english literature

Question 1

the writer takes the issue with the language used by the members of the society

Answer 1

who persist in using outdated , derogatory and insulting phrase ‘half caste’. the use of “ah rass” shows the writers tone of frustratation and anger

Question 2

imagery

Answer 2

the writer points out that a mixture of colours - either a Picasso canvas painting or black and white keys of piano can create something beautiful. He points out that people of mixed race should not be considered “half or incomplete’ but a beautiful new creations in their own right . it is metaphor also he compares art, weather and music to half caste. He also makes a sarcastic comment about the English weather being miserable - a sky full of clouds, is all of one colour is worse than half caste sky , mix of white cloud and blue sky

Question 3

the writer expresses his concern about language

Answer 3

it is shown that the language is used to control or supress some members of the society . He suggests that people need to open their minds to what the phrase ‘half caste’ connotes. He takes the phrase literally with all its implications like “Standing on one leg” , shaking hand with half-a-hand and communicating half a story

Question 4

explain yuself , i will tell yu

Answer 4

the language of the poem is a mixture of caribbean dialect and formal british conveys writers thoughts and feelings of the society “Half of mih eye”

Question 5

explain yuself and wha yu mean questions

Answer 5

repetition of commands ,questions and answers help bind the poem together.the direct speech and the imperative to point his thoughts directly to the reader and make it more challenging and conforntational

Question 6

lack of punctuation apart from dashes and obliques together with phonetic spelling

Answer 6

creates a sense of spoken voice. it makes the poem go quickly so it feels that someone is”kicking off” at you - pouring out his feelings at the reader.

Question 7

its free verse
composed of four stanzas of varying length

Answer 7

some symmetry is there with these stanzas
1st and last contain 3 lines
2nd and 3rd stanzas are fairly long

Question 8

poem does not rhyme

Answer 8

but the words do have a carribbean rhythm reinforced by the phrases like wha yu mean and de whole of …. reminds of caribbean dancing and sense of rhythm

Question 9

the structure of the poem is in sections

Answer 9

first half - writer questions the implications of other things that are mixed and
second half - questioning the implications of himself to other people