Question

Read the following poem and write an appreciation of it with the help of the points given below: 

You Start Dying Slowly..... If you do not travel, If you do not read, If you do not listen to the sounds of life, If you do not appreciate yourself. You start dying slowly..... When you kill your self-esteem; When you do not let others help you. You start dying slowly..... If you become a slave of your habits, Walking everyday on the same paths..... If you do not change your routine, If you do not wear different colours Or you do not speak to those you don't know. You strut dying slowly... If you avoid to feel passion And their turbulent emotions; Those which make your eyes glisten And your heart beat fast. You start dying slowly.... If you do not change your life when you are not satisfied with your job, or with your love, If you do not risk what is safe, for the uncertain, If you do not go after a dream, If you do not allow yourself, At least once in your lifetime, To run away from sensible advice..... - Pablo Neruda

• Title (½)
• Name of the poet (½)
• Rhyme scheme (1)
• Figure of speech (any one) (1)
• Theme/Central idea (in 2 to 3 lines) (2)

Answer 1

• Title: 'You Start Dying Slowly ... '
• Poet: Pablo Neruda
• Rhyme Scheme: The poem does not have a rhyme scheme. It is written in a free verse format.
• Figures of Speech: Antithesis, Consonance, Hyperbole, Metaphor, Repetition and Tautology
• Theme/Central Idea: The poem stresses the importance of enjoying and enjoying life to its full potential. To maximize our lives, we should pursue our passions, follow our goals, and take risks. If we don't do this, we're wasting our lives.