Choose a Poem
Poem: A Day (by Emily Dickinson)
Summary
The poem "A Day," by Emily Dickinson, describes a full day from sunrise to sunset. The speaker, sounding innocent like a child, first explains how the sun rises. She uses beautiful, clear pictures: the light looks like "ribbons," church steeples shine like "amethyst," and the hills seem to remove their "bonnets." She sounds confident and full of wonder about the morning.
Then, the speaker describes the sunset. But here, she becomes uncertain and admits she doesn't know exactly how it happens. She sees a mysterious "purple stile" (like steps) and children climbing it towards a guide ("Dominie") who leads them away into the dark.
This change makes the simple day feel like a picture, or metaphor, for life's journey: the bright, understandable beginning (childhood) compared to the mysterious, unknown ending (death).
Questions & Answers
75 Words:
Is the speaker watching the morning sun? Why? Why not?
Yes, the speaker is watching the morning sun. We know this because she gives very specific details about how it looks. She describes the light like "ribbons," how the church steeples change color, and mentions hearing birds singing. These details show she is observing the sunrise closely as it happens.
Write the main theme of the poem.
The main theme of "A Day" is the journey of life. It uses the day, from sunrise to sunset, as a metaphor or picture for life. It shows the bright, clear beginning of life (like birth or childhood) and contrasts it with the mysterious, unknown ending (like death or what comes after).
How does the sun set?
The speaker admits she doesn't know exactly how the sun sets. Instead, she describes seeing a "purple stile" appear, like steps leading somewhere unknown. Little children were climbing this stile towards the darkness, until they were met and led away by a "Dominie." The sunset is shown as a mysterious transition.
What were the children doing during the sunset?
During the sunset, the poem says "little yellow boys and girls" were climbing up something called a "purple stile." This stile seems like steps or a barrier leading towards the darkness. They climbed until they met a "Dominie in gray" (a guide) who led them away into the night.
Describe the appropriateness of the title of the poem 'A Day'.
The title "A Day" is very appropriate. The poem literally describes the events of one full day, from sunrise to sunset. More importantly, the poet uses this single day as the central metaphor to explore the much bigger theme of the entire human life cycle - from its clear start to its mysterious end.
How does the poet describe the morning sun in the first stanza?
In the first stanza, the poet describes the morning sun rising gently, like "A ribbon at a time." The sunlight makes the church steeples look purple, like they "swam in amethyst." The news of the sunrise spreads very quickly, "like squirrels ran." These images create a picture of a beautiful dawn.
What does the line 'The news like squirrels ran' mean?
The line 'The news like squirrels ran' means that awareness of the sunrise spread very quickly. Just like squirrels dart around fast, the arrival of the morning light seemed to happen rapidly, with its effects becoming visible everywhere almost at once. It emphasizes the speed of the dawn.
150 Words / Long Answer:
Explain the figurative or metaphorical meaning of the poem, A Day. (VVVIMP)
Emily Dickinson's poem "A Day" uses the simple picture of a sunrise and sunset to explore the deeper meaning of human life. It presents the day as a metaphor, or symbol, for our journey from birth to death. The sunrise is shown with bright, clear images like "ribbons" of light and colourful "amethyst" steeples. This represents the beginning of life - birth and childhood - which seems full of wonder and feels relatively easy to understand. The speaker sounds confident describing this part.
In contrast, the sunset is described with uncertainty ("how he set, I know not"). The fading light and the "purple stile" (like steps over a barrier) suggest crossing into the unknown, likely representing death or what comes after. Children climbing towards a mysterious guide ("Dominie") further hint at this transition away from the known world. Therefore, the poem beautifully contrasts the understandable beginning of life with the mysterious nature of its end.
In contrast, the sunset is described with uncertainty ("how he set, I know not"). The fading light and the "purple stile" (like steps over a barrier) suggest crossing into the unknown, likely representing death or what comes after. Children climbing towards a mysterious guide ("Dominie") further hint at this transition away from the known world. Therefore, the poem beautifully contrasts the understandable beginning of life with the mysterious nature of its end.
How does the poet compare the beauty of sunrise with childhood?
In "A Day," Emily Dickinson shows how the beauty of sunrise is like childhood. She describes the morning using bright pictures and lots of energy, which reminds us of early life. The clear images, like light spreading in "ribbons" and shiny "amethyst" steeples, show the great beauty and feeling of wonder that a child might see in the world.
The energy of the morning, with news spreading fast like "squirrels" and "bobolinks" singing, is like the excitement and feeling of new beginnings in childhood. Also, the speaker sounds very confident ("I'll tell you..."). This is similar to the innocent certainty that children often have before they learn about life's problems. So, the beautiful sunrise acts as a strong picture or metaphor for the bright, innocent, and seemingly easy-to-understand time of childhood.
The energy of the morning, with news spreading fast like "squirrels" and "bobolinks" singing, is like the excitement and feeling of new beginnings in childhood. Also, the speaker sounds very confident ("I'll tell you..."). This is similar to the innocent certainty that children often have before they learn about life's problems. So, the beautiful sunrise acts as a strong picture or metaphor for the bright, innocent, and seemingly easy-to-understand time of childhood.
How do the imagaries support the theme of the poem "A Day"?
The main theme of "A Day" is about life's journey, showing the clear beginning (like birth or childhood) and the mysterious end (like death). The poem uses strong pictures, called imagery, to make us feel this theme.
The imagery of the sunrise uses bright, happy pictures. We see "ribbons" of light and "amethyst" steeples. These clear, beautiful images support the idea that the start of life feels wonderful, energetic, and easy to understand, like childhood innocence.
Then, the imagery of the sunset uses darker, less clear pictures. The "purple stile" suggests a barrier or a crossing into something unknown. The speaker feeling uncertain ("I know not") and the mysterious "Dominie" leading children away support the idea that the end of life is mysterious and hard to understand. So, the contrast between the bright morning pictures and the dimmer, uncertain evening pictures perfectly supports the poem's main theme about the understandable start and mysterious end of life's journey.
The imagery of the sunrise uses bright, happy pictures. We see "ribbons" of light and "amethyst" steeples. These clear, beautiful images support the idea that the start of life feels wonderful, energetic, and easy to understand, like childhood innocence.
Then, the imagery of the sunset uses darker, less clear pictures. The "purple stile" suggests a barrier or a crossing into something unknown. The speaker feeling uncertain ("I know not") and the mysterious "Dominie" leading children away support the idea that the end of life is mysterious and hard to understand. So, the contrast between the bright morning pictures and the dimmer, uncertain evening pictures perfectly supports the poem's main theme about the understandable start and mysterious end of life's journey.
How does the poet explore the beauty of nature? 150 wrods in similer english
In "A Day," Emily Dickinson explores the beauty of nature by carefully watching and describing what happens from morning to night. She shows nature's beauty through vivid pictures and sounds.
For the sunrise, she paints a beautiful picture using colors and light. The sun's rays are like "ribbons," and the light makes church steeples shine like purple "amethyst." She describes the hills taking off their misty covers like "bonnets" and mentions the cheerful singing of birds ("bobolinks"). These details show the bright, energetic beauty of the morning.
Even though the sunset is more mysterious, the poet still finds beauty in it. She describes the "purple stile" and the "yellow boys and girls" climbing in the fading light. This shows a quieter, softer beauty as the day ends.
By using these detailed descriptions and comparing parts of nature to things we know (like ribbons or bonnets), the poet helps us see and appreciate the beauty found in nature throughout the whole day.
For the sunrise, she paints a beautiful picture using colors and light. The sun's rays are like "ribbons," and the light makes church steeples shine like purple "amethyst." She describes the hills taking off their misty covers like "bonnets" and mentions the cheerful singing of birds ("bobolinks"). These details show the bright, energetic beauty of the morning.
Even though the sunset is more mysterious, the poet still finds beauty in it. She describes the "purple stile" and the "yellow boys and girls" climbing in the fading light. This shows a quieter, softer beauty as the day ends.
By using these detailed descriptions and comparing parts of nature to things we know (like ribbons or bonnets), the poet helps us see and appreciate the beauty found in nature throughout the whole day.
Poem: Every Morning I Wake
Summary
The poem "Every Morning I Wake" is a simple prayer. The speaker talks directly to God every morning when he wakes up and every evening before sleeping.
He asks God to lovingly watch over and protect all people, whom he calls "poor creatures born to die," especially those in his town, Milk Wood. He knows that life is uncertain ("touch-and-go"), and people are fragile and need God's help to survive each night and see the morning.
The speaker has strong faith. He believes God understands that people are a mix of good and bad, and trusts God will focus on their "best side," not their "worst." He finishes with hope, saying goodbye to the setting sun "just for now," expecting to see a new day because of God's grace and asking for God's blessing.
Questions & Answers
75 Words:
Explain the following lines from the poem Every Morning I Wake with reference to the context. We are not wholly bad or good / Who lives our live under Milk Wood, / And Thou, I know, wilt be the first / To see our best side, not our worst.
These lines, from the prayer "Every Morning I Wake," mean that the people living in Milk Wood are not perfect they are a mix of good and bad. The speaker believes that God ("Thou") knows this better than anyone. Importantly, the speaker trusts that God will focus on their good qualities ("best side") instead of judging them harshly for their mistakes ("worst side"). This shows faith in God's understanding and kindness.
Who are the people living under the Milkwood?
The people living under Milk Wood are the ordinary residents of that town or community. The speaker refers to them, and all humans, as "poor creatures born to die." They are presented as everyday people who need God's help and protection as they live their lives.
What does the speaker pray for? Why?
The speaker prays for God's loving care and protection ("keep Thy loving eye") for all people ("poor creatures"). He asks for blessings on the town and hopes they survive the night. He prays because he knows life is uncertain ("touch-and-go") and people are fragile and mortal, needing God's mercy and grace to live and face each day.
Whom does the poet call 'poor creature' and why? Give reasons.
The poet calls all humans, especially the people of Milk Wood, 'poor creatures.' The reason is that humans are mortal - the poem says they are "born to die." This means people are fragile, have limited lives, and eventually face death. They need God's mercy and protection because they are not all-powerful themselves.
Do you agree or disagree...? Write your opinion about the existence of God
I agree with the poet's view of God's magnificence. The poem shows God as the ultimate protector people rely on daily for life and mercy, suggesting great power and care. Personally, believing in God's existence is based on faith. Many, like the poet, find hope and meaning in believing a higher power is watching over us.
Why does the poet pray early in the morning?
The poet prays early in the morning when he wakes up. He asks God to watch over everyone ("keep Thy loving eye") for the new day ahead. It's likely also a moment of gratitude for surviving the uncertain night. He seeks God's guidance and protection right from the start of the day.
Explain the lines: And thou, I know wilt be the first / To see our best side, not our wors
Within the poem's prayer, these lines show the speaker talking to God ("Thou"). He strongly believes ("I know") that God will look past people's mistakes ("worst side"). Instead, God will be the very first to notice and appreciate their good qualities and intentions ("best side"). It shows the speaker's deep faith in God's kindness and forgiving nature
150 Words / Long Answer:
Why does the speaker make a prayer to the God, but not to a king, a billionaire or a scientist?
The speaker in "Every Morning I Wake" prays to God because God is seen as the only one with true, ultimate power. Kings, billionaires, and scientists are powerful in human ways with money, laws, or knowledge - but they are still just humans. The poem calls everyone "poor creatures born to die." This means even the most powerful people are limited and will eventually die.
The speaker asks for things like protection through the night, blessings, mercy, and for God to see their "best side." These are deep, spiritual needs that earthly power or money can't truly fulfill. Only God, believed to be all-powerful, eternal, and all-knowing, can offer this kind of ultimate care and protection over life and death. That's why the prayer goes to God, not to any human, no matter how important they seem.
The speaker asks for things like protection through the night, blessings, mercy, and for God to see their "best side." These are deep, spiritual needs that earthly power or money can't truly fulfill. Only God, believed to be all-powerful, eternal, and all-knowing, can offer this kind of ultimate care and protection over life and death. That's why the prayer goes to God, not to any human, no matter how important they seem.
Poem: I Was My Own Route
Summary
Julia de Burgos's poem "I Was My Own Route" tells the story of a woman breaking free. At first, she tried to be what men wanted her to be, which felt like hiding her true self ("hide and seek"). But she rejected this past and refused to "walk backwards."
Instead, she bravely decided to create her "own route," moving forward towards independence and self-discovery. This wasn't easy; she faced painful opposition from the "old guard" (people supporting old patriarchal rules). Despite the struggle, by choosing her own path, she found a deep, personal "intimate liberation." She felt whole, connected to her true self, and able to live fully in the present. The poem is a powerful call for women to reject limits imposed by others and have the courage to define their own identities.
Questions & Answers
75 Words:
Why does the speaker prefer the present to the past?
The speaker prefers the present because her past was painful. She tried to follow old patriarchal rules set by men, which restricted her and made her feel rootless. In the present, she has broken free. She walks her own path proudly, feeling liberated and equal. This freedom makes the present much better than the restricted past.
Critically evaluate the speaker's 'feeling of intimate liberation' in the poem.
The speaker's 'feeling of intimate liberation' is a deep, personal sense of freedom. She achieves it by rejecting the old rules and expectations for women (patriarchy). It comes from within as she bravely chooses her own identity and path ("route"). This liberation means she is no longer hiding her true self and feels detached from past limits.
Explain the following lines with reference to the context: At each advancing step on my route forward / my back was ripped by the desperate flapping wings / of the old guard.
These lines describe the speaker's struggle for freedom. As she took each step forward on her new path ("advancing step"), she faced strong opposition. Her "back was ripped" means she felt attacked or hurt by the "old guard" - the people and ideas defending the old patriarchal rules. Their "desperate flapping wings" show how hard they tried to stop her progress.
Why did the old guards grow desperate?
The "old guards" (supporters of old patriarchal rules) grew desperate because the speaker was successfully challenging their system. She separated herself from their values and started walking her own path towards equality. They saw her breaking free and becoming independent, which threatened their control and traditional ways, making them desperate to stop her.
Why did the speaker desire to follow men warp in her?
The speaker's desire to follow men "warped" (became twisted or wrong) because trying to live by patriarchal rules failed her. She couldn't please them, felt restricted, and lost her own identity. This negative experience made the original desire seem unnatural and undesirable. It pushed her to reject that path and instead create her own route forward.
As the chief of a local government unit of your country, what would you do to address the feelings of the women like Julia de Burgos? Explain.
Introduction: As a local chief, addressing the feelings of women like Julia de Burgos-who feel burdened by old rules and want freedom-would be a high priority. Her poem highlights the need for change and respect.
Body: First, I would actively listen to women in the community to understand their specific challenges and desires for equality and independence. I would work to change local rules or practices that unfairly limit women's opportunities in education, work, or public life. I'd promote awareness campaigns against harmful traditions (the "old guard" mentality) and support programs that empower women economically and socially. Creating safe spaces for women to voice concerns and ensuring their participation in local decision-making would be crucial to show they are valued and can follow their own paths.
Conclusion: Therefore, my actions would focus on listening, changing unfair systems, empowering women, and ensuring they have the freedom and respect to choose their own routes in life.
Body: First, I would actively listen to women in the community to understand their specific challenges and desires for equality and independence. I would work to change local rules or practices that unfairly limit women's opportunities in education, work, or public life. I'd promote awareness campaigns against harmful traditions (the "old guard" mentality) and support programs that empower women economically and socially. Creating safe spaces for women to voice concerns and ensuring their participation in local decision-making would be crucial to show they are valued and can follow their own paths.
Conclusion: Therefore, my actions would focus on listening, changing unfair systems, empowering women, and ensuring they have the freedom and respect to choose their own routes in life.
Explain the following lines with reference to the context: At each advancing step on my route forward my back was ripped by the desperate flapping wings of the old guard.
(This question appears identical to a previous one in this section - providing the same answer) These lines describe the speaker's struggle for freedom. As she took each step forward on her new path ("advancing step"), she faced strong opposition. Her "back was ripped" means she felt attacked or hurt by the "old guard" - the people and ideas defending the old patriarchal rules. Their "desperate flapping wings" show how hard they tried to stop her progress.
150 Words / Long Answer:
Explicate the radical feminist ideas expressed by Julia in her poem, I was my Own Route.
Introduction: Julia de Burgos's poem, "I Was My Own Route," strongly expresses radical feminist ideas. It focuses on completely rejecting male control (patriarchy) and finding true female freedom.
Body: The speaker first tried to live how men wanted, but she felt this was not her real life. She refused to follow old rules or go "backwards." Instead, she bravely decided to create her "own route" forward, showing a desire for total independence. This path was difficult, as the "old guard" (representing the old system of male power) tried desperately to stop her, causing her pain ("my back was ripped"). Still, she found a deep, personal "intimate liberation" by defining herself and her journey on her own terms, completely separate from male expectations.
Conclusion: Therefore, the poem makes a radical demand for women to completely break free from patriarchal limits and define their own identities and paths.
Body: The speaker first tried to live how men wanted, but she felt this was not her real life. She refused to follow old rules or go "backwards." Instead, she bravely decided to create her "own route" forward, showing a desire for total independence. This path was difficult, as the "old guard" (representing the old system of male power) tried desperately to stop her, causing her pain ("my back was ripped"). Still, she found a deep, personal "intimate liberation" by defining herself and her journey on her own terms, completely separate from male expectations.
Conclusion: Therefore, the poem makes a radical demand for women to completely break free from patriarchal limits and define their own identities and paths.
What route did the Persona in the poem 'I was My Own Route' prefer? Why?
Introduction: In Julia de Burgos's "I Was My Own Route," the persona, or speaker, clearly shows she prefers the path she creates for herself over the one society or men expected her to follow.
Body: She rejects the old route because it forced her to be someone she wasn't, like playing "hide and seek" with her true self. Trying to live how men wanted felt restrictive and like going "backwards." That path brought pain and made her lose her identity. She strongly prefers her "own route" because it means moving "forward, forward," breaking free from past limitations ("mocking the ashes"). This chosen path allows her to live in the present ("made of nows") and brings a deep sense of personal freedom- her "intimate liberation."
Conclusion: Therefore, the persona prefers her own route because it represents freedom, authenticity, and the power to define her own life, unlike the limiting path set by others.
Body: She rejects the old route because it forced her to be someone she wasn't, like playing "hide and seek" with her true self. Trying to live how men wanted felt restrictive and like going "backwards." That path brought pain and made her lose her identity. She strongly prefers her "own route" because it means moving "forward, forward," breaking free from past limitations ("mocking the ashes"). This chosen path allows her to live in the present ("made of nows") and brings a deep sense of personal freedom- her "intimate liberation."
Conclusion: Therefore, the persona prefers her own route because it represents freedom, authenticity, and the power to define her own life, unlike the limiting path set by others.
The poem "I Was My Own Route" is about the women have been burdened with the patriarchal ideologies from the past so as to detach them from such burden, they have to establish their own identity for their intimate liberation and respect. Justify.
Introduction: Julia de Burgos's "I Was My Own Route" certainly justifies the idea that women, burdened by past patriarchal ideologies, must create their own identity for liberation.
Body: The poem shows this burden when the speaker describes trying to be "like men wanted," which felt like hiding her true self. This patriarchal past tried to keep her "walking backwards." To escape this, she detaches herself, refusing the old ways and bravely choosing her "own route" forward. This active creation of her own identity is her way of fighting the "old guard" (patriarchal society). It's through this self-defined path that she finds "intimate liberation" - a deep, personal freedom - and earns respect for her strength, even if the old system doesn't offer it ("homage was left waiting").
Conclusion: Therefore, the poem strongly makes the case that rejecting past burdens and establishing one's own identity are essential steps for women to achieve liberation and respect.
Body: The poem shows this burden when the speaker describes trying to be "like men wanted," which felt like hiding her true self. This patriarchal past tried to keep her "walking backwards." To escape this, she detaches herself, refusing the old ways and bravely choosing her "own route" forward. This active creation of her own identity is her way of fighting the "old guard" (patriarchal society). It's through this self-defined path that she finds "intimate liberation" - a deep, personal freedom - and earns respect for her strength, even if the old system doesn't offer it ("homage was left waiting").
Conclusion: Therefore, the poem strongly makes the case that rejecting past burdens and establishing one's own identity are essential steps for women to achieve liberation and respect.
Poem: The Awakening Age
Summary
The poem "The Awakening Age" is a message of hope for people who have suffered greatly, perhaps from poverty and war (like the Nigerians after their civil war). The poet speaks to those who "travel the meridian line," asking them to have a vision of a "new world" and see beyond their past pain towards a better future he calls the "awakening age."
He emphasizes that all people are connected by hope, which is strong like a "mountain rope." He encourages them to work together ("ascend to a new height") using their inner truth and wisdom ("heart's clearest light").
The poem suggests that by changing how they see things ("perceptions"), people can gain truth instead of pain. It reminds them they possess valuable "work, wisdom, and creativity," not just poverty. The final goal is unity and creating a peaceful, positive future together (a "loving harvest").
Questions & Answers
75 Words:
What can we gain after our perceptions are changed?
After our perceptions are changed, the poem says we can gain a lot. Instead of pain, we find truth. We can move away from problems and achieve unity, prosperity, work, wisdom, and creativity. Changing how we see things helps us see the good in people beyond just their poverty.
Explain with reference to the context: Together we can ascend to a new height, / Guided by our heart's clearest light.
These lines mean that if people work together in unity, they can reach a better future (a "new height") like achieving prosperity and progress. To do this, they should be guided by their inner goodness, wisdom, and truth (their "heart's clearest light"), not by hate or old problems.
What is the central idea of the poem, The Awakening Age?
The central idea of "The Awakening Age" is hope and unity for people who have suffered (like Nigerians after the civil war). It calls for them to change their perceptions, believe in a better future ("awakening age"), and work together. They should use their wisdom and creativity to overcome poverty and achieve peace and prosperity.
Who are the people 'who travel the meridian line?
The people 'who travel the meridian line' likely represent the Nigerian people (or Africans, or even all suffering people) who have endured great hardship, like poverty, hunger, and war. They are people who need to cross over from past suffering to a new future with a new vision of hope and unity.
Why and how does the poet appeal to the Nigerians to rise up for the 'Awakening Age'?
The poet appeals to Nigerians to rise up because they have suffered greatly from poverty and division. He wants them to have hope for a better future. How they should rise up is by: uniting, changing their negative perceptions, using their wisdom and creativity, and being guided by hope and truth ("heart's clearest light").
150 Words / Long Answer:
'Human beings are connected with hope.' Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons.
Introduction: Based on Ben Okri's "The Awakening Age" and general life experience, I strongly agree that hope connects human beings.
Body: The poem itself shows this connection. Even after suffering "poverty's rage," the speaker appeals to a shared hope for a better future, the "awakening age." He says, "we are all richly linked in hope, / Woven in history, like a mountain rope." This beautiful image shows hope as a strong tie that binds people together, like a rope helping climbers. In difficult times, shared hope gives people a common goal and the strength to support each other and work together. Hope for peace, safety, or a better life for children are feelings almost everyone understands and shares, creating a powerful human connection.
Conclusion: Therefore, hope acts as a vital link, uniting people across different experiences and giving them the collective strength to face hardship and strive for a better future.
Body: The poem itself shows this connection. Even after suffering "poverty's rage," the speaker appeals to a shared hope for a better future, the "awakening age." He says, "we are all richly linked in hope, / Woven in history, like a mountain rope." This beautiful image shows hope as a strong tie that binds people together, like a rope helping climbers. In difficult times, shared hope gives people a common goal and the strength to support each other and work together. Hope for peace, safety, or a better life for children are feelings almost everyone understands and shares, creating a powerful human connection.
Conclusion: Therefore, hope acts as a vital link, uniting people across different experiences and giving them the collective strength to face hardship and strive for a better future.
Explain the following lines of the poem, 'The Awakening Age' with reference to the context. O ye who travel the meridian line, May the vision of a new world within you shine. May eyes that have lived with poverty's rage, See through to the glory of the awakening age.
Introduction: These opening lines from Ben Okri's "The Awakening Age" are a direct address and a hopeful wish. The context is likely aimed at people, perhaps Nigerians, who have suffered greatly, possibly from war and hardship.
Body: The poet speaks to those who "travel the meridian line," which could mean people crossing geographical lines or, more likely, people moving from a difficult past towards a new future. He wishes for them to hold a bright "vision of a new world" inside themselves. He hopes that people whose eyes have seen terrible "poverty's rage" (intense suffering from poverty) will be able to look past that pain. He wants them to see and believe in the wonderful potential of a future time, which he calls the "glory of the awakening age"-a time of peace, understanding, and prosperity.
Conclusion: Therefore, these lines serve as an encouraging call for suffering people to hold onto hope and look forward to a positive transformation and a brighter future.
Body: The poet speaks to those who "travel the meridian line," which could mean people crossing geographical lines or, more likely, people moving from a difficult past towards a new future. He wishes for them to hold a bright "vision of a new world" inside themselves. He hopes that people whose eyes have seen terrible "poverty's rage" (intense suffering from poverty) will be able to look past that pain. He wants them to see and believe in the wonderful potential of a future time, which he calls the "glory of the awakening age"-a time of peace, understanding, and prosperity.
Conclusion: Therefore, these lines serve as an encouraging call for suffering people to hold onto hope and look forward to a positive transformation and a brighter future.
Explain the following lines from the poem 'The Awakening Age' with reference to the context. When perceptions are changed there's much to gain, A flowering of truth instead of pain. There's more to a people than their poverty; There's their work, wisdom, and creativity.
Introduction: In Ben Okri's "The Awakening Age," these lines explain the positive results that can come from changing how people think and see the world, especially after times of suffering.
Body: The poet says that if people change their "perceptions" (their viewpoints or ways of understanding), they have "much to gain." Instead of focusing on past "pain," they can experience a "flowering of truth." He wants people to realize that a group is not defined only by its difficulties, like "poverty." He emphasizes that people possess valuable inner qualities: their ability to "work," their "wisdom" (knowledge and good judgment), and their "creativity" (ability to make new things or have new ideas). Changing perception helps unlock and value these positive strengths.
Conclusion: Thus, these lines argue that shifting perspective is key to overcoming hardship, finding truth, and recognizing the hidden potential and strengths within people.
Body: The poet says that if people change their "perceptions" (their viewpoints or ways of understanding), they have "much to gain." Instead of focusing on past "pain," they can experience a "flowering of truth." He wants people to realize that a group is not defined only by its difficulties, like "poverty." He emphasizes that people possess valuable inner qualities: their ability to "work," their "wisdom" (knowledge and good judgment), and their "creativity" (ability to make new things or have new ideas). Changing perception helps unlock and value these positive strengths.
Conclusion: Thus, these lines argue that shifting perspective is key to overcoming hardship, finding truth, and recognizing the hidden potential and strengths within people.
Does the poet present migration in a positive light? Why? Why not? (The Aweaking Age)
Introduction: Ben Okri's poem "The Awakening Age" does present migration in a positive light. However, it seems to be mostly a metaphorical migration-a symbolic journey-rather than just physical travel.
Body: The poem speaks positively about moving towards a "new world" and an "awakening age" filled with hope, wisdom, and unity. This "travel" or movement away from "poverty's rage" and past suffering is shown as desirable. The goal is to "ascend to a new height." But, the poem focuses more on changing perceptions and finding inner strength ("heart's clearest light"). The "migration" seems to be about leaving behind old ways of thinking and a state of suffering, rather than specifically moving to another country.
Conclusion: Therefore, the poet portrays migration positively as a symbolic journey towards a better future, hope, and unity, rather than focusing on the literal act of moving places.
Body: The poem speaks positively about moving towards a "new world" and an "awakening age" filled with hope, wisdom, and unity. This "travel" or movement away from "poverty's rage" and past suffering is shown as desirable. The goal is to "ascend to a new height." But, the poem focuses more on changing perceptions and finding inner strength ("heart's clearest light"). The "migration" seems to be about leaving behind old ways of thinking and a state of suffering, rather than specifically moving to another country.
Conclusion: Therefore, the poet portrays migration positively as a symbolic journey towards a better future, hope, and unity, rather than focusing on the literal act of moving places.
Poem: Soft Storm
Summary
Abhi Subedi's poem "Soft Storm" describes the speaker's inner feelings while observing the chaos and problems of his city (likely Kathmandu) and time. He feels a "soft storm" inside him - meaning he's deeply disturbed and sad, but in a quiet, internal way.
This feeling comes from seeing many troubling things: political confusion, homeless children crying from hunger, history and culture being ignored ("unwedded gardens of history"), and senseless violence (like a man being beaten for no reason, or another victim silenced with a "blood-stained shirt"). He notices that nature also seems disturbed, reflecting the societal problems.
The speaker feels compassion and sadness about these "mad times" or "hard times." He wishes he could just "melt like a rainbow," suggesting a desire for peace, escape, and perhaps beauty in the middle of all the ugliness and absurdity he witnesses.
Questions & Answers
75 Words:
Discuss the title's significance in the poem, Soft Storm.
The title "Soft Storm" is significant because it describes the speaker's inner feeling. It's a "storm" because he feels very disturbed and troubled by the chaos he sees. But it's "soft" because his feeling is mostly internal and quiet, perhaps sad or compassionate, not loud or violent outwardly. The title captures this feeling of being deeply affected inside by the harsh world.
Why is the poet contemplating over the absurdities of tumultuous time?
The poet contemplates (thinks deeply about) the absurdities (things that don't make sense) of the tumultuous time (chaotic period) because he is deeply disturbed by them. He sees violence without reason, suffering being ignored, nature acting strangely, and history forgotten. These contradictions and senseless events cause him inner pain (the "soft storm"), making him reflect on the troubling state of society.
What is the speaker like? Is he a rebel?
The speaker seems sensitive, observant, and compassionate. He is deeply affected by the suffering and chaos he sees. He is not an openly aggressive rebel who shouts or fights outwardly. However, his deep dissatisfaction with the "mad time" and his clear criticism of the problems show a kind of quiet, internal rebellion against the injustice and absurdity he witnesses.
What do you understand by 'the unwedded gardens of history'?
"The unwedded gardens of history" likely means parts of the country's past culture or history that are not properly cared for or acknowledged. Like a garden left "unwedded" or untended, these parts might be ignored, neglected, or maybe even related to unpleasant events or traditions from the past that society hasn't dealt with properly.
When does the speaker grow soft? Enlist the occasions when he grows soft?'
The speaker grows soft (feels deeply disturbed or sad) on many occasions. He becomes soft when he hears the loud chaos ("tumult"), sees homeless children crying from hunger, witnesses a lonely child searching for his mother amidst violence, sees a man beaten mercilessly, and observes the blood-stained shirt of another suffering person.
What do you understand by 'this seamless city'?
"This seamless city" refers to a memory or idea of the city in the past. "Seamless" means smooth, without problems or breaks. So, the speaker is likely remembering a time when the city felt more peaceful, orderly, and perhaps simpler, contrasting it strongly with the chaotic and troubled city he sees now in the "mad time."
Describe the poor children portrayed in the poem.
The poem portrays poor children suffering greatly. It specifically mentions homeless children in Thamel who were crying loudly because of hunger. Another picture is of a "forlorn child" (sad and lonely) carrying a radio, wailing as he runs around searching desperately for his mother in the midst of "violent history."
150 Words / Long Answer:
Explain the following lines from the poem 'Soft Storm' with reference to the context. I become soft / When I saw / a blood-stained shirt / speaking in the earth's ears / with bruised human lips / in the far corner / under the moon / of history and dreams / playing hide and seek / in open museums / of human times.
Introduction: In Abhi Subedi's "Soft Storm," this stanza shows a powerful reason why the speaker "became soft"-deeply affected and compassionate. It describes a disturbing scene of hidden violence and suffering.
Body: The speaker witnesses someone severely injured, indicated by the "blood-stained shirt" and "bruised human lips." This person is isolated ("in the far corner / under the moon"), suggesting the suffering happens secretly or is ignored. The phrase "speaking in the earth's ears" implies the victim is silenced or unheard by society, their pain only absorbed by the ground. This violence occurs even though history and human experience are like "open museums." The mention of "history and dreams playing hide and seek" suggests that truth and hope are hard to find in these violent "human times."
Conclusion: Therefore, these lines vividly explain the speaker's "softness" as a pained reaction to witnessing extreme, ignored human suffering hidden within the broader context of society and history.
Body: The speaker witnesses someone severely injured, indicated by the "blood-stained shirt" and "bruised human lips." This person is isolated ("in the far corner / under the moon"), suggesting the suffering happens secretly or is ignored. The phrase "speaking in the earth's ears" implies the victim is silenced or unheard by society, their pain only absorbed by the ground. This violence occurs even though history and human experience are like "open museums." The mention of "history and dreams playing hide and seek" suggests that truth and hope are hard to find in these violent "human times."
Conclusion: Therefore, these lines vividly explain the speaker's "softness" as a pained reaction to witnessing extreme, ignored human suffering hidden within the broader context of society and history.
Summarize the poem 'Soft Storm' as a speaker's dissatisfaction towards social, cultural, economic and political issues prevailing in Nepal.
Introduction: Abhi Subedi's poem "Soft Storm" shows the speaker feels very unhappy and worried about the many problems happening in his society (likely Nepal now).
Body: He feels a kind of sad storm inside him ("soft storm") because he sees bad things everywhere. He sees confusing politics, history being forgotten, poor children crying because they are hungry, and people being hurt. He mentions a man beaten badly for no reason and another hurt person who seems unable to speak about their pain. It feels like people's suffering is ignored. He thinks it's a "mad time" and "hard times" because everything seems unfair and chaotic.
Conclusion: So, the poem is about the speaker's deep sadness regarding the different problems and unfairness he sees all around him in society.
Body: He feels a kind of sad storm inside him ("soft storm") because he sees bad things everywhere. He sees confusing politics, history being forgotten, poor children crying because they are hungry, and people being hurt. He mentions a man beaten badly for no reason and another hurt person who seems unable to speak about their pain. It feels like people's suffering is ignored. He thinks it's a "mad time" and "hard times" because everything seems unfair and chaotic.
Conclusion: So, the poem is about the speaker's deep sadness regarding the different problems and unfairness he sees all around him in society.
Describe the main aspects dealt with in the poem.
Introduction: Abhi Subedi's poem "Soft Storm" mainly deals with the speaker's inner feelings as he reacts to the chaotic world around him, likely reflecting modern Nepal.
Body: A key aspect is the speaker's deep disturbance the "soft storm" inside him-caused by seeing social problems. He observes political confusion, poverty (like homeless children), violence (a man beaten), and people's suffering being ignored. Another aspect is the connection between nature and society; the poem shows nature also seems disturbed (crocuses growing strangely, sad birds). The poem also touches on history and culture being forgotten ("unwedded gardens of history"). Finally, it deals with the speaker's personal feeling of sadness and his desire for peace and escape ("melt like a rainbow") in these "hard times."
Conclusion: Therefore, the main aspects are the speaker's pained reaction to social chaos, the link between nature and society's problems, and his personal longing for peace and understanding.
Body: A key aspect is the speaker's deep disturbance the "soft storm" inside him-caused by seeing social problems. He observes political confusion, poverty (like homeless children), violence (a man beaten), and people's suffering being ignored. Another aspect is the connection between nature and society; the poem shows nature also seems disturbed (crocuses growing strangely, sad birds). The poem also touches on history and culture being forgotten ("unwedded gardens of history"). Finally, it deals with the speaker's personal feeling of sadness and his desire for peace and escape ("melt like a rainbow") in these "hard times."
Conclusion: Therefore, the main aspects are the speaker's pained reaction to social chaos, the link between nature and society's problems, and his personal longing for peace and understanding.