Living Space

Question 1

Reflects lack of planned structure of slums

Answer 1

There are just not enough
Straight lines. That
Is the problem

Nothing is flat or parallel

Straight lines may be referring to a lack of laws or planning.
May also reflect the lack of structure the slums have

Question 2

Title of poem

Answer 2

Living Space
Not explicitly a home, rather the purpose of a home reflecting the utility of life in the slums, it just serves its purpose

Question 3

Reflects the precariousness of these slums

Answer 3

Beams balance crookedly on supports thrust off the vertical

Irregular structure described may reflect the individuality of the people which is expressed though the structure of their homes

Question 4

Suggests that the structures are barely keeping their shape

Answer 4

‘Nails clutch at open seams’

Question 5

Suggests inhabitants are hoping for a miracle

Answer 5

The whole structure leans/towards the miraculous’

Question 6

Suggests the people in the slums are rebelling against their poor living conditions, maybe out of desperation, may also reflect a hope for better

Answer 6

‘And even dared to place/these eggs in a wire basket,

Question 7

Symbol that shows new life

Answer 7

Eggs
Also reflects the fragility of their existence
Refers to the lives of migrants to slums

Question 8

Criticises people in power for not doing anything about these slums

Answer 8

‘Slanted universe’

Question 9

Reinforces the fragility of the people’s existence

Answer 9

‘Bright thin walls of faith’
Their faith may be fragile
Wall of faith may keep them going