‘Ancestors’ poem by Cesare Pavese

 ‘Ancestors’ poem by Cesare Pavese

The theme of ‘Ancestors’ has relevance in this century because women’s status in family and society has not undergone much of change.  Modern reader is familiar with the poet’s message. The patriarchy of ancestors is deep rooted in the veins of those who blindly celebrate their culture and religion. The irony here is still there are not many literary works that uphold social reforms and equality. The poem’s aim is not simply voicing women’s equality with men. It questions our pride and blind obeisance to the norms and taboos of the dynasty, culture and race. The voice and vision of many social reformers and writers for equality and inclusiveness have not been internalized by the so called modern world even now.

One more drawback of a traditionalist and conformist is the mental block and resistance to change. He doesn’t want to inquire and find out how far the narrow vision of adherence to ancestral norms has hampered humanity. Today the quest to salvage anything worthy from the heritage is the answer to the perennial ills. The irony is, we all, with all the modern advancements we have never ending addition to unanswered questions. We firmly believe once upon a time our forefathers had all the answers and solutions and the tradition they left behind is a panacea. The rage and anxiety to establish succession to a very high linage bury the ills and contradictions of a legacy.

The conditioned and complacent patriarchic mindset of the masses and these wake up calling works coexist. We need to internalize a simple call. The change of entire humanity starts from a quest.