The Lost Word By Esther Morgan 

An introductory idea in easy to understand language

The poem "The Lost Word" composed by Esther Morgan is an expression of the situation when an individual becomes confused forgetting a word. Undoubtedly forgetfulness is universal. To forget things like hanky, purse, umbrella, etc are common in daily life. But to forget a word sounds strange. The poet has drawn an authentic picture of facing the difficulty of choosing the right word to complete a sentence. 

In the poem, the lost word refers to a word that the woman has forgotten and cannot use. The fact has been proved in the following ways: -

Perplexion of woman

The poem begins with the confusion of a woman who has been searching for a word, she has lost. She is searching for the lost word in every place which are hidden or where we keep garbages. Hidden places refer to places that do not require our daily attention. She makes every effort to recall the word. She even folds over the carpet but she fails to remember the two-letter word.

Nature and importance of word

The woman makes efforts to find out the lost word, but she does not find out. Although the word is of two letters her efforts to find out it proves the importance of the word. She needs it for use either to write or to speak.

Following Words Of Others 

According to the poet, when the woman tries to remember the word she has lost, she is unable to do so because she has been using someone else language. Obedience in the language is the main reason that she is unable to recall a two-letter word of her own mother tongue. She says what others want her to say in reply

In spite of several efforts and exertion of pressure on her brain to recall it, she fails. 

Conclusion

• Loss of the word as loss of voice

Concluding the fact in the poem, one can guess that the word she is looking for that gives her an identity.

Words like “me”, “am”, “no”, assert one’s individuality. So the lost word that she is looking for may be one of these words.

Is she looking for the word “No”? One can guess it because the ability to say “no” gives a sense of freedom. In men dominated traditional societies females do not dare to say “no”. It may be challenging for her to use it so she has forgotten.

To regain her voice and identity the lady is searching for the lost word.

• Lose Independent Identity

Words like ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ give a sense of independence. In daily life parents use these words to control their children.

Saying “Yes” or “No” makes one feel free to express our words with authority. It seems that "She" is referred to  a woman without much authority in the poem.

So being quiet she is looking for the lost word under carpet to hide the fact.

 Even the end of the poem is abrupt and unsatisfactory. It fails to give any definite clue of the lost word. It seems that the woman will never remember that word. 

Explanation stanza by stanza of the poem 

Stanza-I

She’s lost a word
and searches for it everywhere –
behind the sofa, at the back
of dusty cupboards and drawers.
She picks through the buzzing rubbish sacks.

Explanation-

 

Stanza-II

Under the carpet, she finds lots of others
she’d forgotten she’d swept there,
but not the one she’s looking for.
The trouble is it’s small – only two letters –
though no less valuable for that.

Explanation-

 

Stanza-III

She stands racking her brains
for the last time, she used it
but all that comes to mind
are failed attempts
when her mouth was full
of someone else’s tongue.

Explanation-

Central Idea Of The Poem

Critical Analysis Of The Poem

Questions Asked In Previous Year Examination -Delhi University (SOL)

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