Chapter: 14. The Coromandel Fishers
Practice Paper: The Coromandel Fishers
A. Answer these questions.
What is the state of the “wakening skies” at the beginning of the poem? What do the fishermen call the fish they aim to capture? Which two natural elements, besides the sea, are personified as family members for the fishermen? What time of day is suggested by the phrase “at the fall of the sun”? What sound is associated with the ‘sweet’ sands at the full moon? B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
“To capture the leaping wealth of the tide, for we are the kings of the sea!”
a. What specifically is meant by “leaping wealth of the tide”?
b. In what sense are the fishermen considered “kings of the sea”?
c. What feeling or attitude does this declaration reveal about the fishermen? “What though we toss at the fall of the sun where the hand of the sea-god drives?”
a. What does “toss at the fall of the sun” describe about the fishermen’s experience?
b. What does “the hand of the sea-god drives” imply about the sea’s movements?
c. What is the implied tone of “What though we toss…”? C. Think and answer.
The poem emphasizes the fishermen’s deep connection to the sea. Discuss how this connection is presented as more than just a livelihood, perhaps even a spiritual or emotional bond. Sarojini Naidu’s poetry is known for its evocative imagery. Choose two different examples of imagery from the poem (not mentioned in previous exercises) and explain how they appeal to the senses and help you visualize the scene. The poem describes both the dangers and the joys of the fishermen’s life. Based on the poem, which aspect seems to dominate their attitude, and why? 
Practice Paper