PART – II ENGLISH SECOND SEMESTER – 2322E Unit I: Langston Hughes - "Still Here"

 

PART – II ENGLISH SECOND SEMESTER – 2322E

Unit I: Langston Hughes - "Still Here"

I been scarred and battered.
My hopes the wind done scattered.
Snow has friz me,
Sun has baked me,

Looks like between 'em
They done tried to make me
Stop laughin', stop lovin', stop livin'—
But I don’t care!
I’m still here!

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Line-by-Line Explanation

1. I been scarred and battered.
• The speaker reflects on the physical and emotional struggles they have endured. "Scarred" and "battered" symbolize the hardships faced.
2. My hopes the wind done scattered.
• Hopes and dreams have been shattered and dispersed like leaves in the wind, indicating life's unpredictability.
3. Snow has friz me,
• The speaker has experienced extreme cold, metaphorically representing tough and isolating times.
4. Sun has baked me,
• On the other hand, the speaker has endured intense heat, signifying life’s harshness and relentless trials.
5. Looks like between 'em
• Referring to the opposing forces of cold (snow) and heat (sun), these challenges seem to conspire against the speaker.
6. They done tried to make me
• These forces have tried to break the speaker’s spirit and willpower.
7. Stop laughin', stop lovin', stop livin'—
• The adversities aim to rob the speaker of joy, love, and the essence of life.
8. But I don’t care!
• The speaker defiantly refuses to succumb to these challenges.
9. I’m still here!
• A triumphant declaration of resilience and survival against all odds.

Tamil Translation

நான் காயமடைந்து, அடிமேல் அடிபட்டவனாக இருக்கிறேன்.
என் நம்பிக்கைகள் காற்றில் பறந்துவிட்டன.
பனி என்னை உறைய வைத்தது,
வெயில் என்னை சுட்டெரித்தது,

இதற்கிடையில் அவை என்னை
நகைச்சுவையை நிறுத்தவும்,
காதலிக்க முடியாமல்,
வாழ்வை விட்டுவிடச் செய்யவும் முயன்றன.

ஆனால், நான் அகவில்லை!
நான் இன்னும் இங்கே இருக்கிறேன்!

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10 Two-Mark Questions and Answers

1. Who is the speaker in the poem?
• The speaker is someone who has faced numerous hardships in life but remains resilient.
2. What does "scarred and battered" symbolize?
• It symbolizes the struggles and challenges faced by the speaker.
3. What happened to the speaker's hopes?
• The speaker's hopes were scattered by the wind.
4. What do the "snow" and "sun" represent?
• They represent life's harsh conditions and adversities.
5. What is the speaker's attitude towards these adversities?
• The speaker is defiant and determined, refusing to give up.
6. What is the significance of the line, "Stop laughin', stop lovin', stop livin'"?
• It highlights how challenges tried to strip away the speaker's joy, love, and vitality.
7. What does the phrase "I’m still here" signify?
• It signifies resilience and the will to survive despite hardships.
8. Why does the speaker say "I don’t care"?
• To show their determination to overcome challenges.
9. How does the poem convey hope?
• By showing the speaker's resilience and refusal to give up.
10. What is the tone of the poem?

• The tone is defiant and triumphant.

5 Five-Mark Questions and Answers

1. Explain the significance of the title "Still Here."
• The title "Still Here" reflects the speaker's resilience and survival despite the hardships faced. It captures the essence of enduring struggles and emerging strong.
2. How do natural elements like "snow" and "sun" contribute to the poem?
• The "snow" and "sun" symbolize the extremes of life's challenges. These metaphors emphasize how the speaker has faced adversity in different forms but remains unbroken.
3. What is the central theme of the poem?
• The central theme is resilience. The poem portrays the speaker's determination to survive and thrive despite life's difficulties.
4. How does Langston Hughes use language to emphasize resilience?
• Hughes uses colloquial language and repetition ("Stop laughin', stop lovin', stop livin'") to highlight the speaker's defiance. The simple, direct style conveys strength and determination.
5. Discuss the emotional impact of the poem.
• The poem evokes a sense of inspiration and strength. It resonates with readers who have faced struggles, offering hope and motivation to persevere.

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Essay Question and Answer

Question:
Discuss the theme of resilience in Langston Hughes's poem "Still Here."

Answer:

Introduction:
Langston Hughes's poem "Still Here" is a testament to the human spirit's resilience. The poem, though brief, captures the essence of enduring life's adversities with strength and determination.

Subtitles with Explanations:

1. Hardships and Challenges:
   The speaker describes being "scarred and battered," highlighting the physical and emotional toll of life's struggles.
2. Shattered Dreams:
   The line "My hopes the wind done scattered" symbolizes the loss of aspirations and dreams.
3. The Extremes of Adversity:
   Nature's elements, "snow" and "sun," represent the harshness of life's challenges, testing the speaker's endurance.
4. Attempts to Break the Spirit:
   Adversities tried to strip away the speaker's joy and vitality, as reflected in "stop laughin', stop lovin', stop livin'."
5. Defiance Against Challenges:
   The phrase "But I don’t care!" demonstrates the speaker's refusal to let hardships define their life.
6. Triumph of the Human Spirit:
   The declaration "I’m still here!" is a powerful affirmation of survival and resilience.
7. Hope and Inspiration:
   The poem inspires readers to embrace their struggles with courage, reinforcing the belief that persistence leads to triumph.

Conclusion:
"Still Here" by Langston Hughes is a moving portrayal of resilience. It encourages readers to face life's challenges with unwavering determination, reminding them that the human spirit is capable of overcoming even the harshest trials.