Search For My Tongue

Question 1

Thoughts and feelings

Answer 1

The poet expresses the pain of feeling disconnected from her mother tongue due to adopting a new language. The poem explores the conflict between cultural identity and assimilation.

Question 2

Purpose

Answer 2

To highlight the struggle of maintaining one’s cultural roots in a foreign environment and the resilience of identity.

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

Begins in English, transitions into Gujarati, and returns to English, reflecting the coexistence of languages in her mind.

Free verse mirrors the natural flow of thought and emotion.

Question 4

Language

Answer 4

Metaphors like “tongue rots, dies” express the fear of losing one’s native language.

The Gujarati section vividly contrasts with English, reinforcing the theme of cultural duality.

Imagery of rebirth (“it grows back”) symbolizes resilience and hope.

Question 5

Tone and mood

Answer 5

Introspective and conflicted, but ultimately optimistic as the poet embraces her dual identity.