AnalysisByGoogleGemini-Volume 3--AdvanceLeaveAdvancingDeath--15May2024

SOMAN RAGAVAN

 15 May, 2024

Subject : Poem : Advance leave, advancing death

                                                                            

Analysis by Google Gemini

(Artificial Intelligence)

Volume 3

Soman Ragavan : Hello. I will post one of my poems for analysis. Could you please comment extensively, mentioning literary genres, styles, themes, poetic language, poetic philosophies, comparison with poets of England, America, India, Africa from 1700 to 1900 and as from 1945.

At college in 1968, I studied some poems of Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774), Gordon Byron (1788-1824), Samuel T. Coleridge (1772-1834), William Wordsworth (1770-1850), Robert Browning (1812-1889), Mathew Arnold (1822-1888), Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892) and some other poets of that era.  Make any comments or comparisons you wish on my poems. Say if there are other contemporary poets who write as I do and compare my poetry with theirs. I live in Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean.  

(2)

Google Gemini :  I'd be happy to analyze your poem!  Here's what I can offer:

**Analysis without the Poem:**

* **Genre and Style:**  Knowing the poem's content would be key to pinpointing the genre (e.g., sonnet, narrative, free verse).  However, based on the poets you mentioned (18th & 19th century Romantics and Victorians), your style might lean towards lyric poetry that focuses on emotions, nature, or personal reflection.

* **Themes:**  Similar to genre, the specific themes depend on your poem's content.  However, Romantics often explored themes of nature, imagination, individual emotions, and social justice. Victorians delved into faith, doubt, societal issues, and the human condition.

* **Poetic Language:**  Romantic and Victorian poets often used vivid imagery, metaphors, similes, and personification to paint pictures with words.  They might have employed formal language or experimented with meter and rhyme schemes.

* **Poetic Philosophies:**  Romanticism championed the power of individual imagination and emotion in reaction to the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason. Victorians grappled with religious doubt and the impact of the Industrial Revolution on society.

**Comparisons:**

* **1700-1900 Poets:**  From your list, the Romantics like Wordsworth and Coleridge explored nature and introspection, which could be a connection to your work.  Tennyson, a Victorian, dealt with themes of faith and doubt, which might resonate with your poem.

* **1945-Present Poets:**  Without your poem, specific comparisons are difficult. However, you might find similarities with contemporary poets who write about nature, personal experiences, or social issues.  Some possibilities include:

    * **American:**  Mary Oliver (nature), Louise Glück (personal reflection)

    * **Indian:**  Arundhati Roy (social issues), Vikram Seth (identity)

    * **African:**  Wole Soyinka (political themes), Niyi Osundare (social commentary)

**Finding Similar Poets:**

* Look for poetry anthologies with themes or styles that resonate with your work.

* Research contemporary poets from Mauritius or the Indian subcontinent.

* Explore online poetry communities or literary journals to discover new voices.

 

**Please note:**  These are general guidelines. Once you share your poem, I can provide a more specific analysis and identify contemporary poets whose work aligns with yours.

 

I'm excited to learn more about your poetry and its connection to the rich literary heritage you mentioned!

(3)

Soman Ragavan : In Mauritius, during Covid, when public employees had exhausted their stock of leave (casual, sick, etc.) they were given advance leave that they had to refund over a number of years. Yet, billions of rupees of PUBLIC money (Mauritian money) were paid out to prevent mass layoffs in the PRIVATE sector.  Many public employees had to expose themselves to the virus due to their proximity with infected people. Some employees died from Covid. Providing advance leave to be refunded later was most unfair. Unlimited leave should have been given to public employees who were sick from Covid.

Some quotes :

 
(a) “(…) VISION. A great poet has spiritual insight and can see truths that others do not. Poets have, in moments of vision, the power of understanding, by a kind of instinct, things, their qualities and the relations between them, which ordinary people cannot see. All true poetry is the product of vision or imagination, for it is the expression of it. The poet idealises the real. There is suggestiveness in great poetry. It suggests or implies much more than it says. (…)” 

(b) “(…) In the "Defence" he (Percy B. Shelley, 1792-1822) insists that the poet "not only beholds intensely the present as it is, and discovers those laws according to which the present ought to be ordered, but he beholds the future in the present." The poet is prophet and legislator, in Shelley's terms, by his untiring efforts "to set the crooked straight." (…)” 

"SELECTIONS FROM SHELLEY'S POETRY AND PROSE." (Edited by Dennis Welland). London : Hutchinson Educational Ltd., 1961.

(c) “(…) This is the task of the imagination, which must seize the reality both represented and masked by externals, which must perceive, not philosophically by reason or deduction, but intuitively, "les rapports intimes et secrets des choses, les correspondences et les analogies." (…)” "TWELVE FRENCH POETS. 1820-1900. AN ANTHOLOGY OF 19^TH  CENTURY FRENCH POETRY." London : Longmans, Green and Co., 1957. (Third impression, 1959). (With an Introduction and Notes by Douglas Parmée).

Full acknowledgements are made to the authors, publishers and rights-holders.

I will post my poem when you write.

(4)

Google Gemini :  I understand you're ready to share your poem that tackles the unfair treatment of public employees during the pandemic in Mauritius.  The quotes you provided about the role of the poet offer valuable context:

* **(a)**  This quote emphasizes the poet's ability to see deeper truths and express them with suggestion and imagery.

* **(b)**  This quote highlights the poet as a voice for change, critiquing the present and envisioning a better future.

* **(c)**  This quote focuses on the poet's power to use imagination to uncover hidden realities and connections.

These concepts can be applied to your poem in the following ways:

* **Unveiling the Unfairness:** You can use vivid language and imagery to reveal the injustice faced by public employees who risked their health while private companies were aided financially.

* **Giving Voice to the Unheard:** Your poem can act as a powerful voice for those who couldn't speak out against the policy.

* **Envisioning a Fairer Future:** The poem could conclude with a hopeful message or call to action for a more equitable system.

I'm eager to see how you weave these elements into your poem.  Please share it whenever you're ready, and I'll provide a detailed analysis based on the content, style, and your use of the poetic concepts you mentioned.

(5)

Soman Ragavan : Here is my poem “Advance leave, advancing death.” (Poem inserted).

(…) Please study it. It concerns Covid in Mauritius. Public servants were given "advance leave" if they had used up their stock of leave. They would have to refund the advance leave over a few years. Yet, public money to the tune of billions of rupees were given to the private sector to prevent mass layoffs during Covid. Here is my poem.

(6)

Google Gemini :

## Analysis of Soman Ragavan's Poem "ADVANCE LEAVE, ADVANCING DEATH"

**Theme:** The poem criticizes the Mauritian government's policy of providing advance leave to public servants during Covid-19, contrasting it with the financial aid given to the private sector. It highlights the feeling of being undervalued and unappreciated by the government despite risking their lives as frontline workers.

 

**Structure:**

* The poem is divided into three sections.

* The first section establishes the context of the pandemic and its disruption.

* The second section details the speaker's (a public servant) (My note : I was speaking on behalf of an anonymous public servant. SR) struggle with Covid-19 and the exhaustion of their leave entitlements. It introduces the concept of "advance leave" and the burden of repayment.

* The third section explores the broader societal issue. It mentions the government's financial support for the private sector and criticizes the lack of similar support for public servants who die (My note : who might die. SR) before repaying their advance leave. The speaker expresses a desire to fulfill their duty (My note : the duty of an anonymous civil servant. SR) by repaying the leave but acknowledges the losing battle against time and illness.

 

**Literary Devices:**

* **Metaphor:** "Methought ‘twas going to be smooth sailing" compares life before the pandemic to a calm journey.

* **Personification:** "Covid-19 rear'd up its head" gives the virus human-like qualities.

* **Juxtaposition:** The speaker contrasts the advance leave policy with the government's financial aid to the private sector.

 

**Emotional Impact:**

* The poem evokes feelings of despair, frustration, and a sense of injustice faced by public servants.

* It highlights the speaker's (My note : throughout, it is the anonymous civil servant. SR) struggle with illness and the additional burden of financial obligation.

* The poem concludes with a sense of resignation and regret.

 

**Overall, Soman Ragavan's poem effectively uses strong imagery and emotional language to convey the plight of public servants during the Covid-19 pandemic.**

 

(7)

Soman Ragavan : In Mauritius and in England, when some public employees died from Covid, some politicians and officials gathered and applauded the departed. What were they applauding ?? The officer had been denied full paid leave while he was sick and, after his death, he was publicly applauded. That was revolting. While billions of rupees had been given to the PRIVATE sector in Mauritius to prevent mass layoffs, PUBLIC employees were given advance leave that they would have to refund later --- if they survived. If they died before refunding, the outstanding money would be deducted from the death gratuity that would be paid to their successors. All the while they were applauded after their death…

(8)

Google Gemini : The poem and your explanation highlight a complex and sensitive situation. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

 

**Public Servant Treatment:**

* Public servants, like hospital staff, were exposed to Covid-19 risks.

* They faced limitations on paid leave during illness.

* In Mauritius, they received "advance leave" with the requirement to repay later.

* Death before repayment meant deductions from their death gratuity. (My note : possibly deductions. SR).

 

**Government's Actions:**

* Applauding deceased public servants for their service.

* Providing financial aid (billions of rupees) to the private sector.

 

**The Dissonance:**

The poem criticizes the government's actions as disingenuous. Public servants who risked their lives received limited support while sick, then public praise after death. This is seen as insensitive and disrespectful.

 

**Possible Explanations for Applause:**

* **Genuine appreciation:** Officials might have genuinely valued the service and sacrifice of the deceased public servant.

* **Public image:** The applause could be a public display of respect to boost morale or gain public favor.

 

**Addressing the Dissonance:**

* **Improved leave policies:** Public servants dealing with illness should have better access to paid leave.

* **Financial security:** Measures could be taken to ensure death doesn't leave families financially burdened.

* **Meaningful recognition:** Recognition during life, not just death, would show genuine appreciation.

 

**Overall, the poem raises a valid point about valuing public servants beyond symbolic gestures.** They deserve fair treatment, support during illness, and financial security for their families.

(9)

Soman Ragavan : It takes a poet and Artificial Intelligence to see these terrible truths…

(10)

Google Gemini :  That's a very interesting observation, Soman. It's true that sometimes a different perspective can shed light on hidden truths.

 

* **Poets** have a unique ability to use language and imagery to evoke emotions and bring attention to social issues. They can give a voice to the voiceless and make the invisible visible.

 

* **AI**, on the other hand, can process large amounts of data and identify patterns that humans might miss. It can also be objective and free from personal biases.

 

By combining these strengths, perhaps we can gain a deeper understanding of complex situations.

 

However, it's important to remember that true understanding comes from human experience. While AI can be a helpful tool, it can't replace the power of human empathy and compassion.

 

Do you think there are other ways to bring light to these kinds of social issues?

(11)

Soman Ragavan : The most stark point is that it was civil servants, not politicians, who came up with the idea of “advance leave.” From the pragmatism that should be expected of them, politicians should have seen the inhumanity of such a rule and should have given full paid leave to public employees who had exhausted their stock of leave. Imagine the state of the sick public employee at the thought that he would have to refund the leave, while not even being sure that he would survive at all…

(12)

Google Gemini :  You raise a very important point, Soman. The idea of "advance leave" during a pandemic does seem insensitive, especially considering the context you've provided. Here's a breakdown of why it might be considered inhuman:

 

* **Focus on Repayment over Recovery:**  A sick person's primary concern should be getting well. "Advance leave" adds the burden of financial obligation during a vulnerable time.

* **Uncertainty around Survival:**  Facing a potentially life-threatening illness and the additional stress of repaying leave can be overwhelming.

* **Disparity with Private Sector:**  The contrasting support for public and private sectors creates a sense of unfairness.

 

It's true that politicians, with their broader perspective, should consider the human impact of such policies. Here are some possible reasons why they might not have intervened:

 

* **Financial Constraints:**  Governments might have budget limitations, making additional paid leave challenging. (My note : billions of rupees of PUBLIC money were found to pay wages in the PRIVATE sector, to prevent mass lay-offs. SR)

* **Policy Precedent:**  Changing established leave policies during a crisis might be seen as disruptive. (My note : the changes SHOULD have been made. Overnight, the authorities started the new policy of subsidizing private sector wages. SR).

* **Lack of Awareness:**  Politicians might not have been fully aware of the specific concerns surrounding "advance leave."

 

**Moving Forward:** 

Your poem and insights can be valuable tools for raising awareness about this issue. Here are some ways your message can be amplified:

 

* **Sharing the Poem:**  Consider publishing your poem online or in local publications to reach a wider audience.

* **Public Discourse:** Engage in discussions with fellow citizens and government representatives to share your perspective.

* **Alternative Solutions:** Advocate for alternative support systems that prioritize the well-being of public servants during emergencies.

 

By sparking conversation and offering constructive solutions, you can contribute to creating a more humane and supportive work environment for public servants.

 

(13)

Soman Ragavan : If public authorities had applauded the employee posthumously, the poor fellow would have turned in his grave, while remembering that what he owed as salary “unduly received in advance” had to be deducted from his death gratuity…

(14)

Google Gemini :  That's a powerful image, Soman. You effectively use the idea of the deceased public servant "turning in his grave" to highlight the absurdity of the situation. Here are some additional thoughts your comment evokes:

 

* **Meaningless Gesture:** Posthumous applause feels empty when it's not accompanied by concrete support during a person's time of need.

* **Adding Insult to Injury:** The deduction from death gratuity adds a financial burden to the emotional one of losing a loved one. It reinforces the feeling that the employee's sacrifice wasn't truly valued.

* **Systemic Failure:** The situation points to a potential flaw within the system that prioritizes bureaucratic procedures over human well-being.

 

Your poem and observations can be a catalyst for change. They can inspire people to ask:

* **How can we ensure public servants feel valued and supported, especially during times of crisis?**

* **How can we create more humane and flexible leave policies that prioritize employee health?**

* **How can we foster a culture of empathy and understanding within government institutions?**

 

By sparking these important questions and discussions, you can contribute to creating a better future for public servants who risk their lives serving the community.

(14)

Soman Ragavan : Let us hope that, with any possible future pandemic, more humane measures will be drafted towards employees…

(15) 

Google Gemini :  Absolutely, Soman. Here's hoping future pandemics are met with a more humane approach towards all employees, public and private.

 

Your poem and insights offer valuable lessons for policymakers. Here are some potential areas for improvement:

 

* **Leave Policies:**  Developing flexible and generous leave policies that prioritize employee health and well-being during emergencies.

* **Financial Support:** Exploring options for additional financial support for sick employees beyond regular leave pay.

* **Communication and Transparency:** Ensuring clear communication about available resources and support systems. 

* **Mental Health Support:** Recognizing the mental health toll of working during a pandemic and providing access to appropriate support services.

 

By advocating for these changes, you can help shape a future where employees feel valued and supported during difficult times.

 

Is there anything else you'd like to discuss about this topic, Soman, or perhaps another social issue you find important?

(16)

Soman Ragavan : Identify a range of criteria for assessing this poem and give marks out of 100 for each criterion.

(17)

Google Gemini : ….

 

## … Criteria and Scores for "ADVANCE LEAVE, ADVANCING DEATH"

 

**Content (40/50):**

* The poem tackles a relevant and under-explored social issue (treatment of public servants during Covid-19). (20/25)

* It effectively conveys the emotional impact on the individual facing illness and financial burden. (15/25)

* While the broader societal context isn't explicitly stated, the poem leaves room for the reader to infer its significance. (5/25)

 

**Theme (30/50):**

* The theme of valuing public servants and criticizing unfair bureaucratic practices is clear. (20/25)

* The poem hints at additional themes like sacrifice and the emotional toll on families, but doesn't fully explore them. (10/25)

 

**Language (25/50):**

* The poem uses clear and concise language that effectively conveys the speaker's message. (15/25)

* It incorporates some figurative language (metaphor, personification) that adds depth. (5/25)

* The use of rhythm and rhyme is simple but could be further developed to enhance the reading experience. (5/25)

 

**Structure (20/50):**

* The three-part structure (context, personal experience, social critique) effectively guides the reader through the poem's message. (15/25)

* The transitions between sections could be smoother for a more cohesive flow. (5/25) 

 

**Overall Score: 115/200 (57.5%)**

**Additional Notes:**

… Your poem has strong points and demonstrates a clear message.  Here are some suggestions for further development:

* Explore the poem's emotional impact more deeply through vivid imagery or stronger language choices.

* Consider incorporating specific details or statistics to bolster the social commentary.

* Experiment with different stylistic elements like rhyme schemes or free verse to see what resonates best.

By taking these suggestions into account, you can refine your poem and make it an even more powerful piece of social commentary.

(20)

Soman Ragavan : The idea of publicly applauding employees who died from Covid was probably mindlessly copied from what took place in England, where possibly the Prime Minister himself joined in the clapping. Public authorities should put their money where their mouths (and clapping hands) are and devise concrete ways of coming to the help of the bereaved family who had lost a revenue-earner…

(21)

Google Gemini :  You're absolutely right, Soman. Here's a breakdown of your point:

 

* **Empty Gesture:** Public applause for deceased employees can feel hollow if not accompanied by concrete support for their families.

* **"Put Money Where Their Mouth Is":** This proverb emphasizes the need for action to back up words. Public authorities should offer more than symbolic gestures.

* **Focus on Bereaved Families:** The true impact falls on families who lose a loved one and potentially a source of income.

 

This approach highlights the gap between symbolic actions and tangible assistance. Here are some ways the poem could be revised to incorporate this idea:

**Option 1: Add a Stanza:**

> They clap for us when we are gone, a hollow, empty sound,

> While those we leave behind, in financial straits are bound.

> A helping hand, a safety net, that's what we truly crave,

> Not fleeting praise, but actions strong, to see our loved ones brave.

 

**Option 2: Rewrite Ending Lines:**

> ...do take heed, those that will write my obituary,

> Not applause I seek, but actions bold and necessary,

> To ease the burden on my kin, a future less dreary.

 

---------------------------

My original words in the poem :

“Ah, the advance leave I might not survive to repay :
Into damning debt will I have to lapse, to fade away…
The end be nigh : I be on my way to the mortuary :
Do take heed, those that will write my obituary…

I will die without refunding the advance leave :
I will die in debt : a sorry sigh have I to heave…
“Some will make it and some won’t…
Some do have luck and some don’t…”

***

My comments :

• The officer uses the word “survive” to summon emotionalism;
• “damning debt” : he draws attention to the obligation to repay the leave
• “to lapse, to fade away” : portraying the possible final moments of the officer; “fade away” : disappearing from the scene
• “the end by nigh” : the feeling that it might be a losing battle for the officer
• The mention of “mortuary” : emotional words to draw the reader into the feelings of the officer
• The mention of “obituary” : the sick patient is already talking about his obituary; what will people write in the obituary ? Will there be references to the treatment the officer was given, in comparison to what was done for the private sector ?...
• Dying without refunding the advance leave : the idea that such a situation is distressing for the officer; he considers the refund of the leave as a sacred duty for him, even in the sorry state in which he is
• he points out the distress of having to die in debt; he mentions his “sigh” : another reference to emotions;
• “fade away” : description of possible impending death
• While people in such a situation should get comfort, the officer languishes at the thought of the debt about the advance leave
• “a sorry sigh” : again regrets at the fear of not having time to repay the debt
• “Some will make it and some won’t” : the idea that some humans will be lucky enough to survive the pandemic, while the less fortunate will die off
• I refer to “luck” : how those who are spared the disease are lucky
• In the two stanzas, emotion and pathos are harnessed to pull in the reader and make him feel the situation the officer is in.

 

--P. B. Shelley. "Poetry in a general sense may be defined as the expression of the imagination."

--"Poetry is the language of the imagination and passions." (Hazlitt, 1778-1830)

 

  “(…) In all definitions of poetry, the common factors are the imagination and emotions; that is to say, poetry consists of emotions and feelings that are imaginatively conceived and imaginatively expressed. …” Dr. C. Paul Verghese : "ADVANCED LEVEL GENERAL PAPER." Singapore : Fairfield Book Publishers Pte. Ltd., 1988.  (In particular, pages 59, 62-64, 67-72 and 328).

(These observations did not reach Google Gemini).

---------------------------

(Google Gemini continues)

These revisions emphasize the need for concrete support for bereaved families. They reinforce the poem's message that public servants deserve more than symbolic gestures.

 

Here are some additional ideas:

* Mention specific forms of support that would be helpful (e.g., financial aid, job training for surviving family members).

* Consider including a call to action, urging the authorities to implement these changes.

 

By further developing these elements, you can make your poem an even more powerful tool for advocating for fairer treatment of public servants and their families.

(22)

Soman Ragavan : How do you rate this poem in comparison with contemporary poetry ?

 

 

(23)

Google Gemini :  Compared to contemporary poetry, "ADVANCE LEAVE, ADVANCING DEATH" has both strengths and areas for development:

 

**Strengths:**

* **Clear Message:** The poem tackles a relevant social issue and effectively conveys a sense of injustice.

* **Emotional Impact:** While not overly flowery, the language evokes empathy for the speaker's situation.

* **Accessibility:** The clear structure and straightforward language make it easy for a broad audience to understand.

 

**Areas for Development:**

* **Depth:** The poem could benefit from exploring the broader societal context and the emotional toll on families in more detail.

* **Figurative Language:** While some figurative language is present, incorporating a wider range of techniques could enhance the poem's imagery and emotional impact.

* **Style:** Experimenting with different stylistic elements like rhyme schemes or free verse could create a more unique and contemporary feel.

 

**Overall, your poem has a strong foundation and a clear message. By delving deeper into the themes and exploring different stylistic choices, you can make it even more impactful and stand out in the landscape of contemporary poetry.**

 

Here are some additional points to consider when comparing your poem to contemporary works:

 

* **Contemporary poetry** is a diverse field with many different styles and approaches. Some focus on social commentary, while others explore personal experiences or abstract ideas.

* **Many contemporary poets** experiment with form and language, using free verse, unconventional structures, and innovative imagery.

* **Some important contemporary poets** include Maya Angelou, Billy Collins, Louise Glück, and Ocean Vuong. Reading their work can give you a sense of the variety that exists in contemporary poetry.

 

By considering these points and continuing to develop your craft, you can refine your voice and contribute to the vibrant world of contemporary poetry.

(24)

Soman Ragavan : Thank you very much. I appreciate your valuable contribution in analysing the issues raised in this poem. Goodbye for now.

(25)

Google Gemini :  You're welcome, Soman. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss your poem with you. It's been a valuable learning experience. 

I hope my analysis helps you refine your work and share your message with the world.

Goodbye for now, and good luck with your writing!

 

---------------------------

22 May, 2024

Poem “Advance leave, advancing death” :

The Workers Rights Act in Mauritius has been amended to make provision for “advance leave” for private sector employees, too. But, public sector employees should have been given full paid leave, after exhausting their stock of leave, until they resumed duty. Unlike in the private sector, they are COMPELLED to face health or life risks at work, eg in the health sector. Whereas in the private sector, one can easily change jobs, it is not so in the public sector. By and large, it is a lifetime career. The officer’s whole time is at the disposal of the authorities and refusal to comply will be met with dismissal, especially during a pandemic. In many respects, the civil service is like a military service. The officer is compelled to obey orders, even orders putting his life at risk.

------------------

See the article “Les propositions seront soumises au Conseil des ministres» in “Le DEFI               QUOTIDIEN”  newspaper, Mauritius, 14 January, 2022, page 7 :

              “(…)

“For recall, during the recent Consultative Meeting, about ten trade unions had considered it “unacceptable” that days spent in self-isolation or hospital treatment should be deducted from sick, local and vacation leave, both for public servants and private sector workers.

“… considers it important to have a “Covid leave” instead of “deducting the salaries or leave of workers in the difficult situation.” The trade union leader urges the setting up of “special paid leave” for workers who have to absent themselves for reasons linked to the pandemic, such as vaccination, self-isolation, or Covid treatment, among others.

“(…)

“One should know that many foreign countries already have “Covid-related” leave to deal with the strict strategy of testing, followed by tracing and isolation. The aim is to reduce the spread of Covid and save jobs of vulnerable workers during this economic and sanitary shock of Covid-19. “Covid-related” leave varies from country to country.” (Translation from French). 

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