Unit 3 – Poem - I am Everywoman- Rakhi
Nariani Shirke
A
woman is beauty innate,
A
symbol of power and strength.
She
puts her life at stake,
She's
real, she's not fake!
The
summer of life she's ready to see in spring.
She
says, "Spring will come again, my dear.
Let
me care for the ones who're near.”
She's
The Woman – she has no fear!
Strong
is she in her faith and beliefs.
"Persistence
is the key to everything,"
says
she. Despite the sighs and groans and moans,
She's
strong in her faith, firm in her belief!
She's
a lioness; don't mess with her.
She'll
not spare you if you're a prankster.
Don't
ever try to saw her pride, her self-respect.
She
knows how to thaw you, saw you – so beware!
She's
today's woman. Today's woman, dear.
Love
her, respect her, keep her near...
Summary
of the poem :
The
poem "I Am Everywoman" celebrates the strength, beauty, and inner
power of modern women. The poet portrays a woman as naturally beautiful,
courageous, and selfless. She is ready to face the challenges of life with a
positive outlook and never loses hope, even in tough times. She is fearless and
stands strong in her faith and beliefs, showing persistence in everything she
does.
The
poem compares a woman to a lioness, warning that she can be fierce when her
dignity or self-respect is threatened. She is not someone to be taken lightly
or treated unfairly. The poet urges everyone to love, respect, and value women,
especially the women of today who are independent, confident, and dignified.
The poem delivers a powerful message of female empowerment, resilience, and
respect.
A.
Read the lines and answer the questions
- The summer of life she's ready
to see in spring.
She says, "Spring will come again, my dear.
Let me care for the ones who're near.”
a) What does the word summer mean here?
→ "Summer" symbolizes difficult and challenging phases in life.
b)
How does she take life?
→ She accepts challenges courageously and
remains hopeful even in tough times.
c)
What does she mean by “spring will come again?”
→ She believes good times will return;
she remains optimistic.
- Strong is she in her faith and
beliefs.
“Persistence is the key to everything,” says she.
a) What is she strong about?
→ She is strong in her faith and personal beliefs.
b)
How does she deal with the adversities in life?
→ She remains persistent and doesn't give
up, even when faced with difficulties.
- Despite the sighs and groans
and moans,
She's strong in her faith, firm in her belief!
a) Is she complaining about the problems of life?
→ No, she faces them bravely without complaint.
b)
Pick out the words that show her grit.
→ “Strong in her faith, firm in
her belief.”
- Don't ever try to saw her
pride, her self-respect.
She knows how to thaw you, saw you – so beware!
a) What do the words thaw and saw mean here?
→ “Thaw” means to melt or soften someone’s harshness; “saw” means to cut down or defeat someone emotionally or mentally.
b)
What is the tone of the author?
→ Empowering and cautionary.
- She's today's woman. Today's
woman dear.
Love her, respect her, keep her near...
a) Is the poet talking about the women of the previous generation?
→ No, the poet is talking about the modern woman.
b)
How should a woman be treated?
→ With love, respect, and honor.
B.
Read the lines and identify the figure of speech
- A woman is beauty innate,
A symbol of power and strength.
She puts her life at stake,
She's real, she's not fake!
a) Pick out the rhyming words from the given lines.
→ stake – fake.
b)
Add another word that rhymes with 'strength'.
→ Length.
c)
Give the rhyme scheme for the given lines.
→ ABCB.
- She's a lioness; don't mess
with her.
She'll not spare you if you're a prankster.
a) Pick out the line that has a metaphor in it.
→ “She's a lioness; don't mess with her.”
b)
Give your examples of metaphor to describe the qualities of a woman.
→ She is a rock in the storm.
→ She is a guiding star in the night.
- She's strong in her faith,
firm in her belief!
a) Pick out the alliterated words from the given lines.
→ Faith – firm.
b)
Pick out other alliterated words from the poem.
→ sighs – groans – moans
→ puts – power
→ saw – self-respect
C.
Fill in the blanks to complete the summary of the poem. Use words from the help
box.
Every
woman is beautiful (1) innate.
She is the (2) symbol of power and (3) strength.
She is prone to put her (4) life at risk.
Every woman is true in expressing her love and she is never (5) fake.
She is very (6) optimistic in her approach even at times of (7) adversity.
She finds a ray of (8) hope and she continues to (9)
care for her (10)
near ones.
She is the (11) woman and she has no (12)
fear.
She is forceful in her (13) faith and (14) beliefs.
She is never a (15) quitter and she is (16)
persistent.
She is ferocious like a (17) lioness – it’s better for the (18)
prankster to stay away from her.
Never should one try to bring (19) disgrace to her pride and (20)
self-respect.
For she knows how to (21) thaw and (22) saw them.
She is (23) today’s woman.
It is (24) dignified to love her, (25)
respect her, and to keep her (26) near.
D.
Answer the following in a paragraph (80–100 words)
1.
How are today's women portrayed by the poet?
In
the poem “I Am Every Woman”, today's women are portrayed as strong,
powerful, and fearless. They are bold and optimistic, ready to face life’s
challenges with determination. The poet describes them as lionesses who will
protect their pride and dignity at any cost. These women are persistent in
their efforts and firm in their beliefs. They are caring, yet fierce when
provoked. The poet sends a powerful message of respect, admiration, and
empowerment, urging society to love, honor, and keep women close.
2.
What qualities have made women powerful?
The
poem highlights several qualities that make women powerful. These include inner
beauty, strength, courage, self-respect, and persistence. A woman’s ability to
remain calm and hopeful even during adversity shows her resilience. Her belief
in herself and her unwavering faith are her strongest assets. She cares for her
loved ones selflessly and stands tall against injustice. Her fearless nature
and lioness-like fierceness make her formidable. These qualities together give
her the power to overcome challenges and command respect in society.
Lesson Plan: I am Every Woman
Subject: English
Class: 10th Grade
Duration: 45 minutes
Topic: Poetry - "I am Every Woman" by Rakhi Nariani Shirke
1.Learning objectives:
By the end of this lesson, the teacher aims to help students:
- Understand the theme of women's empowerment through poetry
- Analyze poetic devices like metaphor, alliteration, and symbolism
- Develop appreciation for contemporary Indian poetry
- Recognize the strength and resilience of women in society
- Enhance reading comprehension and literary analysis skills
- Build vocabulary related to strength, perseverance, and character traits
2. Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Show respect and appreciation for women in their families and communities
- Develop inner strength and resilience when facing personal challenges
- Stand up against discrimination and promote gender equality in their daily interactions
- Practice persistence in their academic and personal goals
- Build self-confidence and maintain their dignity in difficult situations
- Support and encourage others who face adversity
- Appreciate diversity and individual uniqueness in their peer groups
3. Introduction (5 minutes)
Engaging Questions:
- "What qualities come to your mind when you think of a strong woman? Can you name someone who inspires you?"
- "Have you ever noticed how women in your family handle difficult situations? What do you observe?"
- "Do you think strength is only physical, or are there other types of strength? Give examples."
- "What does the phrase 'beauty innate' mean to you? Is beauty only about appearance?"
- "Can you think of any symbols or animals that represent strength and courage?"
4. Reading and Understanding (8 minutes)
New Vocabulary with Meanings:
| Word | Meaning | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Innate | Natural; inborn; existing from birth | Her kindness is innate, not learned |
| Stake | To risk something valuable | She puts her reputation at stake |
| Persistence | Continuing firmly despite difficulties | His persistence helped him succeed |
| Lioness | Female lion; symbol of fierce protection | A mother is like a lioness protecting her cubs |
| Prankster | Someone who plays tricks or jokes | Don't be a prankster during serious times |
| Thaw | To melt; to make someone less cold/hostile | Her smile can thaw the coldest heart |
| Saw | To cut through (used metaphorically here) | Her words can saw through pretense |
| Groans | Deep sounds of pain or annoyance | Despite his groans, she remained calm |
| Moans | Low sounds of suffering | She ignored their moans and complaints |
5. Mind Map
I AM EVERY WOMAN
|
┌─────────────────┼─────────────────┐
│ │ │
PHYSICAL EMOTIONAL SPIRITUAL
STRENGTH STRENGTH STRENGTH
│ │ │
┌────┴────┐ ┌────┴────┐ ┌────┴────┐
│ │ │ │ │ │
"Symbol of "She's "No fear" "Strong "Persistence "Firm in
power and a "Ready in is the key belief"
strength" lioness" for faith" to everything"
│ summer │ │
│ of life" │ │
PROTECTIVE │ OPTIMISTIC DETERMINED
NATURE │ ATTITUDE MINDSET
SEASONAL
METAPHOR
│
"Spring will come
again, my dear"
│
HOPE & RENEWAL
6. Consolidation and Presentation (8 minutes)
Summary of the Lesson:
"I am Every Woman" by Rakhi Nariani Shirke is a powerful contemporary poem celebrating the multifaceted nature of womanhood. The poem presents woman as a symbol of innate beauty, strength, and authenticity. Through vivid imagery and metaphors, the poet emphasizes that women possess both nurturing qualities and fierce protective instincts.
The poem uses seasonal metaphors to show how women maintain optimism even during difficult times ("summer of life" and "spring will come again"). It highlights the importance of persistence and unwavering faith in one's beliefs despite facing criticism and obstacles.
The lioness metaphor reinforces the protective and powerful nature of women, warning against those who might try to undermine their dignity or self-respect. The poem concludes with a direct appeal to society to love, respect, and value women, recognizing them as integral to our communities.
The poet effectively uses literary devices like alliteration ("saw her pride," "saw you"), metaphor (lioness, seasonal imagery), and repetition to create rhythm and emphasize key themes of strength, resilience, and dignity.
7. Reinforcement (5 minutes)
Additional Information:
- Historical Context: This poem reflects the contemporary women's rights movement and changing perceptions of women's roles in society
- Cultural Significance: The poem bridges traditional Indian values of respect for women with modern concepts of gender equality
- Literary Technique: The use of direct address ("don't mess with her") creates an immediate, conversational tone
- Symbolism: The lioness represents maternal instinct, protection, and fearlessness
- Modern Relevance: The poem addresses current issues like workplace harassment, domestic violence, and gender discrimination
- Universal Appeal: While focusing on women, the poem's themes of resilience and authenticity apply to all individuals facing adversity
- Language Style: The simple, direct language makes the poem accessible while maintaining powerful imagery
8. Evaluation
a) Lower Order Thinking Question (Knowledge/Comprehension)
Question: "According to the poem, what are the three main qualities that define a woman's strength?"
Expected Answer: The three main qualities are: 1) Physical and emotional strength (symbol of power), 2) Persistence and faith in beliefs, and 3) Protective nature like a lioness who defends her pride and self-respect.
b) Middle Order Thinking Question (Application/Analysis)
Question: "Analyze how the poet uses seasonal metaphors in the poem. What do 'summer of life' and 'spring will come again' represent in the context of a woman's experience?"
Expected Answer: The seasonal metaphors represent the cycles of difficulty and renewal in life. "Summer of life" represents challenging, harsh times, while "spring will come again" symbolizes hope, renewal, and better times ahead. This shows how women maintain optimism and care for others even during their own difficult periods, believing that positive change is inevitable.
c) Higher Order Thinking Question (Synthesis/Evaluation)
Question: "Evaluate the effectiveness of the poem's message in today's society. How can the qualities described in this poem help address current gender-related issues? Create a plan for promoting these values in your school or community."
Expected Answer: The poem's message is highly relevant as it promotes respect, recognition of women's strength, and gender equality. The qualities can address issues like: discrimination (through self-respect and persistence), harassment (through the lioness-like protective nature), and social inequality (through demanding respect and recognition). A school plan could include: awareness campaigns, celebrating women achievers, peer support groups, anti-bullying programs, and educational workshops on gender equality.
9. Remedial Teaching
Strategy for Slow Learners:
- Visual Aids: Use pictures of lionesses, seasonal changes, and strong women to illustrate metaphors
- Simplified Explanation: Break down complex metaphors into simple comparisons students can understand
- Personal Connections: Help students relate the poem to women they know in their lives
- Vocabulary Building: Create word cards with pictures and simple definitions
- Repetitive Reading: Read the poem multiple times with different focuses (rhythm, meaning, emotions)
- Group Activities: Pair slow learners with more advanced students for peer explanation
- Acting Out: Use role-play to demonstrate the lioness metaphor and protective nature
- Step-by-Step Analysis: Analyze one stanza at a time with frequent comprehension checks
10. Writing Activity (8 minutes)
Writing Task: "Write a paragraph (150-200 words) titled 'A Strong Woman I Know' describing someone who embodies the qualities mentioned in the poem. This could be your mother, grandmother, teacher, or any woman who has inspired you. Include:
- Specific examples of her strength and resilience
- How she has shown persistence in difficult situations
- The way she cares for others while maintaining her dignity
- What you have learned from her example"
Guidelines:
- Use descriptive language and specific examples
- Include at least three qualities from the poem
- Show how her actions have influenced you or others
- End with a reflection on why she represents 'every woman'
11. Follow-up Activities
Homework Assignment:
- Creative Writing: Write your own poem (8-12 lines) celebrating the strength of any person (male or female) who has overcome challenges. Use at least one metaphor and one example of alliteration.
Additional Activities:
-
Research Project: Find information about a famous woman leader from India or your state and prepare a 3-minute presentation on how she embodies the qualities described in the poem
-
Art Integration: Create a poster or drawing representing the lioness metaphor from the poem with a meaningful caption
-
Interview Task: Interview a woman in your family or community about a challenging situation she overcame and how she maintained her strength
Extended Learning:
-
Group Discussion: Organize a class debate on "Traditional vs. Modern Roles of Women in Society"
-
Community Service: Plan a small appreciation activity for women in your school (teachers, support staff, etc.)
-
Creative Expression: Write and perform a short skit showing how the qualities from the poem can be applied in real-life situations
Assessment Criteria:
- Understanding of theme and message (25%)
- Analysis of literary devices (20%)
- Vocabulary usage and comprehension (20%)
- Writing quality and creativity (20%)
- Participation and engagement (15%)
Resources Needed:
- Audio recording of the poem for better pronunciation
- Pictures illustrating metaphors (lioness, seasons)
- Chart paper for group activities
- Markers and colored pencils for creative work
- Biographical information about the poet (if available)
