8.5 Grammar in Use
As Chapter 8 is a narrative poem, we look first at its poetic devices, then at imperative sentences, which the poem uses for its rules and commands.
1. Rhyme scheme
Most stanzas of the poem follow an ABCB rhyme scheme — that is, the second and fourth lines rhyme while the first and third do not. For example, rice rhymes with nice, and hand with sand. This light, regular rhyme gives the poem the easy, sing-song quality of a folk tale told aloud.
2. Refrain (repetition)
A refrain is a line or group of lines repeated in a poem. Here the villagers’ request — “Go and gather wild beans, Gopi… and bring home something nice” — comes back later as a question (“Did you gather wild beans, Gopi?”). This repetition frames the story and gives it the feel of a song.
3. Imagery
Imagery paints pictures with words. We can see Gopi drawing in the sand, the khichdi filling the bowl, the mighty river with its fast currents. Strong imagery makes the magic feel real.
4. Dialogue
The poem moves through dialogue — the man’s whispered rule, the Zamindar’s roaring orders, Gopi’s calm refusal. Spoken lines reveal each character’s nature: the man’s secrecy, the Zamindar’s greed, Gopi’s courage.
Devices at a glance Rhyme: mostly ABCB · Refrain: “Go and gather wild beans, Gopi…” · Imagery: the mighty river, the bowl of khichdi · Dialogue: the rule, the orders, the refusal.
A grammar point: imperative sentences
An imperative sentence gives a command, order, request, or instruction. It usually begins with the base form of the verb, and the subject (“you”) is understood, not written.
- Command/order: “Seize the brush!” (the Zamindar)
- Rule/instruction: “Paint only for the poor.” (the man)
- Request: “Please help me.”
A negative imperative begins with Do not / Don’t: “Do not use it for the rich.”
Practice. Turn each into an imperative:
- (Tell someone to gather the beans.)
- (Tell someone not to make a sound.)
- Gather the beans. 2. Do not make a sound. (Don’t make a sound.)