(a) ‘The river has a soul.’ (b) ‘Life and death.’ These are

1.	(a) ‘The river has a soul.’ (b) ‘Life and death.’ These are the two expressions that are repeated in the poem; but both of them indicate different figures of speech. Find out and discuss.
Answer» (a) ‘Life and death’ In the first usage it is used as antithesis, to emphasise the beginning and end. In the second instance it is irony to indicate that neither life nor death is permanent. Ironically the rituals are permanent. (b) ‘The river has a soul’ In the first instance it is used to personify the river. Several human-like qualities are attributed to the river, = it cuts through the land = it is cascading in grief = it holds its breath = it seeks a land

(a) ‘The river has a soul.’ (b) ‘Life and death.’ These are the two expressions that are repeated in the poem; but both of them indicate different figures of speech. Find out and discuss.

Answer»

(a) ‘Life and death’

In the first usage it is used as antithesis, to emphasise the beginning and end.

In the second instance it is irony to indicate that neither life nor death is permanent.

Ironically the rituals are permanent.

(b) ‘The river has a soul’

In the first instance it is used to personify the river. Several human-like qualities are attributed to the river,

= it cuts through the land

= it is cascading in grief

= it holds its breath

= it seeks a land