1. What are some examples of the wind's actions mentioned in the first stanza of the poem?
Explanation:
The wind is described as breaking shutters, scattering papers, throwing down books, tearing pages, and bringing rain.
2. Have you ever observed the process of winnowing grains? What is the word for winnowing in your language, and what equipment is used?
Explanation:
Yes, I have witnessed winnowing of grains at home. In Hindi, the word for winnowing is "Fatakna," and a winnowing basket is used for the process.
3. What does the wind god winnow, according to the poem?
Explanation:
The poem suggests that the wind god winnows various things, including crumbling houses, doors, rafters, wood, bodies, lives, and hearts, crushing them all.
4. How can one befriend the wind, as mentioned in the poem?
Explanation:
The poem suggests that we can make friends with the wind by building strong homes and doors, strengthening our bodies, and cultivating steadfast hearts.
5. What is the meaning of the last four lines of the poem to you?
Explanation:
The last four lines of the poem convey that the wind that blows weak fires is the same wind that makes strong fires flourish. It means that while strong people are strengthened by adversities, weak people are broken by them. Thus, we should strive to become stronger and face challenges with a positive mindset.
6. Does the poet address the wind with anger or humour? Have you ever experienced the wind "crumbling lives"? What is your response to it?
Explanation:
The poet speaks to the wind with a sense of humor, despite acknowledging the havoc it wreaks on people's lives. Although I have not personally experienced the wind's destructive power, I have seen reports of its devastating effects. Like the poet, I believe that it is important to construct buildings and structures that can withstand the forces of nature, rather than being angry at the wind for being what it is.