Question

Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow:

The bird leaves its nest

This is an excerpt from the Rihla:

My departure from Tangier, my birthplace, took place on Thursday... I set out alone, having neither fellow-traveller... nor caravan whose party I might join, but swayed by an overmastering impulse within me and a desire long-cherished in my bosom to visit these illustrious sanctuaries. So I braced my resolution to quit all my dear ones, female and male, and forsook my home as birds forsake their nests ... My age at that time was twenty-two years.

Ibn Battuta returned home in 1354, about 30 years after he had set out.

Analyse the symbolism of the bird leaving its nest in the context of Ibn Battuta.

Hint:

The metaphor of a bird leaving its nest is often used to represent personal growth, freedom, and the pursuit of knowledge. In Ibn Battuta's case, it highlights the idea of detachment and exploration.

Answer 1

The symbolism of the bird leaving its nest reflects Ibn Battuta's decision to leave the comfort of his homeland and embark on an adventurous journey. Much like birds forsake their nests to explore new lands, Ibn Battuta was driven by a deep desire to explore distant lands and religious sanctuaries. His departure symbolized a sense of freedom, the quest for knowledge, and the urge to travel, all of which were important themes in his life. This metaphor also signifies his resolve to detach from personal attachments and embrace the unknown for spiritual and intellectual growth.