(i) The new poets still quoted The old poets, but no one spoke In verse Of the pregnant woman Drowned, with perhaps twins in her,
Solution
These lines are from the poem “Meditations on a Theme by William Carlos Williams” by Wallace Stevens. The speaker is reflecting on the state of poetry in the modern era, noting that contemporary poets still draw inspiration from the works of earlier poets but that there are certain subjects that are not often addressed in modern verse.
The reference to “the pregnant woman / Drowned, with perhaps twins in her” is likely a reference to a well-known poem by William Carlos Williams titled “The Red Wheelbarrow.” This poem is known for its simple yet vivid imagery, describing a red wheelbarrow beside some chickens in a rain-soaked yard.
Stevens’ poem can be seen as a critique of the limitations of modern poetry, which he sees as overly focused on formal experimentation and self-expression while neglecting important aspects of the human experience. The reference to the drowned pregnant woman is a powerful reminder of the tragedies and injustices that are often overlooked in contemporary verse. By invoking this image, Stevens is calling on poets to expand their focus beyond themselves and to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.
(ii) Fed on God for years All her feasts were monotonous For the only dish was always God And the rest mere condiments.
Solution
These lines are from the poem “Fed on God” by Sarojini Naidu. The speaker is describing a person who has devoted her life to the worship of God, and the impact this has had on her life and her relationship with the world around her.
The phrase “Fed on God for years” suggests that the person has relied entirely on her faith in God for sustenance, both literal and figurative. This has resulted in a monotonous existence, with every meal consisting solely of God and other aspects of life serving only as “mere condiments” to her spiritual experience.
The poem can be seen as a commentary on the nature of religious devotion and the potential pitfalls of an overly zealous approach to faith. While the person in question may feel fulfilled by her relationship with God, her narrow focus on the divine has left her disconnected from the world and the richness of human experience.
The use of food imagery throughout the poem reinforces this idea, as food is often associated with pleasure, nourishment, and variety. By suggesting that the person’s diet consists solely of God, Naidu is emphasizing the limitations and potential dangers of such an extreme approach to spirituality.
Overall, these lines suggest that while devotion to God can be a powerful and transformative experience, it is important to maintain a balance between one’s spiritual life and one’s engagement with the world around them.