Chapter: 14. The Coromandel Fishers
A. Answer these questions.
Who, according to the poet prays to the morning light? Can you identify the poetic device that has been used here? According to the poet, the “wakening skies” pray to the morning light. The poetic device used here is personification. What is the wind compared to? The wind is compared to “a child that has cried all night.” What relationships does the poet describe in stanza 2? The poet describes the sea as their mother, the cloud as their brother, and the waves as their comrades (companions). What does the poet describe as ‘sweet’ and ‘sweeter’? The poet describes the shade of the cocoanut glade, the scent of the mango grove, and the sands at the full o’ the moon with the sound of the voices they love as ‘sweet’. The ‘sweeter’ things are the kiss of the spray and the dance of the wild foam’s glee. What do you think is the wealth to the fishermen? The “wealth” to the fishermen refers to the abundant fish and other marine creatures they catch from the sea, which forms their livelihood and provides for their families. B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
He who holds the storm by the hair, will hide in his breast our lives.
a. Who is ‘he’?
* ‘He’ refers to the Sea-God or a powerful divine entity who controls the forces of nature, particularly storms.
b. Whose lives does he hold?
* He holds the lives of the fishermen.
c. What does the poet mean by this line?
* The poet means that despite the immense dangers and unpredictable nature of the sea and its storms, the powerful Sea-God will protect and safeguard the lives of the fishermen. But sweeter, O brothers, the kiss of the spray and the dance of the wild foam’s glee.
a. What does the poet earlier refer to as sweet?
* The poet earlier refers to the shade of the cocoanut glade, the scent of the mango grove, and the sands at the full o’ the moon with the sound of loved voices as sweet.
b. What is the contrast the poet draws between this line and the one before it?
* The poet contrasts the comfortable and pleasant experiences of life on land (shade, scent, loved voices) with the exhilarating, refreshing, and joyful experiences of being out on the sea (sea spray, dancing foam), highlighting the greater allure of the latter for the fishermen.
c. What is the image being described here?
* The image being described is the refreshing and invigorating feeling of ocean water splashing onto the fishermen’s faces (“the kiss of the spray”) and the lively, beautiful sight of the white, turbulent foam playfully moving on the waves (“the dance of the wild foam’s glee”). C. Think and answer.
The fishermen are called the ‘kings of the sea’ in this poem. Why do you think the poet calls them so? The poet calls the fishermen ‘kings of the sea’ to emphasize their supreme skill, mastery, and intimate knowledge of the ocean. It elevates their status from mere laborers to powerful figures who command their domain, fearlessly navigate its challenges, and harvest its bounties. This title conveys a sense of pride, self-reliance, and dominance over their environment. Sarojini Naidu was a noted freedom fighter and an activist. Do you think her political ideas and activities can be seen reflected in the message conveyed through this poem? Why or why not? Also, discuss how these ideas impact your everyday life. Yes, Sarojini Naidu’s political ideas and activities can be clearly seen reflected in the message of this poem. Why: The poem embodies themes central to her activism: unity and collective action (“Rise, brothers, rise;”), courage and resilience in the face of danger (“He who holds the storm by the hair, will hide in his breast our lives.”), pride in one’s identity and livelihood (“kings of the sea”), and a deep connection to and reverence for the natural resources of one’s homeland (“The sea is our mother”). The fishermen’s call to action and their communal spirit can be interpreted as a metaphor for a nation rising for independence and working together for a common cause, much like Naidu urged Indians to do during the freedom struggle. Impact on Everyday Life: These ideas impact our everyday life by teaching us the importance of solidarity and teamwork in achieving goals, whether in school projects or community initiatives. They instill a sense of self-worth and dignity in whatever work we do, reminding us that every contribution is valuable. Furthermore, they encourage bravery and perseverance when facing personal challenges, just as the fishermen bravely face the sea. They also promote an appreciation for our natural environment and the resources it provides. 
Answers to textbook exercises