Question

Ganga and Man



I am a Hindu, and each day I travel to the Ganges, or as I know it the Ganga, to bathe in its holy water. The Ganga flows through my veins as does the very blood of my body. The river is a gift from our goddess and is a symbol of my religion. I offer this poem as my song of praise for the Ganga and all that it gives to those of India each day.



Ganga and Man



I descend to earth

And rise from the frozen heights

Of Gangotri.

I quench the spiritual thirst

Of all of those who believe in me.

I welcome those who come to bathe in my water.



I stand in your loving waters

And pray that you bring me

Purification and lasting life.

I plunge my hands into your flow

And offer the drops back into your life-source.

May you too continue for eternity.



I journey through the mountains that touch the sky

And then meander through the fertile plains,

Answering the thirst of man, animal, and plant.

I bring today’s and tomorrow’s continued existence

For all who seek and ask for

A renewal from my waters.



I journey to your banks

With the ashes of those whom I love

And request that you soothe a broken heart.

I ask for the promise of redemption

And the forgiveness of past wrongs

For all men who believe in you.



I will continue my journey through India

Throughout eternity

For the millions who depend on me.

I ask you to honor me with your prayers and gifts

So that my people

Of this plain may flourish now and forever.


Multiple Choice Question


What is the purpose of the narrative paragraph at the beginning of “Ganga and Man”?

A.
to offer a point of reference for the information in the poem

B.
to describe the concerns of a citizen of India before he offers the poem

C.
to explain the religion of Hindu before the poem is presented to the reader

D.
to introduce the specific practices of the followers of Hindu before he presents the poem

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

A. to offer a point of reference for the information in the poem

The introductory paragraph provides context for the poem by highlighting the significance of the Ganga in Hindu culture, establishing a reference point for the themes explored in the poem itself.