2.8 Small Towns and Rivers - appreciation of the poem

 

Appreciation of the Poem – Small Towns and Rivers

About the poem –

                        The poem describes a landscape and Nature where river is a dominant phenomenon. The poem is based on the belief of the tribal people from the North East, that souls of the beloved ones always continue to dwell in the natural elements around.

About the Poet –

                        Mamang Dai is a poet, journalist and from Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. She writes in English as well as Adi language. She has received Padmashree Award and Sahitya Akadami Award.

About the title –

                        The title ‘Small Towns and Rivers’ has deep meaning. The title shows the importance of river in the life of people. It also suggests the effects of civilization on rivers.

The theme –

                        The poem is based on the belief of the tribal people from North East, which souls of the beloved ones always continue to dwell in the natural elements around. The poet remembers death when she sees the towns. She implies the towns like when the towns have prospered nature has been destroyed.

Poetic style –

                        The poem is written in free verse. There are no rhyming words. The style is simple.

Language –

                        The language of the poem is figurative language. The poet uses symbolism in this poem. The poet uses repeated words to emphasis the thought.

Poetic devices –

                        The poet writes the poem in free verse. The poet makes the poem rhythmical by using figurative language and linguistic features. The poet uses different figures of speeches in the poem such as repetition, metaphor, Alliteration etc.

Special features –

                        The poet uses word imagery related to nature to make the poem beautiful. The poet gives importance to rivers and its conservation. The poet expresses effects of civilization on nature.

Message –

                        The poem gives us an important message about the conservation of nature and river. It also tells us pathetic condition of river due to civilization. It also depicts the beliefs of tribal people about nature.

Your opinion about the poem –

                        I like this poem. This poem tells us about an importance of rivers and nature. It also tells us about beliefs and life of tribal people.