• Understand the conflict in the poet's conscience.
• Analyze changes in poetic expression from Donne to Kamala Das:
  • Prosodic features (rhyme, rhythm, and metre)
  • Vocabulary
  • Language
  • Themes
• Explore the authenticity of the depiction of a crumbling village house in the poem.
• Discuss the aspects of Indian society and history highlighted in the poem.
• Illustrate the contrast between tradition and modernity as presented in the poem.
• Identify lines that reveal the poet's respect for and revolt against her grandmother's sentiments.
• Critique the poet's views on class distinctions as expressed in the poem.
• Examine the reasons behind the poet's decision not to rebuild the house despite her childhood promise.

Notes on Kamala Das's Poetry

Overview of Kamala Das

• Birth: 1934 in Punnayurkulum, South Malabar, Kerala
• Death: 2009
• Significance: A major figure in Malayalam literature and Indian writing in English, known for feminist themes and explorations of womanhood.
• Awards:
  • Poetry Award for the Asian PEN Anthology
  • Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for best collection of short stories in Malayalam
  • Chaman Lal Award for fearless journalism

Themes in Her Poetry

• Conflict in Conscience: The poet grapples with her identity and heritage, reflecting on the tension between tradition and modernity.
• Cultural Heritage: The depiction of ancestral homes and familial ties highlights the importance of cultural roots.
• Class Distinctions: Critique of social hierarchies is evident, particularly in the contrast between the 'oldest blood' and the 'new-rich'.

Poetic Expression

Changes from Donne to Kamala Das

• Prosodic Features: Variations in rhyme, rhythm, and metre reflect evolving poetic styles.
• Vocabulary: The language has shifted to incorporate more contemporary and personal expressions.
• Themes: A transition from metaphysical concerns to personal and societal issues.

Notable Works

• The Old Playhouse and Other Poems
• Summer in Calcutta
• The Descendants

Analysis of