Question

What does the poet want for the children of the slums? How can their lives be made to change?

Answer 1

In the poem, the poet describes the miserable conditions under which the slum children have to survive. They are trapped within the confines of poverty. However, the poet wants those in authority such as the governor, inspector and other visitors to show compassion for these children and help them. He believes that their life can be changed by providing them access to education and other resources. This would help them break out of the shackles of poverty. With the right amenities and resources, they can actually experience the world that they see in the pictures that decorate their classroom’s walls.