Read the following poem and answer questions that follow:
Life, death,-death, life; the words have lead for ages
Our thought and consciousness and firmly seemed
Two opposites; but now long-hidden pages
Are opened, liberating truths undreamed'
Life only is, or death is life disguised,-
Life a short death until by life we are surprised.
(i) what is the problem that the poet poses initially (150 words)
(ii) comment on the concluding couplet of the poem. (100 words)
(iii) Point out the use of paradox in the poem. (150 words)
(iv) Comment on any other poem you have read with a similar theme.
(250 words)
the poet is trying to explain (by using a series of metaphors) his/her understanding of life and death - two opposite concepts. Also the poet sees the two - life and death - as interchangeable, or as actually having opposite meanings than those we normally or usually attribute them - in other words real long lasting, eternal life only begins after death, while in real life, we are actually dead and awaiting to be awakened to "life"
Hope this helps to some extent.
No one will do your work for you, but someone here will be happy to comment on what YOU THINK.
what is the problem that the poet poses initially (150 words)
(i) The problem that the poet initially poses in the poem is the long-held belief that life and death are opposing forces. He suggests that these two concepts have been seen as completely separate from each other for centuries. However, the poet hints at the existence of hidden truths that challenge this conventional wisdom.
(ii) The concluding couplet of the poem states, "Life a short death until by life we are surprised." This couplet playfully contradicts our initial perception of life and death as opposing forces. It suggests that life itself is a temporary state, close to death, until we are unexpectedly awakened or surprised by the fullness and beauty of life. The humor lies in the twist the poet presents, inviting the reader to reconsider their understanding of life and death, and to find joy in the unexpected surprises that life can bring.
(iii) The poem employs paradox in various ways. First, the title itself, "Life, death,-death, life," sets up a paradox by placing these concepts side by side, implying that they are interconnected. The line "Life only is, or death is life disguised" further emphasizes this paradox by suggesting that life can be mistaken for death or that death can be seen as a disguise for life. The use of paradox serves to challenge our conventional understanding of life and death and invites the reader to consider alternative perspectives.
(iv) One poem with a similar theme is "Because I Could Not Stop for Death" by Emily Dickinson. In this poem, Dickinson personifies death and portrays it as a gentle and patient companion. The poem describes the journey of the speaker with death in a carriage, passing through various stages of life. The poem suggests that death is not to be feared but embraced as a natural part of existence. This theme aligns with the idea presented in the initial poem where life and death are not opposing forces, but rather intertwined. Both poems challenge the conventional understanding of life and death, inviting the reader to contemplate their interconnected nature and to find humor or peace in accepting the inevitable.
(i) The problem that the poet initially poses in this poem is the dichotomy between life and death. For ages, these two concepts have been considered opposing forces, with life representing vitality, growth, and consciousness, and death symbolizing the end, decay, and the absence of life. The poet suggests that these notions have been deeply ingrained in our thinking and have been firmly believed to be separate and contradictory. However, the poet also hints at the existence of hidden truths that challenge this traditional understanding. The problem, therefore, lies in reconciling these seemingly opposing ideas and exploring the possible connections between life and death.
(ii) The concluding couplet of the poem states, "Life a short death until by life we are surprised." This couplet presents a provocative idea that flips the conventional understanding of life as the opposite of death. It suggests that life itself can be seen as a form of death, but this perception changes when we are surprised by the true essence of life. The phrasing "until by life we are surprised" indicates that life holds something unexpected, possibly an inherent connection to death that challenges the traditional view. The couplet invites readers to question their preconceived notions and open their minds to new perspectives on the meaning and interplay of life and death.
(iii) The poem employs paradox to challenge the conventional understanding of life and death. A paradox is a statement or situation that appears contradictory but may reveal deeper truths. In this poem, the paradox lies in the line "Life only is, or death is life disguised." At first glance, life and death appear to be contradictory, mutually exclusive concepts. However, the paradox suggests that life may actually be the only reality, and death is merely a disguise or transformation of life itself. The juxtaposition of these opposing terms creates tension and prompts readers to reconsider their traditional beliefs about life and death.
(iv) One poem that explores a similar theme is "Because I could not stop for Death" by Emily Dickinson. In this poem, Dickinson personifies Death as a gentleman who takes the speaker on a carriage ride throughout different stages of life. The poem presents a perspective where death is not feared or dreaded but rather seen as a natural part of life's journey. It suggests that death is an integral and inevitable transition that comes after life's experiences.
The theme of life and death is approached in a thought-provoking manner. Similar to the poem discussed earlier, Dickinson's poem challenges the traditional view of death as an adversary. Instead, it presents death as an escort, guiding the speaker in an eternal perspective. Both poems explore the idea of life and death as intertwined and interconnected facets of existence. They invite readers to reconsider their conception of death and acknowledge its inherent relationship to life, bringing new perspectives and deeper insights into the mysteries of existence.