living space - imtiaz dharker

Question 1

“there are just not enough straight lines. That is the problem.”

“Nothing is flat or parallel.”

Answer 1

buildings aren’t stable

• imperative (a fact) shows that this is the root of the problem.
• shows how the buildings can easily collapse as they aren’t well built enough as they aren’t built by skilled people.

Question 2

“Beams balance crookedly on supports.”
“Nails clutch at open seams.”

Answer 2

shows the instability of the living condition.

• adverb “crookedly” shows the fear of it collapsing.
• personification “nails clutch” shows the struggle of keeping the hut together, which also can reflect the inhabitants struggles to cope.

Question 3

“the whole structure leans dangerously towards the miraculous.”
“as if they were the bright, thin walls of faith.”

Answer 3

despite their situation. they are still positive about life.

• religious imagery being portray to show the worst hasn’t happen yet and that God is overlooking them, it shows they have faith.

Question 4

“someone has squeezed a living space.”

Answer 4

there is not enough space to fit anymore people anymore.

• anonymous person, this could show the amount of people has suffered.
• verb “squeezed” shows how overcrowded and it isn’t a comfortable experience.
• title name “Living Space” emphasises this isn’t a permanent home but a temporary space to live in.

Question 5

“place these eggs in a wire basket, fragile curves of white.”

Answer 5

shows the fragility of these inhabitants.

• symbol of a new life “eggs” which highlights these people still have hope for a better life.
• adjective “fragile” deeply implies the fragility of these human lives.
• contrast “wire basket” shows the basket is a place for them to stay, it is suppose to be comfortable and trustworthy yet it is made out of wires, which could shows this place is dangerous and could do harm to them any time.
• colour “white” could implies they are victims of these treatments

Question 6

“hung out over the dark edge of a slanted universe, gathering the light into themselves.”

Answer 6

shows the inequality between the rich and the poor.

• contrast between “light” and “dark” shows the extreme poor and extreme wealthy’s side.

Question 7

CONTEXT

Answer 7

• Born In Pakistan.
• Use poetry to raise awareness of social issues in lower income country.
• About living conditions in Mumbai’s slums.
  *Poetry usually focus on faith, religion and culture.
• 22 million people in Mumbai, 70% in poverty.
• Houses made from whatever material they can find.
• Open sewers is contaminated.
• Mumbai is a place of extreme wealthy and poverty.