Living Space by Imtiaz Dharker

Question 1

What does Dharker use Living space as a vehicle to?

Answer 1

• To express the concerning and perilous conditions of the slums in modern day India and to encourage the reader to aspire to be as resilient and hopeful as those suffering in poverty, considering her onlooker perspective from a privileged upbringing in western society
• The poem serves to raise awareness of the dangerous conditions for those in poverty in order to change the reader’s perspective of the poor and emphasise the need for financial equality.

Question 2

Initially point

Answer 2

Dharker highlights the lack of basic necessities and a lack of security in the slums of Mumbai, from the viewpoint of an outsider looking in

Question 3

Initially… (qoute 1)

Answer 3

“There are just not enough straight lines”

• This is mirrored by the random, non linear structure of the poem
• “not enough” is in reference to the lack of order, control strength and predictability

Question 4

Initially… (qoute 2)

Answer 4

“The whole structure leans dangerously towards the miraculous”

• “dangerously” highlights the severity of the situation and the extent of poverty
• “miraculous” it seems almost magical that their homes are still standing, yet they still are, because of the faith that these people have in their surroundings

Question 5

Initially… (qoute 3)

Answer 5

“Nails clutch at open seams”

• The nails may personify the people who desperately grasp onto what they have, in fear of losing it as shown through “clutch”
• “Open seams” shows the lack of things that they have, let alone any luxuries

Question 6

As the text develops point

Answer 6

She further expresses her admiration for the people of Mumbai who are able to squeeze a living space into such a small space

Question 7

However, as the text develops… (qoute 1)

Answer 7

“Someone has squeezed a living space”

• structurally, this is a three line stanza sandwiched between two larger paragraphs
• The sibilance created creates a coziness surrounding the homes which contradicts the chaotic nature of the initial stanza however, living space suggests that although it may be cosy for them, it isn’t for an outsider, which why it is not referenced to as a home

Question 8

Ultimately point

Answer 8

Dharker expresses her awe for these people, by commending the amount of hope and faith that they have, despite having so little. This is a quality that Dharker hopes to promote to her western audience

Question 9

Ultimately… (qoute 1)

Answer 9

“Eggs in a wire basket”

-connotes fragility from one side, but immense strength and resilience from another, like an egg

Question 10

Ultimately… (qoute 2)

Answer 10

“Over the dark edge”

-Highlights the vulnerability of these people, they are suspended over a metaphorical dark edge, by poorly built homes, which is likely indicative of death

Question 12

Ultimately… (qoute 3)

Answer 12

“Bright thin walls of faith”

• “bright” implies just how much faith these people have despite the circumstances
• “Thin” further emphasises the fragility of these people’s livelihoods
• “faith” has religious connotations suggesting that their belief in divinity is what keeps them going