Essay Questions

How does Bhatt explore Indian culture in her poem "A Different History?"

In her poem "A Different History," Bhatt considers her own Indian heritage and how this comes into conflict with her experiences as an immigrant in America and her adaptation to a new culture and language. Through this poem, she connects with and celebrates Indian culture, telling us about religion, spirituality, and her connection to her ancestors.

What are the significance of the mother and foreign tongues in Bhatt's poetry?

Bhatt often uses the imagery of "tongues" to symbolize language, and subsequently identity. In the poem "Search for my Tongue," Bhatt considers her dual cultural identity, and the two languages she speaks. One is her "mother tongue," or her first language, and the other is her "foreign tongue," or her second language.

Who is the speaker of "Search for my Tongue?"

It is possible to read this poem as being autobiographical, as the subject matter closely relates to Bhatt's experiences as an Indian emigrant. The speaker of the poem uses first-person pronouns such as "I" and "my," and uses direct address to speak to the reader. This is significant, as it seems she is speaking directly to the new society she lives in.