Living Space Flashcards
What is it about?
This poem focuses on poverty and the living conditions in the shanty towns and slum area in Mumbai
Who is the poem
Imtiaz Dharker
What are the themes
Religion Hypocrisy Poverty Fragility Identity Confusion Society Survival Hope and dreams
What does the title show
An area to live in- we all have one
What does the quote ‘there are just not enough straight lines’ show
A pessimistic start to the poem. Confusion, bewilderment and amazement
What does ‘beams balance crookedly’ show
Everything is broken, dangerous and unstable
What does ‘nails clutch at open seams’ show
Personification.
Like the buildings, the people are in the same conditions
What does the quote ‘eggs in a wire basket’ show
The egg contrasts the place- imagery of light and dark.
What do eggs show
Fragility
Hope for the future (birth)
Dreams easily shattered
What does the quote ‘bright, thin walls of faith’ show
Optimistic ending to the poem- resilience and hope.
Links to the thinned of the walls. Religion/ faith they won’t break
What’s the structure?
Enhancement used. Breaks up the length and rhythm of the lines- mirrors the chaos of the slums- no regularity.
