Study Notes
The poem 'The Planners' by Boey Kim Cheng critiques the relentless urban development and its impact on nature and history. The speaker uses various literary devices to convey a sense of loss and helplessness in the face of calculated progress.
- Anaphora — repetition of words at the beginning of successive clauses. Example: "They plan. They build."
- Caesura — a pause within a line of poetry, often marked by punctuation. Example: "They plan. They build."
- Enjambment — continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line. Example: "linked by bridges all hang in the grace of mathematics."
- Symbolism — using a physical object to represent something more abstract. Example: Gold symbolizing wealth and corruption.
- Asyndeton — omission of conjunctions between parts of a sentence. Example: "Anaesthesia, amnesia, hypnosis."
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Anaphora: Repetition of words at the beginning of successive clauses.
- Caesura: A pause within a line of poetry, marked by punctuation.
- Enjambment: Continuation of a sentence beyond the end of a line.
- Symbolism: Using an object to represent something abstract.
- Asyndeton: Omission of conjunctions in a sentence.
Common Confusions
- Confusing anaphora with repetition anywhere in a sentence.
- Misinterpreting enjambment as a lack of punctuation.
Typical Exam Questions
- What is the effect of anaphora in the poem? It emphasizes the relentless actions of the planners.
- How does the poet use symbolism to convey themes? Gold symbolizes both wealth and underlying corruption.
- Why is enjambment used in lines 3-6? To emphasize the continuous and calculated nature of development.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of literary devices and their effects.
- Interpretation of themes related to progress and loss.
- Ability to analyze the poem's structure and language.