Poem - Wind
I. Summary
"Wind", written by Subramania Bharati, is a metaphorical poem that compares the wind to the
challenges of life. The poet describes how strong winds destroy weak things but do not affect
the strong ones. This is a symbolic message that life tests people with difficulties, but only the
strong can withstand them. The poem encourages us to be mentally and physically strong to
overcome hardships.
II. Moral Lessons
1. Strength Overcomes Difficulties – Only the strong can withstand hardships.
2. Challenges Are Inevitable – Life will always have struggles, just like wind always blows.
3. Preparation and Hard Work Are Key – If we build strong character and willpower, we
can face any adversity.
4. Nature as a Teacher – Just as the wind tests objects, life tests people.
III. Themes
1. Power of Nature – The wind is a force of nature that cannot be controlled.
2. Strength vs. Weakness – Only the strong survive while the weak suffer.
3. Challenges in Life – Life brings obstacles, and we must face them bravely.
4. Resilience and Hard Work – Hard work and determination make us stronger.
VI. Values Highlighted
Courage to Face Challenges – Do not fear difficulties; embrace them.
Mental and Physical Strength – Prepare for life’s tests.
Hard Work and Persistence – Keep working hard to overcome struggles.
VII. Literary Devices
1. Personification
o "Wind, come softly" – The wind is treated as a living entity.
o "It makes fun of the weaklings" – The wind is given human traits.
2. Symbolism
o Wind – Represents hardships and challenges.
o Weak objects – Symbolize weak people who cannot withstand difficulties.
3. Alliteration
o "Frail crumbling houses, crumbling doors, crumbling rafters" – The repetition of
'c' sound creates rhythm.
4. Repetition
o "Crumbling" is repeated to emphasize destruction caused by wind.
5. Imagery
o "He won’t do what you tell him" – Creates a mental image of a rebellious wind.
6. Metaphor
o The wind is a metaphor for difficulties in life.
Poem Chapter 2 Wind
NCERT Textbook Questions
Thinking about the poem (Page 31)
I. Question 1. What are the things the wind does in the first stanza?
Answer: The wind breaks the doors of the window, scatters the papers and throws down the
books on the shelf. It also tears the pages of the books and brings rain.
Question 2. Have you seen anybody winnow grain at home or in a paddy field? What is the word
in your language for winnowing? What do people use for winnowing? (Give the words in your
language, If you know them.)
Answer: Yes, I have seen ladies winnow grain in my village. People winnow grains to remove
straws, chaff and dust found in grains there. It is called ‘Barsana’.
o Winnowing is the process of removing husk from grains using wind.
o People use a ‘chaaj’ (winnowing fan) for this purpose
Question 3. What does the poet say the wind god winnows?
o Answer: The wind god winnows all the things available at home. He separates
the weak from the strong, just as grain is separated from husk.
Question [Link] does we make wind our friend?
Answer: The poet suggests that we should build strong houses and fix the doors firmly to make
friends with the wind. Moreover, we should be strong enough to face the difficulties in life. We
should become strong in mind and body so that the wind does not harm us.
Question 5. What do the last four lines of the poem mean to you?
Answer: The last four lines convey the message that those who are not determined and lack
confidence face defeat. And those who set their targets and make sincere efforts are not
disturbed by any obstacle which means that we should work hard, stay determined, and never
be weak.
Question 6. How does the poet speak to the wind—in anger or with humour? You must also
have seen or heard of the wind “crumbling lives”. What is your response to this? Is it same as
the poet’s?
Answer: The poet speaks to the wind with humour. The poet speaks in a commanding yet
humorous tone, accepting that the wind will always be strong.
I opine that the poet’s behaviour is pertinent and I have also seen the wind devastating the
property mercilessly. The poet invites the wind to attack him and intends to prepare himself for
the attack.
What do you think the poet is suggesting through this poem?
o The poet suggests that life is full of challenges, and we should become strong to
face them.