5-Marks Answer (Approx.

130-150 words)

In Small Towns and the River, Mamang Dai contrasts childhood with adulthood to highlight the
transient nature of human life and the challenges of growing up in small towns. Childhood is
depicted as a time of innocence and happiness, described metaphorically as “a shrine of happy
pictures”. This imagery symbolizes cherished memories and the simplicity of youthful days
when life was carefree and untouched by the burdens of adulthood.

In contrast, adulthood is associated with stagnation, monotony, and the inevitability of death.
The small town, where life progresses slowly, mirrors the challenges of adult life, such as the
erosion of culture, industrialization, and modernization. The poet suggests that while childhood
is fleeting and joyful, adulthood is defined by the harsh realities of life, including mortality and
the repetition of rituals surrounding death. This contrast reflects the cyclical and fragile nature of
human existence.

10-Marks Answer (Approx. 230-250 words)

In Small Towns and the River, Mamang Dai contrasts childhood and adulthood to explore the
fleeting nature of human life and the burdens that come with growing up in a small town.
Childhood is portrayed as a time of innocence, joy, and simplicity. The phrase “a shrine of
happy pictures” metaphorically captures the cherished memories and carefree nature of youth.
Childhood is depicted as a phase where life feels vibrant, with no awareness of mortality or the
hardships of adulthood.

On the other hand, adulthood is associated with stagnation, monotony, and the inevitability of
death. The small town, where life moves slowly, becomes a symbol of the challenges and
responsibilities that mark adult life. The poet remarks that “Small towns always remind me of
death,” emphasizing that adulthood is often consumed by the repetition of rituals surrounding
death and the burden of cultural preservation amidst modernization. The imagery of “dust
flying” and the “howling wind” reflects the erosion of traditional ways of life, making adulthood
a period of anxiety and reflection on mortality.

While childhood represents freedom and happiness, adulthood signifies a deeper understanding
of life's impermanence and the struggles of navigating a changing world. This contrast between
the two phases highlights the transient nature of human life and the eternal flow of time,
symbolized by the ever-present river in the poem.

These answers align with ISC expectations for 5-mark and 10-mark questions while maintaining
a focus on the poem's themes.
5-Marks Answer (130-150 words)

In Small Towns and the River, Mamang Dai uses vivid imagery to depict the connection between
nature and human life. The river is central to the poem, described as having a soul, symbolizing
eternity and continuity. This imagery highlights the cyclical nature of life and death, contrasting
the transient existence of humans with the permanence of the natural world.

The poet describes the "dust flying" and "howling wind", which evoke the timeless and
unchanging nature of the environment, while phrases like "first drop of rain to dry earth" and
"mist on the mountain top" capture the river's eternal flow and its spiritual significance. The
imagery of rituals, such as placing the dead with their heads pointing west, reflects the deeply
rooted cultural practices of the small town. Through her use of rich imagery, Dai portrays the
fragile, interconnected relationship between humanity and nature.

10-Marks Answer (230-250 words)

Mamang Dai’s Small Towns and the River is rich in imagery, which vividly conveys the themes
of life, death, and nature’s eternal presence. The river serves as a powerful metaphor, described
as having a soul, symbolizing immortality and the cyclical nature of existence. The imagery of
the river’s “first drop of rain to dry earth” and “mist on the mountain top” captures its
journey through the natural world, reflecting the continuity of life amidst human mortality.

The poet also uses visual and auditory imagery to depict the environment of the small town.
Descriptions like “dust flying” and “howling wind” evoke the timeless and unchanging nature
of the surroundings, contrasting with the fleeting lives of the townspeople. Rituals associated
with death, such as placing the dead with their heads pointing west, are vividly portrayed,
emphasizing the permanence of cultural practices and the transience of individual lives.

Through this interplay of imagery, Dai draws a clear contrast between the permanence of nature
and the ephemerality of human life. Additionally, the imagery of the river as a living presence—
“the river has a soul”—suggests a deep spiritual connection between humans and nature,
reinforcing the idea that while human life is transient, nature endures as a constant force.
Mamang Dai’s use of imagery allows readers to empathize with the themes of impermanence,
cultural continuity, and humanity’s bond with the natural world.

These answers are crafted to suit ISC expectations for 5-mark and 10-mark questions.
5-Marks Answer (130-150 words)

Small Towns and the River by Mamang Dai is a reflective poem that delves into the
interconnectedness of life, death, and nature. The poet reflects on the transient nature of human
life in small towns, contrasting it with the eternal and unchanging presence of the river. The line,
“Small towns always remind me of death,” sets a contemplative tone, as the poet examines how
life in such towns is marked by the repetition of rituals and the inevitability of death.

The river serves as a metaphor for continuity and permanence, symbolizing the eternal flow of
nature amidst the impermanence of human existence. The poem also reflects on the erosion of
cultural traditions and the impact of modernization. Mamang Dai’s introspective tone invites
readers to ponder the deeper truths of existence, making the poem a thoughtful meditation on the
cycle of life and humanity’s place within nature.

10-Marks Answer (230-250 words)

Mamang Dai’s Small Towns and the River is essentially a reflective poem that explores profound
themes of life, death, and humanity’s relationship with nature. The poet reflects on the transient
nature of human life, particularly in small towns, where life moves at a slow pace and death is a
recurring reality. The opening line, “Small towns always remind me of death,” sets the tone for
the poem, as the poet contemplates the monotony of life and the inevitability of death.

The river, central to the poem, serves as a metaphor for the eternal and unchanging forces of
nature. Unlike human life, which is finite, the river’s flow is perpetual, symbolizing continuity
and permanence. The imagery of the river’s journey—from “the first drop of rain to dry
earth”—reflects the ceaseless cycles of nature, providing a stark contrast to the impermanence of
human existence.

The poet also reflects on cultural traditions, such as death rituals, which remain unchanged
despite the passage of time. The line, “Life and death, life and death, only the rituals are
permanent,” emphasizes the poet’s awareness of the enduring customs of small-town life. The
reflective tone deepens as the poet considers the impact of modernization and the erosion of
traditional ways of living.

Ultimately, the poem is a contemplative exploration of life’s fleeting nature and humanity’s
attempts to find meaning and connection in an ever-changing world.

These responses align with ISC exam standards for 5-mark and 10-mark questions.