I.A. Richards Figurative Language (Practical Criticism)

 This blog is a part of the study activity(I.A. Richards Figurative Language (Practical Criticism)) provided by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Here is the link to the research articlehere.

1. 'Ek evu ATM hoi'  by-Harshdev Madhv

Introduction :

The poem 'એક એવું એ.ટી.એમ. હોય!' creatively explores the intersection of materialism and emotional fulfillment in modern life. Using the metaphor of an ATM, the poet critiques the transactional nature of contemporary relationships and human values. Through this imaginative premise, the poem raises questions about society's overreliance on technology and instant gratification, juxtaposing the pursuit of wealth with the need for emotional well-being. With its relatable imagery and satirical tone, the poem resonates deeply with the struggles of a fast-paced, urban lifestyle, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition.

Metaphor and Symbolism

ATM as a Symbol: The ATM symbolizes a repository of emotions, relationships, and human values. Instead of cash withdrawals, the poet envisions withdrawals of "happiness" or "solutions" to life's challenges.

Deposit and Withdrawal: The "deposit" of sorrows and "withdrawal" of joys reflect a transactional view of emotions, underscoring the mechanical and detached way people often approach relationships.

Fast Cash and Credit: Terms like “Fast Cash” and “Credit” highlight how instant gratification governs modern life, often at the expense of deeper, meaningful experiences.

Modern Life Critique

The poet critiques the materialistic and transactional nature of contemporary life. People often expect quick fixes to complex emotional problems, similar to withdrawing money from an ATM. This reflects the impatience and superficiality of modern relationships and social interactions.

Structural Analysis

The poem’s free verse style aligns with its conversational and relatable tone. The informal language, combined with familiar terms like "Fast Cash," "Debit Card," and "Auto Tip," creates an accessible narrative for readers to connect with.

The imagery is vivid and modern, painting a picture of bustling urban life filled with stress, deadlines, and fleeting moments of joy.

Emotional Undertones

The poem conveys a subtle sense of longing and frustration. The speaker seems overwhelmed by the emotional void in daily life and envisions a fantastical ATM that can bridge this gap. There is a mix of sarcasm, hope, and criticism, making the poem multi-layered and thought-provoking.

Social Commentary

The poem reflects on the loss of emotional intimacy in a fast-paced, technology-driven world. It questions whether technology can ever truly address human needs beyond the material realm. The “ATM” here becomes a satirical metaphor for society’s reliance on quick fixes rather than building lasting relationships or solving deeper issues.

Themes:

Materialistic Aspirations:

The poem humorously imagines an ATM-like entity that dispenses not just money but solutions to life's desires, symbolizing society's obsession with instant gratification.

Convenience and Dependency:

It critiques modern-day dependence on technology and systems that provide instant results, often at the cost of personal effort or authenticity.

Irony of Modern Life:

The poet uses irony to highlight how society wishes for effortless resolutions, from happiness to luxuries, much like withdrawing cash from an ATM.

Conclusion:

The poet humorously yet critically examines society’s dependence on external systems for fulfillment. It serves as a reminder of the need to seek authentic and self-driven solutions rather than relying solely on material or technological aids.

Misunderstood point :

1. Last 3 line 
2. ભીંજાવું એટલું જો કરીએ ડિમાન્ડ
3. સ્ટેમેન્ટ માગતાં જ સ્મરણોની ટ્રાન્સફર

2. TV Serial jevi chahat nu geet

The poem "ટીવી સિરિયલની જેવી ચાલતું ગીત" seems to critique modern societal and cultural dynamics by comparing life or experiences to the melodramatic nature of TV serials. Here's an analysis based on its themes, tone, and style:

Themes

1. Artificiality and Superficiality: 

The poet draws parallels between life and TV serials, highlighting how superficiality dominates our expressions and interactions.

   - References to changing "stories" and creating "fake emotions" point to the manufactured and scripted nature of modern behavior.

   

2. Consumer Culture and Media Influence: 

   - Lines about dialogues, staging, and the role of "camera" emphasize the performative aspect of modern existence, influenced by media and commercialization.

3. Loss of Authenticity: 

   - The poem laments the erosion of genuine feelings and spontaneity, replaced by scripted responses and artificial charm.

   

4. Globalization and Identity Crisis: 

   - Mentions of (distress signals) and blending Western and local influences suggest a critique of cultural homogenization, where traditional values are diluted.

5. Reflection on Progress: 

   - The concluding lines ponder whether the modern race for progress, symbolized by technological advancements, truly leads to fulfillment or alienation.

Tone:

- Critical and Reflective: The poem adopts a critical perspective on contemporary life, questioning its substance and direction.

- Satirical: The comparison to TV serials adds an ironic edge, subtly mocking how life has become a staged performance.

Style and Structure

- Conversational Style: The use of direct language and everyday references makes the poem relatable.

- Imagery and Symbolism: Terms like "camera," "dialogues," and "episodes" symbolize modernity's staged and fragmented nature.

- Cultural References: The poem balances local and global elements, emphasizing a clash between tradition and modernity.

- Rhyme and Rhythm: The rhythm mirrors the repetitive, predictable nature of TV serials, reinforcing the poem's theme.

Message:

The poem critiques how modern life, driven by media, globalization, and artificiality, mirrors the scripted, superficial, and often meaningless progression of TV serials. It calls for introspection on authenticity, identity, and the true essence of human existence.

Evaluation

In I. A. Richards' framework, the poem succeeds in:

Eliciting Emotional Responses: It effectively balances satire with genuine concern, making the reader reflect on their own life.

Creating Effective Imagery: The vivid metaphors bridge the gap between artifice and reality.

Achieving Unity: The poem's theme, tone, and imagery align cohesively, amplifying its critique.

However, one might critique the poem for its overt reliance on comparison to TV serials, which could alienate readers unfamiliar with their tropes.

Questions :

1. Is the poet merely critiquing modernity, or is there an underlying hope for change?
2. How does the poem challenge the reader to reconsider their role in perpetuating artificiality in life?  
3. How does the poem balance local and global cultural influences in its imagery and themes?  

References:

•  Barad, Dilip. “I.A. Richards: The Figurative Language | Practical Criticism.” ResearchGate, Jan. 2024,https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.23687.98724
• Richards, Ivor Armstrong. Practical Criticism: A Study of Literary Judgment. Harper Perennial, 1956.