English Notes Chapter 3.3 – Truth Class 8 Maharashtra Board

1. About the Poem

The poem “Truth” by Barrie Wade highlights the power of words and how they can deeply affect a person’s emotions and mental state. It contrasts physical injuries (which heal over time) with emotional wounds caused by harsh words (which leave a lasting impact). The poet conveys the message that we should be careful with our words, as they have the power to hurt or heal.

2. Theme of the Poem

• The poem explores the long-lasting impact of words compared to physical injuries.
• It emphasizes that while sticks, stones, bats, and bricks can cause physical pain, they heal with time.
• However, harsh words leave emotional scars that may never fade, making them more damaging than physical wounds.
• The poet encourages us to speak thoughtfully and kindly.

3. Summary of the Poem

• The poet begins by saying sticks and stones can break bones, but words can also hurt deeply.
• Physical injuries caused by stones, sticks, bats, and bricks heal over time.
• Words, however, act as ghosts that haunt a person, causing shame, embarrassment, and emotional distress.
• The pain from words stays in the heart and mind, making it difficult to forget.
• The poet reminds us to be mindful of our words, as they can cause lasting harm.

4. Poetic Devices Used in the Poem

The poet uses various figures of speech to enhance the impact of the poem:

(a) Alliteration (Repetition of initial consonant sounds)

1. “Slant and curved the fall word-swords”
2. “Pain from words has left its scar”

(b) Repetition (Words or phrases repeated for emphasis)

1. “Sticks and stones may break my bones”
2. “Cuts and bruises now have healed”

(c) Metaphor (An indirect comparison between two things)

• “Words are ghosts that haunt me” → Words are compared to ghosts because they leave a long-lasting impact.

(d) Imagery (Use of words to create a mental picture)

• The poem creates vivid images of sticks, stones, bricks, and bats causing pain, making it easy to compare physical injuries with emotional pain.

5. Rhyme Scheme of the Poem

• The poem follows a regular rhyme scheme: ABCB
• Example from the first stanza:
  • A Sticks and stones may break my bones,
  • B But words can also hurt me.
  • C Stones and sticks break only skin,
  • B While words are ghosts that haunt me.

6. Word Meanings from the Poem