Poem: I Was My Own Route | Exercise With Summary | Grade 12 | English 

Summary:-

The poem reflects the speaker's journey of self-discovery and liberation, defying societal expectations and embracing individual authenticity. The speaker initially expresses a desire to conform, wanting to be what others expected—a compliant participant in life's game. However, the speaker realizes their intrinsic nature, characterized by a sense of immediacy and a refusal to walk backward. The refusal to conform is symbolized by the rejection of the old guard, who represents conventional norms and expectations.

As the speaker moves forward on their chosen path, they face resistance from the old guard, a metaphorical representation of societal constraints. Despite the challenges, the speaker persists, mocking the ashes of the past and embracing new possibilities. Each step forward is accompanied by the metaphor of the old guard's desperate flapping wings, symbolizing the struggle against conformity.

The turning point comes when the speaker breaks free from the constraints, symbolized by an unpinned branch. With each liberated step, the speaker's perspective expands, distancing itself from familiar horizons. The speaker's face reflects a profound internal change, an intimate liberation from societal expectations.

In the present, the speaker embraces a newfound identity, feeling like a blossom of all the soils of the earth, free from historical and future constraints. The speaker becomes a manifestation of all humanity and epochs, symbolizing a universal and timeless existence.

The concluding lines convey a sense of detachment from societal expectations and a refusal to follow the norms dictated by the old guard. The speaker recognizes the waiting homage at the regal parade but chooses not to conform, embodying the freedom to define their own path and identity. Overall, the poem explores themes of individuality, defiance, and the transformative power of self-discovery.

Answer the following question:-

Why did the speaker try to be the way men wanted her to be?

The poem doesn't explicitly state the motivation behind the speaker's initial attempt to conform to societal expectations. However, it can be inferred that the speaker might have felt societal pressure or a desire for acceptance, leading them to try to be what others, particularly men, expected them to be.

What do you understand by her feet 'would not accept walking backwards'?

The phrase "feet would not accept walking backwards" symbolizes the speaker's refusal to regress or conform to the past. It suggests a determination to move forward in life, embracing progress and new possibilities, rather than conforming to established norms or expectations that might require looking backward.

Who are the old guards? Why did they grow desperate?

The "old guards" represent established traditions, societal norms, or authoritative figures enforcing conformity. They grow desperate because the speaker resists their influence and chooses to forge new paths. The desperation may stem from a fear of losing control or influence over the speaker, as their non-conformity challenges the established order.

How did the speaker have 'a feeling of intimate liberation'?

The feeling of "intimate liberation" suggests a profound sense of personal freedom and authenticity. This liberation comes from breaking free of societal expectations and embracing one's true self. It's an internal and personal transformation that allows the speaker to be liberated from the constraints imposed by external pressures.

Why did the speaker's desire to follow men warp in her?

The phrase "the desire to follow men warped in me" indicates a transformation or deviation from the speaker's initial inclination to conform to the expectations set by men. The term "warped" suggests a change in direction, possibly due to the realization of the limitations and constraints associated with conforming to societal expectations. This transformation leads the speaker to reject the desire to follow a predefined path dictated by others, opting instead for personal authenticity and self-determination.

Reference to the context:-

1. What does the speaker mean when she says she was playing a game of hide and seek with her being'?

The speaker suggests that her life was akin to playing a game of hide and seek with her true self or identity. This implies a struggle to discover and embrace her authentic nature amid societal expectations and the pressure to conform. The use of "hide and seek" conveys a sense of searching, revealing, and concealing aspects of her identity in the process of self-discovery.

2. Why, in your view, was her back ripped by the old guards as she was advancing forward?

The old guards represent established norms and societal expectations that resist change. The ripping of her back could symbolize the resistance and opposition the speaker faced from these traditional forces as she advanced forward. It reflects the struggle against conformity and the challenges encountered when breaking free from established norms.

3. What, according to the speaker, did it feel like to be free?

The speaker describes the feeling of freedom as an "intimate liberation." This implies a profound sense of personal liberation and authenticity, a freedom from the constraints of societal expectations and the ability to embrace one's true self without inhibition.

4. Why does the speaker prefer the present to the past?

The speaker prefers the present to the past because, in the present, she feels like a "blossom of all the soils of the earth." This suggests a sense of universality and timelessness, transcending historical and future constraints. The present represents a state of liberation where the speaker is free from the burdens of the past and unconstrained by future expectations.

5. John Donne, in his poem "No Man is an Island", says, "No man is an island entire of itself." Would Burgos agree with Donne? Do you agree with Donne or Burgos?

Burgos might agree with Donne to some extent, acknowledging the interconnectedness of individuals with society. However, Burgos seems to emphasize the importance of personal liberation and authenticity, suggesting that individuals should not be islands constrained by societal expectations. Whether one agrees with Donne or Burgos depends on personal beliefs. Donne's statement emphasizes the interdependence of individuals in a broader societal context, while Burgos seems to highlight the importance of individual freedom and self-discovery. The interpretation may vary based on one's perspective on the balance between individuality and communal ties.