What are the central ideas of this poem?
The River is a Natural Source of Water
The River is a Natural Source of Water
- The river is a natural source of water. It is an important element in the water cycle.
- It balances the ecosystem. Therefore, many living things depend on the river to get their source of water.
- Water is an important basic need for all living things. Many living things such as plants, animals and human beings will die without water.
The River is a Natural Source of Life
- The river is also a natural source of life. It is considered to bury ‘little treasures’ that help to support living organisms such as animals, human beings and plants.
- On the other hand, when the river water overflows, the surrounding areas are flooded. This natural phenomenon provides a rich source of fertile soil to farmers to grow their crops as well as helps them to irrigate their farms. This in turn provides us with different sources of food for our daily life.
The River Causes Natural Disasters
- In Stanza 6, the poet warns that the river can at times cause natural disasters.
- Hence, the river is described as a monster, ‘hungry and vexed’. This usually happens when there is a heavy downpour which causes the river to overflow its banks. It displays its power and rage as it gobbles up or destroys and uproots trees.
- Sometimes, the river’s wrath can be seen when lives, properties and livelihood is lost. This is nothing that Man is unable to control.
Man has both Positive and Negative Qualities
- Man, like the river, has his positive and negative qualities.
- Therefore, we must accept people with their strengths and limitations.
