Time and Time Again: A Powerful Reflection on Society

Embark on a profound journey through the realms of time and societal introspection with A.K. Ramanujan‘s poignant poem, ‘Time and Time Again.’ This thought-provoking masterpiece weaves a kaleidoscope of themes, from the cyclical nature of human existence to the unyielding passage of time. Delve into the intricate layers of meaning and symbolism, expertly unpacked in this comprehensive reflection. Discover how Ramanujan’s words continue to resonate with audiences, inviting a deeper understanding of our shared human experience. Click on the links below to jump directly to that section:

Summary of Time and Time Again by A.K. Ramanujan

Variations in Clock Towers

A.K. Ramanujan reflects on the uneven chimes of clock towers in old, well-managed cities. These variations result from differences in raw materials, human error during manufacturing, and unique craftsmanship. The poet references Switzerland, a global hub for watchmaking, suggesting that even a slight error can create discrepancies in the clocks’ rhythms.

Clock Towers as a Metaphor for Society

The poet uses clock towers as a symbol of societal differences. These disparities, shaped by religion, donors, and cultural divides, reflect the uneven rhythms of human life. Donors, often driven by personal motives, contribute to these divisions, sowing discord among communities.

Religious Divisions and Conflicts

Ramanujan discusses the strained relationships among Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities. Though occasional peace exists, disputes dominate. These differences often escalate into riots, disrupting harmony and creating an atmosphere of hatred.

Aftermath of Riots

The poet portrays the aftermath of riots through the image of a shattered, silent clock tower. This “eyeless” tower symbolises a fractured society, where false teachings and intolerance have destroyed unity.

Fragility of Peace

Post-riot peace marches, compared to a “time bomb,” reveal how easily peace efforts can be undone by underlying hatred. The poet warns that unresolved conflicts can reignite, further dividing society.

Nature’s Role in Symbolism

Nature, with its storms and lightning, mirrors the chaos and destruction caused by human conflicts. The distorted sky seen through the broken clock tower becomes a symbol of a fragmented world.

This poem, part of the NCERT Class 12 Elective English book Kaleidoscope, offers a profound commentary on the fragile harmony of human existence and the persistent forces of division.

Important Themes in Time and Time Again by A.K. Ramanujan

Religious Conflicts and Harmony

The poem delves into the strained relationships among Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities. While occasional peace and understanding exist, they are overshadowed by frequent conflicts and misunderstandings. Ramanujan highlights how religious differences often escalate into violence, fostering hatred and division. This theme serves as a commentary on the fragile nature of harmony in a multicultural society and the ease with which it can be disrupted.

Destruction and Aftermath of Riots

The poet uses the image of a broken clock tower to represent the aftermath of riots. The shattered, silent tower symbolises a fractured society, where false teachings and intolerance have eroded unity. The “eyeless” clock is a stark reminder of the lasting damage caused by human conflict. This theme underscores the poet’s concern about the long-term consequences of societal unrest and the destruction it leaves in its wake.

Fragility of Peace and Renewed Conflict

Ramanujan compares post-riot peace efforts to a “time bomb,” showing how fragile peace can be. While peace marches and initiatives aim to heal wounds, lingering hatred can easily reignite tensions. This theme highlights the cyclical nature of conflict, where unresolved issues threaten to undermine progress towards harmony. The poet warns against complacency, urging society to address the root causes of division to prevent future unrest.

Nature as a Mirror of Chaos

Nature, with its storms and lightning, becomes a metaphor for the chaos and destruction caused by human conflicts. The zigzag sky seen through the broken clock tower reflects a distorted and fractured world. This theme shows how natural imagery can symbolise the tumultuous impact of human actions, offering a vivid portrayal of the interconnectedness between human and environmental chaos.

These themes, found in Time and Time Again by A.K. Ramanujan, provide a deep reflection on societal harmony, conflict, and the unpredictable forces that shape human existence.

Line-by-Line Explanation of Time and Time Again by A.K. Ramanujan

1. Or listen to the clocktowers
The poet invites us to observe and listen to the clock towers in the city, setting the scene for the poem.

2. of any old well-managed city
The clock towers belong to old cities that are organised and run efficiently.

3. beating their gongs round the clock, each slightly
These clock towers ring their bells throughout the day, but their sounds are not perfectly synchronised.

4. off the others’ time, deeper or lighter
Each clock produces a unique sound, differing in tone or depth, creating a variety of rhythms.

5. in its bronze, beating out a different
The difference in the sounds arises from the materials used in making the bells, such as bronze.

6. sequence each half-hour, out of the accidents
The sequence of sounds changes every 30 minutes due to slight imperfections in the clocks’ construction.

7. of alloy, a maker’s shaking hand
The variations could be caused by differences in metal mixtures or even an error by the clockmaker.

8. in Switzerland, or the mutual distances
The poet references Switzerland, known for its clockmaking, suggesting even their skilled hands can falter.

9. commemorating a donor’s whim,
Some differences could also reflect the personal choices or preferences of those who funded the towers.

10. the perennial feuds and seasonal alliance
The poet draws attention to the constant conflicts and occasional harmony among religious communities.

11. of Hindu, Christian, and Muslim—
The poet specifically mentions the three main religions to highlight their coexistence and discord.

12. cut off sometimes by a change of wind,
Peace or conflict can be influenced by unpredictable factors, like a sudden change in perspective.

13. a change of mind, or a siren
Small shifts in mindset or external events, such as an emergency, can disrupt the harmony.

14. between the pieces of a backstreet quarrel.
Even minor disagreements can escalate into larger conflicts in society.

15. One day you look up and see one of them
The poet foresees a day when one of these clock towers will stand damaged.

16. eyeless, silent, a zigzag sky showing
The ruined clock tower, missing its clock face, allows a jagged view of the sky.

17. through the knocked-out clockwork, after a riot,
The destruction is the result of a riot, symbolising societal unrest.

18. a peace-march time bomb, or a precise act
The damage might also result from deliberate violence or unresolved tension during a peace march.

19. Of nature in a night of lightnings.
The poet compares this destruction to a natural calamity, like a thunderstorm, emphasising its magnitude.

Words Meaning of Time and Time Again by A.K. Ramanujan

Word/Expression	Meaning
Clocktowers	Tall buildings with large clocks on them.
Well-managed city	A city that is organised and efficiently run.
Gongs	The loud sounds made by large bells.
Bronze	A metal made by mixing copper and tin, used in making bells.
Sequence	A particular order in which things happen.
Accidents of alloy	Unexpected differences caused by the mixture of metals.
Shaking hand	An unsteady hand, possibly making a mistake.
Switzerland	A country known for making high-quality clocks and watches.
Donor’s whim	A donor’s sudden and unpredictable decision.
Perennial feuds	Continuous fights or arguments that last for a long time.
Seasonal alliance	Temporary friendships or agreements that change with time.
Cut off	Interrupted or stopped.
Change of wind	A shift in circumstances or mood.
Backstreet quarrel	A small argument or fight happening in a quiet, less important street.
Eyeless	Without an opening or face (here, referring to a broken clock face).
Zigzag sky	A jagged or uneven view of the sky seen through broken structures.
Clockwork	The internal mechanism of a clock.
Riot	A violent disturbance caused by a crowd.
Peace-march time bomb	A situation where a peaceful protest could suddenly turn violent.
Precise act of nature	An exact and deliberate action by natural forces, such as a storm.
Night of lightnings	A stormy night with flashes of lightning in the sky.

Time and Time Again Questions and Answers

Responding to the Poem

1. What did you think the poem was about when you read the first few lines?

(Very Short Answer)
The poem initially appears to describe the different clock towers in a city and how their bells produce varied sounds due to their distinct construction.

2. From which line does the import of the title strike the reader?

(Very Short Answer)
The significance of the title becomes clear from the line “the perennial feuds and seasonal alliance” as it highlights recurring conflicts and fleeting harmony, mirroring the repetitive ticking of clocks.

3. What makes for the differences between the timekeeping of the various clocks? What is the implicit comparison?

(Short Answer)
The differences arise due to varied alloys, craftsmanship, and distances between clocks. The implicit comparison is with humanity, where differences in beliefs, culture, and attitudes cause discord, much like the varied timekeeping of the clocks.

4. Why is the act of nature described as ‘precise’?

(Short Answer)
The act of nature, like a lightning storm, is described as ‘precise’ because it strikes with an inevitable and uncontrollable force, much like the consequences of human-made conflicts that are destructive yet predictable in their recurrence.

5. Which of the following reflects the poet’s attitude towards communal disharmony?

(Very Short Answer)
(i) Critical condemnation.
The poet criticises communal disharmony by exposing how human differences lead to repeated conflict and destruction.

6. Is the poet’s attitude a representation of how the average Indian feels both towards human violence and nature’s fury?

(Long Answer)
Yes, the poet’s attitude reflects the feelings of an average Indian. The poem highlights a sense of helplessness amidst recurring human violence, as well as an acceptance of nature’s fury. It captures the frustration with ongoing communal conflicts that mar societal harmony, symbolised by the damaged clock towers. At the same time, the poet presents nature’s destructive acts, like lightning storms, as reminders of human vulnerability. This dual focus mirrors the collective Indian psyche, which grapples with man-made divisions while enduring the unpredictable forces of nature. The poet mourns the persistence of these issues, showcasing both despair and a wistful longing for unity and peace.

Time and Time Again Extra Questions and Answers

Responding to the Poem

1. What imagery does the poet use to represent human differences, and how is it connected to the clock towers?

(Short Answer)
The poet uses the imagery of varied clock tower gongs, their differences in sound caused by materials, craftsmanship, and distances. This mirrors human differences like beliefs, values, and cultures, leading to conflicts.

2. How do donors and their whims influence the poet’s depiction of societal divisions?

(Short Answer)
The poet highlights how donors, driven by personal or religious motives, perpetuate divisions. Their actions often commemorate their beliefs, creating structures like clock towers that symbolise differences rather than unity.

3. What role does religion play in the ‘perennial feuds and seasonal alliances’ described by the poet?

(Long Answer)
Religion plays a central role in the feuds and alliances depicted in the poem. The poet refers to Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities whose interactions oscillate between harmony and discord. While moments of peace occur, they are fleeting, overshadowed by conflicts fueled by intolerance, prejudice, and misguided teachings. The poet critiques how religious leaders and donors manipulate beliefs, sowing seeds of discord among ordinary people. This recurring cycle of tension reflects the deep-rooted divisions within society, where religion is misused as a tool for power rather than a source of unity.

4. Explain the significance of the line “a zigzag sky showing through the knocked-out clockwork.”

(Short Answer)
The line symbolises destruction caused by communal riots. The “zigzag sky” seen through broken clockwork reflects a fragmented society, distorted by hatred and violence, leaving behind chaos and shattered unity.

5. How does the poem contrast human violence with nature’s fury?

(Long Answer)
The poem contrasts human violence, driven by intolerance and conflict, with nature’s fury, which is impartial and inevitable. Human violence, as seen in riots and destruction, is rooted in deliberate actions, often stemming from religious or societal divisions. In contrast, nature’s fury, like lightning storms, is an uncontrollable force that destroys indiscriminately. While both leave destruction in their wake, the poet implies that human violence is preventable and stems from choice, whereas nature’s fury is a reminder of humanity’s vulnerability. This contrast underlines the poet’s critique of human behaviour and emphasises the need for harmony and understanding.

6. Why do you think the poet chose the clock towers as the central metaphor?

(Short Answer)
The clock towers represent time, constancy, and division. Their varying chimes symbolise human differences, while their destruction during riots highlights the fragility of unity and the repetitive nature of conflict.

7. What message does the poet convey about peace marches and their impact?

(Short Answer)
The poet conveys scepticism about peace marches, likening them to a “time bomb.” While intended to heal, they can reignite tensions if underlying hatred and prejudice remain unaddressed.

8. How does the poem reflect the complexity of urban life in a diverse society?

(Long Answer)
The poem captures the complexity of urban life through its depiction of clock towers, each symbolising the city’s diverse cultural and religious communities. The varying chimes reflect differences in beliefs, traditions, and values that coexist but often clash. The poet highlights how these divisions can lead to communal strife, disrupting the harmony of city life. Yet, moments of peace and unity occasionally emerge, showing the potential for coexistence despite challenges. The interplay of conflicts, alliances, and destruction paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by a pluralistic society. The poet’s critique calls for introspection and a more harmonious urban existence.

9. In what way does the poem explore the theme of unpredictability in human and natural events?

(Short Answer)
The poem explores unpredictability through human conflicts, which arise suddenly and destructively, and natural events like lightning, which strike without warning. Both reflect instability and chaos in life.

10. How does the poem appeal to the emotions of the reader?

(Short Answer)
The poem appeals to emotions by using vivid imagery of destruction, the recurring cycle of conflict, and the fragility of peace. It evokes sadness, introspection, and a longing for harmony.

Time and Time Again Summary in Hindi

समय और समय फिर से कविता में कवि ने घड़ी के टावरों के माध्यम से मानव समाज की विविधता और विभाजन को दर्शाया है। यह कविता सांप्रदायिकता, धार्मिक मतभेदों और उनके प्रभावों को गहराई से समझने का प्रयास करती है।

कवि घड़ी के टावरों की अलग-अलग आवाजों को मानव समाज के विभिन्न विचारों और मान्यताओं का प्रतीक मानता है। यह घड़ी के टावर विभिन्न धर्मों और समुदायों द्वारा बनाए गए हैं, जो समाज में बंटवारे की गूंज करते हैं। कवि ने यह दिखाया है कि कैसे ये मतभेद समय के साथ हिंसा और संघर्ष का कारण बनते हैं।

कविता में प्रकृति और मानव हिंसा के बीच तुलना की गई है। प्रकृति की ताकतें, जैसे कि बिजली और तूफान, तटस्थ और अपरिहार्य हैं, जबकि मानव हिंसा का कारण इच्छाशक्ति और असहिष्णुता है। कवि यह भी बताता है कि शांति मार्च और सांप्रदायिक सौहार्द स्थापित करने के प्रयास अक्सर नाकाम हो जाते हैं क्योंकि गहरे मतभेद और नफरत बने रहते हैं।

कवि ने सांप्रदायिक दंगों की विनाशकारी छवि प्रस्तुत की है, जिसमें घड़ी के टावर और उनके तंत्र नष्ट हो जाते हैं। यह टूटे हुए टावर समाज के विखंडन और एकता के टूटने का प्रतीक है।

कविता का संदेश यह है कि यदि मानव समाज को टिकाऊ शांति प्राप्त करनी है, तो उसे अपने मतभेदों को स्वीकार करते हुए एकजुट रहना होगा।

Time and Time Again Summary in Urdu

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) based on the poem “Time and Time Again” by A.K. Ramanujan

Detail-Based Questions

1. According to the poem, what creates the different sequences of sounds in the clock towers?
   • a) The time of day
   • b) The varying raw materials used in the construction
   • c) The weather conditions
   • d) The location of the clock towers
     Answer: b) The varying raw materials used in the construction
2. What does the poet refer to when mentioning Switzerland in the poem?
   • a) A place of peace
   • b) The origin of the clockmakers
   • c) The location of the best clock towers
   • d) A symbol of time precision
     Answer: b) The origin of the clockmakers
3. What do the different clock towers symbolize in the poem?
   • a) Nature’s beauty
   • b) The differences among humans
   • c) The time of religious rituals
   • d) The division of the city
     Answer: b) The differences among humans

Inference Questions

4. It can be inferred that the poet believes the differences in the clock towers are a reflection of:
   • a) The natural world
   • b) Human conflict and divisions
   • c) Technological advancements
   • d) A simple accident of construction
     Answer: b) Human conflict and divisions
5. What is implied by the poet’s reference to the “zigzag sky” visible through the broken clock tower?
   • a) The sky represents the chaos in society
   • b) The sky represents the passage of time
   • c) The sky is a symbol of peaceful resolution
   • d) The sky is unaffected by human actions
     Answer: a) The sky represents the chaos in society

Main Idea or Purpose Questions

6. What is the main idea of the poem “Time and Time Again”?
   • a) The beauty of timekeeping
   • b) The connection between nature and religion
   • c) The divisions within human society and the impact of time
   • d) The power of time to heal wounds
     Answer: c) The divisions within human society and the impact of time
7. What is the poet’s purpose in writing this poem?
   • a) To explore the history of clockmaking
   • b) To criticize religious conflicts and social divisions
   • c) To describe the sound of clock towers
   • d) To celebrate the passage of time
     Answer: b) To criticize religious conflicts and social divisions

Vocabulary in Context Questions

8. What does the word “gong” mean in the context of the poem?
   • a) A loud ringing sound
   • b) A type of clock tower
   • c) A tool used for repairing clocks
   • d) A musical instrument
     Answer: a) A loud ringing sound
9. What does the phrase “a maker’s shaking hand” suggest about the clockmaker in the poem?
   • a) The clockmaker is nervous and imperfect
   • b) The clockmaker is skilled and confident
   • c) The clockmaker’s hands are damaged
   • d) The clockmaker is working in a rush
     Answer: a) The clockmaker is nervous and imperfect

Author’s Tone or Attitude Questions

10. How does the poet feel about the divisions between human beings in the poem?

• a) He is indifferent to the differences
• b) He feels they are inevitable and natural
• c) He is critical of them and sees them as harmful
• d) He finds them humorous
  Answer: c) He is critical of them and sees them as harmful

11. What is the poet’s attitude towards communal violence, as reflected in the poem?

• a) Indifference
• b) Support for peace
• c) Concern and condemnation
• d) Neutrality
  Answer: c) Concern and condemnation

Sequence of Events Questions

12. What happened first in the poem?

• a) The clock towers were destroyed
• b) The different clock towers rang at different times
• c) A riot took place
• d) The poet described the peaceful nature of time
  Answer: b) The different clock towers rang at different times

13. What happened after the riot in the poem?

• a) The clock towers were repaired
• b) The clock towers became silent
• c) The sky cleared up
• d) The people united in peace
  Answer: b) The clock towers became silent

Cause and Effect Questions

14. What caused the difference in the ringing of the clock towers?

• a) The weather
• b) The clockmaker’s shaky hands
• c) The type of metal used
• d) The location of the towers
  Answer: b) The clockmaker’s shaky hands

15. What is the effect of the destruction of the clock tower in the poem?

• a) It symbolizes the breakdown of social order
• b) It represents the passing of time
• c) It signifies the coming of peace
• d) It marks the arrival of a new era
  Answer: a) It symbolizes the breakdown of social order

Comparison Questions

16. How does the relationship between Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam compare in the poem?

• a) They are described as harmonious and united
• b) They are presented as occasionally peaceful but mostly in conflict
• c) They are depicted as separate and isolated
• d) They have no impact on society in the poem
  Answer: b) They are presented as occasionally peaceful but mostly in conflict

17. How do the clock towers in the poem compare to the people in society?

• a) Both are in harmony with each other
• b) Both are destroyed in the same way
• c) Both represent division and differences in society
• d) Both are perfect and unchanging
  Answer: c) Both represent division and differences in society

Additional Inference Questions

18. What can be inferred from the description of the clock towers being “cut off by a change of wind”?

• a) It symbolizes the unpredictability of human actions
• b) It represents the power of nature
• c) It suggests that time is affected by weather
• d) It shows that the clocks are malfunctioning
  Answer: a) It symbolizes the unpredictability of human actions

19. What is implied by the poet’s description of the clock tower as “eyeless” and “silent”?

• a) The clock tower has stopped working
• b) The clock tower symbolizes the loss of human connection
• c) The clock tower is being repaired
• d) The clock tower represents peace
  Answer: b) The clock tower symbolizes the loss of human connection

Author’s Attitude Questions

20. What is the author’s attitude towards nature’s role in society?

• a) He views it as a force that can cause destruction and chaos
• b) He believes nature is indifferent to human actions
• c) He sees nature as a symbol of peace and tranquility
• d) He praises nature for restoring balance
  Answer: a) He views it as a force that can cause destruction and chaos

Critical Analysis of Time and Time Again by A.K. Ramanujan

Overview

A.K. Ramanujan’s Time and Time Again explores the intricacies of time, using clock towers as metaphors for human societies, their divisions, and the repetitive nature of conflicts. Through this, the poem highlights the inherent tension between the concept of time as an impartial force and its impact on human relationships and divisions.

The Symbolism of Clock Towers

In the poem, clock towers symbolize more than just the passage of time. They stand as representations of societal structures, with their varied “shaky hands” and “eyeless” nature. Ramanujan uses the clock towers to explore the cultural, religious, and social divisions present in society. These divisions are persistent, recurring “time and time again,” as the title suggests, emphasizing the cyclical nature of these conflicts.

Time as a Divisive Force

Ramanujan challenges the idea that time is a neutral, stabilizing force. Instead, he presents time as something that heightens human differences. The differences in the clocks’ timekeeping reflect how people from different communities experience time in different ways. Even though time is universal, its effects are far from uniform, and the divisions between people become more apparent as time progresses. The poet’s critique lies in the fact that even a shared experience like time becomes a marker of human discord.

Use of Imagery and Irony

Ramanujan’s use of imagery is vivid and poignant. The broken, silent clock towers, with their disjointed ringing, evoke a sense of disarray and alienation within society. The choice of Switzerland, known for its precision in clockmaking, is an ironic commentary on how even societies that aim for precision and unity still suffer from internal conflict. This contrast emphasizes the dissonance present in human relations despite the outward appearance of order and control.

The Tone of Reflection and Criticism

The tone of the poem is reflective and somber. Ramanujan reflects on how societies, in their efforts to organize and measure time, are also reflecting and exacerbating their divisions. The poet critiques these constructs and their role in perpetuating social disharmony. The imagery of the clock towers marks a critical examination of how human-made systems, like timekeeping, often fail to bring people together.

Conclusion: Time, Division, and Reflection

In Time and Time Again, Ramanujan invites readers to reflect on the role of time in society and its relation to human conflict. The clock towers, while seemingly objective instruments, actually reveal the discord that divides human beings. Through this analysis, the poem calls attention to the ways in which societal structures are often shaped by historical, cultural, and social divisions, urging readers to question the very nature of time and its influence on human interactions.