Subodh Bhattarai (English & Communication Notes - BBA/BBS/BBBS/BHM/BIM/BMS/MBA/MBS & +2)

  IN-DEPTH SUMMARY: " The Awakening Age " by Ben Okri is a poem that reflects deep themes of unity, hope, and the potential for a brighter future despite past and present hardships. Okri, a celebrated poet and storyteller, often writes about the struggles of African people, but his message here extends globally, calling for solidarity (unity) among all humans. O ye who travel the meridian line,   May the vision of a new world within you shine. This line addresses people who journey along the meridian (being at the best stage of development) line, a symbolic reference to those who traverse different parts of the world or who experience various challenges in life. Okri wishes that these travellers carry within them a vision of a better world, a world filled with new possibilities and hope. May eyes that have lived with poverty's rage,   See through to the glory of the awakening age. Here, Okri speaks to those who have experienced the harsh realities of poverty and anger. H...

  SUMMARY: Julia de Burgos’ poem " I Was My Own Route " is a powerful expression of self-discovery and liberation, particularly from the constraints of a patriarchal society. This poem portrays a woman’s journey to find her true identity, free from the expectations imposed on her by men and societal norms. De Burgos, a trailblazer (explorer) for Latina/o writers, expresses how women are often expected to conform to traditional roles and behaviors dictated by men. However, the speaker in the poem chooses a different path—one of self-discovery and liberation. The title of the poem suggests a journey of self-determination and independence. It conveys the idea that the speaker has chosen her own path in life, rather than following the routes laid out by others—especially by a patriarchal society. The phrase "my own route" emphasizes autonomy and the act of carving out one's own identity and destiny, free from external control or expectations. The use of the past t...

  Born in Swansea, Wales, Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) is famous for his acutely lyrical and emotional poetry.   “ Every Morning I Wake ” is an extract from Under the Milk Wood . In this poem, Thomas prays to the magnificent God to have mercy on ordinary inhabitants living under the Milk Wood (a wooded area in the hills above a Welsh seaside village of Llaggerub in Dylan Thomas’ play Under Milk Wood). The poem captures a simple yet profound meditation on the fleeting nature of life, the struggle between good and evil within each of us, and the hope for divine compassion and protection. SUMMARY: Dylan Thomas’s poem “ Every Morning When I Wake ” is a deeply reflective and prayerful meditation on the human condition, mortality, and the quest for divine protection and mercy. Through simple yet profound language, Thomas explores the cycle of daily life, the precariousness (uncertainness) of existence, and the complexities of human nature. The poem’s structure, moving from morning to n...

Summary: MY OLD HOME - Lu Xun The story My Old Home is about Xun , who returns to his hometown after many years away. The story explores how his memories clash with the reality he finds when he comes back. The story beautifully explores Xun's memories from his youth to middle age and how they clash with reality. Xun returns to his hometown after being away for many years. As he gets closer, he notices the countryside is not as beautiful as he remembered. The towns and villages look dull and lifeless, which makes him sad. He realizes that maybe his memories were idealized, and the place might have always been like this, but his attitude has changed. Xun travels over 600 miles and returns home after 20 years, in the middle of winter. He is returning home to say a final goodbye because his family's old home has been sold.  As he gets closer to his hometown, he feels disappointed. The once beautiful countryside he remembered now seems dull and lifeless.  His mother and his nephe...

Summary and Analysis: " A Day " is a relatable and well-written poem that explores life and death using memorable images of sunrise and sunset . The speaker, a child, starts the poem confidently describing the sunrise but becomes less sure when talking about the sunset. This change in tone reflects the child's innocence and encourages readers to appreciate the beauty of nature. The poem begins with the child confidently explaining how the sun rises and what follows. The child is excited about seeing birds, hills, and the sun itself, showing their innocent view of the world and only seeing its beauty. The early stanzas depict the busy nature of life. As the poem goes on, the child becomes less confident when describing the sunset. The child admits not knowing much about it but describes the sky turning purple as the sun sets until it is completely dark. This symbolizes the inactivity associated with dying and shows how little we know about death. I’ll tell you how the Sun...