Class 12 English Notes Poetry 7 (Time and Time Again) – Kaliedoscope Book

Detailed Notes with MCQs of the poem 'Time and Time Again' by A.K. Ramanujan from your Kaleidoscope textbook. This is an interesting poem, often appreciated for its subtle commentary on the nature of time and modernity. Pay close attention, as understanding Ramanujan's nuances is key, especially for competitive exams.

Poem: Time and Time Again
Poet: A.K. Ramanujan

1. About the Poet:

• Attipate Krishnaswami Ramanujan (1929-1993) was a renowned Indian poet, translator, folklorist, linguist, and scholar.
• He wrote in both English and Kannada.
• His poetry often explores themes of family, memory, cultural identity (Indian vs. Western), tradition vs. modernity, and personal experience.
• His style is characterized by precision, irony, intellectual depth, and vivid imagery drawn from everyday life.

2. Summary:

The poem presents a seemingly simple observation: the speaker notices various clocks displayed in a shop window or perhaps different clocks within a single building (like a railway station or office). These clocks, despite being instruments designed to measure time uniformly, are all showing slightly different times. They are "out of sync." Some are faster, some slower, some might have stopped. The speaker notes their different "faces" (dials) and "hands," highlighting their individuality despite their common purpose. The poem ends on this observation, leaving the interpretation open.

3. Detailed Analysis and Themes:

• The Subjectivity and Relativity of Time: This is the central theme. The clocks, symbols of objective, standardized time, ironically demonstrate the opposite. Their lack of synchronization suggests that time is not absolute but relative and subjective. How we experience time can differ, just as the clocks show different moments. In the modern world, despite attempts to standardize it, time remains elusive and personal.
• Modernity and Fragmentation: Clocks represent the modern obsession with measuring, controlling, and standardizing time. However, their failure to synchronize perfectly in the poem can symbolize the fragmentation and chaos often underlying modern life. The attempt at perfect order (uniform time) reveals imperfection and individuality.
• Observation and Perception: The poem is built on the speaker's keen observation of a mundane detail – clocks showing different times. It highlights the importance of looking closely at the ordinary to find deeper meaning. Our perception shapes our reality, including our perception of time.
• Individuality vs. Conformity: Each clock, with its unique face and slightly different time, asserts a kind of individuality despite being a mass-produced object designed for conformity (showing the same time). This can be extended metaphorically to human beings in society.
• Irony: The core irony lies in the clocks, instruments of precision and uniformity, displaying inaccuracy and disunity. They fail at their primary function collectively, even if individually they might be working.
• Lack of Resolution: The poem doesn't offer a grand statement or conclusion. It simply presents the observation, leaving the reader to ponder the implications. This open-endedness is typical of modernist poetry.

4. Literary Devices:

• Imagery:
  • Visual: "faces," "hands," different types of clocks (implied), shop window setting (implied). The visual discrepancy between the clocks is central.
• Symbolism:
  • Clocks: Represent objective time, modernity, order, routine, and the attempt to control life. Their failure to synchronize symbolizes the subjectivity of time, chaos, fragmentation, and perhaps the unreliability of modern systems.
  • Faces and Hands: Personification, making the inanimate clocks seem almost human or individualistic in their differences.
• Personification: Giving human attributes like "faces" and "hands" to the clocks. This subtly emphasizes their individual 'behaviour'.
• Juxtaposition: Placing the different clocks and their different times side-by-side highlights their variance and the central theme.
• Free Verse: The poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern, reflecting the irregularity and non-uniformity of the time shown by the clocks. The form mirrors the content.
• Conciseness: Ramanujan uses precise, economical language. The poem is short but dense with meaning.

5. Significance for Exams:

• Understand the central irony: clocks (precision) showing different times (imprecision).
• Connect this irony to the theme of subjective vs. objective time.
• Recognize the symbolism of the clocks in the context of modernity.
• Identify the key literary devices, especially imagery, symbolism, and personification.
• Be aware of Ramanujan's typical themes (culture, modernity, observation).
• The poem might be used for comprehension questions focusing on interpretation, theme, or literary devices.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. What is the central observation made by the speaker in 'Time and Time Again'?
   a) Clocks are expensive.
   b) Clocks in a display show different times.
   c) Time passes very quickly.
   d) Old clocks are beautiful.

2. The clocks showing different times primarily symbolize:
   a) The inefficiency of modern technology.
   b) The subjective and relative nature of time.
   c) The beauty of antique mechanics.
   d) The importance of punctuality.

3. Which literary device is most prominent in the lines referring to the clocks' "faces" and "hands"?
   a) Metaphor
   b) Simile
   c) Personification
   d) Alliteration

4. A.K. Ramanujan often explores themes related to:
   a) War and conflict
   b) Political revolution
   c) Nature and wilderness
   d) Culture, memory, and modernity

5. The poem's structure in free verse complements its theme by reflecting:
   a) The strict order of time.
   b) The musical chime of clocks.
   c) The lack of perfect synchronization and uniformity.
   d) The historical development of clocks.

6. The main irony in the poem stems from the fact that:
   a) The speaker does not own a clock.
   b) Clocks, meant for accuracy, display inaccuracy collectively.
   c) The clocks are very old but still working.
   d) The shop selling clocks is closed.

7. The poem encourages the reader to:
   a) Buy a new clock.
   b) Ignore the passage of time.
   c) Find deeper meaning in ordinary observations.
   d) Repair broken clocks.

8. The different "faces" of the clocks can be interpreted as representing:
   a) Different historical periods.
   b) Different brands of clocks.
   c) The individuality found even in mass-produced objects.
   d) The changing seasons.

9. What aspect of modern life is implicitly critiqued or questioned through the imagery of the clocks?
   a) The reliance on digital technology.
   b) The obsession with standardization and control.
   c) The decline of traditional craftsmanship.
   d) The fast pace of urban living.

10. The overall tone of the poem can be best described as:
    a) Angry and frustrated
    b) Joyful and celebratory
    c) Observational and subtly ironic
    d) Nostalgic and sentimental

Answer Key:

1. b
2. b
3. c
4. d
5. c
6. b
7. c
8. c
9. b
10. c

Study these notes carefully. Ramanujan's poetry requires thoughtful reading. Good luck with your preparation.