm and memorable moment.

The younger classes engaged in making Christmas cards and other themed artwork. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to express their creativity and imagination. Days like these remind us how important it is to allow children to explore beyond textbooks. Teachers play a beautiful role in nurturing the hidden creativity within every child. The way a student’s eyes light up when they try something new is truly priceless. Activities like these encourage students to learn joyfully, develop new skills, and discover their talents in a fun and meaningful way.