Answer the folowing questions from extract given below.

Question

The polished traffic passed with a mind ahead,  

Or if ever aside a moment, then out of sorts  

At having the landscape marred with the artless paint  

Of signs that with N turned wrong and S turned wrong

1)what is theme of poem?
2)polished traffic is an apt analogy for urban development and progress becoz ___.
3)how does poet depiction of polished traffic passing with mind ahead contribute to theme of excerpt.

Answer 1

1. Theme of the Poem: The theme of this excerpt explores the tension between the progress or development of urban life and the dissonance it creates with the natural world. The "polished traffic" signifies the streamlined, forward-moving nature of modern life, driven by purpose and efficiency. However, this progress also leads to the disruption of the landscape, which is marred by artificial signs that, in their mistakes ("N turned wrong and S turned wrong"), symbolize human imperfection and the loss of harmony with nature.

2. "Polished traffic" is an apt analogy for urban development and progress because: The phrase "polished traffic" captures the smooth, fast-moving, and seemingly efficient nature of modern urban development. The word "polished" suggests a sense of sophistication, order, and cleanliness, which contrasts with the messiness or imperfections of natural landscapes or slower-paced lifestyles. It metaphorically represents the structured and relentless march of modern society—moving forward, without much reflection, and often disregarding the environment or the past in the pursuit of progress.

3. How the poet's depiction of "polished traffic passing with mind ahead" contributes to the theme of the excerpt: The poet's depiction of the "polished traffic passing with mind ahead" highlights the mechanized, goal-oriented nature of modern life. The "mind ahead" suggests a forward-thinking, focused attitude, where individuals or society are intent on reaching their destinations without considering the surroundings or the consequences of their actions. This contributes to the theme by showing how progress, represented by efficient traffic, often ignores the impact it has on the world around it. It conveys a sense of detachment from nature and perhaps a loss of awareness about the human cost of such progress.