In order to answer an essay question on any poem, it is vital that you understand what it is about. This section includes:
- The poem in a nutshell
- A “translation” of the poem, section-by-section
- A commentary of each of these sections, outlining Khan’s intention and message
“pot” in a nutshell
“pot” is written by the poet Shamshad Khan, who was born in England but is of Pakistani heritage. Khan’s poem examines the way artefacts from countries around the world were brought to England during the rise of the British Empire and placed in British museums.
“pot” breakdown
Lines 1–2
“so big - they said you shouldn’t really be moved
so fragile you might break”
Translation
- These lines introduce a long-running debate about moving artefacts from the British Museum and returning them to their countries of origin
- The lines provide the reasons given by governments as to why historical artefacts cannot be returned to their original countries
Khan’s intention
- Khan introduces the idea of an artefact as a living thing
- The lines introduce a third person plural perspective by referring to “they”:
- This is suggestive of conflict between the speaker and the opposition to the return of the objects
Lines 3–4
“you could be from anywhere pot
styles have travelled just like terracotta”
Translation
- The speaker tells the pot it is easy to imagine it could be from any country in the world
- The reason for this is that global “styles” spread to Europe as a result of Imperialism
- Khan refers to “terracotta”, an ancient Earthenware originating in the East
Khan’s intention
- Khan comments on the pot’s lack of individual identity, suggesting it is the result of Colonisation
Lines 5–8
“you could almost be an english pot
but I know you’re not.
I know half of the story pot
of where you come from
of how you got here”
Translation
- The Narrator tells the pot that although it could pass for being English, the speaker knows it is from elsewhere
- The narrator feels half of the information about the pot’s journey to England is missing
Khan’s intention
- Khan implies there is a suspiciously limited amount of information regarding foreign artefacts and how they come to be in British museums
Lines 9–13
“but I need you to tell me the rest pot
tell me
did they say you were bought pot
a looter's deal done
the whole lot
sold to the gentleman in the grey hat”
Translation
- The narrator instructs the pot to tell its story, again referring vaguely to “they” as the people responsible for moving it:
- The narrator subtly asks if the people who brought the pot to England actually paid for it
- They refer to an Auction (where people can bid for objects of value):
- The “gentleman in the grey hat” represents a powerful European or British man
Khan’s intention
- Khan refers to what she sees as a dubious narrative:
- Khan makes a wry comment about the country of origin’s reimbursement for artefacts taken (suggesting this is not the case)
- Khan’s use of the word “looters” implies the artefacts were stolen
Lines 14–15
“or
did they say you were lost pot
finders are keepers you know pot”
Translation
- The narrator continues listing possible reasons why the pot has ended up in England
Khan’s intention
- Khan’s sarcasm is evident in the child-like phrase, “finders are keepers you know”
- She pokes fun at the people who took the pot from its country of origin and now believe they own it
Lines 16–18
“or
did they say they didn’t notice you pot
must have slipped onto the white sailing yacht
bound for england.”
Translation
- The narrator continues listing possible excuses for the pot’s placement in England
- The reference to a “white sailing yacht” highlights how artefacts were taken from Colonies by white people
Khan’s intention
- Khan’s list implies the excuses given are weak
- The reference to the “white” yacht alludesto race, implying the colonists were of European or British background
Lines 19–24
“someone
somewhere
will have missed you pot
gone out looking for you pot
because
someone
somewhere
made you
fingernails
pressed
snake patterned you pot
washed you pot
used you pot
loved you pot”
Translation
- The narrator believes the hand-made pot was made with care and loved by the owners
- It implies that the pot was made by traditional methods
Khan’s intention
- Khan gives a personal identity to the pot
- The description alludes to family life:
- She implies the pot meant a lot to its owners:
- This suggests British colonists took others’ personal property without their permission
Lines 25–27
“if I could shatter this glass
I would take you back myself pot.”
Translation
- The narrator speaks intimately to the pot:
- The speaker refers to breaking the glass of a museum case holding displays of artefacts
- The narrator wants to take the pot back to its original home
Khan’s intention
- The intimate address presents the narrator’s frustration that the pot is in a museum in England:
- This highlights the central issue of where this object belongs, presenting it as significant and emotive
Lines 28–29
“you think they wouldn’t recognise you pot
say diaspora
you left now
you’re not really one of us.”
Translation
- The narrator questions whether the pot would be welcomed back to its original home:
- The reference to “diaspora” links the pot to displaced people who spread out across the world having left their homelands
Khan’s intention
- Khan raises ideas about displacement and Migration resulting from colonialism
Lines 30–38
“pot I’ve been back to where my family’s from
they were happy
to see me
laughed a lot
said I was more asian than the asians pot
I was pot
imagine.
the hot sun on your back
feel flies settle on your skin
warm grain poured inside”
Translation
- The narrator remembers how they were welcomed home after being away:
- They describe a close bond with their heritage, despite living elsewhere
- They ask the pot to imagine their homeland and how it would feel
Khan’s intention
- Khan comments on the significance of expressing cultural identity
- Khan uses sensory imagery, such as “hot sun on your back”, to present the emotional connection with home
Lines 39–41
“empty pot
growl if you can hear me
pot?
pot?"
Translation
- The narrator is frustrated the pot does not reply
- The poem ends with them asking the pot to answer
Khan’s intention
- The poem ends with unresolved and unanswered questions
- Khan’s poem suggests foreign artefacts remain away from their homeland