Milosz once wrote of the "immorality" of writing poetry when confronted with some great horror in life (such as the German occupation of Warsaw). What do you think he meant by this? Does poetry have an important role to play in society? What might that role be?

Research what is meant by "survivor guilt," a sentiment that is found in a number of Milosz's wartime poems. What effect does survivor guilt have on people's lives? What might be the best way to deal with it?

Why did Milosz call his poem "Song of a Citizen?" Explain your answer. In addition, think of alternate titles for the poem and explain why you think these titles would fit the poem.

Why is the image of the "tall mounds of termites" appropriate to the poem? What might it signify? (Do some research on termites on...