Living Space Flashcards
Title (Living Space)
Dharker could have used this title because it is ironic as there is little ‘Living space’ in the slums. However she could have used this title to suggest how other people just view it as just a ‘Living space’ and not a home.
Structure (Living Space)
negative to positiveshe expresses her hatred for the social class divide but moves to say how the people’s own faith keeps them together and strong.
The middles stanza represents the small ‘Living Space’ the people have to use as the stanza is ‘squeezed’ into the middle.
Dharker’s negative opinion (Living Space)
“Not enough” and “problem” and “flat” and “parallel”
Dharker uses ‘not enough’ to criticise the western view of the slums suggesting they do not appreciate the beauty of the slum whilst also suggesting that ‘not enough’ is done to help them . However, ‘problem’ suggests that Dharker is identifying the divide between the rich and poor people of India. She is clearly saying there is a ‘problem’ between the different social classes which is further emphasised by ‘flat’ and ‘parallel’ adjectives which signify the divide between social classes that are not equal with a clear divide.
Gymnastics in the slums (Living Space)
“Balance crookedly”
The adverb ‘crookedly’ could symbolise that the class system that the class system is corrupt. it could also highlight the dangerous living conditions that the people have to endure.
“Nails clutch at open seams”
‘Nails clutch’ could be a metaphor for how the people in the slums ‘clutch’ for opportunities to raise their social status.
“leans dangerously” and “miraculous”
The adveb ‘dangerously’ could imply that the people in the slums have ti live in hazardous conditions. The adjective ‘miraculous’ implies Dharker’s admiration for the people who live in the slums and create homes there. She is emphasising that their society is special and unique
Jenga the homes (Living Space)
“squeezed”
The verb ‘squeezed’ could suggest that the people in the slums make the most out of everything they have.
Make-shift nest (Living Space)
“dared” and “These eggs in a wire basket”
The verb ‘dared’ could imply that the people are willing to take risks to make their lives better. ‘Eggs’ could convey the vunerability and fragility of their living areas. It could also suggest new life and optimism whilst the ‘wire basket’ could imply the metophorical prison people are in while also highlighting the resourcefulness of the people living there.
The universe (Living Space)
“slanted universe” and “light”
‘Slanted universe’ could be a metaphor for their society because it is not equal and the inequality of the rich and poor engulfs everything. ‘light’ could represent hope.
Faith (Living Space)
“The bright, thin walls of faith”
The adjective ‘bright’ could suggest the hope and happiness the people create in the slums despite their circumstances. However, the adjective ‘thin’ could represent the fragility and vulnerability of their society.
The metaphor of the ‘walls’ could imply that their optimism protects them from the harsh reality of their lives. Dharker ends the poem positively and with hope. Dharker could be implying that it does not matter if you are rich or poor as nobody can take away your beliefs/religion.
