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A Different History Poem Analysis

In 'A Different History,' Sujata Bhatt explores the cultural significance of language and the enduring effects of colonialism. The poem emphasizes reverence for knowledge and the sacredness of books and trees in Indian traditions, while critiquing the imposition of colonial languages that oppress native cultures. It reflects on the painful adaptation to foreign languages and the loss of cultural identity that accompanies this process.

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Dhairya Shah (Meltable Gallium)
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986 views2 pages

A Different History Poem Analysis

In 'A Different History,' Sujata Bhatt explores the cultural significance of language and the enduring effects of colonialism. The poem emphasizes reverence for knowledge and the sacredness of books and trees in Indian traditions, while critiquing the imposition of colonial languages that oppress native cultures. It reflects on the painful adaptation to foreign languages and the loss of cultural identity that accompanies this process.

Uploaded by

Dhairya Shah (Meltable Gallium)
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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A DIFFERENT HISTORY – POEM ANALYSIS

Great Pan is not dead; Commented [DS1]: Metaphor: Pan symbolises ancient
beliefs, suggesting their survival in India despite
he simply emigrated colonialism.
to India. Allusion: Reference to Greek mythology highlights
cultural clash.
Here, the gods roam freely,
disguised as snakes or monkeys; Commented [DS2]: Imagery: The "gods" roaming as
"snakes or monkeys" creates vivid visual images,
every tree is sacred representing the continuation of spiritual life in altered,
and it is a sin culturally specific forms in India.
Symbolism: Snakes and monkeys symbolize both Hindu
to be rude to a book. deities (e.g., Lord Shiva as a serpent and Hanuman, the
monkey god) and the persistence of local belief systems.
It is a sin to shove a book aside
with your foot,
a sin to slam books down
hard on a table,
a sin to toss one carelessly Commented [DS3]: Anaphora: Repeated "a sin" stresses
the moral importance of respect.
across a room. Alliteration: "Shove," "slam," "sin" adds rhythm and
You must learn how to turn the pages gently emphasis.
Commented [DS4]: Personification: Sarasvati is
without disturbing Sarasvati, personified as the goddess of knowledge.
without offending the tree Symbolism: The tree represents nature, and paper is
sacred knowledge.
from whose wood the paper was made.

Which language
has not been the oppressor’s tongue? Commented [DS5]: Rhetorical Question: This question
challenges the reader to reflect on the pervasive role of
Which language language in oppression and colonization.
truly meant to murder someone? Metaphor: "The oppressor’s tongue" uses "tongue" as a
metaphor for language, symbolizing power and control.
And how does it happen Commented [DS6]: Hyperbole: Exaggerates the violent
that after the torture, impact of colonizer’s language.
after the soul has been cropped
with a long scythe swooping out Commented [DS7]: Imagery: Visual of colonial violence
severing cultural identity.
of the conqueror’s face Metaphor: "Scythe" symbolizes the destruction of native
the unborn grandchildren culture.

grow to love that strange language. Commented [DS8]: Irony: Grandchildren embrace the
language that oppressed their ancestors.

Mini-glossary
Great Pan – this chap was the Ancient Greek’s God of Nature.
Sarasvati – Indian/Hindu River God
THEMES EXPLORED:

Cultural Reverence and Language: The poem emphasizes the deep respect for knowledge
and culture, particularly through the reverence for books and sacred trees. It underscores the
sanctity of education and learning in Indian traditions.

Colonialism and Its Lingering Effects: The poem explores the impact of British
colonialism, particularly how the imposition of English eroded native cultures and languages.
It highlights the violence done to identities, with language used as an instrument of control.

Identity and Language Conflict: Bhatt reflects on the tension between her native Gujarati
and the English language, illustrating the internal conflict faced by many who are forced to
adopt the language of their colonizers while losing touch with their cultural heritage.

SUMMARY:

In A Different History, Sujata Bhatt reflects on the deep cultural significance of language and
the lasting impact of colonialism. The first part of the poem describes a reverence for
learning, symbolized by the sacredness of books and trees in Indian traditions. Bhatt invokes
the idea that everything is sacred, urging a gentle and respectful interaction with books. In the
second half, the poem shifts to critique the colonial imposition of language, questioning how
languages, once used by oppressors, come to be loved by future generations despite their
oppressive origins. The poem concludes with a reflection on the painful process of adapting
to a foreign language, symbolizing the loss of native identities and cultures under colonial
rule.

DONE!

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