The Planners - Detailed Flashcards
Poet’s Name
Boey Kim Cheng
Why did Cheng write this poem?
To voice his disgust towards modernization
What city is this poem based around?
Singapore
What could be the meaning behind “my heart would not bleed poetry”
The speaker is being characterised by poetry. It is his entire personality.
What could be the meaning behind “Anaesthesia, amnesia, hypnosis”
The public are unaware of the memories and builds that they lose everyday.
“History is new again”
What device does Cheng use in this quote?
Oxymoron
Why does Cheng describe the Planners as “They”?
To portray the builders as mysterious and anonymous, unaware of the public’s opinions of their work.
How is the phrase “Dental dexterity” used to describe the planners?
Dentists have to have very precise movements, so do the planners.
What is the overall mood of the poem?
Pessimistic and disappointed
What does “The country wears perfect rows” imply?
The city is brand new, no old and unsightly buildings remain
How does the context of this poem link into “Knock off old blocks”?
Cheng wrote the poem to show his concern over the old builds that were rapidly being removed.
