living space do this

• "Living Space"


  Ironic title as there is little 'living space' in the slums, but could suggest how others view it as just a 'living space' and not a home
• "not enough"

  Criticising the rich or the western views of the slums, suggesting they don't appreciate the beauty of the slums
• "Is the problem"


  Identifying the divide between the rich/poor people of India, saying there is a 'problem' between the different social classes
• "flat or parallel"

  Signifying that the social classes are not equal and there is a clear divide
• "Balance crookedly"


  The adverb 'crookedly' could symbolise that the class system is corrupt, or highlight the dangerous living conditions
• "Nails clutch at open seams"


  'Nails clutch' could be a metaphor for how the people in the slums 'clutch' for opportunities to raise their social status
• "Leans dangerously"

  The adverb 'dangerously' could imply that the people in the slums have to live in hazardous conditions
• "Towards the miraculous"

  The word 'miraculous' implies Dharker's admiration for the people who live in the slums and create homes/lives there, emphasising their society is special and unique
• "Someone has squeezed a living space"


  The verb 'squeezed' could suggest that the people in the slums make the most out of everything they have
• "And even dared"

  The verb 'dared' could imply that the people are willing/have to take risks to make their lives better
• "These eggs"


  'Eggs' could convey the vulnerability and fragility of their society/living areas, or suggest new life and optimism
• "Wire basket"

  'Wire basket' could imply the metaphorical prison the people are in
• "dark edge"

  Could imply death and that the slums area dangerous place to live
• "slanted universe"


  'Slanted universe' could be a metaphor for their society because it is not equal and the inequality of the rich/poor engulfs everything
• "Light"

  Could represent hope
• "bright"


  Could suggest the hope and happiness the people create in the slums despite their circumstances, but 'thin' could represent the fragility and vulnerability of their society
• "Thin walls of faith"


  The metaphor of the 'walls' could imply that their optimism protects them from the harsh reality of their lives, and Dharker ends the poem positively and with hope
• Dharker could be implying that it does not matter if you are rich or poor as nobody can take away your beliefs/religion