Poetry
3. Hiroshima Child by Nazim Hikmet
2. Annotate ANY Two of the following question in about 100 words each [2×4=8]
a)I knock and yet remain unseen
b) I’m seven now as I was then When children die they do not grow
c) I ask for nothing for myself; For I am dead
d) All that I need is that for peace You fight today you fight today
4. Answer ANY Two of the following question in about 100 words each [2×4=8]
a) What is the theme of the poem Hiroshima Child?
b) Why does the poet appeal or peace through a dead child?
c) Describe the feelings of the child when she knew that she was dead at the age of seven.
d) ‘I ask for nothing for myself.” Why do you think the child asked nothing for herself?
Introduction: These lines are taken from the Poem “Hiroshima Child”, written by “Nazim Hikmet”.
About the Poet: Nazim Hikmet was a Turkish poet, playwright, and novelist. His political beliefs made him spend much of his adult life in prison or exile. When he was seventeen, his first poem was published. His poetry has been translated into more than fifty languages. He is recognized as one of the greatest poets of the 20th Century.
Context: Hiroshima Child is about a Seven-year-old child who died in the Hiroshima bomb attack during World War II. She begs people to fight for peace.
Explanation: The speaker of this Poem is a seven-year-old Hiroshima girl. She died when an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima during World War II. The Soul of the girl knocks on every door to warn them about the adverse effects of war.
Since then, the child has felt neither growth nor hunger. She realizes that she is no more in flash but a soul and cannot be seen or heard. Nobody pays attention to her as she is invisible.
The child adds that the concern is for other live children, not for self. The Child Seeks neither food nor fruit. She requests people not to fight as she was the victim of war. She begs them to fight for peace. The child wants the world not only to sympathize but empathize with children who suffer in the name of the war, even though, they have nothing to do with the war or the holocaust. War brings devastation, tragedy, horror, destruction, and loss of life.
She makes an appeal, to let the children grow in peace. Children should be allowed to Play, laugh, grow, glow, and live.
Conclusion: The tone of the Poem is sad and expresses the true feelings of a small girl but there is also hope for peace. Finally, this poem is very touching.
OR
Introduction: These lines are taken from the Poem “Hiroshima Child”, written by “Nazim Hikmet”.
About the Poet: Nazim Hikmet was a Turkish poet, playwright, and novelist. His poetry has been translated into more than fifty languages.
Context: Hiroshima Child is about a Seven-year-old child who died in the Hiroshima bomb attack during World War II. She begs people to fight for peace.
Explanation: The speaker is seven year old girl who died in a Hiroshima bomb blast. The soul of the girl knocks on every door. No one hears or sees the child as she is dead since then, the child has felt neither growth nor hunger , nor any wants. The child continues to be in the same state. The child visits every home, seeks neither food nor things. But nobody pays attention to her as she is invisible, she appeals to everyone is “Fight For Peace”. Let every child play, grow, and laugh.
Conclusion: Finally this poem is very touching.
