Explain the different themes of the poem 'television' by Roald Dahl
The themes are as follows:
1. Television- an idiot box
2. Death of imagination
3. Importance of reading books
Answers
Roald Dahl's poem "Television" presents an honest picture of what he feels the TV is, and its effect on children.
1. The television as an idiot box- The poet feels that the TV has nothing good to offer to the children. Instead, it only has 'shocking ghastly junk' content. This is the kind of content that makes children sit in one place amd watch it, with their eyes popping out, but it does not benefit them in any way. Instead, it 'ROTS THE SENSE IN THE HEAD!', thus interfering with their mental development. It also kills the imagination.
2. The death of imagination- Watching TV leaves a child hypnotised. As a result, he loses his powers of thinking and as the poet says, 'IT KILLS IMAGINATION DEAD!' Children only stare at the screen. Their minds are not activated. Instead, 'HE CANNOT THINK -- HE ONLY SEES!'. This suggests that children lose their imagination and creativity and become dull and unresponsive, almost like non-living things. They cannot even understand fairytales and creative stories.
3. Importance of reading books- Dahl suggests a way to keep the children safe from the effects of the TV. He advocates encouraging the little ones to read books. The tales of pirates and animals will light up the mind with imagination. He reminds parents that before the TV invaded our lives, children thrived on books. Even now, children will be able to enjoy books and despite the initial hiccups, screaming and revolting, they will 'love you more for what you did.'
The poem being an anti-TV poem, each of these themes offer a viewpoint against watching TV. The poet's aim is to save children's imaginative skills and help them lead fuller lives.
Explanation:
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