ThAct: I.A. Richards Figurative Language (Practical Criticism)
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First Reading Responses to Two Modern Poems
(An I. A. Richards–style reader response)
Introduction
For this assignment, I approached both poems as a reader encountering them for the first time, without considering the poet’s background, intention, or social context. Following I. A. Richards’ approach, my focus is on what I understood, felt, and experienced during my first reading, especially through figurative language and emotional effect.
Poem 1: “Vasant – Computer ni Bhasha Ma”
On my first reading of “Vasant – Computer ni Bhasha Ma”, the title immediately felt unusual. The word Vasant usually suggests nature, freshness, and emotional warmth, but placing it within the “language of computers” creates a sense of contrast from the very beginning.
As a first-time reader, the poem seems to express emotions through technical and mechanical imagery. Instead of free-flowing feelings, emotions appear controlled, processed, and structured, almost like data in a system. This made the poem feel thoughtful but emotionally restrained.
Some metaphors felt cold and distant, and I did not always understand them clearly. However, this lack of clarity seemed intentional in its effect. It made me feel that emotions in the poem are not spontaneous; they are filtered through technology.
Emotionally, the poem did not feel joyful despite the reference to spring. Instead, it felt calm, slightly detached, and reflective. On first reading, I experienced a tension between natural emotion and artificial expression. The poem made me pause and think rather than feel immediate pleasure.
Poem 2: “Cyber Café Ma Prem Pangre”
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On my first reading of “Cyber Café Ma Prem Pangre”, the title immediately establishes a modern and digital setting for love. Unlike traditional love poems, this poem places emotional connection within a cyber café, which feels temporary and impersonal.
As a first-time reader, the poem seems to describe a relationship that begins in a virtual space rather than a physical one. Love appears to grow through screens, typing, and online interaction. However, the poem does not clearly explain this relationship; it only suggests it through moments and images.
The tone feels playful and light at first, but there is also a sense of emotional distance. I could not decide whether the poem celebrates this form of love or quietly questions it. This uncertainty remained with me throughout the reading.
Emotionally, the poem felt interesting but slightly hollow. The cyber café feels like a place of connection, yet something personal seems missing. On first reading, the poem made me think about how technology changes the nature of intimacy and closeness.
Combined First-Reading Reflection
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Following I. A. Richards’ reader-response approach, I realised that:
Meaning is not fixed
Emotional response is important
Confusion is a natural part of reading poetry
Both poems affected me more through mood and imagery than through clear meaning. As a first-time reader, I experienced them as poems that invite reflection rather than provide answers.
Brief Conclusion
In conclusion, my first reading of both poems shows how modern poetry reflects human emotions shaped by technology. Following I. A. Richards’ reader-response approach, my understanding developed from personal feelings, mood, and imagery rather than fixed meaning. “Vasant – Computer ni Bhasha Ma” appeared thoughtful and emotionally restrained, while “Cyber Café Ma Prem Pangre” felt light yet uncertain. Together, the poems highlight the tension between natural emotions and digital expression, encouraging readers to reflect rather than arrive at clear conclusions.
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