The Walls Referred to in the Poem "An Elementary School in a Slum"

The poem "An Elementary School in a Slum" by Stephen Spender reflects on the harsh realities faced by children living in poverty and attending a dilapidated school. The poet uses the metaphor of the school walls to symbolize the barriers and limitations that these children face in their lives.

The First Set of Walls: The Physical Walls of the School
The first set of walls referred to in the poem are the physical walls of the elementary school. The poet describes these walls as "cracked and mouldy," highlighting their deteriorated condition. These walls represent the physical environment in which the children are forced to learn, emphasizing the lack of proper infrastructure and resources in the school.

The Second Set of Walls: The Walls of Poverty
Beyond the physical walls of the school, the poet also refers to the walls of poverty that surround the children. He mentions that the children come from slums, where they face numerous challenges related to poverty, such as hunger and lack of basic necessities. These walls of poverty act as barriers that hinder the children's ability to learn and achieve their full potential.

The Third Set of Walls: The Walls of Ignorance
In addition to the physical and economic barriers, the poet also highlights the walls of ignorance that confine the children's minds. He observes that the children are unaware of their own potential and the opportunities that lie beyond their immediate surroundings. The walls of ignorance prevent them from realizing their dreams and aspirations, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities.

The Fourth Set of Walls: The Walls of Inequality
The final set of walls referred to in the poem are the walls of inequality. The poet comments on the stark contrast between the children's lives and the lives of privileged children who attend well-equipped schools. These walls of inequality symbolize the social barriers that prevent the children from escaping poverty and accessing quality education. They represent the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities in society.

In Conclusion
Through the metaphor of the school walls, the poem "An Elementary School in a Slum" sheds light on the various barriers and limitations that children living in poverty face. It emphasizes the urgent need to break down these walls and provide equal educational opportunities for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background.