Living Space - analysis

Question 1

‘Living space’

Answer 1

ironic as there is little ‘living space’ in the slums. could represent how people see the slums as a living space and not a home

Question 2

‘just not enough’

Answer 2

criticising the rich or western views of the slums + by writing ‘not enough’ suggest they don’t appreciate the beauty of the slums

Question 3

‘problem’

Answer 3

identifies divide between rich/poor people of India. problem between different social classes

Question 4

‘nothing is flat or parallel’

Answer 4

adjective signifies the social classes are not equal + clear divide.

Question 5

‘balance crookedly’

Answer 5

adverb symbolise class system is corrupt. also highlight the dangerous living conditions people endure.
oxymoron

Question 6

‘nails clutch at open seams’

Answer 6

metaphor for how people in slums ‘clutch’ for opportunities to raise their social status

Question 7

‘leans dangerously…..miraculous’

Answer 7

juxtaposition
‘dangerously’ - hazardous living conditions
‘miraculous’ - emphasising their society is unique + special. Dharker also implies her admiration for people who live in the slums and their+ create homes there

Question 8

‘squeezed’

Answer 8

verb suggest the people in slums make the most out of everything they have

Question 9

‘dared’

Answer 9

bravery, fearless
people willing to take risks to make their lives better

Question 10

‘eggs’

Answer 10

• could convey vulnerability + fragility of their living areas.
• suggest new life + optimism
• symbolic of hope, faith, radiant with life
• family, children living in these places
• all encompassing image

Question 11

‘wire basket’

Answer 11

imply metaphorical prison people are in

Question 12

‘dark edge’

Answer 12

could imply death + slum areas are dangerous places

Question 13

‘slanted universe’

Answer 13

• could be a metaphor for their society as it isn’t equal + the inequality or the rich/poor engulfs everything

Question 14

‘light’

Answer 14

could imply hope

Question 15

‘bright, thin’

Answer 15

adjective ‘bright’ could suggest the hope + happiness the people create in the slums despite their circumstances. however ‘thin’ could represent the fragility + vulnerability of their society

Question 16

‘walls’

Answer 16

metaphor could imply their optimism protects them from the harsh reality of their lives. Dharker ends poem positively + with hope. could imply that it doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor as nobody can take away your beliefs/religion