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.
Thank you for your help Sir.
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