CLASS XI, English Project: A PHOTOGRAPH
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my English teacher for guiding me throughout this
project. I also thank my parents and friends who helped me in collecting materials and pictures.
Certificate
This is to certify that [Your Name], a student of Class XI, has successfully completed the English
project titled "A Photograph" as per the guidelines provided by CBSE for the academic year
2024-25.
Index
1. Acknowledgement
2. Certificate
3. Introduction
4. About the Poet: Shirley Toulson
5. The Poem: A Photograph
6. Summary of the Poem
7. Poetic Devices Used
8. Rhyme Scheme
9. Phases of Life Depicted
10. Significance of Photographs
11. Impact of Photographs on Me
12. Exclusive Quotations on Photographs
13. Conclusion
14. Bibliography
Introduction
In this project, I will explore the poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson. The poem touches upon
themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time. It reflects the poet's emotions as she looks at a
photograph of her mother and recollects the past.
About the Poet: Shirley Toulson
Shirley Toulson was a British writer and poet. She was born in 1924 and passed away in 2018.
Toulson had a keen interest in poetry and local history. Some of her notable poetry collections
include "The Drovers" and "The Celtic Alternative". Her poem "A Photograph" is widely studied in
Indian schools.
The Poem: A Photograph
[Insert the full poem text here if available.]
Summary of the Poem
The poem describes a photograph of the poet's mother as a young girl. It shows her standing with
her cousins at the sea. The poet reflects on how time has flown and how her mother, once a playful
girl, is now no more. It is a poignant reflection on change and loss.
Poetic Devices Used
- Alliteration: "stood still to smile"
- Personification: The cardboard shows me...
- Irony: The sea, which appears unchanged, contrasts with human life which changes drastically.
Rhyme Scheme
The poem is written in free verse. It does not follow a specific rhyme scheme, which reflects the free
flow of memories.
Phases of Life Depicted
1. Childhood (mother as a child)
2. Adulthood (mother's middle age)
3. Death (the poet dealing with her mother's absence)
Significance of Photographs
A photograph captures a moment in time, preserving memories. It allows us to remember people
and events that are no longer with us. In the poem, the photograph becomes a symbol of the poet's
emotional connection to her mother.
Impact of Photographs on Me
Photographs help me relive happy moments and remember loved ones. They bring comfort and joy,
especially during difficult times. They are windows to the past.
Exclusive Quotations on Photographs
- "Photography is the story I fail to put into words." - Destin Sparks
- "A photograph is the pause button of life."
- "Photographs open doors into the past, but they also allow a look into the future." - Sally Mann
Conclusion
The poem "A Photograph" teaches us to value our loved ones and the moments we spend with
them. It beautifully captures how memories stay with us even when people leave.
Bibliography
- NCERT English Textbook
- CBSE Syllabus 2024-25
- Google Images for supporting pictures
- Poem reference: "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson
