1st poem A Day
By Emily Dickinson
Understanding the text
a.
How does the poet describe the morning sun in the first stanza?
The poet says the morning sun is bright and full of energy. It brings light and
starts the day. It makes everything around come to life and feel warm.
b.
What does the line ‘The news like squirrels ran’ mean?
This line means the news or changes of the morning spread very quickly, just
like squirrels that run fast and lively.
c.
What do you understand by the line ‘The hills untied their bonnets’?
This line means the hills looked like they were taking off their hats. It shows
how the fog or darkness disappears in the morning when the sun rises.
d.
Is the speaker watching the morning sun? Why? Why not?
Yes, the speaker is watching the morning sun. They describe what happens when
the sun rises, like how the hills change and how quickly the day begins.
e.
How does the sun set?
The sun sets slowly and quietly. The light goes away little by little, and the
day comes to an end peacefully.
Reference to the context
a.
What, according to the speaker, is a day?
A day is like a short journey. It begins with morning, goes through daytime,
and ends with night. It shows how time moves and how everything changes.
b.
What purpose does the hyphen in the first line serve in the poem?
The hyphen is used to make a short pause. It makes the reader stop and think
about the words. It also gives the line a soft and thoughtful feeling.
c.
What makes this poem lyrical and sonorous?
The poem feels like a song because of its smooth rhythm, rhyming words, and
lovely pictures made with words. The sound of the lines is soft and musical,
which makes it nice to read aloud.
d.
Who are the target audience of the speaker? Why?
The speaker is talking to anyone who likes to think deeply. The poem is for
people who want to understand life, time, and how quickly things change. It
helps the reader think about their own life too.
Summary of A Day by Emily Dickinson
In A Day, Emily Dickinson reflects on
the fleeting nature of time, using the figure of a day to symbolize the passage
of life. The poem explores the briefness of a single day, its rise and fall, as
a metaphor for human existence. Dickinson emphasizes how quickly time passes
and how each day is both a beginning and an end.
The poem begins by describing the arrival of a
new day, which seems to "rise" and bring light to the world,
symbolizing the start of something new. This moment of dawn can represent the
start of life or a fresh opportunity. However, as the day progresses, it is
clear that time is moving forward, and the day must eventually come to an end.
Dickinson contrasts the rising of the day with its eventual setting, showing
how the day moves from light to darkness, much like the life cycle.
Throughout the poem, Dickinson reflects on the
idea that days come and go quickly, reminding the reader that time is precious
and should be appreciated. The passing of a single day mirrors the way moments
in life pass without warning, urging the reader to be aware of the value of
time and life.
In the end, Dickinson leaves the reader with
the understanding that while a day may be brief, it holds significance in the
way it is experienced. Every day, like every life, is an important part of the
larger cycle of existence. The poem evokes the idea that time should not be
taken for granted, as it is constantly moving forward, and we must make the
most of the time we are given.
2nd poem Every Morning I Wake
By Dylan Thomas
Understanding the text
a.
When does the speaker pray to the Lord?
The
speaker prays to the Lord during the peaceful times of morning and evening.
These are the moments when the day is either beginning or coming to a close,
and people often reflect on life. Morning symbolizes a fresh start, and evening
represents rest. The speaker chooses these times to connect with the divine,
showing a regular and sincere habit of prayer. It reflects a sense of gratitude
and hope for the day ahead or the one just passed.
b.
What does the speaker pray for?
The
speaker prays for kindness and protection from the Lord, especially for all
living beings. The prayer is not for personal gain, but for the well-being of
all mortal creatures. It is a selfless and humble request, asking the Lord to
watch over the weak, innocent, and helpless. The speaker wants divine love and
care to reach everyone who is struggling or vulnerable, showing a deep sense of
compassion and a belief in the power of prayer.
c.
Who are the ‘poor creatures’? Why does the speaker call them ‘poor creatures’?
The ‘poor
creatures’ are all the living beings, including humans and animals, who live
simple, uncertain lives. The speaker calls them ‘poor’ not because they lack
money, but because their lives are full of struggle, and they have no control over
their fate. They are mortal, meaning they can die anytime, and they live with
the fear of not seeing another day. The phrase shows the speaker's sympathy and
recognition of life’s fragility and suffering.
d.
What does Milk Wood sound like? A type of wood or a place? Why?
Milk Wood
sounds like a place rather than a type of wood. In the English language, names
of places often do not need an article like ‘a’ or ‘the’. If it were a kind of
wood, grammar rules would usually require an article. Also, the name feels more
poetic and imaginary, suggesting a setting where people live. It is used more
like a proper noun—a name given to a special place, rather than an object or
material.
e.
Why do the inhabitants of Milk Wood bow to the setting sun ‘but just for now’?
The people in Milk Wood bow to the setting sun as a way of showing respect or saying goodbye to the day. The phrase ‘but just for now’ means they are hopeful the sun will rise again and they will live another day. It reflects the temporary nature of life and their uncertain future. They end their day with prayer and hope, accepting their mortality but still wishing for the blessing of another morning filled with life.
Reference to the context
a. Discuss “Every Morning When I Wake” as a prayer to God.
The poem “Every Morning When I Wake” feels like a prayer, even if
it doesn’t sound like a normal one. The poet thinks about life and death, and
asks deep questions. When he wakes up, he feels thankful and also a little
scared of life ending one day. So, he talks to God in his heart, looking for
strength and meaning. It’s like he’s quietly asking God to help him understand
life better and to live each day fully.
b. Why does the speaker make a prayer to God, but not to a king, a
billionaire or a scientist?
The speaker prays to God because God is believed to be powerful
and wise, beyond what any king, rich person, or scientist can offer. A king
rules a country, a billionaire has money, and a scientist has knowledge—but
none of them can help with life’s big questions about death and why we are
here. God, in the poem, is someone who can give peace, hope, and answers to
things that humans can’t fully understand.
c. How does the poet highlight the magnificence of God?
The poet shows God as the most powerful and special being. He says
that only God understands everything about life and death. The way the poet
talks about God shows great respect and wonder. By praying to God and not to
anyone else, the poet shows that God is above all others and is always present,
even when everything else changes.
Reference beyond the text
a. Does God exist? Give your opinion.
Whether God exists or not is a personal belief. Some people
believe in God and feel His presence through faith, religion, or life
experiences. Others are unsure or don’t believe because they think there is no
proof.
In poetry, like in “Every Morning When I Wake,” God can also be a
symbol. God can stand for love, hope, or something bigger than us. So, even if
someone doesn’t believe in God as a person, they may believe in the meaning God
brings to life.
In my opinion, believing in God can help people feel comfort, hope, and purpose—but it depends on each person’s heart and what they believe in.
Summary of Every Morning I Wake by Dylan Thomas
In Every Morning I Wake, Dylan Thomas
reflects on the complexity of life, the awareness of death, and the fleeting
nature of time. The poem expresses the speaker’s experience of waking up each
morning, confronting both the beauty and the struggles of being alive. The act
of waking up symbolizes more than just physical awakening; it is a reminder of
the passage of time and the inevitability of death.
The speaker begins by acknowledging the
feeling of waking up to the world, aware of both the gifts and challenges that
life brings. He seems to wrestle with the awareness of his mortality,
recognizing that every new day brings him closer to the end. However, despite
this realization, the poem does not dwell on despair. Instead, it captures the
tension between the excitement and sorrow of life, the internal struggle of
wanting to embrace each moment while being conscious of life’s temporary
nature.
Thomas uses vivid language to convey the
speaker's deep emotions about time, death, and existence. There is a constant
push and pull between wanting to hold on to life and recognizing that it is
fleeting. The speaker is aware of the inevitability of death but continues to
live fully in the present, embracing the contradictions of life.
Through the poem, Thomas highlights the
paradox of life and death. The speaker’s daily awakening is both a gift and a
reminder of life’s impermanence. The poem suggests that despite the knowledge
of death, there is still beauty in living, and every morning offers a chance to
experience the world and its wonders, even as time slips away.
Julia de Burgos
Reference to the Context
a. Why did the speaker try to be the way men
wanted her to be?
The speaker tried to live the way men expected
because society forced women to fit into certain roles. Even though she didn’t
agree with these roles, she initially followed them, perhaps to avoid conflict
or because it was expected. However, deep inside, she didn’t want to be
controlled by male ideas. She was a strong and modern woman who eventually
realized she deserved to live freely. Her goal became to challenge those
expectations and fight for women’s independence and equal treatment, rather
than remain a puppet of male-dominated rules and traditions.
b. What do you understand by her feet ‘would
not accept walking backwards’?
The phrase means the speaker refused to go
back to a time when women were seen as less important than men. She wanted to
move forward, not return to old-fashioned ideas where women had no freedom. Her
feet, symbolizing her decisions and actions, were determined to follow a new
path—one where she and all women could be free and equal. She rejected the past
that kept women behind and chose progress. Her journey was not just personal
but meant to inspire others to take steps forward toward liberation and
equality as well.
c. Who are the old guards? Why did they grow
desperate?
The “old guards” refer to the people and
systems that hold on tightly to traditional, male-dominated beliefs. These are
the ones who want to keep women in inferior positions and resist any change in
the social structure. They became desperate when the speaker started moving
forward and challenging their authority. Her courage threatened their control,
and they tried hard to stop her. The more she advanced, the more desperate they
became, because they feared losing power. Her actions were bold and inspiring,
and this made the old guards feel both angry and helpless.
d. How did the speaker have ‘a feeling of
intimate liberation’?
The speaker felt an inner sense of freedom
when she chose her own path instead of following what society, especially men,
expected from her. She faced challenges and pain while going against tradition,
but each step made her feel more alive and free. This liberation was
personal—it wasn’t about physical escape but emotional and mental release. She
finally felt like she was living as her true self, not as someone shaped by
others. This journey gave her a deep sense of peace and strength, as she broke
away from a life of submission.
e. Why did the speaker’s desire to follow men
warp in her?
The speaker once thought she should follow the
path created by men, as society taught her to do. But as she grew more aware,
she realized that path was full of rules, control, and unfair expectations. Her
dreams and freedom were being blocked. She wanted to be free, to use her own
voice, and make her own choices. So, her desire to follow men disappeared or
“warped.” She chose her own direction instead, one that gave her dignity,
equality, and purpose. Her strength came from refusing to be shaped by others’
expectations.
Reference to the Context
a. What does the speaker mean when she says
she was playing a game of hide and seek with her being’?
The speaker uses the phrase “playing a game of
hide and seek with her being” to describe how she was avoiding her true
identity. In this game, she is hiding from her own desires and dreams because
of the pressure to act how men wanted her to. She wasn’t living freely or
honestly; instead, she was pretending to be someone else. This hiding was
caused by fear and social expectations. But as she grew stronger, she stopped
hiding and began embracing her real self, starting a journey of self-discovery
and rebellion against limits placed on her.
b. Why, in your view, was her back ripped by
the old guards as she was advancing forward?
The line about her back being ripped shows how
painful and difficult her journey toward freedom was. As she tried to move forward
and free herself from male dominance, the “old guards”—the people who wanted to
keep things the old way—fought back. They hurt her emotionally, criticized her,
and tried to hold her back. Their desperate actions symbolized the resistance
she faced. Still, she kept moving. The image of her back being ripped shows how
brave she was, continuing to walk her path even with the pain caused by those
who didn’t want her to succeed.
c. What, according to the speaker, did it feel like to be free?
For the speaker, being free felt powerful and
joyful. It gave her a deep personal satisfaction—like finally breathing after
being held underwater. She no longer had to pretend or follow orders she didn’t
believe in. Freedom meant she could live on her own terms, make her own
decisions, and define her own identity. It wasn’t just about breaking rules; it
was about feeling whole and true to herself. Her happiness came from rejecting
control and claiming her right to live as a complete and equal human being.
d. Why does the speaker prefer the present to
the past?
The speaker prefers the present because, in
the past, she lived under control and was not free to express herself. Her life
was filled with sadness, suffering, and the effects of male dominance. She and
her family faced poverty, and her opportunities were limited. In contrast, the
present represents freedom and strength. She has found her voice and is no
longer afraid to speak up or lead others. Now, she feels proud and empowered.
The past held her back, but the present allows her to inspire others and live
as a symbol of courage and change.
e. John Donne, in his poem “No Man is an
Island”, says, “No man is an island entire of itself.” Would Burgos agree with
Donne? Do you agree with Donne or Burgos?
Donne says no person can live alone—we all need others and are connected. Burgos, however, speaks from a place where women have been treated unfairly and want to break free from male control. She may not fully agree with Donne, as her focus is on separation from oppression. Still, her message is about strength and independence, not isolation. Personally, I believe both have a point. We need to be free and strong like Burgos says, but also understand, like Donne, that society works best when people respect, support, and live together equally.
Reference Beyond the Text
Essay: My Idea of Freedom (Simplified
Version)
My
Idea of Freedom
To me, freedom
means living life in my own way. It means I can make my own choices, follow my
dreams, and be who I really am. I don’t have to do what others expect just to
make them happy. True freedom lets me speak my mind and live with honesty.
Freedom also
means feeling safe. People should be free to live without fear, speak their
thoughts, and follow their religion or beliefs. Everyone—no matter their
gender, background, or religion—should have equal rights.
But freedom is
not only about doing what we want. We should also think about how our actions
affect others. Real freedom means being kind and respectful. We should not hurt
others while enjoying our own freedom.
In conclusion,
freedom means being myself, living without fear, and respecting others at the
same time. It is about fairness, peace, and the right to live a life of my
choice. A truly free world is one where everyone is treated equally and lives
with respect and happiness.
Summary
“I Was My Own Route” by Julia de
Burgos is a powerful poem that explores the poet’s personal journey toward
self-identity and liberation. Julia de Burgos, a Puerto Rican writer and
activist, was known for addressing themes of race, gender, and freedom. In this
poem, she challenges the traditional roles imposed on women by patriarchal
society and asserts her independence by forging her own path.
The
poem consists of six stanzas, each reflecting the internal struggle between
societal expectations and the poet’s desire to be true to herself. In the
beginning, de Burgos recalls how she once tried to mold herself to meet the
expectations of men. However, this effort led to a conflict between her true
self and the role society wanted her to play. This tension is described as a
“game of hide and seek,” symbolizing her lost identity under patriarchal norms.
Eventually,
the poet decides to break free from these constraints and chooses to walk a
new, uncharted path—one created by her own will. Although this journey is
filled with challenges, it brings her a sense of inner peace and liberation.
She embraces the present moment and accepts the uncertainties of the future,
stating that her new path may have no history and an unclear future, but it
belongs entirely to her.
The
repeated line, “a game of hide and seek with my being but I was made of
nows,” emphasizes the poem’s core message: living in the present and
reclaiming one’s true identity. Written in free verse, the poem represents the
voice of a marginalized woman who refuses to be defined by the past. Through
her writing, Julia de Burgos inspires women to reject imposed roles and become
the authors of their own lives.
By Ben Okri
a. Who are the people ‘who travel the meridian
line’?
The people who travel the meridian line are
those who have faced many struggles but still move forward with hope. They
symbolize individuals searching for peace, truth, and unity after experiencing
pain, poverty, and division. Their journey represents the path to a better
life, not just for themselves, but for the entire nation. These travelers are
determined, strong, and full of dreams. They believe in change and are ready to
create a future filled with love and justice. Their journey is both physical
and spiritual, guiding others toward light and awakening.
b. What does the poet mean by ‘a new world’?
The poet means a world that is different from
the past—a world that is fair, peaceful, and full of opportunity. This “new
world” is built on truth, unity, and understanding. It is a hopeful future
where people are no longer divided by hatred, poverty, or war. In this world,
everyone has equal rights and a chance to grow. It reflects the poet’s dream
for a better society where people live with dignity and support one another.
The “new world” is a symbol of transformation, where old problems are left
behind, and a brighter future begins.
c. How are people connected?
People are connected through shared dreams,
emotions, and life experiences. Even if they come from different places or
backgrounds, they all seek love, peace, and happiness. This connection helps
them understand and care for one another. In the poem, the people are linked by
a common history and the hope for a better future. They share the desire to
rise above pain and work together. These invisible connections make them
stronger and more united. When people recognize how deeply they are connected,
they become more compassionate, supportive, and ready to build a peaceful and
fair society.
d. What can we gain after our perceptions are
changed?
When our way of thinking changes, we gain new
understanding and hope. We begin to see the world in a more positive and open
way. This helps us find peace, joy, and new chances for growth. We start to
value things like truth, love, kindness, and wisdom. Our hearts open to
different people and ideas. With changed perceptions, we can turn problems into
lessons and build stronger relationships. It also helps us become more creative
and inspired. In short, changing how we see things gives us the power to change
ourselves—and the world—for the better.
e. How are we benefited by new people?
New people bring fresh ideas, energy, and
knowledge into our lives. They help us see the world from different
perspectives and challenge our usual ways of thinking. This helps us grow and
become more open-minded. By interacting with people from different places and
cultures, we learn more about kindness, cooperation, and creativity. New people
can inspire us, support us, and work with us to solve problems. Their unique
experiences and skills can help build a better society. Welcoming new people
brings opportunities for learning, sharing, and building a more united and
peaceful community.
a. What does the poet mean by ‘the awakening age’?
The phrase "the awakening age" means
a time of realization, hope, and renewal for people who have suffered. It
represents a new beginning, where individuals become more aware of their
strengths and the need to unite for a better future. This age is about rising
above the past—overcoming poverty, pain, and division—and moving towards peace,
truth, and creativity. The poet believes this is the moment when people can
truly build a fairer, brighter world. It symbolizes progress, personal growth,
and the birth of a more caring, united society.
b. Why, in your view, have these people ‘lived
with poverty’s rage’?
In my view, these people have lived with
poverty’s rage because of a long history of injustice, war, and inequality.
They have been denied basic rights, resources, and opportunities. External
powers once exploited their land and people, and internal conflicts made things
worse. Poor leadership, corruption, and unfair systems left many without food,
education, or jobs. People lived in frustration, watching a few grow rich while
most stayed poor. This suffering caused deep anger and hopelessness. They
didn’t always realize things could change, which made their struggle even
harder.
c. Why does the poet appeal for solidarity
among the people?
The poet asks for solidarity because he
believes that when people stand together, they become stronger. In times of
hardship, division makes life worse. But when people unite with a common goal,
they can fight poverty, build peace, and create a better future. Solidarity
brings hope and helps people share knowledge, resources, and support. The poet
wants everyone to work as one to heal their nation and dream of a better world.
Together, they can overcome the past and start a new chapter of growth, truth,
and harmony.
d. Does the poet present migration in a
positive light? Why? Why not?
Yes, the poet presents migration positively.
He sees it as a symbol of progress and renewal. When people move to new places,
they often gain new experiences, skills, and ways of thinking. These lessons can
help them grow and improve their lives. Migrants bring energy, ideas, and hope
to both their new homes and their communities back home. Migration is not just
about leaving—it's about learning and returning stronger. In the poem,
migration represents a journey toward change and a better future, where people
can contribute to building a new, united world.
e. Nepal is also known for its economic as
well as educational migrants. Have you noticed any change in the perceptions
and behaviours of these migrants when they return home from abroad?
Yes, I’ve seen many positive changes in Nepali
migrants after they return from abroad. They often come back with broader
knowledge and a new mindset. Their time away teaches them discipline, hard
work, and respect for time. Many learn about financial planning, social
equality, and better living standards. These experiences help them see their
own communities differently. They bring new ideas, invest in businesses, and
encourage others to grow. Some even become role models, helping to shift
traditional beliefs toward more practical and modern views. Their experiences
abroad often inspire change in families and local society.
The Awakening Age by Ben Okri is a poem that reflects on the struggles and hopes of people in a changing world. The poem uses rich, vivid language to explore the themes of awakening, transformation, and the search for freedom.
In the poem, Okri describes a time when people are waking up from a long sleep, representing a period of awareness and change. This “awakening” is not just physical but also emotional and spiritual, as people begin to realize the struggles they face and the need for change. The poem speaks about a collective rise, where the community moves together towards a new beginning, filled with hope and purpose.
The speaker in the poem describes how people once lived in a state of sleep, unaware of the truth around them. However, as they awaken, they become more aware of their surroundings and the injustices that exist. This awakening symbolizes a break from ignorance, as people begin to see the world for what it truly is and understand the power they hold to make a change.
The poem also addresses the importance of courage and resilience in times of hardship. It emphasizes that even though the awakening process may be difficult and full of challenges, it is necessary for progress. The awakening represents a chance for growth, a call for people to rise above their circumstances, and to strive for a better, more just world.
Ultimately, The Awakening Age is a powerful poem about the power of awareness and transformation. It encourages individuals to face their struggles, embrace change, and work together to create a better future, symbolizing hope for a new era of freedom and justice.
5th Poem Soft Storm
By Abhi Subedi
a. When does the speaker grow soft? List the
occasions when he grows soft.
In the poem Soft Storm by Abhi Subedi,
the speaker becomes emotional and gentle (soft) during certain moments. He
feels this way when:
- He hears the
noise and pain of the world.
- The sky
looks like crocus flowers.
- The moon
falls or moves quickly in the sky.
- The moon
sings about streetlights and dirty streets in the city.
a. When does the speaker grow soft? Enlist the
occasions when he grows soft.
The speaker grows soft during moments of emotional reflection and sensitivity.
These are times when he is deeply moved by nature and the human condition. He
feels soft when he hears the suffering of the earth, sees the sky blooming like
flowers, watches the moon sliding down the sky, and when the moon sings quietly
about urban life. These moments show his inner compassion and the way he
responds to beauty, pain, and the strange harmony between the natural and human
worlds. They reflect his awareness of the silent struggles around him.
b. What do you understand by ‘this seamless
city’?
The phrase "this seamless city"
refers to a place that appears smooth and connected on the surface, but may
hide complexities underneath. It suggests a city where everything seems to flow
naturally without clear boundaries or separations. In a deeper sense, it can
mean a city that looks peaceful and orderly but carries hidden suffering and
stories. The poet might be commenting on how cities appear unified and perfect
from the outside, yet are filled with unseen problems like poverty, loneliness,
and injustice. The term invites readers to look beyond appearances and
understand deeper realities.
c. Describe the poor children portrayed in the
poem.
The poem shows poor children as symbols of
sadness and neglect. They are hungry, homeless, and struggling to survive in
the streets of the city. These children are described crying under a
bat-hanging tree in a place called Kesharmahal. Their situation highlights the
harsh reality many children face in urban areas—ignored by society, lacking
food, shelter, and care. The poet uses their image to evoke sympathy and to
draw attention to how even in a beautiful, historic city, there are innocent
lives suffering every day. They represent the forgotten part of society.
d. What do you understand by ‘the unwedded
gardens of history’?
The phrase "unwedded gardens of
history" suggests places or aspects of history that have been ignored,
untouched, or not properly connected with the present. These gardens symbolize
the cultural and historical heritage that has been left behind or not given
proper care. In the context of the poem, it may refer to the rich traditions
and past of Kathmandu that are now overlooked or forgotten in the rush toward
modernization. The poet is possibly mourning how history is no longer deeply
rooted in people’s lives and has become disconnected from everyday experience.
e. Why was the forlorn child wailing?
The forlorn child in the poem is crying out of
sadness and loss. He is searching for his mother in a place filled with
memories of pain and violence. The “corridors of violent history” suggest that
his mother may have been a victim of past suffering or conflict. The child’s
crying represents the deep emotional wounds left behind by war, poverty, or
neglect. It shows how even the youngest and most innocent are affected by
historical trauma. This image is powerful and heartbreaking, reminding us of
the long-lasting impact of societal violence.
f. What do you understand about ‘soft storm’?
The term "soft storm" refers to
strong emotions and inner conflicts that are not loud or violent, but still
deeply powerful. It represents the poet’s quiet struggle and sorrow over the
chaos in the world. A soft storm doesn’t destroy like a hurricane, but it stirs
the heart with sadness, compassion, and concern. In this poem, it symbolizes
the speaker’s emotional response to the injustice, suffering, and confusion he
sees around him. Even though the storm is soft, it affects the soul. It is a
poetic way of showing sensitivity in troubled times.
g. Why does the speaker call our time ‘mad
time’?
The speaker calls our time a “mad time”
because the world seems filled with chaos, disorder, and strange events. People
act selfishly and care more about material things than kindness or nature. The
natural world is also changing in unexpected ways—flowers bloom in the wrong
season, birds sing sadly, and the earth seems disturbed. These signs show a
world out of balance. The poet sees people losing their values and becoming
disconnected from what truly matters. This madness isn’t just noise and
confusion—it’s a loss of wisdom, peace, and humanity.
a. The poet uses the word ‘soft’ with the
words like ‘storm’ and ‘gale’, which generally refer to disorder and violence.
What effect does the poet achieve through the use of such anomalous
expressions?
By combining opposite words like
"soft" and "storm," the poet creates a strong emotional
contrast that catches the reader’s attention. Storms usually suggest chaos,
noise, or destruction, but describing them as "soft" brings out a
feeling of quiet sadness and deep reflection. This contrast shows the poet’s
emotional response to the harshness of the world—his protest is not violent but
thoughtful. These expressions show that emotions don’t need to be loud to be
powerful. The poet uses this technique to highlight silent suffering and to
express deep compassion for the troubling realities he observes.
b. What is the speaker’s attitude towards the
time he describes in the poem?
The speaker views the time he lives in as
confusing, painful, and full of contradictions. He describes it as a "mad
time" where people act without reason, driven by materialism and
selfishness. He sees the natural world responding strangely to human actions,
like flowers blooming out of season or birds singing unsettling songs. His
attitude is full of disappointment, frustration, and sadness. He is deeply
troubled by social injustices, ignored heritage, and suffering children.
Instead of reacting with anger, he reflects and observes quietly, but his
dissatisfaction is clear. He longs for peace, compassion, and meaning in a
chaotic world.
c. What is the speaker like? Is he a rebel?
Why? Why not?
The speaker is sensitive, observant, and
deeply connected to both the social and natural world. He notices the pain
around him—poverty, violence, and the loss of cultural identity—and responds
with quiet reflection. He doesn’t shout or demand change with force, but his
words question the world’s madness and express a desire for transformation.
This makes him a different kind of rebel: not one who fights with weapons, but
one who resists through empathy, poetry, and emotional honesty. His rebellion
is through awareness and compassion, using thoughtful language to inspire
change rather than direct confrontation.
In Soft Storm, Abhi Subedi captures the
poet’s emotional disturbance while observing the world’s chaos. The title,
“soft storm,” contrasts the idea of a violent storm with a more gentle,
internal feeling. The poet uses this to show that while the world may be in
turmoil, his reaction is more calm but still deeply emotional.
The speaker feels disturbed by the sights and
sounds of the world around him. He describes the earth’s noise and how the moon
behaves strangely, falling and singing songs about the city’s lampposts and
streets. These unusual happenings represent how nature and life seem to be out
of order. The poet describes a city that looks peaceful on the outside, but it
hides its true problems, symbolizing a “seamless city” where there are no clear
boundaries.
The poem focuses on the suffering of the poor,
especially homeless children seen crying from hunger in busy areas like Thamel.
These children are ignored by society, highlighting the growing social divide.
The poet also reflects on how the history and culture of Kathmandu have been
forgotten, as seen in the phrase “unwedded gardens of history.”
The speaker sees the modern world as “mad
time,” filled with confusion, selfishness, and disorder. People are
disconnected from each other, and the values of humanity are fading. The poet’s
soft storm represents his emotional response to this madness, as he feels both
sadness and compassion for the suffering around him.
In the end, Soft Storm portrays a world
where the poet’s gentle yet powerful inner feelings challenge the chaos and
selfishness of modern society. The poem calls for awareness and change, though
in a quiet, reflective way.
No comments:
Post a Comment