Basketful of moonlight/std 10/Personal Responses 1

BASKETFUL OF MOONLIGHT

The poem Basketful of Moonlight by Sunil Sharma expresses a young child's innocent wish to bring light to his village. Through the metaphor of moonlight, the poet highlights the simplicity and beauty of a child’s imagination and his deep concern for his community. The boy believes that something as gentle as moonlight can bring hope and positivity to his village, where people face difficulties due to lack of basic amenities. This heartfelt wish invites readers to see the world from a child’s perspective, filled with wonder, empathy, and a desire for change.

1. What does the poet ask for in the poem? Why does he make this request?
Ans. In the poem, the poet asks for a basketful of moonlight to take back to his village. He makes this request because he wants to spread light on the dark, rough paths of his village, where children face challenges in reaching their schools safely. His request reflects his deep concern for his community and his innocent belief that something magical, like moonlight, could make life better.

2. Do you think the poet's request for a basketful of moonlight is practical? Why or why not?
Ans. The poet’s request is not practical, as it’s impossible to collect moonlight in a basket. However, this request symbolizes a childlike desire to bring beauty and hope into his village. This unrealistic wish shows the poet's innocence and creativity, as he believes that even a small change, like lighting up the dark paths, could make a big difference in people’s lives.

3. How does the poem make you feel about rural life?
Ans. The poem highlights the difficulties of rural life, such as poor infrastructure and lack of resources. It shows that rural children face more hardships just to go to school or access basic facilities. This makes me feel empathy for those living in remote areas and appreciative of their resilience and hope despite their struggles.

4. Why do you think the poet wants moonlight specifically, rather than something else?
Ans. The poet probably chooses moonlight because it represents something pure, soft, and comforting. Moonlight is gentle and doesn’t hurt the eyes, unlike the harshness of electric lights. The poet’s choice of moonlight reflects his innocent and poetic vision for change—a wish for beauty and peace, rather than something materialistic.

5. If you could ask for something to improve a place you care about, what would you ask for?
Ans. If I could ask for something, I would ask for resources like books, computers, and skilled teachers to improve education in underprivileged areas. Just like the poet, I believe that small changes in education and resources can brighten futures and help people achieve their dreams.