Living Space (Imtiaz Dharker)

Question 1

CONTEXT (AO3)

Answer 1

written by Imtiaz Dharker
- born in Pakistan
- presents a typical dwelling in the slums of the Indian city of Mumbai
purpose
- presents the precariousness of such homes (raise awareness)
- also presents the miraculousness of life, seeing this living space as evidence of human resourcefulness and determination

Question 2

STRUCTURE

Answer 2

• free verse (no rhythm or rhyme)
• three stanza - the lines of the poem cling together representing the living space itself and the way the dwelling place is held together
  irregularity of the stanza lines - shows how the dwelling is made without any particular design.
• middle stanza - visually demonstrates the cramped, squeezed conditions.

Question 3

FORM

Answer 3

written in irregular form.

Question 4

‘There are just not enough

straight lines.’

Answer 4

‘straight lines’ - SYMBOL of stability and support - since there are not enough, Imtiaz immediately presents the vulnerability and fragility of those living in slums.

creates a conversational tone to introduce the serious topic.

‘.’ - SHORT SENTENCE - abrupt tone to ‘hook’ the reader into the topic and call for change.

Question 5

‘Beams
balance crookedly on supports
thrust off the vertical.’

Answer 5

‘Beams balance’ - ALLITERATION of ‘b’ - creates a plosives sound - to emphasise the rough nature of housing.

‘crookedly’ - ADVERB - shows the instability - (A03) Mumbai slums are at high risk of collapse.

Question 6

‘Nails clutch at open seams.’

Answer 6

‘nails clutch’ - IMAGERY + PERSONIFICATION - shows the sheer desperation of the community - also shows how the beams are almost clutching together.

‘open seams’ - METAPHOR - of vulnerability and bareness

Question 7

‘Into this rough frame,
someone has squeezed
a living space.’

Answer 7

small stanza of three lines

- visually demonstrates the cramped, squeezed conditions

Question 8

‘and even dared to place

these eggs in a wire basket,’

Answer 8

‘eggs’ - METAPHOR + SYMBOL - of rebirth and hope

‘dared’ - VERB - courage and resilience

‘wire basket’ - METAPHOR - of prison and could represent how the community feels trapped and enclosed within the slums

Question 9

‘The whole structure leans dangerously

towards the miraculous.’

Answer 9

longer line - imitates the protruding beam ‘leaning’.

Question 10

‘white’
‘light’
‘bright’

Answer 10

‘white’ + ‘light’ + ‘bright’ - LEXICAL FIELD of light and purity - brings a sense of cohesion within the otherwise FREE VERSE poem - conveys a sense of hope and resilience within the community.