(6) A SINDHI WOMAN : Book 3

  Poem (6)    A SINDHI WOMAN

“Jan Stallworthy”

 

Word	Meaning	Synonym
1.      Undulant	appearance like that of waves	Moving like a wave, moving gently
2.      Tread	walk in a specified way.	Walk, gait, pace
3.      Erect	"build" or "upright.	Straight, stumble, wobbling
4.      Excrement		Feces, stool, waste matter
5.      Crumbs	a very small amount of something.	Bits, particles, scraps
6.      Slums	a poor area of a big city.	Dirty areas, dirty streets, overcrowded areas
7.      Stoop	to bend the body	Bend, bow, incline

 

Reference:

This poem is taken from the poem, “A SINDHI WOMAN” written by “Jan Stallworthy”

Context:    

In this poem, the poet pays a rich and glowing tribute to the working-class woman in general and Sindhi women in particular. He says that Sindhi women are a metaphor for industry and labor. The poet has depicted a very realistic picture of slims in Karachi.

Explanation:

    “A Sindhi Woman” is a tribute to hard work. It is about the fact that hard work keeps one fit and smart. Her straight walk, unfearful face, and courage allow her to face the world bravely. Her hard work is a feather in her cap. Whereas, the poet is a lazy and old cowardly man who only wishes to be like a Sindhi woman.

 

Write Down the Answers to the Following Questions:

Q.1: What is the Sindhi woman carrying on her head and how does she succeed in keeping her balance?

ANS: The Sindhi woman carrying a stone jar on her head. She keeps her balance because she is walking at a constant speed, keeping herself erect.

Q.2: What does the poet find in Karachi slums.

ANS: The slums of Karachi are the areas where poor people live in very small houses. The streets are narrow and dirty. The heaps of garbage are lying here and there. Pieces of glass, waste matter, and rubbish are found scattered around.

Q.3: What qualities does Sindhi woman possess?

ANS: The Sindhi woman is hardworking. She is steadfast. She is active and smart. She is fully devoted to her work.

Q.4: Why does the poet feel impressed by the Sindhi woman?

ANS: The poet feels impressed by the barefoot movement, devotion, hard work, and appearance of the Sindhi woman. She walks at a balanced and constant speed. She is absorbed in her work.

Q.5: What is the main idea/message/theme of the poem “A SINDHI WOMAN”?

ANS: The poet reflected that the people who carry weight remain active and strong. They are not afraid of the difficulties of life. They do not bend physically or morally.