HEIR CONDITIONING : ELEMENTS OF THE POEM

SETTING

The poem is written in a twentieth century setting as there are references to modern gadgets such as air cons and faxes. The problems mentioned in the poem also allude to current problems faced by today generation. These include stress, pollution and traffic jams. The dialogue could have taken place in the living room or any place that allow two parties to discuss certain issues.

PERSONA

There are two personas in the poem. They are the grandparents and the grandchild.

THEMES

The poem is concerned about the price one has to pay for progress. With the development, one has to face many problems that can affect the quality of life. The younger generation has to face greater challenges in life because they have many wants. The poet highlights the challenges in the present world and attributes them to our own greed and materialistic ways.

MORAL VALUES

1.We must love our environment.

2.      We must be God-fearing.

3.      We must not be greedy and materialistic.

4.      We must use our knowledge for our own good.

5.      We must be grateful with what we have.

6.      Progress and development bring about advantages and disadvantages.

7.      Present   days values are different from yesterday.

8.      Greed can lead to destruction.

9.      The younger generation has different values.

10.  Preserve the environment.

11.  We must pay a high price for development.

TONE  AND MOOD

The tone  is matter-of-fact and honest. The grandchild poses the questions honestly and directly to the grandfather.  The grandchild asks questions in an innocent and naïve tone …did you…,was  it…weren’t you…Could you… The grandfather explains and answers in a   firm and serious tone , the voice of someone scolding, preaching and teaching an ignorant person. (“…we did not …). However in the last two lines we could sense that the grandfather is unhappy with the present generation as they have become more materialistic in life and their values have changed.

STRUCTURE, STYLE AND LANGUAGE

The poem is written in free verse. It does not have a fixed rhyme scheme and it consists of two stanzas. The poem is presented as a dialogue between grandchild and his grandparents. Stanza 1 consists of four questions. Stanza 2 consists of grandparents’ answers.

The diction consists of common words such as ‘breathe’ and ‘communicate’. An example of alliteration used in Stanza 1, ‘Grandma weren’t you flustered as you fluttered with paper fans?’ Figurative language such as ignorance and money is your new God. The title refers to the younger generation who inherits the world today and how they must act responsibly.