Taking It Further: A Sense of Place and Exploring India

Refresh yourself on the rich use of language in Moniza Alvi's 'An Unknown Girl' here. Reflect on the way she creates a sense of place using her words, as well as her struggles in figuring out a position among two cultures. 

Then explore these additional resources:

Song

Hymn for the Weekend (Coldplay ft. Beyonce): The striking visuals of this song are almost a direct reference to Alvi's words. Pay special attention to the motifs you can find in both the poem and the music video, such as peacocks, colour, and Indian streets. 

Film

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: This comedy film (featuring a stellar ensemble cast) explores a group of white British pensioners who relocate to a retirement hotel in India. 


Activity: Write an essay on a vacation that you took to a place you had never been before. Use language to bring out the unique sights, sounds, tastes and more you experienced there. Detail how life back home contrasts with the setting of your vacation.