Difficult words with meanings: The Planners by Boey Kim Cheng
1.
Permutations - Arrangements or combinations of elements in different orders.
2.
Alignment - Arrangement in straight lines or in proper relation to one another.
3.
Bridges - Structures built to span physical obstacles like rivers, connecting
two points.
4.
Mathematics - The study of numbers, quantities, and shapes, often involving
precise calculations.
5.
Anaesthesia - The state of temporary loss of sensation, especially induced by
drugs for medical procedures.
6.
Amnesia - Loss of memory, often due to injury, trauma, or illness.
7.
Hypnosis - A state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, often
used for therapeutic purposes.
8.
Gleaming - Shining brightly or reflecting light.
9.
Anaemia - A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin,
leading to fatigue and weakness.
10.
Enlist - To recruit or engage someone's help or support.
11.
Flaws - Imperfections, faults, or weaknesses in something.
12.
Blemishes - Marks or spots that mar the appearance of something.
13.
Dental dexterity - Skill and precision in using dental tools or instruments.
14.
Gaps - Spaces or holes that need to be filled or closed.
15.
Gleaming gold - Shining and bright gold, symbolizing opulence and wealth.
16.
Country wears perfect rows of shining teeth - Metaphorically, it refers to the
artificial beauty and uniformity imposed on the landscape, akin to a perfect
set of teeth.
17.
Piling - The act of driving long, slender columns (piles) into the ground to
provide structural support for buildings or bridges.
18.
Drilling - The process of drilling holes in the ground or other materials.
19.
Fossils of last century - Refers to the remnants or remnants of the past,
perhaps old buildings or structures from the previous century.
20.
Blueprint - In a literal sense, it refers to a detailed plan or design for
construction. Metaphorically, it represents the structured and controlled
vision of the future.
"The
Planners" by Boey Kim Cheng is a thought-provoking poem that presents a
critical reflection on modern urban planning and the pursuit of perfection in
society. The poem highlights planners' systematic and methodical approach as
they construct and shape the landscape. All spaces are meticulously gridded,
and possibilities are endlessly permuted to create an environment that adheres
to mathematical precision. Roads are aligned perfectly, leading to desired
points, and bridges elegantly link these points together.
Example:
"The buildings are in alignment with the roads"
Explanation:
Alliteration is the repetition of the initial consonant sound in neighbouring
words. In this line, the repetition of the "b" sound in
"buildings," "alignment," and "roads" creates a
smooth and flowing rhythm.
Example:
"The country wears perfect rows of shining teeth."
Explanation:
This line uses a metaphor to compare the planned landscape to "perfect
rows of shining teeth." It conveys the idea that the country's appearance
is carefully crafted to be flawless, just like a perfect set of teeth in a
smile.
Example:
"Even the sea draws back and the skies surrender."
Explanation:
Personification is used here to give human-like qualities to natural elements.
The sea is described as "drawing back" and the skies as
"surrendering," suggesting that even nature yields to the planners'
will.
Example:
"They have it all so it will not hurt."
Explanation:
Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement used to emphasize a point. In this line,
it suggests that the planners have complete control and power, able to prevent
any negative consequences or pain from their actions.
Example:
"They erase the flaws,
the
blemishes of the past, knock off
useless
blocks with dental dexterity."
Explanation:
Enjambment is a literary device where a line of poetry continues without pause
into the next line. It creates a natural and uninterrupted flow, reinforcing
the sense of the planners' continuous and relentless actions.
Example:
"All gaps are plugged with gleaming gold."
Explanation:
The use of "gleaming gold" as a symbol represents wealth, opulence,
and the planners' desire to cover up any imperfections in the landscape with
material wealth and extravagance.
Example:
"They plan. They build."
Explanation:
Repetition of the phrase "They plan. They build." throughout the poem
emphasizes the constant and unyielding nature of the planners' actions.
Example:
"So history is new again."
Explanation:
This line uses irony to suggest that history is being rewritten or erased,
rendering it "new" in the planned landscape, but it comes at the cost
of losing the authenticity and richness of the past.
Example:
"in the grace of mathematics."
Explanation:
The use of "in the grace of mathematics" is a simile, comparing the
elegance and precision of the buildings and roads to the beauty and harmony
found in the principles of mathematics.
Example:
"Even the sea draws back"
Explanation:
Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in neighboring words. In this line,
the "e" sound in "Even," "sea," and
"draws" creates a soft and melodic effect.
11.
Imagery:
Example:
"All spaces are gridded / Filled with permutations of possibilities."
Explanation:
The poet uses visual imagery to describe the planned landscape, where all
spaces are meticulously gridded and filled with endless possibilities, evoking
a sense of order and control.
Example:
"The country wears perfect rows of shining teeth."
Explanation:
The "perfect rows of shining teeth" symbolize the artificial and
flawless appearance of the planned country, akin to a carefully crafted smile
that conceals underlying imperfections.
Example:
"The drilling goes right through / the fossils of last century."
Explanation:
The word "drilling" serves as an onomatopoeia, imitating the sound of
the construction process, creating a vivid auditory image.
Example:
"Even the sea draws back / and the skies surrender."
Explanation:
The contrast between the sea drawing back and the skies surrendering emphasizes
the planners' immense power and control over both land and sky.
Example:
"filled with permutations of possibilities."
Explanation:
The phrase "permutations of possibilities" combines contradictory
terms, oxymoronically suggesting an organized complexity in the planned
landscape.
Example:
"The piling will not stop."
Explanation:
In this line, "piling" is used as a metonymy to represent ongoing
construction and development, as piling refers to the process of driving piles
into the ground to support structures.
Example:
"They build and will not stop."
Explanation:
"They build" represents the planners' actions as a whole, using
synecdoche to refer to their construction efforts.
Example:
"All gaps are plugged with gleaming gold."
Explanation:
The use of "gleaming gold" appeals to the sense of sight, painting a
vivid image of golden elements filling the gaps in the landscape.
Example:
"Even the sea draws back / and the skies surrender."
Explanation:
The use of enjambment in this line adds to the fluidity and continuity of the
actions, implying that the planners' control extends even to natural elements.
Example:
"But my heart would not bleed poetry."
Explanation:
The tone in this line is melancholic, expressing the poet's emotional
detachment and resistance to embracing the planned environment.
Example:
"The drilling goes right through / the fossils of last century."
Explanation:
This line foreshadows the destruction of historical artifacts and cultural
heritage, as the planned landscape disregards the remnants of the past.
Example:
"So history is new again."
Explanation:
The repetition of "new again" reinforces the idea of rewriting
history, emphasizing the loss of genuine historical significance.
Example:
"So history is new again."
Explanation:
This line uses irony to highlight the planners' attempt to recreate history
while erasing its authentic value.
Example:
"They plan. They build. They have."
Explanation:
The repetition of "They" at the beginning of these lines creates an
anaphora, emphasizing the continuous and unyielding actions of the planners.
Example:
"The buildings are in alignment with the roads / which meet at desired
points."
Explanation:
This paradox suggests an orderly and well-planned environment, where roads and buildings
converge, yet it also implies a preconceived and rigid design, limiting natural
growth and unpredictability.
An appreciation of the poem: The Planners by Boey Kim Cheng
· About the
poem, poet and title
· Theme
Poetic style, language,
· poetic
devices used in the poem
· Special
features Message/ values/ morals in the poem
· Your
opinion about the poem
The
primary theme of the poem revolves around urbanization and modernization. It
explores the impact of meticulous planning and construction on the landscape,
as well as the loss of historical and cultural identity in the process. Another
essential theme is the impersonal and mechanical nature of progress, where
emotion and poetry are sacrificed in favor of sterile, mathematically precise
environments.
Boey
Kim Cheng employs a free verse style, allowing the poem to flow naturally
without the constraints of traditional rhyme schemes or meters. The language is
vivid and evocative, painting a clear picture of the carefully planned
cityscape and the emotions tied to it. The poet uses imagery extensively,
creating striking visuals of gridded spaces, gleaming gold, and fossils from
the past century.
Several
poetic devices enhance the impact of the poem. The use of metaphor is prominent
throughout, with "shining teeth" symbolizing the artificial
perfection of the planned landscape. Alliteration, assonance, and consonance
are skillfully employed to create rhythm and reinforce the themes. The
repetition of "They plan. They build." emphasizes the relentless and
systematic nature of the planners' actions, while the use of enjambment gives
the poem a flowing and uninterrupted quality.
One
special feature of the poem is its universal relevance. While it may
specifically address urban planning, the message extends to various aspects of
human society, where the pursuit of perfection can lead to the erasure of
history, culture, and individuality.
"The
Planners" cautions against unchecked modernization and the loss of
cultural heritage. It highlights the importance of embracing imperfections and
preserving the memories of the past. The poem encourages readers to consider the
emotional and human aspects of development, urging us not to sacrifice poetry,
nostalgia, and genuine connections in the pursuit of progress.
As
an individual, I find "The Planners" to be a remarkable and
insightful piece of poetry. Boey Kim Cheng's vivid imagery and skilful use of
language effectively convey the poem's message, prompting readers to reflect on
the consequences of rapid development and the value of preserving our history
and emotional connections to the past. It serves as a poignant reminder to
strike a balance between progress and humanity, ensuring that we do not lose
touch with the essence of what makes us human. Overall, "The
Planners" is a thought-provoking and relevant poem that holds a mirror to
the ever-changing landscape of the modern world.
A1:
The poet of the poem "The Planners" is Boey Kim Cheng.
A2:
The central theme of the poem is urbanization, modernization, and the
consequences of relentless planning and development. It also explores the loss
of history, culture, and human connection in the pursuit of perfection.
A3:
The title "The Planners" refers to those in charge of shaping the
landscape and society's future through meticulous urban planning and
construction.
A4:
The poet describes the buildings and spaces as being gridded and filled with
permutations of possibilities. The roads are in alignment with the buildings,
and bridges connect the desired points, all following the grace of mathematics.
A5:
The poet uses vivid imagery, metaphors, and poetic devices such as alliteration
and repetition to convey the idea of progress. Words like "gleaming
gold" and "shining teeth" symbolize the artificial beauty and
perfection sought through development.
A6:
The poem criticizes the pursuit of perfection by highlighting the erasure of
flaws and blemishes of the past, the loss of cultural identity, and the lack of
emotional connection in the meticulously planned environment.
A7:
These lines suggest that the planners use various means, such as numbing and
hypnotizing techniques, to ensure that the changes and progress do not cause
any discomfort or resistance from the people.
A8:
This line metaphorically refers to how the construction and development process
disregard the remnants of the past, symbolized by the "fossils of last
century," in order to make way for the new and modern landscape.
A9:
The poet's heart represents emotion, poetry, and nostalgia. It is a symbol of
the emotional connection to the past and the resistance to embrace the
artificial and sterile landscape of the planned environment.
A10:
The poem urges readers to be mindful of the consequences of unbridled
modernization and the importance of preserving history, cultural identity, and
emotional connections. It advocates for a balance between progress and
humanity, embracing imperfections and valuing genuine human experiences.
A11:
The poet describes the planners as having a dismissive attitude towards the
past and history. They seek to erase the flaws and blemishes of the past,
treating it as an obstacle to their vision of a perfect future. The lines
"So history is new again" convey their desire to rewrite history and
create a fresh start.
A12:
The metaphor "perfect rows of shining teeth" represents the
artificial and uniform appearance of the planned landscape. Just as a perfect
set of teeth is carefully aligned and devoid of imperfections, the planners aim
to create a flawless and orderly environment, regardless of the cost to
cultural heritage and emotional connections.
A13:
The poem employs dental imagery, such as "knock off useless blocks with
dental dexterity" and "plugged with gleaming gold," to portray
the precision and meticulousness of the planners in shaping the landscape. This
imagery enhances the idea of a mechanized and clinical approach to development.
A14:
The poem evokes a sense of skepticism, nostalgia, and concern in the reader. It
achieves this effect through vivid imagery that contrasts the artificial
perfection of the planned environment with the loss of cultural identity and
emotional connections. The repetitive lines, along with the use of metaphors
and poetic devices, intensify the emotional impact of the poem.
A15:
While the poem specifically addresses urban planning and modernization, its
message resonates beyond this context. It serves as a critique of any approach
that prioritizes efficiency and perfection at the expense of preserving
history, culture, and genuine human experiences. It can be applied to various
aspects of life where progress may come at the cost of emotional connections
and individuality.
A16:
In my opinion, the most powerful aspect of the poem is its thought-provoking
critique of modernization and the pursuit of perfection. The poet effectively
uses vivid imagery, metaphors, and poetic devices to convey a poignant message
about the need to strike a balance between progress and humanity. The contrast
between the planned landscape and the emotional resistance of the poet's heart
creates a compelling and memorable impact on the reader.
A17:
The poem reflects the poet's personal perspective on urbanization and progress
by portraying the negative consequences of unchecked development. Boey Kim
Cheng seems to lament the loss of history, culture, and emotional connection in
the pursuit of a sterile and perfect landscape. The resistance of the poet's
heart to bleed poetry suggests a reluctance to embrace this artificial vision
of progress, showcasing a longing for a more authentic and emotionally resonant
environment.
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