Poem 13- A Tale of two Cities : Book 3

 

Poem 13- A Tale of two Cities

 

Word	Meaning	Synonym
1.      Shrill	make a shrill noise.	Piercing sounds, loud cries, screams
2.      Woeful	very bad; deplorable.	Gloomy, deplorable, miserable
3.      Wasteful	to waste	Wasted, unproductive
4.      Moan	a long, low sound expressing physical or mental suffering	Groan, howl, cry, wail
5.      Grind	Crush into pieces	pounding or crushing
6.      Fury	wild or violent anger.	Anger, rage, wrath

 

Reference:

These lines have been taken from “A Tale of Two Cities” written by “John Peter”

Context:

This poem is about the horrible effects and devastation of nuclear weapons. This poem is a tribute to the people of Japan. How they survived the hardest period in humanity when the atom bomb destroyed their culture and civilization.

Explanation:

The poem is about a historical incident when two cities of Japan were destroyed by atom bombs in the Second World War. The atomic explosion destroyed each and everything of these two cities. The people of these cities faced horrible deaths and those who were alive were worse than death. But Japanese did not lose heart in this vast destruction. They worked hard, day and night and again stood in the line of developed countries within a decade.

 

Short Questions:

Q1. Why did the people look powerless and helpless?

The people looked powerless and helpless due to the high effects of the atom bomb. Atom bomb destroyed everything. The innocent people were injured, burnt, and killed.

Q2.  Describe the scene of devastation?

Smoke was rising everywhere. Millions of people were burnt, injured, and killed. Natural beauty was destroyed and two cities were burnt.

Q3. What is the moral lesson of the poem?

The moral lesson of the poem is that we should try to keep the peace. War is not a solution to any problem.

Q4. Comment “ Ashes are not merely the waste”

By “ Ashes are not merely the waste’ The poet exhibits the patience and courage of the Japanese who reached economic heights by shaking off the after-effects of the war and destruction.