Question

What is the theme of the poem ''an elementary school classroom in a slum''?

Answer 1

                                                    Theme

The theme of the poem, ‘An elementary school classroom’ is the plight of poor children living in slums. The poet, Stephen Spender wants the life of the slum children be changed. He wants their poverty to end. He wishes them to live in healthier, hygienic and beautiful environment. He wants their future to be bright and full of hope.

According to the poet, their lives can only be changed if governor, teacher, inspector, visitor, and people do more to help them. Mere paltry donations won't solve their problems of poverty, illiteracy, and backwardness. The rich people and the government will have to do more for them.

Answer 2

By this poem the poet raises a question over the current condition of education in slums. He want education for the slum children so that they can get an exposure to the outer world and their lives can be drawn out of the cramped holes. But this should br done at the earliest otherwise the slum children will indulge themselves in bad activities such as stealing, robbing, etc.