Time and Time Again by A. K. Ramanujan

 

Time and Time Again by A. K. Ramanujan

1. What did you think the poem was about when you read the first few lines?

Answer: When we read the first few lines of the poem and take a pause, we assume that the poem is going to talk about clock towers in a well-managed city. We feel its about the variation of the time shown by the different clock towers.

2. From which line does the import of the title strike the reader?

Answer: As we read the lines

 ‘or the mutual distances

commemorating a donor’s whim,

the perennial feuds and seasonal alliance

of Hindu, Christian, and Muslim—’

we begin to feel that the poem is going to talk about something beyond only ‘clock-towers’. Gradually the poet unfolds why these clock towers of old managed city show a slight variation in time.

3. What makes for the differences between the timekeeping of the various clocks? What is the implicit comparison?

Answer: The difference between the timekeeping of various clocks could be attributed to various reasons. It could be difference in alloys being used, or watchmaker’s faulty workmanship, or the donors’ whim.

The poet has used the clock tower as an imagery in the poem. The different sounds produced by different clock towers in an old city symbolize the distances and the differences amongst the human beings. The poet has subtly pointed out at the corrupt nature of the donors as they ultimately contribute to the religious conflicts amongst ordinary human beings.

4. Why is the act of nature described as ‘precise’?

Answer: The act of nature has been described as ‘precise’ in comparison to the acts of human beings. We humans may be inaccurate in our acts. We interpret one thing in many different ways. But nature does everything in an exact manner.

5. Which of the following reflects the poet’s attitude towards communal disharmony

(i) Critical condemnation

(ii) Helpless acceptance

(iii) Wistful lament

Answer: The poet critically condemns communal disharmony amongst the Hindus, Muslims and Christians of India. He calls the conflicts ‘the perennial feuds’ and declares the peaceful moments ‘seasonal alliance’. The poet shows his agitation of communal conflicts and the title of the poem ‘Time and Time Again’ suggests it clearly. The poet critically examines the reasons of frequent sectarian clashes in our country.

6. Is the poet’s attitude a representation of how the average Indian feels both towards human violence and nature’s fury?

Answer: Average Indian people hate communal violence. They never indulge in spreading communal hatred. Evidences show that such violence is the handiwork of a few who have criminal mindset. The poet has taken the same view which the common Indians have. We all know the destructive powers of nature and always pray to be blessed by mother nature. So, it can be safely said that the poet’s attitude is a representation of average Indian’s attitude towards human violence and nature’s fury.