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The Bus symbolises the misguided course of a country with the microcosm of the journey of the bus.

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The Bus symbolises the misguided course of a country with the microcosm of the journey of the bus.

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The poem shows this by having the bus driving to jejuri, a holy place in India that people often take a pilgrimage to. This represents the ideal goal that the country, represented by the bus is aiming to achieve. However, the author describes the bus as one that has tarpaulin flaps instead of windows, showing how the bus and the country are not well off enough to have proper glass. The bus also is driving a bumpy road, as if saying that the path to success is one that is slow and marred by problems.

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Poems can depict rich and poor lifestyles

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Poems can depict rich and poor lifestyles

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We can see thing in the poem Children of Wealth. The poem "Children of Wealth" explores the stark contrast between the sheltered lives of the wealthy and the harsh realities faced by the poor, highlighting the differing experiences and perspectives of these two worlds.

"Rich and Poor; or, Saint and Sinner" by Thomas Love Peacock contrasts the lives of the rich and poor through vivid imagery. The rich are "invisible" in their luxurious society, while the poor are openly scrutinized, with their joys seen as offensive. This highlights how society shields the wealthy from criticism while harshly judging the poor, emphasizing the stark difference in how each group is perceived and treated.

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In "Boxes," Sampurna Chattarji uses vivid imagery to depict the transformation of an island from a natural haven to an urban prison. The line "The sea becomes a distant memory of lashing wave and neon, siren to seven islands, once" illustrates how the city's expansion has eclipsed the island's natural beauty, turning it into a distant memory. The reference to the siren, a mythological creature known for luring sailors, now also becomes a forgotten aspect of the island's identity, symbolizing the loss of its natural allure and charm. This contrast highlights the environmental change and the decline of nature's presence in the face of urbanization.

The poem "Song" employs abstract images and symbols to convey that even small actions by seemingly powerless individuals can lead to significant changes. The lines "But give a certain people a place to stand a lever, a fulcrum, a weight, however small the hand the object however great, it is possible to prove that even Earth may be made to move" symbolize how a small force, represented by the "small hand," can have a profound impact when given the right tools, like a lever and fulcrum. This theme likely reflects the poet's background as a politician, such as Helen Suzman, who fought against apartheid, using her work to encourage others to take action for change.

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Boxes use allusions to mythology to symbolise the degradation of the islands connection with nature

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Boxes use allusions to mythology to symbolise the degradation of the islands connection with nature

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In the poem Boxes, the quote "The sea becomes a distant memory of lashing wave and neon, siren to seven islands, once. Siren in greek mythology are monsters that posses the ability to lure sailors off their boats. The pairing of this with the sea creates the idea that the sea was the thing that attracted people to migrate to the island. However, the fact the sea now becoming a distant memory shows how the island has lost its' touch with the once cherished ocean.

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In "These Are The Times We Live In," the poet uses symbolism to explore how migration and interculturality lead to a fractured sense of self. The passport symbolizes the reduction of identity to bureaucratic details, diminishing personal history and culture. The speaker feels dehumanized and powerless, as their identity is controlled by external forces and fragmented by societal narratives, highlighting the emotional toll of cultural displacement and the struggle for self-recognition.

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These are Times we live in explores the themes of the loss of identity.

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These are Times we live in explores the themes of the loss of identity.

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The poem explores the themes of migration and conflict between cultures, showing how goverments and organisations strip people of their indaviual identity. The lines "You shrink to the size of the book in his hand" illustrate the powerlessness felt by migrants during border control, while "They scrubbed out your mouth and rubbed out your eyes" symbolize the erasure of identity. These images convey how people are reduced to paper and pen, losing their unique identity. The poem critiques the disregard for peronal idenity and being a unique character. In conclusion, the poem encourages readers to consider the problems of stereotyping and discrimination.

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The two joined braids represent unity in the poem plaits. This is because one is a strong, thick braid represented metaphorically as a thick anaconda while the other is a weak, thin green snake -but both are in an balenced position with a ribbon or something that bring them together binding them together as one stronger force. This shows how even though one is weaker and one is stronger, they both support each other.

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The sematic fields in the poem Plaits show the difference in power with specific examples

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The sematic fields in the poem Plaits show the difference in power with specific examples

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The semantic fields of power in Elizabeth Smither's "Plaits" are those of strength versus weakness. For example, "anaconda," "thick," "rich waterfall," and "wide muscle" belong to a semantic field of power, strength, size, etc., and thus, the style of plait that Smither intends is the "thick" one. Conversely, "thin," "grass snake," and "trickling river" belong to a semantic field of fragility and smallness, meaning the "thin" plait is relegated to weakness.

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The changing nature of the poem discribes the change of time

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The changing nature of the poem discribes the change of time

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In "A Long Journey," nature such like the bush, foot tracks, and mud-grass huts shows life in Zimbabwean villages in the rural times. When these are compared to concrete towers, it points to modernisation and the move toward cities and development. So, natural things represent the homeland and the past, while their absence shows change and transformation. These images help place the journey in a specific time, place, and connection to nature.

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The journey of Zimbabwe is one that propells them into the future but their ancestral roots will never leave them

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The journey of Zimbabwe is one that propells them into the future but their ancestral roots will never leave them

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Zimbabwe's journey into the modern era is one that propels the nation into cities. This is seen with the quote such "a long travail it was a long journey from bush to concrete" from bush to concrete symbolising the transition from the small rural villages to the big cities of the modern era. However, later in the poem, it quotes “We moved into the lights but from the dark periphery behind an almighty hand reaches for our shirts.” This shows that even though the people had left their homelands, the “all mighty hand” symbolising their ancestral roots will always be with them.

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The poem uses vivid imagery and direct address to capture the intensity and chaos of the bus.

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The poem uses vivid imagery and direct address to capture the intensity and chaos of the bus.

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"pull down your tie
or remove the tie
to prevent strangulation."

The direct, imperative language immediately engages the reader, creating a sense of urgency and involvement.

The vivid image of removing a tie "to prevent strangulation" uses metaphorical language to highlight the physical and psychological pressures faced by individuals.

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The 2 snakes symbolises the thickness difference and by extension the power difference of society.

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The 2 snakes symbolises the thickness difference and by extension the power difference of society.

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"an anaconda plait and the othermore like a thin grass snake."

2 different natural animals with different capabilities to show the imbalance of power

An anaconda is often referenced as "strong" and a "Predator"

The grass snake seems more like something to find out of a children book, paling in comparison to the Anaconda

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The journey symbolises the experience of migration and the complex blending of cultures.

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The journey symbolises the experience of migration and the complex blending of cultures.

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"Through broken hills and misty valleys,
Over swift rivers and sunlit plains..."

Two different landscapes (rural and urban) with different challenges to show the transition and clash of cultures during migration.

The rural landscape is often referenced as "home," "familiar," and "traditional."

The urban landscape is depicted as "new," "modern," and sometimes "alienating," representing the influence of foreign or colonial cultures.

The rural world seems comforting, full of memories and belonging, while the urban world, though full of opportunity, can feel overwhelming and isolating in comparison.

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The two environments—the bush and the city—symbolise the meeting and tension of different cultures, and by extension, the complexities of interculturality.

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The two environments—the bush and the city—symbolise the meeting and tension of different cultures, and by extension, the complexities of interculturality.

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"Such a long travail it was
a long journey from bush to concrete"

Two different worlds (the rural bush and the urban city) with distinct traditions and lifestyles to show the blending and clashing of cultures during migration.

The "bush" represents indigenous, traditional culture rooted in ancestry, community, and nature.

The "concrete" of the city stands for modernity, foreign influence (especially colonial), and the promise of progress, but also alienation.

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The supernatural in "A Long Journey" symbolises the enduring presence and power of ancestral beliefs and fears within Zimbabwean society.

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The supernatural in "A Long Journey" symbolises the enduring presence and power of ancestral beliefs and fears within Zimbabwean society.

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"We have fled from witches and wizards
on a long long road to the city
but behind the halo of tower lights
I hear the cry from human blood
and wicked bones rattling around me"

Two worlds—one rooted in traditional supernatural beliefs, the other in modern urban reality—interact and clash, showing how the supernatural persists even as society changes.

"Witches and wizards" evoke the pre-colonial, spiritual dimension of rural life, filled with ancestral fears and rituals.

The "halo of tower lights" represents the rational, technological world of the city, yet it cannot fully dispel the darkness of old beliefs.

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The strangers crossing the river and entering the city symbolise the intrusion of a new social class into an established community

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The strangers crossing the river and entering the city symbolise the intrusion of a new social class into an established community

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"Last night they came across the river and
Entered the city. Women were awake
With lights and food. They entertained the band,
Not asking what the men had come to take
Or what strange tongue they spoke"

Two groups are depicted: the established city dwellers and the newly arrived strangers, representing different social strata or classes.

The city, with its "lights and food," suggests a settled, perhaps more privileged society, while the strangers are mysterious and foreign, symbolising an outsider class entering the social space.

The women’s hospitality contrasts with the underlying suspicion, reflecting the uneasy coexistence between social groups.

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The poem explores how migration creates tension between established communities and newcomers.

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The poem explores how migration creates tension between established communities and newcomers.

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"There is no warmth in hands accepting hands;
Each ponders, ‘Better hide myself in case
Those strangers have set up their homes in minds
I used to walk in. Better draw the blinds
Even if the strangers haunt in my own house."

The guarded interactions and lack of warmth reflect the challenges of intercultural integration, where trust and acceptance are fragile.

The fear that strangers “have set up their homes in minds I used to walk in” illustrates how migration prompts questions of identity, belonging, and cultural space.

The metaphor of “drawing the blinds” symbolizes social and psychological boundaries erected in response to cultural difference and uncertainty.

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The chaotic struggle to board the bus symbolizes the intense competition and social pressures within urban society, reflecting the challenges faced by individuals trying to navigate hierarchical social strata.

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The chaotic struggle to board the bus symbolizes the intense competition and social pressures within urban society, reflecting the challenges faced by individuals trying to navigate hierarchical social strata.

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"During the fight
to board the bus,
unfasten all buttons
of the shirt and jacket
to avoid losing the buttons."

The bus represents access to opportunity, mobility, and entry into a different social space, often urban and modern.

The physical struggle to get on the bus reflects the fierce competition among individuals from various social backgrounds striving to improve their status.

The advice to "tighten your belt" and "hold tight to someone" shows how people must prepare and protect themselves in a harsh social environment.

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The poem vividly captures the physical and psychological challenges of travel, portraying the journey as a struggle for survival.

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The poem vividly captures the physical and psychological challenges of travel, portraying the journey as a struggle for survival.

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"pay no attention to human sounds,
also bear in mind
words lose meaning
until you are inside the bus."

The journey involves disconnection and alienation, where communication breaks down and travelers must focus inwardly to endure.

This reflects the emotional and psychological aspects of travel, where the external environment can feel hostile or incomprehensible.

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The vivid sensory details and emotional depth in these lines exemplify poetry’s power to evoke empathy and give voice to human suffering and resilience.

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The vivid sensory details and emotional depth in these lines exemplify poetry’s power to evoke empathy and give voice to human suffering and resilience.

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"Look at his sorrowful eyes
His torn cheeks, his brow
He lies with his head in the dust."

The sensory detail and emotional depth engage readers’ empathy, showing poetry’s capacity to evoke feeling through concise, powerful description.

The focus on physical and emotional suffering highlights poetry’s role in giving voice to human pain and resilience.

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The poem explores the interplay between natural forces, human vulnerability, and supernatural elements, using the man’s struggle in the mountains as a metaphor for existential conflict.

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The poem explores the interplay between natural forces, human vulnerability, and supernatural elements, using the man’s struggle in the mountains as a metaphor for existential conflict.

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"Cry the ancient enemies of man
As they cough and spit."

The “ancient enemies” evoke supernatural or symbolic forces opposing human progress, representing fate, time, or other metaphysical challenges.

Their presence adds a mystical dimension, suggesting that human struggle transcends the physical and enters the realm of the spiritual or supernatural.