Question

Appreciation of the poem:

Read the following poem and write an appreciation of it with the help of the points given below:

You Start Dying Slowly... If you do not travel, If you do not read, If you do not listen to the sounds of life, If you do not appreciate yourself. You start dying slowly... When you kill your self-esteem; When you do not let others help you. You start dying slowly... If you become a slave of your habits, Walking everyday on the same paths… If you do not change your routine, If you do not wear different colours Or you do not speak to those you don’t know. You start dying slowly... If you avoid to feel passion  And their turbulent emotions; Those which make your eyes glisten And your heart beat fast. You start dying slowly... If you do not change your life when you are not satisfied with your job, or with your love, If you do not risk what is safe, for the uncertain, If you do not go after a dream, If you do not allow yourself, At least once in your lifetime, To run away from sensible advice… -Pablo Neruda

• Title         (1/2)
• Name of the poet         (1/2)
• Rhyme scheme              (1)
• Figure of speech (any one)        (1)
• Theme/Central idea (in 2 to 3 lines)      (2)

Answer 1

• Title: You Start Dying Slowly
• Name of the poet: Pablo Neruda
• Rhyme scheme: The poem is written in free verse and does not follow any specific rhyme scheme.
• Figure of Speech: One notable figure of speech used in the poem is metaphor. The entire poem can be seen as an extended metaphor where not engaging fully with life's experiences is likened to "dying slowly."
• Theme/Central Idea: The central idea of the poem revolves around the importance of living life to its fullest. It emphasizes the significance of embracing change, pursuing passions, and opening oneself to new experiences. The poet warns against the complacency and routine that lead to a metaphorical death long before our physical one, advocating for a life filled with curiosity, adventure, and self-discovery.