Small Towns and Rivers

Extract on River and Small Towns

3 (A) Read the given extract and complete the activities given below: (10)

Small towns always remind me of death.
My hometown lies calmly amidst the trees,
it is always the same,
in summer or winter,
with the dust flying,
or the wind howling down the gorge.
Just the other day someone died.
In the dreadful silence we wept
looking at the sad wreath of tuberoses.
Life and death, life and death,
only the rituals are permanent.
The river has a soul.
In the summer it cuts through the land
like a torrent of grief. Sometimes,sometimes, I think it holds its breath
seeking a land of fish and stars
The river has a soul.
It knows, stretching past the town,
from the first drop of rain to dry earth
and mist on the mountaintops,
the river knows
the immortality of water.
A shrine of happy pictures
marks the days of childhood.
Small towns grow with anxiety
for the future.
The dead are placed pointing west.
When the soul rises
it will walk into the golden east,
into the house of the sun.
In the cool bamboo,
restored in sunlight,
life matters, like this.
In small towns by the river
we all want to walk with the gods.

Meaning of the poem Small Towns and Rivers

The poem “Small Towns and Rivers” by Mamang Dai reflects on the cyclical nature of life and death, capturing the essence of small towns and the significance of the river. The speaker describes the constant nature of their hometown, emphasizing the unchanging landscape amidst different seasons and events.

The river is personified with a soul, cutting through the land in the summer like a torrent of grief. The river’s journey from the first drop of rain to dry earth symbolizes the cycle of life, highlighting the immortality of water. The poet suggests that the river knows the essence of existence, connecting the town’s past, present, and future.

The poem touches on the rituals associated with life and death in small towns, portraying the anxiety for the future that accompanies growth. The imagery of a shrine of happy pictures and the dead being placed pointing west adds layers to the narrative, suggesting a reverence for the past and a hope for a positive afterlife.

Overall, the central theme revolves around the contemplation of life, death, and the timeless flow of the river, weaving a poetic tapestry that reflects the human desire to connect with something greater in the tranquil setting of small towns by the river.

Activity 1

A1. True or False: (02)
i. River is a dominant natural phenomenon in the poem.
ii. Her hometown looks beautiful only in rainy season.
iii. The souls of the beloved ones always dwell in the natural elements all around
iv. The river knows the immortality of water
Ans: A1.
i. True
ii. False
iii. True
iv. True

A1. Choose: (02)
Choose the correct option and complete the statement.
i. Small towns always remind the poet of ……………………
1) Joy 2) life
3) death 4) hope
ii. The …………… flying and ………………………………. howling down the
gorge.
1) Aeroplane, ship 2) kite, river
3) sound, storm 4) dust, wind
iii. In summer season, the river cuts through the land means ……………….
1) there is water everywhere 2) scarcity of water
3) water gushing everywhere 4) torrential rain

iv. The river knows ………………………………………………………….
1) Where it flows 2) water is immortal
3) water is polluted 4)it is going to meet ocean in the end.

Ans: i. 3) death
ii. 4) dust, wind
iii. 3) water gushing everywhere
iv. 2) water is immortal

Activity 2

A2. Find out: (02)
Pick out the lines that describe the poet‟s town.
The lines that describe the poet’s town are:

“My hometown lies calmly amidst the trees.”
“It is always the same in summer or winter.”
“With the dust flying.”
“Or the wind howling down the gorge.”
“The river has a soul.”

A2. Describe: (02)
Describe the elements of nature mentioned in the poem.
The poem mentions several elements of nature, including the river, the mountains, the wind, the dust, the bamboo, the sun, the rain, and the flowers. The river is a dominant natural phenomenon in the poem, and it is personified as having a soul. The mountains are described as having mist on their tops, and the sun is referred to as the “house of the sun.” The wind is depicted as howling down the gorge, and the dust is said to fly. The poem also mentions tuberoses, a type of flower that is associated with death.

A3. Personal Response: (02)

Write down the measures you would take to convince the people regarding the need to conserve the Nature.
Ans: Measures that could be taken to convince people regarding the need to conserve nature include education and awareness campaigns, incentivizing environmentally friendly behavior, and implementing policies and regulations to protect natural resources. It is important to emphasize the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.

A3. Personal Response: (02)
Do you believe that man has taken Nature for granted? Justify your answer with suitable examples.
Ans: Yes, man has taken nature for granted in many ways. For example, deforestation, pollution, and overfishing are all examples of how humans have exploited natural resources without regard for the long-term consequences. Climate change, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity are some of the outcomes of this exploitation.

A3. Personal Response: (02)
“India lives in villages,‟ Do you agree with the view. Justify your answer with suitable examples in about fifty words.
Ans: Yes, I agree with the view that India lives in villages. While urbanization is increasing, a majority of the population still resides in rural areas. Villages are an integral part of India’s cultural and economic fabric, and they continue to play an important role in shaping the country’s future.

A3. Personal Response: (02)
Do you like city life or village life? Why? Explain with suitable examples
Ans : I prefer village life because of its slower pace, natural surroundings, and sense of community. In villages, people are more connected to the land and the environment, and there is a greater appreciation for traditional ways of life. Additionally, village life offers a respite from the stress and noise of city life.

A3. Personal Response: (02)
Do you think that,” God made villages, manmade cities” share your views on this in about fifty words.
Ans: I partially agree with the statement that “God made villages, manmade cities.” While it is true that villages are often in harmony with the natural environment, cities can also be designed to be sustainable and environmentally friendly. It is up to humans to choose how they interact with their surroundings and to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing

A4. Poetic Devices: (02)

“Small towns always remind me of death”
Name and explain the figure of speech used in the above line.
Ans : The figure of speech used in the line “Small towns always remind me of death” is a metaphor, as the poet is comparing small towns to death.

A4. Poetic Devices: (02)
“The river has a soul”
Name and explain the figure of speech used in the above line.
Ans: The figure of speech used in the line “The river has a soul” is personification, as the poet is attributing human qualities (a soul) to a non-human entity (the river).

A4. Poetic Devices: (02)
“a sad wreath of tuberoses”
Name and explain the figure of speech used in the above line.
Ans: The figure of speech used in the line “a sad wreath of tuberoses” is a metaphor, as the poet is comparing the wreath to sadness.
A4. Poetic Devices: (02)
“life and death, life and death”
Identify the figure of speech used here.
Ans: The figure of speech used in the line “life and death, life and death” is repetition, as the poet repeats the phrase to emphasize the cyclical nature of life.

A4. Poetic Devices: (02)
“in the dreadful silence we wept”
Name and explain the figure of speech used in the above line. Ans : The figure of speech used in the line Inversion “in the dreadful silence we wept” is inversion as the line is not in a correct prose order.

A5. Poetic Creativity: (02)

Small towns always remind me of death
My hometown lies calmly amidst the trees
It is always the same.
In summer or winter
Replace the italic words and make use of different words to compose a meaningful stanza. Ans Small towns always remind me of life
My hometown swings happily amidst the trees
It is always the new.
In spring or autumn

A5. Poetic creativity: (02)
The river has a soul
…………………………….
…………………………….
Seeking a land of fish and stars.

A5. Poetic creativity: (02)
Compose two lines of your own on the theme,” I am a river. Ans : I am a river
I am a giver
To town or city
Product and beauty

Another Set

A1. True or false: (02)
State whether the following statements are true or false.
i. The season mentioned in the extract is monsoon.
ii. Small towns grow with the anxiety of the future.
iii. The poet has some nostalgic memories of her hometown.
iv. River, Bamboo, Nature are the most important part of the poet‟s life.
Ans i. False
ii. False
iii. True
iv. True

A2. Elaborate: (02)
“The river has a soul” Elaborate the concept in your words as the poet has explained in the poem.
Ans: The line “The river has a soul” suggests that the river is not just a physical entity but also has a spiritual or emotional essence. It means that the river has a life force that connects it to the natural world and gives it a sense of purpose beyond its physical functions. This concept is often associated with the idea of animism, which is the belief that all natural entities have souls or spirits.


A2. Give reasons: (02)
The dead are placed pointing to the west because …………………….
……………………………………………………………………………..
………
Ans: The dead are placed pointing to the west because it is believed that the souls of the dead go to the underworld, which is in the west. This is a common belief in many cultures and is based on the movement of the sun from east to west.

A3. Personal Response: (02)
Do you believe in the idea of the poet,‟ The River knows the immortality of water”? Explain with suitable examples.

Ans: It is difficult to say whether the river knows the immortality of water or not, but the idea that water is immortal is supported by science. Water is a renewable resource that is constantly being replenished through the water cycle, and it has been on Earth for millions of years. Therefore, it is possible to say that water has a kind of eternal quality.

A3. Personal Response: (02)
Do you agree with the poet‟s view that,” in small towns by the river
we all want to walk with the gods” Explain it in about fifty words.
Ans: I agree with the poet’s view that in small towns by the river, we all want to walk with the gods. Small towns are often close to nature, and the river symbolizes a connection to something greater than ourselves. This can create a sense of awe and wonder that makes us feel closer to the divine.

A3. Personal Response: (02)
Do you think man‟s indifference is the basic cause of all our Environmental problem? Justify your answer with suitable
examples in about fifty words.
Ans: Man’s indifference is certainly a major cause of environmental problems, but it is not the only cause. Other factors such as overpopulation, resource depletion, and climate change also contribute to environmental degradation. However, man’s indifference is a significant factor because it leads to a lack of action and accountability for the harm we are causing to the environment.

A3. Personal Response: (02)
“Our callous opportunism is the root cause of the destruction of
Nature,‟ Explain with suitable examples.
Ans: I agree with the statement that our callous opportunism is the root cause of the destruction of nature. This is because our actions are often driven by the desire for short-term gains rather than long-term sustainability. We prioritize our own interests over the well-being of the planet, and this has led to the overexploitation of natural resources and the degradation of ecosystems.

A4. Poetic Devices: (02)
“A shrine of happy pictures Marks the days of childhood”
Ans: The figure of speech used in “a shrine of happy pictures” is metaphor. It compares the collection of memories to a shrine, which is a place of worship or reverence.

A4. Poetic Devices: (02)
“We all want to walk with the gods” Name and explain the figure of speech used here.
Ans: The figure of speech used in “we all want to walk with the gods” is hyperbole. It exaggerates the desire to be close to nature and the divine by using the image of walking with the gods.

A4. Poetic Creativity: (02)
The poem is written in free verse. write some features of free verse.
Ans: Free verse is a type of poetry that does not follow a specific pattern or structure. It is characterized by the use of irregular line lengths, lack of rhyme, and varying rhythms. Free verse allows the poet to experiment with language and form in a more flexible and organic way.

A5. Poetic Creativity: (02)
Compose four lines of your own on the theme,” Life in small towns‟

Life in small towns
Is a simpler way of being
Where nature is close
And community is everything

A5. Poetic Creativity: (02)
The river has a soul
……………………………..
……………………………..

Compose the next two lines of your own to make a meaningful stanza.

The river has a soul
That sings with the wind and sky
And carries our dreams
As it flows gently by

A5. Poetic Creativity: (02)
In small towns, by the river
We all want to walk with the gods
…………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………….
Complete the concluding stanza by writing your own lines keeping in
mind the theme of the extract.

In small towns, by the river
We all want to walk with the gods
As we listen to the water’s song
And feel excited and existence

Appreciation of Small Towns and Rivers

Small Towns and Rivers” by Mamang Dai is a beautiful and haunting poem that perfectly captures the essence of life in small towns and the way the rivers that run through them shape our lives and memories. Dai’s use of imagery and language is truly masterful, painting vivid pictures in the reader’s mind of the lush landscape and the people who call these towns home. The poem is both nostalgic and melancholic, reminding us of the beauty and simplicity of small-town life, while also acknowledging its limitations and the struggles of its inhabitants. Overall, “Small Towns and Rivers” is a powerful and moving tribute to a way of life that is rapidly disappearing, and a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. The poem also touches on the universal themes of change and the passage of time, as the towns and rivers mentioned in the poem change and evolve over time, just as we do. The poem is a reminder that, despite these changes, the memories of the people and places we hold dear will always remain with us. The powerful imagery in the poem is a testament to Mamang Dai’s gift for storytelling, as she brings to life the sights, sounds, and emotions of small-town life with stunning clarity and detail. The language of the poem is both evocative and poetic, imbuing it with a sense of mystery and wonder.

In conclusion, “Small Towns and Rivers” is a true gem of contemporary poetry, a moving tribute to the small towns and rivers that shape our lives and a beautiful celebration of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. It is a poem that will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds, reminding us of the importance of preserving our memories and the legacies of the places and people we hold dear.

Extra Activities:

A1 Write down the list of natural elements mentioned in the extract. (02)
A2. Describe the hometown of the poetess in the first stanza of the given
extract. (2)
A3. Suggest at least two measures you would take to convince the people
regarding the need to conserve the Nature. (02)
A4. Poetic Device: (02)
Find out and explain the figure of speech in the following line:
“Or the wind howling down the gorge
A5. Creativity: (02)
Compose a stanza of four lines on the beauty of the nature

Extra Activities Answers:

A1. Natural elements mentioned in the extract:
River, bamboo, nature, water, fish, stars, mountains, trees, wind, gorge, and clouds.

A2. In the first stanza, the poet describes her hometown as a small town lying calmly amidst the trees, with a river flowing nearby. The river is surrounded by bamboo groves and mountains, and the clouds often gather around the mountains. The wind howls down the gorge, and the sound echoes through the town.

A3. Two measures to convince people to conserve nature could be:

Educating people about the importance of preserving natural resources and the impact of human activities on the environment.
Promoting sustainable practices, such as recycling, reducing waste, and using eco-friendly products, and encouraging people to make small changes in their daily lives to reduce their impact on the environment.
A4. The figure of speech used in the line “Or the wind howling down the gorge” is personification, as the wind is given human-like qualities of howling.

A5. Beauty of nature stanza:
The sun rises above the hills,
Painting the sky with golden rays.
The trees sway in the gentle breeze,
And the birds sing their morning praise