Literary Devices
When words are used to hint at sounds, such as “buzz” or “sizzle,” this term applies.
This term describes a poem's overall layout and organisation, including its rhyme scheme, meter, and stanza arrangement.
Structure
Which poem explores how privilege can lead to a lack of empathy and disconnect, using children as symbolic representations?
'Children of Wealth'
In 'Boxes', why does Chattarji use the word “giant” repeatedly in each stanza? How does this word choice affect the poem’s tone?
The repetition of "giant" underscores the outsized feelings of confinement in her small space. It reflects the ironic way that tiny spaces make even small things seem overwhelming.
In 'The Bus', how does the description of the “tarpaulin flaps” in the opening lines set the tone of the journey?
The mention of “tarpaulin flaps” instead of glass windows gives the sense that the bus is old and uncomfortable. Words like “whipping” and “slapping” create a harsh and cold atmosphere, indicating that the journey is difficult and possibly unpleasant.
A technique where two opposite ideas are placed close together to highlight contrast, often creating tension.
Juxtaposition
This form of poetry lacks a fixed rhyme scheme or meter, allowing for greater flexibility in expression.
Free verse
In ‘Rich and Poor or, Saint and Sinner,’ the poet argues that true goodness is not determined by this.
Wealth or social status
In 'Rich and Poor', what does the phrase “the poor man’s sins are glaring” reveal about how society views the poor?
The word “glaring” implies that the poor are always visible and under scrutiny, meaning their actions are more easily criticised. This reflects society's tendency to judge the poor more harshly, often for minor infractions, while ignoring similar behaviors among the wealthy.
In 'Boxes', what role does sound imagery, like the “sing-song voices” and “trains,” play in the poem? How does it contribute to the theme?
Sound imagery like "sing-song voices" and "trains" heightens the feeling of overcrowding, where even the outside world intrudes into her small living space, contributing to her sense of claustrophobia.
The voice or persona expressing the poem, which is not necessarily the poet.
The speaker
The regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a poem, which contributes to its musical quality.
Meter
In 'Boxes', how does the poet use the metaphor of the “giant insect fretting in a jar”? What does it convey about the woman’s experience?
This metaphor emphasises her sense of entrapment. It suggests she feels watched and contained, highlighting her struggle for freedom within the city’s restrictions.
In 'Children of Wealth', what does the phrase “the glass of comfort, ignorance, seems strong” imply about the security provided by wealth?
This line suggests that wealth can create a false sense of security. The “glass of comfort” is only an illusion of safety, as it also fosters ignorance by isolating them from real experiences. This illusion may ultimately be fragile and unsustainable.
In 'The Bus', how does the use of second-person perspective (“you”) affect the reader’s experience of the poem?
By addressing the reader directly as “you,” the poem creates a sense of shared experience, making the reader feel like a passenger on the bus. It also suggests that the journey is not just physical but a reflection on self-discovery or identity.
A recurring theme or central idea that runs throughout a poem, providing deeper meaning and unity.
Motif
In poetry, this term refers to the deliberate pause or break in a line, often used to create emphasis or rhythm.
Caesura
In 'Children of Wealth', what does the description of the children as “set in the cushioned window seat” suggest about their lives?
The word “set” implies that the children are almost like objects, positioned rather than freely moving. This suggests a life of control, isolation, and distance from the outside world, highlighting their lack of agency and connection to reality.
In 'The Instant of My Death', what effect does the boy’s “red flannel” and “toy gun” have on the speaker?
The boy’s bright red clothing makes him stand out, capturing the speaker’s attention and signifying a moment of clarity or awakening. His toy gun “shooting” her is both playful and startling, making her feel like a part of her has been left behind or changed by this encounter.
In, 'Rich and Poor', how does the symbol of the “painted windows” in stanza five emphasize the divide between rich and poor?
The “painted windows” symbolise the luxury and privacy the rich enjoy, which shields them from public judgment. In contrast, the poor are forced to “share” their pleasures publicly, where they are subject to criticism, highlighting the disparity in their freedom to live privately.
A reference to a well-known person, place, event, or work of art, often to enrich meaning by association.
Allusion
This structure type uses repeating phrases or lines throughout a poem, often to emphasise a central theme.
Refrain
What is the effect of the use of enjambment in the poem 'The Instant of my Death'?
Enjambment allows lines and ideas to flow without pause, reflecting the ongoing, unbroken nature of the bus ride. This technique emphasizes the endless, almost monotonous passage of time and scenery as the journey continues.
In 'The Bus', how does the poem’s free verse form contribute to the sense of the journey?
The free verse form, with its varied line lengths and lack of consistent rhythm, mirrors the bumpy and unpredictable nature of the bus journey. It reflects the uncertain direction of the travelers and the discomfort of the ride.
In 'These are the Times we Live in', what does the act of the immigration officer “reading you backwards from the last page” symbolize in the poem?
This action symbolizes the arbitrary and demeaning way she is scrutinized, as if the officer can determine her worth from superficial details. It suggests a backward logic in how she is evaluated, reflecting the irrationality of xenophobia.