Chapter 4.5 - If I can stop one heart from breaking ...
Paraphrase of the Poem:
If I can stop one heart from breaking … is a beautiful poem which highlights the importance of reaching out to humans and other creatures of nature thus making a world of difference to them.
Emily Dickinson in this poem conveys the message that we should do whatever we can to make the life of those around us happier. Little acts of care, compassion, concern and love can make a world of difference.
The poet also advises us to be compassionate not only to human beings but also to the animals. We should do all we can to reduce pain and suffering.
Meanings:
- stop heart from breaking – to help a person from becoming sad
- live in vain – live without purpose
- I can ease one life the aching – If I can reduce the sorrow in someone’s life
- cool one pain – reduce the pain, give relief
- unto – to
Pointers
1. What does the poet want to do ?
Ans: The poet wants to stop a heart from breaking, i.e., help a person from becoming sad and help a fainting robin back into his nest again.
2. Does the poet expect anything in return? What is the poet’s reward ?
Ans: No, the poet does not expect anything in return. The poet believes that through these acts, he can add meaning to his life and therein lies his reward.
3. List the phrases that indicate sorrow or pain.
Ans:
(a) stop one heart from breaking
(b) ease one life the aching
(c) cool one pain
(d) one fainting robin
4. Form groups of five and discuss : There are many things that seem small, minor or insignificant to some people but the same may be the cause of great pain, suffering for others. Can you list such things? What can you do to provide help on those occasions?
Ans:
(i) Some people may not give a lot of importance to money, while there are others who are dying due to hunger and starvation. They are so poor that they cannot afford their basic needs.
(ii) We should help organise food for the poor and needy. We can ask NGOs to help them.
(iii) Some people leave the taps open and waste water, while there are thousands who are deprived of drinking water. We should create awareness about the need to save water and ensure that we do all we can to help people overcome water scarcity.
(iv) Many people visit restaurants and waste food. They do it at home too. At the same time, there are so many people who sometimes starve to death.
(v) We can request hotels and restaurants to donate a part of whatever they prepare each day to those in need.