Flamingo
Poem 2- An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum
By- Stephen
Spender
Assignment
Reference to Context
1.
Stanza 1- ‘Far far from…….other than this.’
a)
How does the poet describe the children in the
beginning of the poem?
b)
Why is the tall girl’s head weighed down?
c)
What does the poet mean by ‘rat’s eyes’?
d)
Why does the poet refer to the stunted child as
‘unlucky heir’?
e)
How is the child sitting at the back of the
classroom different from other children?
2.
Stanza 2 –‘On sour cream walls….. stars of
words.’
a)
Explain ‘sour cream walls, donations’
b)
What does Shakespeare’s head symbolize?
c)
How is the presence of the picture of a
‘civilized dome’ in the classroom ironical?
d)
What is the Tyrolese valley famous for?
e)
What kind of a world do these children belong
to? What does ‘lead sky symbolize?
3.
Stanza 3- ‘Surely Shakespeare is wicked…..as big
as slum.’
a)
Why is Shakespeare wicked?
b)
How is the world map a bad example?
c)
Explain line 3 of the stanza.
d)
What does the phrase ,’ fog to endless night
represent’?
e)
How does the poet express his anguish?
4.
Stanza 4- ‘ Unless governor……language is the
sun.’
a)
What does the poet desire from the educated and
powerful people ?
b)
What do catacombs imply? How is the world of the
slum children like catacombs?
c)
What does the poet mean by green fields and
golden sands?
d)
What does the poet wish for the children to be
provided with?
e)
Discuss the last line
