Bihar Board Class 10th - English Poetry - Chapter 3: Polythene Bag NCERT Book

"Polythene Bag" is a poem written by A.K. Ramanujan that reflects on the life of a simple, everyday object—the polythene bag. The poem presents the bag as a symbol of the complex, modern world and its relationship with nature, showing how something as mundane as a plastic bag can have significant environmental and social implications.

Key Points:

1. Symbol of Modernity

   • The polythene bag is used as a symbol of modern consumerism, highlighting how everyday items are part of a larger environmental issue.
   • The poem suggests that the widespread use of plastic represents human dependence on disposable goods.

2. Environmental Impact

   • The poem reflects on how the widespread use of polythene bags harms nature and the environment.
   • It critiques the thoughtless disposal of plastic, which leads to pollution and environmental degradation.

3. Contrast with Nature

   • The bag is contrasted with nature, symbolizing the disconnect between modern life and the natural world.
   • The poem suggests that this disconnect is damaging both to the environment and to humanity’s relationship with it.

4. The Journey of the Bag

   • The poem imagines the journey of a discarded plastic bag, drifting through the air and becoming a part of the polluted world.
   • It symbolizes how human actions, even with seemingly small items, contribute to a larger environmental crisis.

5. Reflection on Human Responsibility

   • The poem calls for reflection on the human role in environmental destruction and the importance of mindfulness in consumption and waste.

Conclusion:

"Polythene Bag" by A.K. Ramanujan uses the everyday object of a plastic bag to discuss the consequences of modern consumer habits on the environment. The poem encourages readers to reflect on their responsibility in protecting nature and minimizing waste.