Passage to America Analysis PDF
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Uploaded by DelectableAloe
Shri Ram Lala Inter College
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Summary
This document is an analysis of the poem "Passage to America" by K. Ayyappa Paniker. It discusses various aspects of the poem, including the poet's perspective on America and its societal issues. The analysis highlights the differences between American and Indian societies, as well as the poet's critical view of American culture. The analysis also touches upon themes of spirituality and materialism in American society.
Full Transcript
## Passage to America by K Ayyappa Paniker - "Passage to America" is a sequence of 7 poems. - The seventh and the concluding one is included in the syllabus. - It was composed during Paniker's residency at the University of Indiana. - In this poem, the poet expresses his discomfiture with America....
## Passage to America by K Ayyappa Paniker - "Passage to America" is a sequence of 7 poems. - The seventh and the concluding one is included in the syllabus. - It was composed during Paniker's residency at the University of Indiana. - In this poem, the poet expresses his discomfiture with America. - The tone of the poem is conversational, and America is personified. - The poet emphasizes America's beguiling nature and the insidious character of America. - The passage tells about the poet's journey – literal and metaphorical. ### It wasn’t easy for him - To get used to the new surroundings and make friends with Americans. - He is obliged to accept whatever America chooses to offer. ### The poet compares the map of America with the palm of a hand - Mississippi is a very long river and America's lifeline and coastline. - America is a land of such physical and huge resources, a waterway. - But the poet finds the heart-home missing – feelings, emotions, and sentiments have been sacrificed on the altar of Jupiter, which stands for ambition, pride. ### Nature has endowed America with beauty - America has endowed beauty and wealth, but it has lost its heart in its progress. - The poet further talks about the nuclear power and strength of America and says that the heart line has disappeared, vanished, got destroyed in the pursuit of nuclear warfare. - He compares the seasonal river "Phalguni" of Kerala with the perennial river Mississippi and elaborates the differences in resources and affluence. - Still, India is the land where Buddha gave the message of peace, he left the power, wealth, and comforts of a palace and was happy in a begging bowl. - The poet compares the vast spiritual difference in both the Countries. - The great scientific progress and advancement has led to confusion and restlessness in Americans and they seek relief in drugs. ### America is a land of plenty - There is no dearth of food material comforts and prosperity, but there is violence too. - They are skilled but not happy. - The hearts are full of pain. - The land of abundance and affluence is spiritually bankrupt. ### Conclusion - The poet derides the heartlessness of America along with its capitalist culture. - America is progressing in science but lacking in human values. - He compares the solid, stable spiritual strength of India (despite lesser resources and prosperity) with the confusing, bewildering drug culture of America of late 60s.
