The grass is also like me it has to unfurl underfoot to fulfil itself but what does its wetness manifest: a scorching sense of shame or the heat of emotion?
The grass is also like me As soon as it can raise its head the lawnmower obsessed with flattening it into velvet, mows it down again. How you strive and endeavour
to level woman down too! But neither the earth's nor woman's desire to manifest life dies. Take my advice: the idea of making a
footpath was a good one.
Those who cannot bear the scorching
defeat of their courage are grafted on to the earth. That's how they make way for the mighty but they are merely straw not grass -the grass is really like me.
Discuss any 2 themes from the mystic drum. Comment upon the symbolism of grass as used in the poem by kishwan nasheeb. Highlight the central theme of the grass is really like me. Discuss the appropriateness of the title the mystic drum.
In the poem "The Mystic Drum" by Kishwar Naheed, several themes emerge, and the symbolism of grass plays a significant role in conveying deeper meanings. Here’s a discussion of two prominent themes, the symbolism of grass, the central theme of the poem, and the appropriateness of the title.
Resilience and Struggle: One of the central themes in the poem is the resilience of both nature and women in the face of oppression. The grass symbolizes the struggle for survival and the desire to thrive despite being constantly mowed down, much like women who strive for recognition and equality in a patriarchal society. The repeated mowing of the grass represents societal forces that seek to suppress and control, yet the grass continues to grow back, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of women.
Identity and Self-Realization: Another theme is the quest for identity and self-fulfillment. The grass's journey of unfurling underfoot mirrors the journey of self-discovery and the need for individuals, particularly women, to assert their existence and desires. The poem suggests that just as grass seeks to manifest life, women too have an inherent desire to express themselves and fulfill their potential, despite societal constraints.
In the poem, grass serves as a powerful symbol of resilience, growth, and the struggle against oppression. The grass's ability to unfurl and grow despite being mowed down represents the persistent spirit of women who continue to strive for their rights and identities. The wetness of the grass can symbolize the emotional depth and vulnerability that comes with this struggle, suggesting that the fight for self-fulfillment is fraught with challenges and feelings of shame or emotional turmoil. The grass embodies the idea that life, in all its forms, has an innate desire to flourish, paralleling the experiences of women who seek to break free from societal constraints.
The central theme of "The Grass is Really Like Me" emphasizes the connection between the speaker and the grass, highlighting shared experiences of struggle, resilience, and the desire for self-actualization. The speaker identifies with the grass, suggesting that both share a common fight against forces that seek to suppress them. This theme underscores the idea that, like grass, women possess an inherent strength and a relentless will to grow and thrive, regardless of the obstacles they face. The poem ultimately celebrates this shared resilience and the refusal to be diminished by external pressures.
The title "The Mystic Drum" is appropriate as it evokes a sense of rhythm, continuity, and the underlying pulse of life that connects all beings. Drums often symbolize communication, cultural identity, and the heartbeat of a community. In the context of the poem, the "mystic drum" can represent the collective struggle and resilience of women, echoing their voices and experiences. It suggests that there is a deeper, almost spiritual connection between the struggles of women and the natural world, as both seek to assert their existence and identity. The title encapsulates the essence of the poem, inviting readers to explore the mystical and profound connections between nature, identity, and the human experience.
In summary, "The Mystic Drum" by Kishwar Naheed explores themes of resilience and identity through the symbolism of grass, emphasizing the shared struggles of women and nature. The title aptly reflects the poem's exploration of deeper connections and the rhythm of life that binds