20 Most Important Points of the Poems of Flamingo will answer all your questions of HBSE and all other boards in India in the poetry section of the question paper for Class 12 English 2023–24.
1. MY MOTHER AT SIXTY-SIX Kamala Das
2. KEEPING QUIET Pablo Neruda
3. A THING OF BEAUTY John Keats
4. A ROADSIDE STAND Robert Frost
5. AUNT JENNIFER’S TIGERS Adrienne Rich
Main Points of the Poem, My Mother at Sixty-six
- Kamla Das is known for her bold and open expression in poetry.
- The main features of her poetry include an acute obsession with love and the use of confession.
- The themes of her poetry revolve around freedom, love, the apathy of age, and protection.
- “My Mother at Sixty-six” explores the poetess’s reflection on old age, using her mother as a central figure.
- The poem depicts the natural process of ageing and the inevitability of everyone becoming old.
- Kamla Das describes the common symptoms and gestures of old age that all human beings experience.
- In the poem, the poetess observes her mother’s face, describing it as “doze, open-mouthed, her face ashen like that of a corpse.”
- These descriptions serve as symbols of the old age that everyone has to face at some point in life.
- Old age is portrayed as a reality that people often try to avoid or fear.
- The poetess turns her attention to the “Young Trees,” symbolising the merry and carefree nature of youth.
- The comparison between old age and young age highlights the universal human dilemma of fearing ageing.
- Kamla Das compares her mother’s face to “winter’s moon,” suggesting that things change in old age, much like the dimness of a winter moon compared to summer.
- The poem concludes with an exploration of the fear of losing parents and the strong attachment between a mother and a daughter.
- The theme of bonding between a mother and a daughter is the central concern of the poetess.
- The fear of separation from the mother is a significant aspect of the poem.
- The phrase “doze, open-mouthed, her face ashen like that of a corpse” signifies the signs of old age.
- “Young trees sprinting, the merry children spilling out of their homes” contrasts the signs of young age with old age.
- The words “wan, pale as a late winter’s moon, and felt that old familiar ache, my childhood’s fear” further address the aspects of old age.
- The phrase “see you soon, Amma; all I did was smile and smile and smile…” reflects the poetess’s attempt to connect with her childhood through a smile.
- Overall, the poem explores the universal themes of ageing, fear, and the enduring bond between a mother and a daughter.
Read the above lines and answer the following questions:
1. What is the kind of pain and ache that the poet feels?
The poet feels a deep emotional ache, reminiscing about the signs of old age observed in her mother, portraying the pain associated with the inevitable passage of time.
2. Why are the young trees described as ‘sprinting’?
The young trees are described as ‘sprinting’ to symbolize the lively and carefree nature of youth, contrasting with the slower pace of old age.
3. Why has the poet brought in the image of the merry children ‘spilling out of their homes’?
The image of merry children ‘spilling out of their homes’ highlights the vitality and exuberance of youth, serving as a contrast to the somber theme of aging in the poem.
4. Why has the mother been compared to the ‘late winter’s moon’?
The comparison of the mother to the ‘late winter’s moon’ signifies the changing brightness, symbolizing the transformative nature of old age and the fading vibrancy compared to youth.
5. What do the parting words of the poet and her smile signify?
The parting words of the poet, “see you soon, Amma,” and her continuous smile signify an attempt to connect with her childhood and the enduring bond between a mother and a daughter, attempting to dispel the fear of separation.
Explain the Theme of MY MOTHER AT SIXTY-SIX Kamala Das
The poem “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamla Das delves into the universal themes of aging, fear, and the enduring bond between a mother and a daughter. The poet vividly describes her mother’s aging face, employing poignant symbols of old age. The comparison between the ‘winter’s moon’ and the ‘young trees’ emphasizes the inevitable transformation that time brings. The poem reflects on the deep emotional ache associated with aging and separation. Ultimately, it explores the profound connection between the poet and her mother, highlighting the fear of losing a loved one and the timeless bond that persists through the changing seasons of life.
Main Points of the Poem, Keeping Quiet
- Introduction of Pablo Neruda:
- Pablo Neruda, born Neftali Ricardo Reyes in 1894 in Parral, Chile.
- Awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971.
- Known for poems with vivid images.
- Poem Theme – Keeping Quiet:
- Urges readers to maintain silence to foster mutual understanding.
- Proposes counting to twelve, ceasing all actions for a moment.
- Aim is to connect with Earth and promote unity among humans.
- Benefits of Silence:
- Silence for a second brings a halt to activities worldwide.
- No noise pollution from engines and machines during this pause.
- Highlights the impact on various occupations, like fishermen sparing whales.
- Environmental Reflection:
- Stresses the importance of silence in curbing environmental harm.
- Salt workers get a moment to inspect their hands, emphasizing the impact on individuals.
- Call for Unity:
- Pleads for an end to “green wars,” urging collaboration.
- Emphasizes silence for introspection, not total inactivity.
- Happiness and Connection:
- Links silence to happiness and a sense of attachment.
- Suggests that quietness can alleviate sadness and anxiety.
- Understanding Each Other:
- Silence serves as a means to understand and connect with one another.
- Aims to create an understandable world through introspection.
- Global Impact:
- Envisions a world where everyone takes a moment to reflect.
- The quietness creates a universal brotherhood and understanding.
- Protecting the Earth:
- Encourages the idea of protecting the Earth for future generations.
- Calls for reflection on desires and respect for all of humanity.
- Esoteric Moment:
- Describes the silent moment as an “exotic moment” with no rush or noise.
- Highlights the rarity and significance of such stillness.
- Role of Fishermen:
- Illustrates how the pause in actions benefits even fishermen.
- Reinforces the idea that the entire world can benefit from a moment of quiet.
- Salt Workers’ Perspective:
- Salt workers symbolize individuals engaged in manual labor.
- Their moment of inspection emphasizes the personal impact of stillness.
- Appeal to Green Warriors:
- Calls on those involved in environmental battles to cease and collaborate.
- Emphasizes collective efforts for a better world.
- Not Inactivity but Reflection:
- Distinguishes the call for silence from complete inactivity.
- Encourages introspection and self-reflection during the silent moment.
- Creating an Understandable World:
- Central idea is to create a world where people understand and empathize.
- Silence is the key to building bridges between individuals.
- Connection with Earth:
- Poet emphasizes connecting with the Earth during the silent pause.
- Suggests a deeper connection with nature and our surroundings.
- Stewards of the Earth:
- Reflects on the responsibility of humanity as stewards of the Earth.
- Urges collective efforts to ensure the Earth’s stability.
- Realization of Importance:
- Stillness provides a moment of realization about the importance of silence.
- Encourages readers to appreciate the value of quiet introspection.
- Reflection on Desires:
- Silent contemplation prompts reflection on personal desires.
- Implies that understanding one’s desires leads to a more harmonious world.
- Universal Brotherhood:
- Envisions a world where the act of keeping quiet creates a universal brotherhood.
- Silence becomes a tool for fostering empathy and unity globally.
1. What will counting upto twelve and keeping still help us achieve?
2. Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death?
3. What is the ‘sadness’ that the poet refers to in the poem?
4. What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there
can be life under apparent stillness?
20 Main Points of the Poem, A Thing of Beauty
- John Keats – Romantic Poet:
- English Romantic poet born on October 31, 1795, and passed away on February 23, 1821.
- Initially not appreciated during his lifetime; gained fame posthumously.
- Belonged to the second generation of Romantic poets, alongside Byron and Shelley.
- Influence and Recognition:
- Recognized as one of the most beloved English poets by the end of the 19th century.
- Influential on a diverse range of poets and writers.
- Sensuous Language in Keats’ Poetry:
- Central characteristic of Keats’ poetry is the use of sensuous language.
- Notable for vivid imagery and sensory appeal.
- Major Odes by Keats:
- Famous odes include “Ode to Nightingale,” “Ode to Autumn,” and “Ode to Melancholy.”
- All his great odes exhibit a sensuous appeal.
- A Thing of Beauty – Part of “Endymion”:
- “A Thing of Beauty” is a segment of Keats’ poem “Endymion: A Poetic Romance.”
- Based on the Greek legend of Endymion, a shepherd who seeks the moon Goddess, Cynthia.
- Poem’s Main Idea:
- The poem’s central idea revolves around the phrase “A Thing of Beauty.”
- Beauty is eternal, always increasing in attraction.
- Joy in Beautiful Things:
- Keats declares, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”
- Beautiful things bring perpetual joy, never fading into nothingness.
- Positive Attributes of Beauty:
- The poet uses positive words like joy, loveliness, beauty, bliss, quiet, sleep, and sweet dreams.
- Emphasizes the positivity associated with beautiful things.
- Negative Neutralization:
- Beautiful things have the power to eliminate negativity.
- Negative words like “despondence,” “gloomy days,” and “dark spirits” can be countered by beautiful things.
- Relaxing Influence:
- Beautiful things act as a “bower,” providing shade and relaxation, especially in summer.
- Symbolizes a place of calm and relief.
- Stress Reduction:
- Beautiful things help decrease stress and anxiety.
- Positivity counteracts negative elements in our lives.
- Symbolism of Nature:
- Keats, a Romantic poet, focuses on natural beauty.
- Uses symbols of the sun, moon, trees, and shady boon to convey positive aspects.
- Spirituality in Beauty:
- Introduces spirituality through the comparison of “sheep” with human beings.
- Describes a green world where beauty remains life, akin to nature’s beauty.
- Fountains of Immortal Drink:
- Beautiful things are likened to fountains of immortal drink.
- Drinking from this source promises a heavenly experience.
- Comparison with Daffodils:
- Sheep and daffodils exist in a green world, contrasting with the harsh hot season.
- Highlights the enduring beauty of the green world.
- Nature’s Immortal Beauty:
- Nature’s beauty, depicted through greenery, remains immortal.
- The beauty of nature is synonymous with life.
- Heavenly Blessings:
- The “immortal drink” from beautiful things leads to heavenly blessings.
- Beauty becomes a pathway to divine experiences.
- Symbolic Meaning of Sheep:
- Endymion, a shepherd, introduces spirituality through sheep.
- Sheep and daffodils symbolize a world where beauty triumphs over death.
- Immortality in Beauty:
- The beauty of beautiful things holds a timeless quality.
- It is described as an enduring joy, immortal and perpetual.
- Conclusion – Eternal Joy in Beauty:
- Keats concludes that a thing of beauty is indeed a joy forever.
- Summarizes the everlasting and uplifting nature of beauty in human experience.
Answer the following Questions of A Thing of Beauty
1. List the things of beauty mentioned in the poem.
2. List the things that cause suffering and pain.
3. What does the line, ‘Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band
to bind us to earth’ suggest to you?
4. What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and
sufferings?
5. Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’?
6. Do we experience things of beauty only for short moments or do
they make a lasting impression on us?
7. What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty
of the earth?
- List of Things of Beauty:
- Beautiful flowers
- Lovely moments in life
- The greenery and beauty of the earth
- Sun, moon, trees, and shady boon
- Fair musk-rose blooms
- Daffodils
- Fountains of immortal drink
- Heavenly blessings
- List of Things Causing Suffering and Pain:
- Despondence
- Gloomy days
- Dark spirits
- Inhuman dearth
- Interpretation of ‘Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth’:
- The line suggests that creating a flowery band is a way to connect with the beauty of the earth and find solace in it. It implies that embracing the beauty around us binds us to life on earth.
- Reasons Human Beings Love Life Despite Troubles:
- The perpetual joy derived from things of beauty
- The positive and stress-reducing influence of beautiful elements
- The enduring and immortal nature of beauty
- The connection with nature and its relaxing influence
- Association of ‘Grandeur’ with the ‘Mighty Dead’:
- “Grandeur” is associated with the “mighty dead” as a tribute to the greatness and enduring impact of those who have passed away. Their legacy and contributions stand as grand and powerful.
- Duration of Experience with Things of Beauty:
- The poem suggests that the experience of things of beauty is not fleeting but has a lasting impression. The joy and positivity derived from beautiful things are described as perpetual and immortal.
- Image Used to Describe the Beautiful Bounty of the Earth:
- The poet uses the image of “fair musk-rose blooms” to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth. This image symbolizes the delicate and pleasant aspects of nature’s beauty.
These answers are based on the provided lines from the poem “A Thing of Beauty” by John Keats.
20 Main Points of the Poem, A Roadside Stand
- Robert Frost – Modern Era Poet:
- Born in 1874 and passed away in 1963.
- Prominent figure of the modern era of poets.
- Highly admired American poet of the twentieth century.
- Themes in Frost’s Poetry:
- Frost’s poetry delves into characters, people, and landscapes.
- Explores human tragedies, fears, and complexities of life.
- Notable Poems by Robert Frost:
- Famous works include “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening,” “Birches,” and “Mending Walls.”
- Known for addressing human struggles with clarity and compassion.
- A Roadside Stand – Poem Overview:
- Discusses human apathy and complexities of poor people.
- Sheds light on the struggles of roadside stand dwellers.
- Synopsis of A Roadside Stand:
- The poem portrays the deplorable circumstances of poor people operating roadside stands.
- These stands lack basic amenities, and the city people ignore them.
- The dwellers expect some money from the passing traffic but often face indifference.
- City People’s Indifference:
- Passersby in polished cars show indifference towards the roadside stands.
- City dwellers don’t care about the products or the struggles of the booth owners.
- Struggles of Roadside Stand Dwellers:
- Small farmers sell wild berries and homemade goods.
- They hope for a small share of city money to support their families.
- Unfulfilled Promises:
- Politicians promise development, but the assurances are never kept.
- The stand owners wait all day for passing vehicles, praying for business, but often in vain.
- Helplessness and Pity:
- The poet feels pity for the roadside dwellers but acknowledges his helplessness.
- Booth owners wait in open prayer, hoping for customers, but face disappointment.
- Indifferent Attitude of Passersby:
- Rich motorists pass by without looking at the stand.
- The dwellers stand in almost open prayer, hoping for attention and sales.
- Unnoticed Stand:
- Passersby turn vehicles without even noticing the stand’s products.
- The indifference of the city people remains a recurring theme in the poem.
- Expectations and Reality:
- The booth owners expect the sound of brakes but often hear them passing by.
- People inquire about directions or ask for gas, rarely showing interest in the goods.
- Disappointment and Longing:
- The poet expresses the disappointment of the dwellers as their stands go unnoticed.
- Longing for a successful sale is depicted through the stand owner’s waiting.
- Politicians’ Empty Promises:
- Politicians promise to open shops for farmers in developed areas.
- The poem suggests that these assurances are never translated into reality.
- One Stroke Solution:
- The poet contemplates a one-stroke solution to end the pain of the roadside dwellers.
- Reflects the wish for a permanent resolution to their struggles.
- City’s Greed and Villagers’ Plight:
- City people are portrayed as greedy, exploiting the villagers who become their prey.
- The villagers complain, but there is no solution to their problems.
- Futility of Longing:
- The poet contemplates the futility of the childlike longing for something unattainable.
- Expresses the sadness lurking near the open window of the stand.
- Lament for Unnoticed Beauty:
- The squeal of brakes and sound of a stopping car signify people turning away without making a purchase.
- The voice of the country seems to complain about the unnoticed beauty of the stand.
- Pity for the Dwellers:
- The poet admits his inability to bear the farmers’ pain.
- Describes the childlike longing as something that will remain unfulfilled.
- Wish for an End to Farmers’ Pain:
- The poet wishes for a great relief, hoping to put the people out of their pain at once.
- The longing for a solution to the farmers’ struggles is expressed poignantly.
1. The city folk who drove through the countryside hardly paid
any heed to the roadside stand or to the people who ran it. If at
all they did, it was to complain. Which lines bring this out? What
was their complaint about?
2. What was the plea of the folk who had put up the roadside stand?
3. The government and other social service agencies appear to help
the poor rural people, but actually do them no good. Pick out the
words and phrases that the poet uses to show their double
standards.
4. What is the ‘childish longing’ that the poet refers to? Why is it
‘vain’?
5. Which lines tell us about the insufferable pain that the poet
feels at the thought of the plight of the rural poor?
- City Folk’s Indifference and Complaint:
- Lines depicting the city folk’s indifference: “the polished traffic passed with a mind ahead.”
- Complaint: The city folk complained about the stand being pathetically pled and the poor condition of the shed.
- Plea of the Roadside Stand Folk:
- Their plea was for some money, a small share of the city’s wealth, to sustain their livelihoods.
- Double Standards of Government and Social Service Agencies:
- Words and Phrases Indicating Double Standards:
- “Politicians’ promise to open shops for farmers in developed areas.”
- “Assurances never kept.”
- “City people are greedy, and farmers are their prey.”
- The poem highlights the unfulfilled promises and exploitation of the rural poor by those in power.
- Words and Phrases Indicating Double Standards:
- Childish Longing and Its Vainness:
- The “childish longing” refers to the stand owner’s longing for successful sales.
- It is “vain” as it remains unfulfilled, symbolizing the futility of hoping for a better outcome.
- Lines Depicting the Poet’s Insufferable Pain:
- Lines expressing the poet’s pain: “I can’t help owning the great relief it would be / To put these people at one stroke out of their pain.”
- The poet’s pain is triggered by the awareness of the struggles and unfulfilled longings of the rural poor.
These responses are based on the provided lines from the poem “A Roadside Stand” by Robert Frost.
20 Main Points of the Poem, Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
- Prance:
- Definition: Jump, dance.
- Context: The tigers in Aunt Jennifer’s embroidery prance, symbolizing their lively and free-spirited nature.
- Screen:
- Definition: A symbol of life where the picture goes on.
- Context: The embroidery screen becomes a canvas for Aunt Jennifer to express herself and portray the tigers.
- Topaz:
- Definition: A symbol of cooling or soothing, as well as happiness.
- Context: The topaz eyes of the tigers in the embroidery convey a sense of calmness and happiness.
- World of Green:
- Definition: A symbol of cooling or soothing, happiness.
- Context: The green background in the embroidery represents a world of tranquility and joy.
- Fearless Young Tiger:
- Context: The young tiger in Aunt Jennifer’s embroidery doesn’t fear the men beneath the tree, symbolizing strength and courage.
- Chivalric Certainty:
- Definition: Moving in style like knights who are brave and courageous.
- Context: The tigers move with sleek chivalric certainty, portraying a sense of bravery and style.
- Fingers Fluttered through Wool:
- Context: Aunt Jennifer’s skilled fingers move through the wool as she works on her embroidery, indicating her expertise.
- Unable to Pull Needle through Screen:
- Context: Due to her age, Aunt Jennifer struggles to pull the needle through the embroidery screen, signifying the challenges of aging.
- Massive Weight of Uncle’s Wedding Band:
- Context: The burden and responsibilities of marriage are compared to the massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band.
- Sits Heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s Hand:
- Context: Marriage responsibilities have made Aunt Jennifer old and weak, and the weight of these responsibilities is felt on her hand.
- Terrified Hands After Death:
- Context: Even after death, Aunt Jennifer’s hands will lie terrified, suggesting that the problems and ordeals of her married life linger.
- Haunted by Ordeals:
- Context: Aunt Jennifer is haunted by the ordeals she endured in her married life, indicating the lasting impact of her struggles.
- Tigers in the Panel:
- Context: The tigers in the embroidery panel represent Aunt Jennifer’s independent spirit, free from control even after her death.
- Independent Soul After Death:
- Context: After Aunt Jennifer’s death, the tigers in her creation will prance independently, symbolizing her liberated and unafraid spirit.
- Poet’s Description of Married Life:
- Context: The poetess portrays Aunt Jennifer as a slave to her uncle, describing the ordeals faced by every woman in a married life.
- Aunt Jennifer’s Ideology:
- Context: Adrienne Rich’s poem addresses the pressure and struggles faced by married women, emphasizing feminist elements.
- Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers Symbolism:
- Context: The tigers in Aunt Jennifer’s embroidery symbolize power, independence, and a leap into a life of struggles and sacrifices.
- Timeless Art:
- Context: Aunt Jennifer’s art, represented by the tiger embroidery, is described as timeless, suggesting that artistic expression transcends age.
- Continued Hardships and Responsibilities:
- Context: The poetess contends that married women, like Aunt Jennifer, endure a life of continuous hardships and responsibilities.
- Art as a Timeless Expression:
- Context: Aunt Jennifer’s creation, the embroidered wall hanging, becomes an everlasting expression of art, reinforcing the idea that art remains young even as the artist ages.
1. How do ‘denizens’ and ‘chivalric’ add to our understanding of
the tiger’s attitudes?
- ‘Denizens’ and ‘Chivalric’ in Understanding Tiger’s Attitudes:
- ‘Denizens’ conveys the tigers’ belonging to a particular place, emphasizing their dominance.
- ‘Chivalric’ suggests the tigers’ attitudes are akin to knights, portraying bravery and courage in their movements.
2. Why do you think Aunt Jennifer’s hands are ‘fluttering through
her wool’ in the second stanza? Why is she finding the needle so
hard to pull?
- Aunt Jennifer’s Fluttering Hands and Difficulty with Needle:
- Her fluttering hands indicate nervousness and anxiety, possibly due to the oppressive marriage.
- Difficulty with the needle symbolizes the challenges of breaking free from marital constraints in her old age.
3. What is suggested by the image ‘massive weight of Uncle’s
wedding band’?
- Image of ‘Massive Weight of Uncle’s Wedding Band’:
- Symbolizes the heavy burden of marriage responsibilities.
- Represents the weight that Aunt Jennifer carries, affecting her freedom and individuality.
4. Of what or of whom is Aunt Jennifer terrified with in the third
stanza?
- Aunt Jennifer’s Terror in the Third Stanza:
- She is terrified by the prospect of her life’s struggles continuing even after death.
- The fear reflects the lasting impact of her marriage and the inability to escape its influence.
5. What are the ‘ordeals’ Aunt Jennifer is surrounded by, why is it
significant that the poet uses the word ‘ringed’? What are the
meanings of the word ‘ringed’ in the poem?
- Ordeals, ‘Ringed,’ and Meanings:
- ‘Ordeals’ refer to the struggles and difficulties faced in marriage.
- ‘Ringed’ signifies being encircled or trapped in the cycle of marital challenges.
- The word holds meanings of confinement and restriction, emphasizing Aunt Jennifer’s plight.
6. Why do you think Aunt Jennifer created animals that are so
different from her own character? What might the poet be
suggesting, through this difference?
- Difference in Aunt Jennifer’s Creation and Character:
- Creating bold and free-spirited tigers suggests a subconscious desire for freedom.
- The difference may indicate an inner longing for a life unrestrained by societal expectations and marital bonds.
7. Interpret the symbols found in this poem.
- Symbols in the Poem:
- Tigers symbolize power, courage, and an independent spirit.
- The wedding band symbolizes the burdens of marriage.
- Wool and needle symbolize the traditional roles imposed on women.
8. Do you sympathise with Aunt Jennifer. What is the attitude of
the speaker towards Aunt Jennifer?
- Sympathy for Aunt Jennifer and the Speaker’s Attitude:
- Sympathy is evoked for Aunt Jennifer, trapped in a marriage that stifles her.
- The speaker’s attitude is compassionate, acknowledging the challenges faced by married women, and supporting Aunt Jennifer’s artistic expression as a form of resistance.
These responses are based on the provided points from the poem “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” by Adrienne Rich.
20 Most Important Points of the Poems of Flamingo PDF
Tags of Poetry Class 12 English
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- #PabloNeruda
- #Silence
- #Understanding
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- #AThingOfBeauty
- #JohnKeats
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- #RomanticEra
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- #AestheticAppreciation
- #AestheticBeauty
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- #ARoadsideStand
- #RobertFrost
- #SocialInjustice
- #FarmerStruggles
- #Indifference
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- #FeminismInPoetry
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