pre_winter English literature

“Purdah” poem by Imtiyaz Dharker

Explanation The poem "Purdah" by Imtiaz Dharker is about the experience of a woman
who wears a burqa, which is a traditional garment worn by Muslim women to cover their bodies and
faces. The poem begins with the speaker hearing whispers behind her back, as people speak softly
and warn each other not to go near her because she is in purdah. The speaker acknowledges that
people can say what they like, but she is not there to listen. She is there to disappear, to wrap
herself in layers of silence and confusion.
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The speaker explains that she is there to be a mystery, a figment of people's imagination, a woman
in purdah. She suggests that people should not be fooled by appearances, as the veil is not a sign of
weakness but rather a shield against people's curiosity. It is a way of saying no without having to
speak, a way of being invisible without having to leave.

The poem ends with the speaker telling people to go ahead and whisper behind her back, but to
remember that the woman in purdah is not as helpless as she seems. The poem suggests that
wearing a burqa is not a sign of weakness, but rather a way for women to protect themselves from
unwanted attention and maintain their privacy.
Pre_winter English literature

Theme The theme of the poem "Purdah" by Imtiaz Dharker is the experience of a woman who
wears a burqa and the societal attitudes towards her. The poem explores the idea that wearing a
burqa is not a sign of weakness but rather a way for women to protect themselves from unwanted
attention and maintain their privacy. The speaker challenges the stereotypes and assumptions that
people make about women in purdah, suggesting that they are not as helpless as they seem. The
poem highlights the importance of respecting people's choices and the need for greater
understanding and empathy towards those who may be different from us.

Significance of title pree_winter English literature

The title of the poem "Purdah" is significant as it refers to the practice of seclusion or segregation of
women in some Islamic cultures. It specifically refers to the practice of wearing a burqa, which is a
veil that covers the face and body of a woman. The title sets the tone for the poem and suggests
that the poem will explore the experiences and challenges faced by women who wear a burqa. It
also highlights the cultural and religious significance of the practice of purdah and the need to
understand and respect different cultural practices.
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Literary devices
1. Metaphor: The poem uses the metaphor of the burqa as a "shroud" or "cocoon" that isolates and
suffocates women. This metaphor highlights the oppressive nature of the practice of purdah.
Pre_winter English literature
2. Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to describe the experience of wearing a burqa, such as "the
black shroud of your mother's mourning" and "the veil heavy as a flag". This imagery helps to convey
the weight and burden of the burqa.

3. Irony: The poem uses irony to highlight the contradiction between the beauty and oppression of
the burqa. For example, the speaker describes the burqa as "a river of silk" but also notes that it
"chokes you like a cloud".

4. Repetition: The poem uses repetition of phrases such as "you can only move sideways or back"
and "you cannot see" to emphasize the restrictions and limitations imposed by the burqa.

5. Symbolism: The poem uses the symbol of the burqa to represent the larger issue of gender
inequality and oppression faced by women in some Islamic cult.

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