An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum
Class 12 - English (Core)
Surely, Shakespeare is wicked, the map a bad example,
With ships and sun and love tempting them to steal—
For lives that slyly turn in their cramped holes
From fog to endless night? On their slag heap, these children
Wear skins peeped through by bones and spectacles of steel
With mended glass, like bottle bits on stones.
Q1: Why is the map called a bad example?
Q2: Why is Shakespeare described is wicked?
Q3: Where do the children spend their lives?
Q4: What does the reference to 'slag heap' mean?
Q5: What do 'fog' and 'endless night' stand for?
Answers:
1: The map is a bad example because it does not depict their own world of narrow lanes and hovels.
2: Shakespeare is described as wicked because any learning about him makes no sense for the children. They are troubled by hunger, despair and failed aspiration, learning about Shakespeare would not make their lives any better.