T2-BI-Literature Heir Conditioning

Synopsis The poem is about the differences in the way of life of the older generation and the present generation. A grandchild is asking his grandparents how they lived before modern gadgets like air- conditioners and the telecommunications were invented. The grandparents say that they were ignorant of modern technology and so they lived without them. But, unlike the present generation, they did not have environmental and emotional problems like pollution and stress. Setting

Living room in a house Present day

Themes

Price of progress Quality of life Challenges in life Greed and materialism Different times and values

Moral Values

We must appreciate what we have Progress and development have advantage and disadvantages What we have today may not be good for us, health-wise We must not be greedy as greed can bring about destruction We should care for the environment We must not too money-minded or materialist

Synopsis of Heir Conditioning

This poem is written in London, May 4, 1995. It talks about issues regarding different lifestyles and values of two generations. It also talks about the generation gap that exists between grandparents and their grandchildren. This poem is like a dialogue between them. In the first stanza, the grandchild asks his grandfather if he could breathe without air conditioner and how people manage to survive without modern devices such as air conditioners, fans, faxes and telephones. The child asks his grandmother if she was uncomfortable fanning herself with paper fans. He inquisitively questions how they could communicate without today's modern media of communication which he cannot do without.

In the second stanza, the grandparents' answer sets the two generations apart. Though they lived void of the "basic necessities", they lived contentedly and respected nature. Also, they were God-fearing people. The grandparents warn the younger generations that they have inherited much technological advancement and it has led to a separation from his spiritual well-being. God has been replaced by money and nature has begun to fear man. Natural surroundings are being taken over by rapid development and that has led to pollution, deforestation and destruction of natural habitats that now threatens man.

POEM - HEIR CONDITIONING : Synopsis

The poem Heir Conditioning is a dialogue between the grandparents and their grandchild about the differences in their generations. The poet offers two different views from two different generations through the dialogue. The grandchild asks his or her grandparents about what life was like in the old days and they explain that life was much simpler and they id not have to face the problems of today's world. This is because they were not advanced enough to invent many technological inventions during their time. The poem further explores the differences between the two generations by giving examples of the problems the grandchild has to face now such as pollution, stress and traffic jams. The poem ends with a strong message in the last two lines. The message is those living in the grandchild's have become more materialistic and that they have to pay the price for the progress.

Moral Values

Take care and appreciate the nature Use technology wisely Do not be blinded by money Appreciate Gods creation Be religious. Do not forget your responsibilities.

Poem - Heir Conditioning

By M Shanmughalingam Literal meaning Stanza 1 The poet is asking his grandfather on how he lived during that time where there are no technologies. He is asking what is it like to have no air cons and have to use manual fans, when there are no telephones or cell phones to make distant calls. Last time people were doing fine by just using faxes for long distant communication.

Stanza 2 The poet grandfather is answering back all the poets questions. They have lived before the technologies were invented, because of that, they did not pollute our nature like today. They lived the life that is according to the religion and appreciate the nature. Nowadays, we destroy the nature and money is everything to the new generation.

The poem meaning The title Heir conditioning has the same pronunciation as air conditioning. Thus, the title itself has highlighted the differences between the generations. In the past, our grandparents lived on basic necessities. Lives were simple without inventions of technology. Now, in our generation, we have all kinds of luxuries because of the advancement in science and technology. However, we have become materialistic and individualistic. Now, money is our new god. Lives are not simple anymore. Pollutions and other problems arise because of the luxuries that we are indulging ourselves in.

Glossary 1. Flustered - Confused and nervous 2. Necessities - Something you need to have in order to live.