Summary
This poem talks about
issues regarding different lifestyles and values of two generations. In the
poem, we could notice that the writer talks about the generation gap that
exists between grandparents and their grandchildren. It is like a dialogue
between them.
In the first stanza,
the grandchild asks his grandfather if he could breathe without air conditioner
and how people manage to survive without modern devices such as air
conditioners, fans, faxes and telephones. The child asks his grandmother if she
was uncomfortable fanning herself with paper fans. He inquisitively questions
how they could communicate without today's modern media of communication which
he cannot do without.
In the second stanza,
the grandparents' answer sets the two generations apart. Though they lived void
of the "basic necessities", they lived contentedly and respected
nature. Also, they were God-fearing people. The grandparents warn the younger
generations that they have inherited much technological advancement and it has
led to a separation from his spiritual well-being. God has been replaced by
money and nature has begun to fear man. Natural surroundings are being taken
over by rapid development and that has led to pollution, deforestation and
destruction of natural habitats that now threatens man.
Source: Curriculum Development
Division. Ministry of Education Malaysia. 2010
After reading the summary of the poem, here are some thoughts to ponder:
- Is it hard to live without modern inventions?
- Are you aware of pollution, stress, traffic jams, destruction of forests, streams and hills?
- What can you do to save the earth?
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