Living Space - Imitiaz Dharker Flashcards
Different length lines - Living Space
mirror the “beams” that “balance crookedly”, showing irregularity, breaking up the poem.
+ enjambment
Existence of the slums is miraculous - Living Space
“the whole structure leans dangerously towards the miraculous” - juxtaposition between the concerning state of the buildings and the hopefulness in faith (dangerously/miraculous)
Faith in a higher power makes them feel safe “the bright thin walls of faith” - belief in god is fragile/delicate yet people balance their lives on it
People have made it their home - Living Space
“and even dared to place these eggs in a wire basket” - something that seems dangerous houses a delicate and special part of life. This shouldn’t be impressive “fragile curves of white”
Focal point - Living Space
separated fro 2 stanzas “into this rough frame, someone has squeezed a living space” draws attention to main point of poem
Sibilant sounds draw attention to image - challenging to manoever in the unnaturally cramped areas
Semantic field of instability - Living Space
“Nails clutch at open seams” - desparate, personification, struggling to stay together
creates a sense of danger, worry and insecurity
potential danger wherever you go
Changes focus to wider world - Living Space
“Hung out over the dark edge of a slanted universe”
how the universe is precarious - everyone lives in perpetual danger but for some reason the slums are highlighted by said people - people still thrive, it shouldnt be surprising
Context - Living Space
- Dharker was born in Pakistan and rasied in Glasgow, living between Britain and India
- 1997 collection postcards from god
- slums of Mumbai made from found materials, many people migrate to them, overcrowded
