A doctor's journal Entry for August 6, 1945 (By-Vikram Seth )/ ICSE-ENG,CLASS 9

A doctor's journal Entry for August 6, 1945

By-Vikram Seth

 

The morning stretched calm, beautiful, and warm.

Sprawling half clad, I gazed out at the form

Of shimmering leaves and shadows. Suddenly

A strong flash, then another, startled me.

 

I saw the old stone lantern brightly lit.

Magnesium flares? While I debated it,

The roof, the walls and, as it seemed, the world

Collapsed in timber and debris, dust swirled

Around me – in the garden now – and, weird,

My drawers and undershirt disappeared.

 

A splinter jutted from my mangled thigh.

My right side bled, my cheek was torn, and I

Dislodged, detachedly, a piece of glass,

All the time wondering what had come to pass.

 

Where was my wife? Alarmed, I gave a shout,

‘Where are you, Yecko-san?’ My blood gushed out.

The artery in my neck? Scared for my life,

I called out, panic-stricken, to my wife.

 

Pale, bloodstained, frightened, Yecko-san emerged,

Holding her elbow. ‘We’ll be fine,’ I urged –

‘Let’s get out quickly.’ Stumbling to the street

We fell, tripped by something at our feet.

 

I gasped out, when I saw it was a head:

‘Excuse me, please excuse me –‘He was dead:

A gate had crushed him. There we stood, afraid.

A house standing before us tilted, swayed,

Toppled, and crashed. Fire sprang up in the dust,

 

Spread by the wind. It dawned on us we must

Get to the hospital: we needed aid –

And I should help my staff too. (Though this made

Sense to me then, I wonder how I could)

 

My legs gave way. I sat down on the ground.

Thirst seized me, but no water could be found.

My breath was short, but bit by bit my strength

Seemed to revive, and I got up at length.

 

I was still without clothes, but I felt no shame.

This thought disturbed me somewhat, till I came

Upon a soldier, standing silently,

Who gave the towel round his neck to me

My legs, stiff with dried blood, rebelled. I said

To Yecko-san she must go on ahead.

 

She did not wish to, but in our distress

What choice had we? A dreadful loneliness

Came over me when she had gone. My mind

Ran at high speed, my body crept behind.

 

I saw the shadowy forms of people, some

Were ghosts, some scarecrows, all were wordless dumb –

Arms stretched straight out, shoulder to dangling hand;

It took some time for me to understand

The friction on their burns caused so much pain

They feared to chafe flesh against flesh again.

 

Those who could, shuffled in a blank parade

Towards the hospital. I saw, dismayed,

A woman with a child stands in my path –

Both without clothes. Had they come back from the bath?

 

I turned my gaze, but was at a loss

That she should stand thus, till I came across

A man without clothes – and now the thought arose

That some strange thing had stripped us of our clothes.

 

The face of an old woman on the ground

Was marred with suffering, but she made no sound.

Silence was common to us all. I

No cries of anguish, or a single word.

 

Stanza 1:

The poem begins with the description of a beautiful morning, followed by a sudden and strong flash that startles the speaker. The speaker sees an old stone lantern brightly lit and wonders if it is a magnesium flare. Suddenly, the roof, walls, and the world collapse in timber and debris, and dust swirls around the speaker.

 

Stanza 2:

In the aftermath of the blast, the speaker finds himself in the garden, and his drawers and undershirt are gone. He discovers a splinter in his mangled thigh and notices that his right side is bleeding and his cheek is torn. Despite his injuries, the speaker remains detached and wonders what has happened.

 

Stanza 3:

The speaker calls out for his wife, Yecko-san, and discovers that he is bleeding from the artery in his neck. He urges his wife to leave quickly, and they stumble to the street, where they trip over something. The speaker realizes it is a head and apologizes to the deceased person.

 

Stanza 4:

The couple witnesses a house standing before them tilt, sway, topple, and crash. Fire spreads in the dust, and they realize they need to go to the hospital for aid. The speaker feels a sense of duty to help his staff and wonders how he could have thought that at the time.

 

Stanza 5:

The speaker's legs give way, and he sits down on the ground. He feels thirsty, but there is no water to be found. However, his strength gradually returns, and he gets up. He is still without clothes, but he feels no shame, which disturbs him.

 

Stanza 6:

The speaker encounters a soldier who gives him a towel around his neck. The speaker tells his wife to go on ahead, and he experiences a dreadful loneliness when she leaves.

 

Stanza 7:

The speaker sees shadowy forms of people, some of whom are ghosts, some scarecrows, and all are silent. Those who can walk shuffle in a blank parade towards the hospital. The speaker sees a woman with a child and a man without clothes and wonders if some strange thing has stripped them of their clothes.

 

Stanza 8:

The speaker notices the face of an old woman on the ground, marred with suffering, but she makes no sound. The poem ends with the speaker remarking on the silence that is common to all, with no cries of anguish or a single word.

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 Substance of the poem above

The poem "A Doctor's Journal Entry for August 6, 1945" by Vikram Seth is a poignant account of the experiences of a doctor in Hiroshima on the day the atomic bomb was dropped. The doctor wakes up to a calm and beautiful morning, only to be startled by two strong flashes, followed by the collapse of his surroundings. He finds himself injured and disoriented, searching for his wife amidst the chaos.

As he stumbles through the streets, he encounters other survivors, all of them suffering from burns and injuries. He sees the terrible impact of the bomb on the people and the city, with collapsed buildings, fires, and bodies everywhere. The survivors are mostly silent, their pain too great for words. The doctor feels a sense of dread and loneliness as he struggles to make his way to the hospital to help his staff and treat the injured.

Throughout the poem, there is a sense of disbelief and horror at the devastation wrought by the bomb. The doctor's personal experiences are interspersed with his observations of the suffering of others, creating a powerful image of the impact of the bombing on the people of Hiroshima. The poem ends with the doctor's haunting realization that there were no cries of anguish or words spoken, only silence, a testament to the enormity of the tragedy.

 

 Word meanings of the poem

 

Calm -   Peaceful, quiet, without disturbance

Beautiful - Attractive, pleasing to the eye or senses

Warm - Having a moderately high temperature, cozy

Sprawling - Lying stretched out, with limbs spread out

Half-clad - Wearing only some clothes, not fully dressed

Gazed - Looked at intently, fixed one's eyes upon

Form - Shape, appearance, structure

Shimmering - Glistening, shining with a flickering light

Suddenly - Unexpectedly, all of a sudden

Flash - Bright burst of light or a sudden burst of energy

Lantern - A lamp with a handle and a protective covering

Magnesium flares - Bright, incendiary devices that produce a bright light

Debated - Considered, thought about

Roof - The top surface of a building

Walls - The vertical sides of a building

Collapsed - Crumbled, fell apart, gave way

Timber - Wood used for building

Debris - Ruins, fragments, wreckage

Dust - Fine, dry particles that are easily moved

Swirled - Moved in a twisting, circular motion

Garden - An area of land used for growing flowers, plants, or vegetables

Weird - Strange, eerie, unusual

Drawers - Undergarments worn below the waist

Undershirt - A shirt worn under the outer clothing

Splinter - A small, thin piece of wood or other material

Mangled - Crushed, twisted, deformed

Thigh - The part of the leg between the hip and the knee

Right side - The right half of the body

Bled - Lost blood from a wound

Cheek - The side of the face

Torn - Ripped, separated

Dislodged - Removed, taken out of place

Detachedly - In a detached or dispassionate manner

Piece of glass - A fragment of glass

What had come to pass - What had happened, what had occurred

Wife - The doctor's spouse

Alarmed - Worried, concerned, afraid

Gushed - Flowed out suddenly, in large amounts

Artery - A blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart

Neck - The part of the body between the head and the shoulders

Scared - Frightened, afraid

Panic-stricken - Extremely fearful or anxious

Pale - Having a light complexion, lacking color

Bloodstained - Covered in blood

Emerged - Came out, appeared

Elbow - The joint between the upper and lower arm

Urged - Encouraged, persuaded

Quickly - Rapidly, at a fast pace

Stumbling - Moving unsteadily, losing balance

Street - A paved public road

Fell - Tripped, lost balance and fell to the ground

Tripped - Stumbled or caught one's foot on something

Head - A human head, detached from the body

Excuse me - A polite expression used to apologize or request attention

Gate - A structure that blocks access to a passage or entrance

Crushed - Squeezed or flattened by

 

 

Questions and Answers carrying 1 mark.

 

1.Who is the poet of the poem?

Answer: The poet of the poem is Vikram Seth.

 

2.What is the date mentioned in the title of the poem?

Answer: The date mentioned in the title of the poem is August 6.

 

3.What did the poet see that startled him?

Answer: The poet saw a strong flash that startled him.

 

4.What did the poet see brightly lit?

Answer: The poet saw the old stone lantern brightly lit.

 

5.What collapsed around the poet?

Answer: The roof, the walls and the world collapsed around the poet.

 

6.What did the poet dislodge from his cheek?

Answer: The poet dislodged a piece of glass from his cheek.

 

7.Who did the poet call out for after he was injured?

Answer: The poet called out for his wife, Yecko-san.

 

8.What did the poet and his wife stumble over on their way to the hospital?

Answer: The poet and his wife stumbled over a head on their way to the hospital.

 

9.What did the poet feel when his wife left him alone?

Answer: The poet felt a dreadful loneliness when his wife left him alone.

 

10.What was common to all the people the poet saw on the way to the hospital?

Answer: Silence was common to all the people the poet saw on the way to the hospital.

 

11.What was the condition of the morning when the poet saw the strong flash?

Answer: The morning was calm, beautiful, and warm when the poet saw the strong flash.

 

12.What did the poet see after the collapse of the world around him?

Answer: The poet saw dust swirled around him after the collapse of the world around him.

 

13.What was the poet's condition after the collapse?

Answer: The poet's mangled thigh had a splinter jutting out. His right side bled, his cheek was torn, and he dislodged a piece of glass from his cheek.

 

14.Who emerged from the dust after the collapse?

Answer: The poet's wife, Yecko-san, emerged from the dust after the collapse.

 

15.What happened to the gate in front of the poet and his wife?

Answer: The gate in front of the poet and his wife had crushed a person.

 

16.Why did the poet and his wife go to the hospital?

Answer: The poet and his wife went to the hospital to get aid for their injuries.

 

17.What happened to the poet's legs?

Answer: The poet's legs gave way, and he sat down on the ground.

 

18.What did the poet feel when he was without clothes?

Answer: The poet felt disturbed when he was without clothes.

 

19.Who gave the towel to the poet when he was without clothes?

Answer: A soldier standing silently gave the towel to the poet.

 

20.What was common among all the people the poet saw?

Answer: All the people the poet saw were silent, and none of them cried out or spoke a word.

 

21.What did the poet see before the collapse of the world around him?

Answer: The poet saw the old stone lantern brightly lit before the collapse.

 

22.What happened to the poet's clothes after the collapse?

Answer: The poet's drawers and undershirt disappeared after the collapse.

 

23.What did the poet dislodge from his cheek after the collapse?

Answer: The poet dislodged a piece of glass from his cheek after the collapse.

 

24.Who did the poet call out for after the collapse?

Answer: The poet called out for his wife, Yecko-san, after the collapse.

 

25.What did the poet and his wife stumble over while trying to get to the street?

Answer: The poet and his wife stumbled over something at their feet, which turned out to be a head.

 

26.What happened to the house standing before the poet and his wife?

Answer: The house standing before the poet and his wife tilted, swayed, toppled, and crashed after the collapse.

 

27.Why did the poet sit down on the ground?

Answer: The poet's legs gave way, and he sat down on the ground due to his injuries.

 

28.What did the poet feel when his wife had gone ahead without him?

Answer: The poet felt a dreadful loneliness when his wife had gone ahead without him.

 

29.What did the poet observe about the people he saw after the collapse?

Answer: The poet observed that the people he saw were silent and had their arms stretched straight out due to the friction on their burns.

 

30.How did the old woman on the ground look like after the collapse?

Answer: The old woman on the ground had a face marred with suffering but made no sound after the collapse.

 

31.Who is the poet of the poem "A Doctor's Journal Entry for August 6, 1945"?

Ans: Vikram Seth.

 

32.W

hat does the doctor see just before the atomic bomb is dropped?

Ans: He sees shimmering leaves and shadows.

 

33.What happens to the world when the atomic bomb is dropped?

Ans: The roof, the walls, and the world seem to collapse in timber and debris, and dust swirled around the doctor.

 

34.What happens to the doctor's clothes during the atomic bomb attack?

Ans: The doctor's drawers and undershirt disappeared.

 

35.What injury does the doctor suffer during the attack?

Ans: A splinter jutted from his mangled thigh, his right side bled, and his cheek was torn.

 

36.What happens to the doctor's wife during the attack?

Ans: The doctor's wife emerges pale, bloodstained, and frightened, holding her elbow.

 

37.Why does the doctor and his wife decide to go to the hospital after the attack?

Ans: They needed aid, and the doctor wanted to help his staff.

 

38.How does the doctor feel when he is left alone after his wife goes ahead?

Ans: A dreadful loneliness came over him.

 

39.Why do the people the doctor sees in the aftermath of the attack have their arms stretched straight out?

Ans: The friction on their burns caused so much pain they feared to chafe flesh against flesh again.

 

40.What is common to all the people the doctor sees in the aftermath of the attack?

Ans: They are all silent and make no cries of anguish or a single word.

 

 

Questions and Answers carrying 3 marks.

 

*Describe the scene at the beginning of the poem.

Answer: At the beginning of the poem, the scene is described as calm, beautiful and warm. The poet is half-clad and gazing out at the shimmering leaves and shadows.

 

*What startles the poet?

Answer: The poet is startled by a strong flash, followed by another flash.

 

* What happens to the poet and his surroundings after the flash?

Answer: After the flash, the poet's surroundings collapse in timber and debris, and dust swirls around him. His drawers and undershirt disappear, and a splinter juts from his mangled thigh. His right-side bleeds, and his cheek is torn.

 

*What does the poet see in the garden?

Answer: In the garden, the poet sees an old stone lantern brightly lit, which he initially mistakes for magnesium flares.

 

*Why does the poet panic and call out for his wife?

Answer: The poet panics and calls out for his wife because he is scared for his life, and he sees that he is bleeding from his neck artery. He wonders where his wife is and fears for her safety.

 

*What do the poet and his wife stumble upon in the street?

Answer: The poet and his wife stumble upon a head lying in the street.

 

*What happens to the house standing before the poet and his wife?

Answer: The house standing before the poet and his wife tilts, sways, topples, and crashes. Fire sprang up in the dust, spreading by the wind.

 

*Why does the poet sit down on the ground?

Answer: The poet sits down on the ground because his legs give way and he feels thirsty.

 

*Who offers a towel to the poet?

Answer: A soldier standing silently offers a towel to the poet.

 

*What does the poet see when he encounters the walking wounded?

Answer: When he encounters the walking wounded, the poet sees ghostly, wordless people with their arms stretched straight out, shoulder to dangling hand. He realizes that the friction on their burns caused so much pain that they feared to chafe flesh against flesh again.

 

*What is the significance of the title of the poem "A Doctor's Journal Entry for August 6, 1945"?

Answer: The title of the poem signifies that it is a journal entry of a doctor who experienced the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. It also suggests that the poem is a first-hand account of the tragedy.

 

*How does the poem "A Doctor's Journal Entry for August 6, 1945" describe the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima?

Answer: The poem describes the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima as a chaotic and horrific scene. The doctor, who is the narrator of the poem, witnesses the destruction and suffering caused by the bomb. He describes the collapse of buildings, the swirling dust and debris, the injured and dying people, and the eerie silence that pervades the scene.

 

*How does the poem use imagery to convey the horror of the atomic bombing?

Answer: The poem uses vivid and powerful imagery to convey the horror of the atomic bombing. For example, the poem describes the collapse of buildings, the swirling dust and debris, and the injured and dying people. The imagery of "shimmering leaves and shadows" followed by "a strong flash, then another" creates a stark contrast that emphasizes the suddenness and violence of the bombing. The description of "ghosts" and "scarecrows" walking towards the hospital emphasizes the physical and psychological trauma suffered by the victims.

 

*How does the poem explore the themes of trauma and survival?

Answer: The poem explores the themes of trauma and survival through the experiences of the doctor and his wife. The doctor is injured and disoriented, but he remains focused on his duty to help his staff and his patients. His wife is also injured, but she remains calm and supportive. The poem suggests that the survivors of the bombing are traumatized and disoriented, but they are also resilient and determined to survive. The doctor's determination to help his staff and patients, despite his own injuries, demonstrates the human capacity for compassion and courage even in the face of unspeakable tragedy.

 

*What was the Doctor's initial reaction to the bomb explosion?

Answer: The Doctor's initial reaction to the bomb explosion was one of shock and confusion. He was half-clad, sprawled out in his garden when the strong flash and loud noise of the explosion startled him.

 

*How did the Doctor and his wife react when they saw the head of a dead man lying on the street?

*Answer: When the Doctor and his wife saw the head of a dead man lying on the street, they were both afraid and shocked. The Doctor immediately apologized to the dead man, saying "Excuse me, please excuse me." They stood there for a while, unsure of what to do next.

 

*Why did the Doctor feel a sense of loneliness after his wife left him to go to the hospital?

Answer: The Doctor felt a sense of loneliness after his wife left him to go to the hospital because he was left alone with his thoughts and fears. He saw the suffering and pain of the people around him, and he was not sure if he would survive or not. He felt isolated and vulnerable without his wife by his side.

 

*Why did the Doctor feel disturbed by the fact that he was naked?

Answer: The Doctor felt disturbed by the fact that he was naked because he realized that he had lost his clothes in the explosion, and this made him feel vulnerable and exposed. He was also concerned about the social norms and conventions that dictated that he should be properly dressed in public.

 

*How did the Doctor's perception of the people around him change after the bomb explosion?

Answer: The Doctor's perception of the people around him changed after the bomb explosion because he saw them as fellow human beings who were all suffering and struggling to survive. He saw the common humanity in everyone, regardless of their social status, gender, or age. He also realized that the conventional barriers and distinctions between people had been shattered by the bomb, and everyone was in the same boat, facing the same challenges and uncertainties.

 

*What was the doctor's initial reaction when he saw the bright flash of light? How did his perception change after that? (3 marks)

Answer: The doctor's initial reaction when he saw the bright flash of light was that it was a magnesium flare. However, the reality of what was happening quickly became apparent as the roof, walls, and world collapsed around him, and he found himself in the garden amidst debris and dust.

 

*Describe the doctor's physical state after the explosion. (3 marks)

Answer: The doctor's physical state after the explosion was severely injured. He had a mangled thigh with a splinter, bleeding from his right side, a torn cheek, and a piece of glass lodged in his body. He was also thirsty, and his breath was short.

 

*What did the doctor observe about the people he encountered on his way to the hospital? (3 marks)

Answer: The doctor observed that the people he encountered on his way to the hospital were in a state of shock and suffering. Many were burnt and had friction wounds, and they were walking silently in a daze. Some had lost their clothes, and others were standing with blank expressions on their faces, unable to speak.

 

*Describe the speaker's reaction to the atomic bomb in the poem "A Doctor's Journal Entry for August 6, 1945" by Vikram Seth.

Answer: The speaker in the poem "A Doctor's Journal Entry for August 6, 1945" is startled by the two strong flashes and collapses to the ground after the roof, walls, and world collapse around him. He suffers injuries to his body, but his concern is primarily for his wife and his staff. Despite his own pain and shock, he thinks of helping others and getting to the hospital for aid.

 

*What is the significance of the title "A Doctor's Journal Entry for August 6, 1945" in Vikram Seth's poem?

Answer: The title "A Doctor's Journal Entry for August 6, 1945" signifies that the poem is a first-hand account of the bombing of Hiroshima from the perspective of a doctor who witnessed the event. The title also suggests that the poem is an entry in a journal, indicating that the speaker is recording his experiences and observations for future reference.

 

*How does the speaker's experience in the poem "A Doctor's Journal Entry for August 6, 1945" reflect the human cost of war?

Answer: The speaker's experience in the poem "A Doctor's Journal Entry for August 6, 1945" reflects the human cost of war by showing the immediate and lasting impact of the atomic bomb on the lives of ordinary people. The speaker is injured and disoriented, and he sees others who are suffering and dying. He also experiences a sense of isolation and loneliness, which suggests the emotional toll of war. The poem highlights the devastation and trauma that war inflicts on individuals and communities.

 

*What message the poet wants to convey?

Ans: The message that the poet wants to convey through the poem "A Doctor’s Journal Entry for August 6, 1945" is the devastating consequences of war and the use of atomic bombs. The poem provides a personal account of the aftermath of the bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, and shows the immediate and long-term effects on the lives of the people who survived it. The poet wants to communicate the horrors of war and the importance of peace, urging people to work towards ending conflicts and promoting harmony and understanding between nations.

 

*Poet's attitude of the poem

Ans: The poet's attitude in the poem "A Doctor's Journal Entry for August 6, 1945" is one of horror, disbelief, and sorrow. The poem provides a personal account of the aftermath of the bombing of Hiroshima, and the poet's description of the event and its consequences are filled with shock, disbelief, and a deep sense of loss. The poet's tone is sombre and melancholic, conveying the weight of the tragedy that he witnessed. Through his account, the poet also expresses his sympathy and compassion for the victims and their families, showing a deep sense of humanity and concern for others. Overall, the poem reflects the poet's attitude of sorrow and condemnation towards the destruction and loss caused by war.

 

*Tone of the poem

Ans: The tone of the poem "A Doctor's Journal Entry for August 6, 1945" by Vikram Seth is a mixture of shock, horror, and despair. The poet conveys the devastation caused by the atomic bomb in Hiroshima through vivid descriptions of the destruction, injuries, and chaos he witnessed first-hand. The poem's tone is one of sorrow and lament for the loss of innocent lives and the physical and emotional scars left behind by the bombing. Despite the poet's own injuries and trauma, he maintains a sense of empathy for others and a commitment to helping those in need. Overall, the tone of the poem is sombre and mournful, highlighting the tragic consequences of war and the destructive power of humanity.

 

*Literary devices used in the poem

Ans: The poem "A Doctor's Journal Entry for August 6, 1945" by Vikram Seth makes use of several literary devices to convey its themes and emotions:

 

Imagery: The poem is rich in imagery that creates a vivid and sensory impression of the events and the aftermath of the bombing of Hiroshima.

 

Metaphor: The poem makes use of metaphors to describe the impact of the bomb, such as "the roof, the walls and, as it seemed, the world / Collapsed in timber and debris."

 

Personification: The poet personifies the bomb and the destruction it causes, such as when he describes the "fire sprang up in the dust, / Spread by the wind."

 

Alliteration: The use of alliteration can be found in phrases such as "calm, beautiful, and warm," "strong flash," and "splinter jutted."

Repetition: The repetition of the word "weird" emphasizes the surreal and disorienting experience of the bombing.

Symbolism: The stone lantern that is mentioned at the beginning of the poem can be seen as a symbol of the traditional Japanese culture that was destroyed by the bomb.

Irony: The poem is full of ironic contrasts, such as the contrast between the beautiful morning and the horror of the bombing, and the contrast between the doctor's detached medical observations and his personal emotions and experiences.

Juxtaposition: The poem juxtaposes the doctor's personal experience with the larger historical event of the bombing, highlighting the human cost of war and the devastating impact of nuclear weapons.

 

*Imagine you are a doctor who survived the atomic bombing. Write a journal entry in response to the poet's journal entry. What would you say about the event and its aftermath?

Ans: In the poem, the doctor describes the moment when he saw the flash of light and the subsequent destruction. Write a short story that starts with a character witnessing a similar event and then describes their experiences in the aftermath.

The poet uses a lot of vivid imagery to describe the destruction and chaos caused by the atomic bomb. Choose a specific image or metaphor that stands out to you and explain why you think it's significant.

In the poem, the doctor and his wife encounter a number of people who have been injured or killed by the bomb. Choose one of these people and write a short character sketch that explores their backstory and personality.

The poem is written in a free verse form without a regular rhyme scheme or meter. Why do you think the poet chose to write the poem in this way? How does it contribute to the overall impact of the poem?

 

*What do you think is the significance of the title "A Doctor's Journal Entry for August 6, 1945"? How does it set the tone for the poem?

Answer: The title of the poem "A Doctor's Journal Entry for August 6, 1945" gives us an insight into the subject matter of the poem which revolves around the experiences of a doctor in Hiroshima during the atomic bombing of the city. The title sets the tone for the poem as a personal account of the events that took place on that fateful day, and it creates a sense of immediacy and urgency that runs throughout the poem.

 

*How does the use of imagery contribute to the impact of the poem?

Answer: The use of imagery in the poem creates a vivid picture of the destruction and chaos caused by the atomic bombing. The poet uses descriptive language to depict the scenes of devastation, such as the collapsing buildings, swirling dust, and the injured and dying people. This helps to create a powerful impact on the reader and elicits a strong emotional response.

 

*What is the significance of the final stanza of the poem?

Answer: The final stanza of the poem is significant as it highlights the silence and sense of despair that pervaded the aftermath of the bombing. The lack of words and cries of anguish creates a haunting image of the people of Hiroshima, who were left speechless and traumatized by the horrific events that had taken place. The final stanza also reinforces the poet's message of the senselessness and brutality of war."