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RICE
Chemmanam Chacko
Summary
The poem is about the changes that
have taken place in Kerala's agricultural landscape. The speaker, who has been
away for four years, returns home to find that his father has stopped farming
rice and has instead planted rubber trees and arecanut palms. The speaker is
disappointed, as he had been looking forward to eating a meal of athikira rice.
The speaker's father explains that he
has stopped farming rice because it was not profitable. He says that the
government gives rice to those who do not have paddy fields, so there is no
need to grow it. The speaker is dismayed by this, as he sees it as a sign of
the government's neglect of the agricultural sector.
The poem ends with the speaker
wondering if the government will give him some husk from the Centre, so that he
can make toys with it. This is a sarcastic reference to the government's
failure to support the agricultural sector.
The poem is a satire on the
government's policies towards agriculture. It highlights the way in which the
government has neglected the agricultural sector, leading to the replacement of
rice cultivation with cash crops. The poem also suggests that the government is
not doing enough to support the farmers who are still growing rice.
The poem is also a reflection on the
changes that have taken place in Kerala's agricultural landscape. It shows how
the traditional way of life is disappearing, as farmers are forced to switch to
cash crops in order to survive. The poem is a lament for the loss of a way of
life, and a warning about the dangers of environmental destruction.
1. What are the memories
of the narrator about the paddy cultivating season in Kerala?
The narrator of the poem
"Rice" by Chemmanam Chacko has many fond memories of the paddy
cultivating season in Kerala. He remembers the excitement of his father
greeting him from the fields, the shouts of ploughing with several oxen, and
the tenderness of the saplings that were planted in the field. He also
remembers the smell of the freshly cooked rice and the taste of athikira rice,
a type of rice that is native to Kerala.
The narrator's memories
of the paddy cultivating season are associated with happiness, excitement, and
family. He remembers his father being proud of his work and the feeling of
satisfaction that comes from eating a meal that one has helped to produce. The
poem suggests that the paddy cultivating season was a time of great joy and
celebration for the narrator and his family.
The poet presents some specific memories of
the narrator about the paddy cultivating season in Kerala:
His father greeting him
from the fields, his handloom dhoti stained with yellow mud.The shouts of
ploughing with several oxen.The tender saplings planted in the field.The
baskets with rice on the dyke and taste of athikira rice.
These memories are
significant because they represent a traditional way of life that is
disappearing. The poem suggests that the loss of the paddy cultivating season
is a loss of innocence, happiness, and family.
2. The narrator wants the
train to move a little faster. What does this tell us about his feeling for his
native village?
The narrator of the poem
"Rice" by Chemmanam Chacko wants the train to move a little faster so
that he can get home quickly and eat his fill of athikira rice. It tells us a
lot about his feelings for his native village. It shows that he has a deep love
and affection for his home, and that he is eager to return to it after being
away for four years.
The narrator's longing
for his home is evident in the way he describes it. He remembers the smell of
the freshly cooked rice and the taste of athikira rice, which are both symbols
of comfort and familiarity. He also remembers the excitement of his father
greeting him from the fields and the tenderness of the saplings that were
planted in the field. These memories show that the narrator has a strong
emotional connection to his home and the people who live there.
The narrator's desire to
get home quickly also suggests that he is feeling impatient and restless. He
has been away for four years and he is eager to be reunited with his family and
friends. He misses the familiar sights and sounds of his village, and he wants
to experience the warmth and hospitality of his home again.
Overall, the narrator's
desire to get home quickly shows that he has a deep love and affection for his
native village. He is eager to return to it after being away for four years and
he misses the familiar sights, sounds, and tastes of his home.
3. What changes in the
native village does the narrator notice on his return?
When the narrator of the
poem "Rice" by Chemmanam Chacko returns to his native village, he is
shocked to see the changes that have taken place. He remembers the
palm-thatched houses that could be seen in the distance, but now there is
nothing but trees. The rubber plants, which are twice his height, have replaced
the modan and vellaran that used to be sown on the ridge. The fields below the
house are now planted with arecanut palms, and in the corner, along the canal,
stand the dealwood trees.
The narrator's father
explains that he had stopped farming rice because it was not profitable. He
says that the government gives rice to those who do not have paddy fields, so
there is no need to grow it. The narrator is dismayed by this, as he sees it as
a sign of the government's neglect of the agricultural sector.
The changes in the
narrator's native village are symbolic of the changes that have taken place in
Kerala's agricultural landscape. The traditional way of life is disappearing,
as farmers are forced to switch to cash crops in order to survive. The poem is
a lament for the loss of a way of life, and a warning about the dangers of
monoculture.There is a machine for making rubber sheets in his father's house.
These changes are significant because they represent the loss of traditional
culture and identity. The poem suggests that the loss of rice cultivation is a
loss of innocence, happiness, and family.
4. Bring out the satire
in the poem 'Rice'
The poem "Rice"
by Chemmanam Chacko is full of satirical elements. The speaker uses satire to
criticize the government's neglect of the agricultural sector and the farmers'
switch to cash crops.
Here are some specific
examples of satire in the poem:
• The speaker's
disappointment at not being able to eat a meal of athikira rice is a satirical
comment on the government's failure to support the production of traditional
food crops.
• The speaker's
father's explanation that he stopped farming rice because as it was not
profitable is a satirical dig at the government's economic policies, which have
made it difficult for farmers to make a living.
• The speaker's
sarcastic question whether the government will give him some husk from the
Centre to make toys with is a satirical comment on the government's
indifference to the needs of farmers.
• The image of the
Chief Minister flying off to the Centre to clamour for more grains is a
satirical dig at the government's hypocrisy.
The poem also uses satire
to highlight the negative impact of government policies on the lives of
farmers. The speaker's father is forced to switch to cash crops in order to
survive, even though he knows that this is not the best thing for the land or
the community. The poem suggests that the government's policies are leading to
the destruction of traditional agriculture and the displacement of farmers.
Overall, the satire in
the poem "Rice" is used to criticize the government's neglect of the
agricultural sector and the farmers' switch to cash crops. The poem highlights
the negative impact of government policies on the lives of farmers and suggests
that these policies are leading to the destruction of traditional agriculture
and the displacement of farmers.
5. What changes have
occurred in the lifestyle of the farmers when they shifted from food crops to
cash crops?
When farmers shifted from
food crops to cash crops, there are a number of changes that occurred in their
lifestyle.
• Increased income:
Cash crops are often more profitable than food crops, so farmers can expect to
earn more money by switching to cash crops. This can lead to a number of
improvements in their lifestyle, such as being able to afford better housing,
healthcare, and education for their children.
• Increased risk:
Cash crops are often more risky to grow than food crops. This is because cash
crops are often more susceptible to pests and diseases, and they can also be
more expensive to produce. As a result, farmers who switch to cash crops may be
more vulnerable to financial losses if something goes wrong.
• Increased
workload: Cash crops often require more labour and inputs to grow than food
crops. This means that farmers who switch to cash crops may have to work harder
and spend more money on their crops.
• Reduced food
security: When farmers switch to cash crops, they may produce less food for
their own consumption. This can lead to food insecurity, especially if the
farmer has a poor harvest or if the price of food goes up.
In addition to these
economic and social changes, there are also some environmental changes that can
occur when farmers shift from food crops to cash crops. For example, cash crops
can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution.
Overall, the changes in
the lifestyle of farmers when they shift from food crops to cash crops can be
both positive and negative. It is important to weigh the potential benefits and
risks before making the decision to switch to cash crops.
6. The poem is a contrast
between expectation and reality. How far is this statement correct?
The statement that the
poem "Rice" by Chemmanam Chacko is a contrast between expectation and
reality is correct. The speaker of the poem expects to return to his native
village and find that everything is the same as it was when he left. He expects
to eat a meal of athikira rice, to see his father working in the paddy fields,
and to hear the shouts of ploughing with several oxen. However, when he
arrives, he is shocked to find that everything has changed. The paddy fields
have been replaced by rubber plantations and arecanut groves, and his father is
now working in a machine for making rubber sheets.
The contrast between the
speaker's expectations and reality is a reflection of the changes that have
taken place in Kerala's agricultural landscape. The traditional way of life is
disappearing, as farmers are forced to switch to cash crops in order to
survive. The poem suggests that the loss of rice cultivation is a loss of
innocence, happiness, and family.
The contrast between
expectation and reality is also evident in the speaker's relationship with the
government. The speaker expects the government to support the production of
traditional food crops and to help farmers make a living. However, the
government's policies have made it difficult for farmers to grow rice and other
food crops. As a result, the speaker is disappointed and disillusioned with the
government.
Overall, the poem
"Rice" is a powerful contrast between expectation and reality. The
speaker's experience of returning to his native village is a microcosm of the
changes that have taken place in Kerala's agricultural landscape and in the
lives of the farmers.
7. Comment on the style
of writing of the poem?
The style of writing of
the poem "Rice" by Chemmanam Chacko is simple and direct. The poem is
written in free verse, without any regular meter or rhyme scheme. The speaker
uses a variety of poetic devices, such as imagery, metaphors, and similes, to
convey his feelings and ideas.
The poem is full of vivid
imagery. The speaker describes the paddy fields, the rubber plantations, and
the arecanut groves in detail. He also describes the people and objects that he
sees, such as his father working in the machine for making rubber sheets and
the Chief Minister flying off to the Centre to clamour for more grains.
The speaker uses
metaphors and similes to compare the old way of life to the new one. For
example, he compares the rubber trees to "ships of the sky" and the
Chief Minister to an "arrow." These comparisons suggest that the new
way of life is fast-paced and impersonal.
The poem is written in a
clear and concise style. The speaker uses simple language that is easy to
understand. He also avoids using complex sentence structures. This makes the
poem accessible to a wide range of readers.
Overall, the style of
writing of the poem "Rice" is simple, direct, and effective. The
speaker uses a variety of poetic devices to convey his feelings and ideas in a
way that is both clear and accessible to the reader.
8. Instead of a system of
values, we have a market ruling us, making decisions for us. Considering the statement in the light of
reading the poem Rice.
The statement
"Instead of a system of values, we have a market ruling us, making decisions
for us" is a powerful critique of the way that capitalism has come to
dominate our lives. It suggests that we are no longer guided by our values, but
by the forces of supply and demand.
The poem "Rice"
by Chemmanam Chacko provides a good example of how the market can make
decisions for us. The farmer in the poem is forced to switch from growing rice,
which is a staple food crop, to growing rubber trees, which are a cash crop.
This is because rubber trees are more profitable than rice. However, the farmer
knows that switching to rubber trees will have negative consequences for the
environment and the community.
The poem suggests that
the market is not concerned with the long-term consequences of its decisions.
It is only concerned with short-term profits. This is because the market is
driven by greed and selfishness.
The dominance of the
market in our lives has a number of negative consequences. It leads to the
exploitation of workers, the destruction of the environment, and the erosion of
our traditional values.
In order to counter the
dominance of the market, we need to develop a system of values that is based on
cooperation, compassion, and sustainability. We need to learn to make decisions
that are good for the long term, even if they are not always the most
profitable decisions.
We can start by making
small changes in our own lives. We can choose to buy from businesses that are
ethical and sustainable. We can also support organizations that are working to
create a more just and sustainable world.
By working together, we
can create a world where the market does not rule us, but where we rule the
market.
9. In the poem Rice,
Chemmanam Chacko pictures how rubber trees have taken the place of paddy.How is
this change reflected in the attitude of the farmer in the poem?
The change from paddy to
rubber trees is reflected in the attitude of the farmer in the poem
"Rice" by Chemmanam Chacko in a number of ways.
First, the farmer is now
more concerned with profit than with producing food for his community. He knows
that rubber trees are more profitable than rice, so he has switched to growing
them, even though he knows that this is not the best thing for the land or the
community.
Second, the farmer is now
more dependent on the market. He has to buy husk from the government in order
to make toys, and he has to sell his rubber to the market in order to make a
living. This makes him more vulnerable to the fluctuations of the market.
Third, the farmer has
lost some of his traditional knowledge and skills. He no longer knows how to
grow rice, and he is not as familiar with the land as he used to be. This has
made him less independent and less self-sufficient.
Overall, the change from
paddy to rubber trees has made the farmer more materialistic, more dependent on
the market, and less independent. It has also led to a loss of traditional
knowledge and skills.
Here are some specific
examples from the poem that show how the farmer's attitude has changed:
• The farmer says
that he stopped farming rice because it was not profitable. This shows that he
is now more concerned with profit than with producing food for his community.
• The farmer says
that the government gives rice to those who do not have paddy fields. This
shows that he is now more dependent on the market.
• The farmer does
not know how to grow rice anymore. This shows that he has lost some of his
traditional knowledge and skills.
The poem suggests that
the change from paddy to rubber trees has had a negative impact on the farmer's
attitude. He has become more materialistic, more dependent on the market, and
less independent. He has also lost some of his traditional knowledge and
skills.
10. Prepare a write up on
the socio cultural changes satirised by Chemmanam Chacko in the Rice.
Chemmanam Chacko's poem
"Rice" is a satirical commentary on the socio-cultural changes that
have taken place in Kerala as a result of the shift from rice cultivation to
cash crops.
One of the most
significant changes is the loss of traditional food culture. The speaker of the
poem returns to his native village to find that the paddy fields have been
replaced by rubber plantations and arecanut groves. This means that the
community is now dependent on outside sources for its food. This is a major
shift from the traditional way of life, in which people were self-sufficient
and grew their own food.
Another change is the
decline of traditional skills and knowledge. The farmer in the poem no longer
knows how to grow rice. This is because he has switched to growing rubber
trees, which is a more profitable crop, but one that requires less skill and
knowledge to cultivate. The loss of traditional skills and knowledge is a
significant loss for the community, as it makes it more dependent on outside
sources for its needs.
The poem also satirizes
the growing materialism and consumerism in Kerala. The farmer in the poem is
more concerned with profit than with producing food for his community. He is
also more dependent on the market, as he has to buy husk from the government in
order to make toys, and he has to sell his rubber to the market in order to
make a living. The poem suggests that the shift to cash crops has led to a loss
of traditional values, such as self-sufficiency and community spirit.
Overall, the poem
"Rice" is a powerful satire of the socio-cultural changes that have
taken place in Kerala as a result of the shift from rice cultivation to cash
crops. The poem suggests that these changes have had a negative impact on the
community, leading to a loss of traditional food culture, traditional skills
and knowledge, and traditional values.
Here are some specific
examples from the poem that show the socio-cultural changes that have satirized
by Chemmanam Chacko:
• The farmer has
stopped farming rice because it was not profitable. This shows the loss of
traditional food culture.
• The farmer does
not know how to grow rice anymore. This shows the decline of traditional skills
and knowledge.
• The farmer is
more concerned with profit than with producing food for his community. This
shows the growing materialism and consumerism in Kerala.
The poem is a cautionary
tale about the dangers of unchecked economic development. It suggests that we need
to be careful not to lose our traditional values and culture in the pursuit of
profit.
11. According to the
Father on the poem Rice, "only fools turn yo ruce farming for
gain".However the poet comes home eager to eat a meal of athikira
rice.Compare the attitude of the poet and his father.
The attitudes of the poet
and his father in the poem "Rice" by Chemmanam Chacko are different
in a number of ways.
The poet is eager to eat
a meal of athikira rice, which is a type of rice that is native to Kerala. This
shows that the poet is still attached to traditional food culture. The poet is
also disappointed to see that the paddy fields in his native village have been
replaced by rubber plantations and arecanut groves. This shows that the poet is
concerned about the loss of traditional ways of life.
The poet's father, on the
other hand, has stopped farming rice because it was not profitable. He says
that "only fools turn to rice farming for gain." This shows that the
poet's father is more concerned with profit than with traditional food culture
or ways of life.
The poet's father's
attitude is likely a reflection of the changes that have taken place in
Kerala's agricultural landscape in recent decades. Farmers are increasingly
switching to cash crops, such as rubber and arecanut, because they are more
profitable than traditional food crops. This shift has led to a loss of
traditional food culture and ways of life.
The contrast between the
attitudes of the poet and his father highlights the tension between traditional
and modern ways of life in Kerala. The poet represents the traditional way of
life, which is based on self-sufficiency and community spirit. The poet's
father represents the modern way of life, which is based on materialism and
consumerism.
The poem suggests that
the shift from traditional food crops to cash crops is having a negative impact
on Kerala's culture and society. It is leading to a loss of traditional values,
such as self-sufficiency and community spirit.
12. After reading
Chemmanam Chacko's poem Rice, you became worried about the paddy cultivation in
your locality.So you decide to share your thoughts on the need of planting rice
through a blog. Prepare the blog.
The importance of planting
rice
Ammu/ 20 October 2023
Rice is the staple food
of the billions of people keralites who live around the world. It is a
nutritious and versatile grain that can be used to make a wide variety of
dishes. In addition to its nutritional value, rice also plays an important role
in culture and society in many parts of the world.
In recent years, there
has been a decline in rice cultivation in many parts of the world. This is due
to a number of factors, including the shift to cash crops, climate change, and
urbanization. However, it is important to remember that rice is essential to
the global food supply and to the food security of billions of people.
There are a number of
reasons why we need to plant rice. First, rice is a highly productive crop. It
can be grown on a variety of soils and in a variety of climates. This makes it
a good crop for growing in developing countries, where food security is a major
concern.
Second, rice is a
nutritious crop. It is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins.
Rice is also gluten-free, making it a good choice for people with celiac
disease or gluten intolerance.
Third, rice is a
versatile crop. It can be used to make a wide variety of dishes. Rice can also
be used to make flour, which can be used to make bread, pasta, and other baked
goods.
Finally, rice plays an
important role in culture and society in many parts of the world. Rice is often
used in religious and cultural ceremonies. It is also a symbol of prosperity
and good fortune.
If you are concerned
about the decline of rice cultivation in your locality, there are a number of
things you can do to help. First, you can support farmers who grow rice. You
can do this by buying rice from local farmers' markets or by joining a
community-supported agriculture (CSA) program.
Second, you can advocate
for policies that support rice cultivation. You can contact your elected
officials and let them know that you support programs that help farmers grow
rice.
Finally, you can educate
others about the importance of rice. You can do this by talking to your friends
and family about the benefits of rice and why it is important to support rice
cultivation.
By taking these steps,
you can help to ensure that rice remains a staple food for billions of people
around the world for generations to come.
13. Imagine that you are
participating in a debate on the topic ' Food crops should be preferred to cash
crops'. Write four arguments either in favour of or against the topic.
Arguments in favor of
food crops over cash crops
1. Food security:
Food crops are essential for human survival, while cash crops are not. By prioritizing
food crops, we can ensure that everyone has enough to eat.
2. Nutrition: Food
crops are generally more nutritious than cash crops.
3. Environment:
Food crops are typically less harmful to the environment than cash crops.
4. Sustainability:
Food crops are more sustainable than cash crops.
Arguments against food
crops over cash crops
1. Income: Cash
crops are often more profitable than food crops. This is because cash crops are
in high demand on the global market.
2. Employment: Cash
crops can generate more jobs than food crops. This is because cash crops
require more labor to grow and process.
3. Economic growth:
Cash crops can boost economic growth in developing countries. This is because
cash crops can be exported to other countries for hard currency.
4. Choice:
Consumers should have the freedom to choose what they want to eat. This means
that there should be a variety of both food crops and cash crops available.
14. The change in the
attitude of the farmers have resulted in the loss of paddy fields in Kerala.
Write two suggestions to revive paddy cultivation in the state.
Here are two suggestions
to revive paddy cultivation in Kerala:
1. Make paddy cultivation
more profitable for farmers.
This can be done by
providing farmers with subsidies on inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and
pesticides. The government can also purchase paddy from farmers at a guaranteed
minimum support price. This will ensure that farmers get a fair price for their
crop and make paddy cultivation more profitable for them.
2. Promote sustainable
paddy cultivation practices.
This can be done by
providing farmers with training on sustainable farming practices such as
integrated pest management and water conservation techniques. The government
can also provide farmers with access to credit and other resources to help them
adopt sustainable farming practices.
In addition to these two
suggestions, it is also important to address the socio-cultural factors that
have led to the decline of paddy cultivation in Kerala. For example, the
government needs to promote awareness among the younger generation about the
importance of paddy cultivation. The government can also support initiatives
that promote traditional food culture and ways of life.
By taking these steps,
the government can help to revive paddy cultivation in Kerala and ensure that
this important crop remains a staple food for the people of Kerala for
generations to come.
15. The contrast between
the nostalgic expectations and reality as presented in the poem 'Rice' by Chemmanam Chacko reminds us of some
harsh realities such as the disastrous vanishing of the vast stretches of water
logged paddy fields and our indigenous varieties
of food crops. Instead of a system of values, we have the market ruling us,
making decisions for us. ln the light of your understanding of the poem you
decide to prepare an article on 'preserving agriculture and indigenous farming
for sustainable development' to be published in the school magazine.
Preserving Agriculture
and Indigenous Farming for Sustainable Development
Agriculture and
indigenous farming are essential for sustainable development. Agriculture
provides us with the food we eat and the raw materials for many of the products
we use. Indigenous farming practices are often more sustainable than modern
agricultural practices, and they can help to preserve biodiversity and protect
the environment.
However, agriculture and
indigenous farming are both under threat today. Modern agricultural practices
are often harmful to the environment, and they can lead to land degradation,
water pollution, and climate change. Indigenous farming practices are often
disappearing due to the globalization of the food system and the pressure to
produce cash crops.
It is important to
preserve agriculture and indigenous farming for sustainable development. Here
are some things that we can do:
• Support
sustainable agricultural practices. We can do this by buying food from local
farmers who use sustainable farming methods. We can also advocate for policies
that support sustainable agriculture.
• Preserve
indigenous farming practices. We can do this by supporting indigenous
communities and by learning about their farming practices. We can also advocate
for policies that protect indigenous farming.
• Reduce our
consumption of meat and dairy products. Meat and dairy production are two of
the most environmentally damaging forms of agriculture. We can reduce our impact
on the environment by eating less meat and dairy and more plant-based foods.
By taking these steps, we
can help to preserve agriculture and indigenous farming for sustainable
development.
16. Read the poem 'A
Farmer's Fantasy'. Compare and contrast it with the poem 'Rice 'and attempt a
Comparative description.
A Farmer's Fantasy
With just a handful of
barren-land
And tottering dreams based on the sand
Yet the desire continue to
bloom
To produce the green out of the doom.
No frill now, can satiate his
needs
A tinge of grass is for all he
pleads
Extracting life out nature’s
legacy
So small is that farmer’s
fantasy
( Vaibav Panday )
Both the poems "Rice" by
Chemmanam Chacko and "A Farmer's Fantasy" by Vaibhav Pandey are about
farmers.
Both the poems explore the challenges
faced by farmers. In "Rice," the farmer is struggling to cope with
the changes in the agricultural landscape, such as the shift from paddy
cultivation to cash crops. In "A Farmer's Fantasy," the farmer is
struggling to make a living on barren land.
Both the poems celebrate the
resilience and determination of farmers. Despite the challenges they face,
farmers continue to work hard to produce food.
While the poem "Rice" is
set in a specific place, Kerala, India, The poem "A Farmer's Fantasy"
is set in a more general setting. The poem "Rice" is more realistic
in its tone. The poem "A Farmer's Fantasy" is more idealistic in its
tone. The poem "Rice" explores the impact of economic and social
forces on farmers. The poem "A Farmer's Fantasy" focuses on the
farmer's inner world and his dreams for the future.
The poem "Rice" is a more
complex than the poem "A Farmer's Fantasy." Chacko's poem
explores the complex relationship between humans and nature, and the ways in
which economic and social forces can impact traditional ways of life. Pandey's
poem is a more straightforward poem that celebrates the resilience and
determination of farmers.
Both poems are valuable contributions
to the literature on agriculture and rural life. They offer us different
perspectives on the experiences of farmers and the challenges they face.
There is a contrast between the
farmer's dreams and his reality in the poem "A Farmer's Fantasy." The
farmer dreams of a simple life, with enough food to eat and a roof over his
head. However, his reality is one of struggle and hardship. He is forced to
work on barren land and he is barely able to make a living.
This contrast highlights the
challenges faced by farmers in many parts of the world. Farmers often work hard
to produce food for others, but they themselves often struggle to make a living.
It is important to remember the sacrifices that farmers make and to support
them in any way that we can.
Both the poems explore the challenges
faced by farmers. In "Rice," the farmer is struggling to cope with
the changes in the agricultural landscape, such as the shift from paddy
cultivation to cash crops. In "A Farmer's Fantasy," the farmer is
struggling to make a living on barren land.Both the poems celebrate the
resilience and determination of farmers. Despite the challenges they face,
farmers continue to work hard to produce food.
17. Bring out the elements of
satire in the poem “Rice” highlighting the changes in the attitude of people
with the changing times.
Here are the elements of
satire in the poem “Rice” by Chemmanam Chacko:
• Exaggeration: The
speaker's father claims that rice farming is "inconvenient" and that
only "fools" would turn to it for gain. This is an exaggeration, as
rice farming is a perfectly viable way to make a living.
• Hypocrisy: The
speaker's father is happy to accept government handouts of rice, but he is
unwilling to grow rice himself. This is hypocritical, as he is benefiting from
the government's support of the agricultural sector while also contributing to
its decline.
• Sarcasm: The
speaker's question about whether the government will give him some husk from
the Centre to make toys with is a sarcastic comment on the government's failure
to support the agricultural sector.
• Irony: The
speaker is disappointed to find that his father has stopped farming rice, but
his father is happy with the change. This is ironic, as the speaker is the one
who has been away for four years and should be more familiar with the changes
that have taken place.
The poem also highlights
the changes in the attitude of people with the changing times. The speaker's
father is willing to abandon the traditional way of life and switch to cash
crops in order to make a profit. This is a reflection of the increasing
materialism and greed of the modern world.
The poem is a satire of
the government's policies towards agriculture and the changes in the attitude
of people with the changing times. It is a warning about the dangers of
monoculture and the importance of preserving traditional ways of life.
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Chemmanam Chacko (1926-2018) was a Malayalam poet, playwright, and essayist. He is considered to be one of the most important poets of the post-independence era in Malayalam literature.
Chacko was born in the village of Chemmanam in
Kottayam district, Kerala, India. He began writing poetry at a young age and
published his first collection of poems in 1953. He went on to publish over 20
collections of poems, as well as several plays and essays.
Chacko's poetry is known for its realism, its
social commentary, and its lyrical beauty. He often wrote about the lives of
ordinary people, especially farmers and the poor. He was also a strong critic
of social injustice and inequality.
Chacko's work has been translated into several
languages, including English, Hindi, and Tamil. He has received numerous awards
for his work, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Shri,
one of India's highest civilian honors.
Here are some of Chacko's most famous poems:
- Rice
- The Farmer's Wife
- The Migrant Worker
- The Old Woman
- The Child
Chacko's poems are relevant to plus two students
because they deal with important social issues such as poverty, inequality, and
injustice. His poems are also a valuable source of information about
traditional Kerala culture and society.
Here are some of the themes that are explored in Chacko's
poems:
- Social injustice and
inequality
- The plight of the poor
and marginalized
- The importance of nature
and the environment
- The loss of traditional
culture and ways of life
- The resilience and
determination of the human spirit
Chacko's poems are a valuable addition to the
curriculum for plus two students because they offer them a different
perspective on the world and help them to develop their critical thinking
skills.
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