Page |1

Kaleidoscope

I.6
Poem

A Century Later
Imtiaz Dharker

Poet – A Brief Intro

Imtiaz Dharker is a Pakistani-born British poet, artist, and film maker. She has won
the Queen’s Gold Medal for her English poetry. She is well known for her thought-provoking
and socially conscious poetry. Her work often deals with complex themes related to identity,
culture, and social justice.

Synopsis
In the poem ‘A Century Later,’ Imtiaz Dharker addresses the enduring impact of
violence on young girls’ lives and their determination to resist its effects through education. It
portrays the struggles of young girls facing threats and violence on their journey to school.
Each step to class feels like stepping into a battlefield, yet they bravely persevere. The poem
highlights the resilience and determination of these girls. They refuse to be intimidated and
assert their right to education. Despite the dangers, they stand united. It symbolizes hope and
courage for a better future. Dharker emphasizes the importance of education and the strength
of the human spirit in overcoming adversity.

Short Answers
1. What is the central idea of the poem "A Century Later"?
The central idea of the poem is about the bravery and resilience of young girls facing
threats and violence just to go to school. Despite the dangers, they stand up for their right to
education, symbolizing hope and determination for a better future.

2. What is the fervent desire of the schoolgirls?

The fervent desire of the schoolgirls in "A Century Later” is to assert their right to
education. They want to lead normal lives despite the threats and challenges they face. They
strive for the opportunity to learn, grow without fear and pursue their dreams.

3. What do the words 'buzzing”, "humming” and “murmur” symbolize?

https://www.youtube.com/@MurukanBabu
 Page |2

The words ‘buzzing,’ ‘humming,’ and ‘murmur’ symbolize the collective strength and
determination of the schoolgirls in overcoming adversity. They represent the unity and
solidarity among the girls as they stand up against oppression.

4. "She takes the bullet in the head." Who is 'she'?

It refers to Malala Yousafzai, who survived being shot in the head by the Taliban for
advocating girls' education. Despite the violence she faced, Malala continued her activism
and became a global symbol of courage and resilience.

Paragraph Questions
1. Why does the poet draw a comparison between school-going girls and soldiers?
The poet draws a comparison between school-going girls and soldiers to show the
bravery and challenges faced by the girls. In the poem, going to school is described as going
to battle, with every step feeling like stepping into a dangerous place. This comparison
highlights the courage and determination of the girls, who face threats and violence but still
continue to pursue education. Like soldiers on a battlefield, the girls must be brave and
resilient in the face of danger. This comparison highlights the seriousness of the challenges
they face and the strength they show in overcoming them.

2. How do the school girls hope to attain their rights?

The school girls in "A Century Later" hope to attain their rights through courage and
unity. Despite facing threats and violence, they stand together and refuse to be intimidated.
By showing solidarity and determination, they aim to assert their right to education and lead
normal lives. They believe in the power of education to empower themselves and change
their circumstances. Through collective action and resilience, they strive to overcome the
obstacles in their path. They want to create a better future for themselves and other girls like
them.

3. What happened to Malala Yousafzai?

Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl, was shot in the head by the Taliban in 2012. They
targeted her because she was advocating for girls' education. Despite the attack, Malala
survived and continued to speak out for the right of all children, especially girls, to go to
school. Her bravery and determination inspired people around the world, and she became a
symbol of the fight for education. Malala's story shows the challenges many girls face in
pursuing education. It also shows the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even
in the face of danger.

4. What advice does the poet want to give to the school girls?
The poet advises the school girls to stay strong and keep fighting for their right to
education. She encourages them not to be afraid of the threats and violence they face but to
stand up for themselves and each other. The poet wants the girls to know that education is

https://www.youtube.com/@MurukanBabu
 Page |3

powerful and can help them overcome any obstacles. By staying determined and united, they
can create a better future for themselves and inspire others to do the same. The poet's
message is one of hope and resilience, urging the girls to never give up on their dreams
despite the challenges they may encounter.

Essays
1. Comment on the symbolism of war in the poem "A Century Later."
In "A Century Later" by Imtiaz Dharker, the symbolism of war is employed to depict
the struggle for education and empowerment faced by young girls. The poem portrays the
school environment as a battlefield, with the school-bell acting as a "call to battle." Each step
to class is likened to stepping into a "firing-line."
The use of war symbolism serves to highlight the gravity of the situation and the
courage required by these girls to pursue their right to education. By equating the journey to
school with warfare, Dharker emphasizes the harsh realities and adversities faced by these
girls. The "bullet in the head" symbolizes the threats and violence, these girls encounter.
Despite this, they persevere.
Furthermore, the poem juxtaposes the violence and oppression faced by the girls with
their inner resilience and determination. The "fine skin at the temple" and the "cheek still
rounded from being fifteen" symbolize youth and vulnerability. Yet the girls refuse to be
defeated. Instead, they "walk on" and assert their right to education in the face of adversity.
Moreover, the imagery of war also underscores the collective struggle and solidarity
among the girls. The "murmur" and "swarm" of girls standing up to take their places on the
front line symbolize unity and strength in numbers. Together they form a formidable force
against oppression.
In conclusion, the symbolism of war in "A Century Later" serves to highlight the
harsh realities and challenges faced by young girls in their pursuit of education. It
underscores the courage, resilience, and collective strength required to overcome adversity
and assert their right to empowerment.

2. What is the condition of school-going girls, and how can they improve it.
In "A Century Later" by Imtiaz Dharker, the condition of school-going girls is shown
as tough and full of challenges. The poem talks about how going to school feels like going to
battle. Every step to class feels like stepping into a dangerous place.
To improve the condition of school-going girls, there are a few things we can do.
First, we need to make sure schools are safe places for them. This means protecting them
from violence, bullying, and any other dangers. Schools should be places where girls feel safe
to learn and grow.
Second, we need to make sure that all girls have access to schools and education.
Sometimes, girls don't go to school because it's too far away, too expensive, or because their
families don't think it's important for them to learn. We need to change that. Every girl
deserves the chance to go to school and get an education.
Third, we need to change how people think about girls and education. Some people
still believe that girls shouldn't go to school or that their education isn't as important as boys'.

https://www.youtube.com/@MurukanBabu
 Page |4

We need to challenge these ideas and show everyone that girls have the right to learn and go
to school just like boys.
By making schools safe, accessible, and welcoming to girls, we can help improve
their condition and give them the chance to learn, grow, and succeed. When girls are
educated, they can change their lives and the lives of their families and communities for the
better.

Prepared by:
Prof. MURUKAN BABU C.R.
(formerly) Associate Professor of English
Panampilly Memorial Govt. College
Chalakudy

email: mbabucr@gmail.com

https://www.youtube.com/@MurukanBabu