1. Why does the poet compare himself to grass?
Answer: The poet compares himself to grass because, like grass, he can be cut down, but he will regrow and recover, symbolizing resilience and endurance.
2. What does the poet mean when he says he will “sprout again”?
Answer: The poet means that even if he is oppressed or harmed, he will recover and return stronger, just as grass grows back after being mowed down.
3. Why does the poet believe his identity cannot be erased?
Answer: The poet believes his identity cannot be erased because, like grass, no matter how much destruction or oppression occurs, he will continue to exist and regain his strength.
4. What does the “mantle” mentioned in the poem symbolize?
Answer: The “mantle” symbolizes the poet’s renewed existence and influence that will cover everything, representing hope, renewal, and growth.
5. What does the line “you may bomb the Universities” signify?
Answer: This line signifies the destructive attempts to obliterate knowledge, culture, and institutions, but the poet asserts that these efforts will ultimately fail.
6. What do Banga and Sangrur refer to in the poem?
Answer: Banga and Sangrur are towns in Punjab that the poet uses to represent places that could be destroyed, yet their spirit will survive and regrow like grass.
7. Why does the poet mention the district of Ludhiana being reduced to ashes?
Answer: The poet mentions Ludhiana to emphasize that even widespread destruction cannot permanently wipe out his existence or the spirit of resistance.
8. What is the significance of the green jungle of Barnala?
Answer: The green jungle of Barnala symbolizes a place of renewal, where life flourishes again, representing the poet’s belief that life will return and thrive after hardship.
9. How long does the poet suggest it will take for the grass to cover everything again?
Answer: The poet suggests it could take two years, ten years, or more, but eventually, the green mantle will cover everything again, showing the inevitability of recovery.
10. Why will tourists visit the green jungle of Barnala?
Answer: Tourists will visit the green jungle of Barnala because it represents a place of beauty, resilience, and recovery, symbolizing the enduring power of life and nature.
11. What does grass symbolize in the poem?
Answer: Grass symbolizes resilience, persistence, and the ability to recover after being suppressed, embodying the spirit of the poet and those who resist oppression.
12. What message does the poem convey about identity?
Answer: The poem conveys that identity cannot be easily erased or destroyed, even in the face of violence or destruction. It is persistent and will reemerge like grass.
13. Why does the poet believe he can “bounce back” after being cut down?
Answer: The poet believes in his ability to bounce back because he sees himself as resilient, just like grass, which recovers after being mowed.
14. What does the destruction of slums and universities represent in the poem?
Answer: The destruction of slums and universities represents attempts to destroy knowledge, culture, and the marginalized, but the poet believes these will regenerate over time.
15. How does the poem reflect optimism despite hardships?
Answer: The poem reflects optimism by showing that, like grass, the poet and the oppressed will always find a way to regrow and regain strength, no matter how much they are cut down.
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