Chapter 7: Time and Time Again

Answer. The poet, A.K. Ramanujan, describes time and how time affects different cities. The poem discusses different cities and how time is involved in those cities. While beating their gongs around the clock, the clock strikes, and time flies, leading to some changes occurring in the city. As time passes, every single hour of the clock represents the changes in the city. Once the old-time ends, everything starts from the beginning as a new time arrives.

Answer. The last stanza of the poem, “through the knocked-out clockwork, after the riot, a peace-march time bomb, or a precise act of nature in light of lightning,” reflects the title of the poem, “Time and Time Again”. It shows that after many quarrels, conflicts and communal disharmony, a peaceful time may arrive soon. But, as we say, “when winters come, can spring be far behind,” which sometimes means we can experience a good time once bad times have passed and gone away.

Answer. The difference between the timekeeping of various clocks is that they beat their gongs around the clock at different time intervals and with different frequencies. The poet uses a metaphor for implicit comparison, which means comparing indirectly. The frequency at which the gong beats round the clock shows different conditions of different cities.

Answer. The act of nature in the poem is expressed as precise or accurate because nature tries to neutralise every condition with precision after every specific interval of time. Thus, in verse, the poet specifies time honouring someone’s desire at a time. Moreover, the poem talks about the long-lasting quarrels between the Hindus, Muslims, and Christians that have been resolved over time by nature. Hence, nature echoes the title of the poem “Time and Time Again”.

Answer. Critical condemnation indicates the poet’s perspective towards communal disharmony. The poet has criticised the quarrels that arise time and time again through his lines. He firmly believes that the disputes and the differences will solve on their own as time passes by. When one is silent about any issue, over time, the issue gets resolved. Sometimes, no discussion is required on the problems; instead, allow the matter to fade over time without further talks.

Answer. Yes, the poet depicts the feeling of an average Indian, both towards human violence and nature’s fury. In today’s scenario, people are more prone to being affected by minor issues and picking up a quarrel over them, resulting in big problems. Racism and religious dominations are the most significant problems among humans in today’s society. In the poem, the poet depicts long-lasting quarrels between people of various groups and backgrounds through his lines. Sometimes people feel prolonged discussion over religion is necessary and that they need to cut off all the bonds from society if they wish to attain peace of mind. However, the poet suggests it is better not to take these things seriously, as one day, all these quarrels will vanish over time without affecting us much. Nature constantly interrupts to demonstrate the importance of life rather than the issues.