Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S. Summary Class 7 English Oxford

About the Poet

Nissim Ezekiel was a prominent Indian poet, playwright, editor, and art critic. Born in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1924, Ezekiel is considered one of the most notable Indian poets writing in English. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983 for his poetry collection "Latter-Day Psalms."

Key Points of the Poem

• The poem "Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S." is about a farewell gathering for Miss Pushpa, who is leaving for a foreign country in a few days.
• The speaker, one of Miss Pushpa's friends, admires her sweetness and good spirit, highlighting her popularity among both men and women.
• The poet humorously reminisces about his stay in Surat and then shifts the focus back to Miss Pushpa's character and positive traits.
• The poem consists of a single stanza with multiple verses, narrating the speaker's thoughts and admiration for Miss Pushpa as they bid her farewell.

Detailed Summary

Stanza 1
Friends,
our dear sister
is departing for foreign
in two three days,
and
we are meeting today
to wish her bon voyage.

In this part of the poem, the speaker tells us that Miss Pushpa, who is like a sister to them, is going to a foreign country in just a few days. They have gathered on this day to say goodbye to her and wish her a safe and pleasant journey.

Stanza 2
You are all knowing, friends,
What sweetness is in Miss Pushpa.
I don't mean only external sweetness
but internal sweetness.
Miss Pushpa is smiling and smiling
even for no reason but simply because
she is feeling.

The speaker addresses the friends and emphasizes the remarkable sweetness that Miss Pushpa possesses. It's not just about her outer charm but also about the kindness and warmth she carries within. Miss Pushpa's constant smiling isn't forced; she smiles because she genuinely feels happy inside.

Stanza 3
Miss Pushpa is coming
from very high family.
Her father was renowned advocate
in Bulsar or Surat,
I am not remembering now which place.

Here, it's mentioned that Miss Pushpa belongs to a prestigious family background. Her father was a well-known advocate in either Bulsar or Surat, although the speaker can't recall the exact location at the moment.

Stanza 4
Surat? Ah, yes,
nonce only I stayed in Surat
with family members
of my uncle's very old friend—
his wife was cooking nicely ...
that was long time ago.

The speaker recollects a past memory of staying in Surat with the family of an old friend of their uncle. During that time, the friend's wife prepared delicious meals. This reminiscence takes the speaker back to a pleasant memory from the past.

Stanza 5
Coming back to Miss Pushpa
she is most popular lady
with men also and ladies also.
Whenever I asked her to do anything,
she was saying, "Just now only
I will do it."
That is showing
good spirit. I am always
appreciating the good spirit.

The speaker highlights Miss Pushpa's popularity among both men and women. Whenever asked to do something, she responds positively and promptly, showing her enthusiastic and cooperative nature. The speaker admires her positive attitude and appreciates it greatly.

Stanza 6
Pushpa Miss is never saying no.
Whatever I or anybody is asking
she is always saying yes,
and today she is going
to improve her prospect
and we are wishing her bon voyage.
Now I ask other speakers to speak
and afterwards Miss Pushpa
will do summing up.

In this final stanza, it's mentioned how Miss Pushpa never refuses any request and is always willing to help. Today, she is leaving to enhance her opportunities, and the speaker, along with others, wishes her a good journey. The speaker then invites other guests to share their thoughts, and Miss Pushpa will conclude the gathering with a final address. 

Theme/Message

Theme: The theme of the poem revolves around admiration, friendship, and bidding farewell. It also touches upon the idea of appreciating individuals for their positive qualities and the significance of good spirit and amiable nature.

Message: Through the poem, the poet conveys the message of valuing relationships and appreciating the qualities of others. It emphasizes the importance of showing gratitude and well-wishes to friends and acquaintances as they embark on new journeys in life.

Difficult Words

1. Renowned: Widely acclaimed or known.
2. Advocate: A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.
3. Popular: Liked, admired, or enjoyed by many people or a particular group.
4. Prospect: The possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring.
5. Summing up: Giving a concise overview or conclusion.
6. Admiring: Regard with respect and warm approval.
7. Improving: Make or become better in quality.
8. Popularity: The state or condition of being liked, admired, or supported by many people.
9. Spirit: The prevailing or typical quality, mood, or attitude of a person or group.
10. Reminiscing: Indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events.