In Vain I Migrate

Question 1

Why was the author chosen to rephrase the title in the first line?

Answer 1

• By repeating what is in essence the same words but in different word order, the author emphasizes the theme of futility of the migration and sets the tone for the rest of the work
• no matter which way the sentence is phrased, the idea that the migration was and continues to be unsuccessful still prevails

Question 2

Explore the connotations of laughter and music then explain the speakers state of mind as presented in the two lines

Answer 2

• Laughter and music have positive connotations
• they are associated with joy, happiness and celebration
• however in the context of the poem, the speaker presents them as disruptive or intrusive
• ‘ the laughter ‘ disturbs the evening’s music ‘ which speaks to how much of an unwelcome disruption it is
• ultimately, the speaker feels a sense of disconnection from the people around them as well as a sense of ‘alienation ‘

Question 3

How does the repetition of similarites in the speakers experience give the reader a clue as to why is migration ‘ is in vain ‘

Answer 3

• it suggests that the speaker is unable to find anything new or different in the places they visit
• quote lines with the word ‘same’
• by emphasizing the similarities between these places , the idea of an inability to find a sense of belonging or connection is further perpetuated

Question 4

How does the alliteration of the sibilant sound add to the meaning of the poem?

Answer 4

Creates a melancholy mood which reinforces the idea of repetition, isolation etc. Present throughout the poem

Question 5

Why does the poet personify the tables by stating that they can laugh?

Answer 5

He suggest tables laugh because he doesn’t know the people at those tables and doesn’t connect with their humanity

Question 6

Provide an explanation for the speaker’s interest in the ‘secret of birds’

Answer 6

The speaker is perplexed by how they are able to migrate from one place to another with such ease as well as the sense of freedom that they continually experience. This is opposite to the speaker, who continually states throughout the poem that they ‘migrate in vain’ and continually emphasizes the fact that they cannot seem to find joy in any place they have been to thus far