Living Space (Imtiaz dharker) Flashcards
“There are just not enough / straight lines.” B
lack of “straight lines”- instability and imperfection, precariousness of the homes
just not - inadequacy to sum up language, insufficient to convey extent
enjambment mirrors lack of structure in the setting
(fragility & disorder of environment, immediately drawing attention to challenges of urban poverty)
“That is the problem.” B
blunt declarative sentence emphasises the stark reality of the situation - affirms problems of power imbalance
use of “problem” conveys the poet’s criticism of societal neglect and inequality
(critical & reflective tone, urging readers to confront the harsh truths of the depicted living conditions.)
“Nails clutch at open seams.” B
personification ‘clutch’ - desperation, as if structures themselves are struggling to hold together.
open seams - vulnerability and exposure
(Emphasis on fragility of physical environment & metaphorically the lives of those who inhabit it)
“The whole structure leans dangerously / towards the miraculous.” M
juxtaposition ‘dangerous’ miraculous - reflects precarious balance of survival & hope, enjambment mimics the instability described
dislocation & irregularity of line lengths - visual, graphic representation of uneven construction of slums - mirrors actual language of ‘leans’
miraculous - sense of hope derived from faith
(fragile coexistence of danger & resilience, perseverance of those living there)
“Into this rough frame, / someone has squeezed / a living space.” M
metaphor “squeezed - cramped & inadequate nature of homes
‘Living space contrasts with ‘rough frame’ - symbolises resilience & adaptation
small stanza - mirrors restrictions they face in building a new home - visualisations of the home
(human resourcefulness & determination, even in face of adversity)
“And even dared to place these eggs in a wire basket” M
metaphor ‘eggs’ - fragility & symbol new life, source of nutrition - foetuses, hope for future generations, typical in developing communities
dared - convey courage & hope despite
eggs like microcosm for representing fragility in miniature
(Illustrates bravery & optimism required to nurture life in such precarious circumstances, human spirit & resilience)
‘Hung out over the dark edge of a slanted universe” e
metaphor slanted universe - titled, chaotic world of slums, slanted - inequality of power & wealth
dark edge - danger and instability, contrast of colours, sense of hope in dangerous situations
Hung out - resilience & perseverance
‘Gathering the light into themselves,” e
light - hope and resilience
Gather - active effort to persevere optimism, contrasts with dark precarious setting
semantic field of fate, community emboldened by fate
(Suggests that even in difficult circumstances, people find ways to persevere)
As if they were the bright, thin walls of faith’ e
‘Thin walls’ - reinforce fragility yet optimism within community
faith - ties poems themes together
The homes itself is seen as a sense of hope to them, shelter is home & safety
What is the context of “Living Space”?
- inspired by slums in Mumbai, struggle of people living in poverty, Asia 2nd largest slum, highest house rents, huge wealth differences
- poet, and artist - lines are deliberate choice to visualise the slums
How do structure and form contribute to “Living Space”?
structure - irregular line lengths & enjambment, reflect instability & precarious nature of slum
form - single disjoined stanza with jagged formatting mirrors living conditions
What does the title “Living Space” signify?
-deceptively simple, suggesting a basic need for shelter.
- Living”- survival & adaptation,
- “space” underscores inadequacy of provided conditions.
What are some possible exam questions and themes for “Living Space”?
• Resilience and hope.
• Urban poverty and inequality.
• Fragility and adaptation.
