WIND
By – Subramania Bharati
Reference to Context Questions:
1. Read the following lines and answer the questions that follow:
“You’re very clever at poking fun at weaklings.
Frail crumbling houses, crumbling doors, crumbling rafters,
crumbling wood, crumbling bodies, crumbling lives,
crumbling hearts –
The wind god winnows and crushes them all.”
a. Who is being addressed in these lines?
The poet is addressing the ‘Wind’ in these lines. Moreover, ‘wind’ here is
symbolic of the problems and challenges that humans face in their life.
b. Briefly explain the significance of the word “crumbling” in these lines.
“Crumbling” in these lines is a reference to the fragile state of everything from
the houses and doors to the lives and hearts. Furthermore, the repeated usage of
the word ‘crumbling’ also signifies the destruction in one’s life caused by an
onslaught of problems and challenges.
c. Identify and quote any two poetic devices used in these lines.
The poet uses both alliteration and metaphor in the phrase, ‘wind god winnows...’
2. Read the following lines and answer the questions that follow:
“So, come, let’s build strong homes
Let’s joint the doors firmly.
Practise to firm the body.
Make the heart steadfast.”
a. Identify the poem and the poet.
These lines are from Subramania Bharati’s extraordinary poem, titled
‘Wind’.
b. Who is the poet calling upon in these lines?
Following a vivid portrayal of the destruction caused by the wind, the poet
goes on to call upon his readers and all of humanity to strengthen itself in
preparedness for facing these inevitable problems and obstructions in their
lives.
c. Identify the rhyme scheme used in the poem.
The poem doesn’t have a proper rhyme scheme, rather it uses free-verse to
relate its central idea to the audience.
Short Answer Questions:
Answer the following questions in no more than 50-70 words:
1. Briefly comment on the differential impact of ‘wind’ on the weak and the
strong.
The poet claims that the “wind god winnows”, and separates the strong from the
weak. In fact, it is through facing conflicts and challenges, that those with
physical, mental and emotional strength truly shine and emerge as better versions
of themselves. Moreover, those that cower in fear and relent and resign easily are
destroyed and eviscerated. He further elaborates on this through the example of
fire, as the strong ones’ glow brighter as the wind blows, while the weak ones are
easily extinguished.
2. What advise does the poet offer? Why does he make that suggestion?
The poet helps his readers realize the inevitability of having to face trials and
tribulations in the course of one’s life and advices us to be well prepared for such
a situation by strengthening our bodies and minds. Furthermore, the poet seems
convinced that strengthening ourselves would offer us a more holistic perspective
on life, and we’ll see challenges as opportunities to learn from and grow rather
than as hurdles designed to stop us. He also claims that once we have conquered
our fear of the formidable ‘wind’, we might even become friends.
Long Answer Questions – (10 and 11)
3. ‘The poet’s perspective on wind and its relationship with humans, evolves
over time.’ Comment.
In his highly acclaimed poem ‘Wind’, Subramania Bharati uses the titular
element as a metaphor for problems and challenges that humans have to face in
the course of their lives. Initially, the poet seems terrified of the wind’s power
and begs and pleads for mercy, imploring the “wind god” to wreak havoc in its
wake. Upon realizing however, that his prayers had fallen upon the cruel and deaf
ears of the mighty element, he becomes quite aggressive with his complaints and
momentarily falls into despair, which is evidenced through his repetition of the
word “crumbling”, as he paints a vivid image of the destruction around him.
He soon realizes though that much like wind, trials and tribulations are
inevitable and we need to strengthen all aspects of our existence and be better
prepared to face the challenges that life might throw at us at whim. Moreover, he
even seems open to the prospect of friendship with this former enemy. Clearly,
strengthening his mind and body adds to his level of confidence. Eventually, the
poet regards the wind, recognizing both – its power and inevitability, calling
upon all of us to accept and praise it.
To conclude, his relationship with ‘wind’ develops significantly as the poem
progresses, and eventually we can see a more accepting and evolved version of
the poet as well.
