English literature Poems

Question 1

What does the title ‘Half- Caste’ imply?

Answer 1

The repetition of ‘Half’ implies incompleteness within the person. ‘Caste’ implies a racial hierarchy as this is a derogatory term for mixed-race people.

Question 2

What does the direct address of “Excuse me” suggest? (Half - Caste)

Answer 2

This direct address engages the reader and directly challenges bigots. Therefore the poem is confrontational. Agard implies that the issue lies with the bigots who use this term and not with him.

Question 3

Why did Agard use the Analogy “Yu mean when picasso?” (HALF - CASTE)

Answer 3

He uses this analogy as a humorous metaphor to emphasise the beauty of mixing colours. What the reader learns is that he is unapologetic for being mixed-race and he thinks it’s beautiful to mix races. Furthermore the humorous metaphor how ridiculous it is to view someone who is mixed race, as less than whole.

Question 4

What does the title ‘Prayer before birth’ insinuate?

Answer 4

Prayer = sense of desperation and fear , Before Birth = from the perspective of an unborn child

Question 5

What do the imperatives ‘O hear me’ , ‘Console me’ etc suggest? (PBB)

Answer 5

The imperatives suggest that the foetus is commanding God to help them, creating a sense of desperation.

Question 6

What does the metaphor ‘White light’ suggest? (PBB)

Answer 6

The white light could possibly be a metaphor for wisdom or God. As this is a prayer written in 1944 during the Second World War, this metaphor implies that the unborn child needs the hope and guidance that God provides during such a chaotic and terrifying time.

Question 7

What does the alliteration and assonance ‘Grass to grow for me’ imply? (PBB)

Answer 7

This image of nature highlights that this is what the foetus needs in consideration of the fact that this poem was written in 1944 during the world war 2, a time when the natural world was being destroyed by bombs and so on. Furthermore, this perceives the image that they are aware of the things they need being taken away from them through acts of war.

Question 8

What does the imperative “Forgive me” highlight? (PBB)

Answer 8

This imperative creates a great sense of loss of control as before the foetus is even born, it is asking for forgiveness for the sins that it will inevitably commit, creating an Image of hopelessness. To delve into the matter, Macneice is using this poem to criticise society as he is trying to show the readers how it is impossible to be nice when your born into this sinful and corrupt world.

Question 9

What does the extended metaphor “I must play” showcase? (PBB)

Answer 9

Showcases that in society there is a loss of free will and the modal verbs encapsulates the lack of freedom individuals have as they are expected to play along with the role that they are expected to fulfil, and cannot be themselves.

Question 10

What does the metaphor “Who is beast” suggest about Macneice’s views? (PBB)

Answer 10

This metaphor suggests that Macneice is critical of fascist leaders such as Adolf Hitler due to the fact that this poem was written in 1944 and the author is questioning why Hitler thinks he can decide who lives or dies. However, it could also be interpreted that this is based on the modern reader who in their actions are doing terrible things such as deciding the fate of others and acting as if they are God.

Question 11

What does the metaphor of the machine “dragoon me into a lethal automation “ suggest? (PBB)

Answer 11

This metaphor blatantly depicts the unborn child’s fear of being dehumanised and one could argue that this is linked to soldiers. The foetus could be scared that they will just be turned into a weapon that is used in times of war and viewed as government, not their own human being.

Question 12

What effect does the repetition of “a thing” have? (PBB)

Answer 12

The repetition reinforces this fear to lose their humanity. The foetus believes that they will no longer be a person but will just be considered a thing, dispensable and easily manipulated.

Question 13

What Is the short sentence “Otherwise kill me” significant? (PBB)

Answer 13

Creates an abrupt end to the poem which makes the reader self reflect and feel sympathy for the foetus as it hasn’t even been born yet would rather die than be apart of this corrupt society. It also alludes to the complete lack of hope the foetus has for its future.

Question 14

Structure : what kind of poem is this and what does it suggest? (PBB)

Answer 14

This is a dramatic monologue and it is a free verse poem. The irregularity of the lines may reflect the seemingly irregularity of the world the foetus is going to enter into. He sees it as unnatural as human beings are hurting one another.

Question 15

What themes does this poem have? (PBB)

Answer 15

Anguish , fascism , humanity and manipulation.

Question 16

Who is the author of the poem ‘Hide and Seek?’

Answer 16

Vernon Scannell

Question 17

What is the effect of the title ‘Hide and seek’

Answer 17

Instantly makes the reader think about childhood and the innocence connected to that time.

Question 18

In hide and seek, what is the effect of the exclamation marks “I’m ready!”

Answer 18

The exclamation marks make it clear that the persona, who in this poem is the child playing hide and seek, is full of enthusiasm and is really excited about playing this game. Furthermore, it may make the reader reminisce their own memories or experiences of playing this game.

Question 19

In hide and seek what’s the effect of the sibilance “sacks in the tool shed smell like the seaside.”

Answer 19

It creates an olfactory image of the seaside. It could be interpreted that the seaside links with childhood and may remind the readers of a time of when they were younger.

Question 20

In hide and seek, what’s the effect of the modal verb “never” and the internal dialogue “you”

Answer 20

The child is talking to himself which one could argue that the use of the second person “ you” helps create that sense of isolation, which you experience when your playing the game hide and seek. This replicates the experience that we have all had. Despite the isolation, the modal verb depicts the child as highly confident that they will not be found. They believe that they are an expert in this game and can therefore outwit their friends.

Question 21

What tone is at the start of the poem hide and seek?

Answer 21

Enthusiastic and positive tone at the start.

Question 22

In hide and seek, what’s device is “the floor is cold.” And why is it significant?

Answer 22

A short sentence which highlights the discomfort of what they are doing. The short sentence mirrors the stillness of how they have to be in order to make sure they are not caught. The adjective cold is quite negative which also increases the tension and creates a sense of vulnerability for the child.

Question 23

In hide and seek, why does the author keep the friends nameless?

Answer 23

The friends being nameless makes them seem more sinister and threatening. If they were given names the readers may be less fearful, so the fact that they don’t also builds tension in the poem.

Question 24

What device is “prowling” and why is it significant?

Answer 24

-Verb
Describes the friends as if they are almost predatory, which makes the child who is hiding seem even more vulnerable. However at this point the child does not feel scared because of their positive tone at the start, showcasing their naivety.

Question 25

In hide and seek what device is “whispering” and why is it significant?

Answer 25

- Verb Creates the image of the other children plotting against this child, reinforcing the sense of isolation.

Question 26

In hide and seek, what device is “heard them sound so hushed” and what is its significance?

Answer 26

- Alliteration Mirrors the child’s breathing as they get more conscious of their breathing since the other kids have started to get closer to them.

Question 27

What is the device “stumbles, mutters” and what is its significance ? - Hide and seek

Answer 27

Assonance which reflects the struggle of the group of children trying to find the child hiding.

Question 28

In hide and seek, what specific quote shows the positive tone in this poem?

Answer 28

“They must be thinking that you’re very clever” - The persona can imagine their friends saying that they are so smart as they haven’t found them yet.

Question 29

In hide and seek, what device is “the cold bites through your coat;” and its significance?

Answer 29

The cold is personified as if it’s biting through their coat showcasing a growing sense of discomfort, which continues to build tension. The readers are wondering what is going to happen to this poor child.

Question 30

In hide and seek, up until which point is the tone still positive?

Answer 30

Up until “Come and own up I’ve caught you!” The tone is still positive which the exclamations portray the child’s excitement and certainty of their win. Even though the readers have seen the build of tension, the persona has been confident up until this point.

Question 31

In hide and seek - significance of the quote “darkening.”

Answer 31

Sudden change in tone. - verb which builds up tension and increases the sense of isolation.

Question 32

Significance of the personification “watches”

Answer 32

Creates a sense of vulnerability as the environment is depicted as threatening towards the persona.

Question 33

In hide and seek - significance of “Nothing Stirs.”

Answer 33

Short sentence emphasises the stillness within this moment and highlights the eerie atmosphere.

Question 34

In hide and seek, what is the significance of the personification “bushes hold their breath” ?

Answer 34

Creates the image that the bushes are waiting for something bad to happen as they hold their breath. Also creates an ominous feeling.

Question 35

In hide and seek what’s the significance of the last line?

Answer 35

Final question offers a contrast to the previous assured tone to now being left unanswered, emphasising the child’s loneliness.

Question 36

3 Structure points on hide and seek

Answer 36

- the inconsistency of the rhyme scheme symbolises the uncertainty they feel at the end as well as the game itself as you never know when you are going to be found. - there is one stanza to show that there is one moment of increasing tension. - the Volta of the poem is “the darkening garden” as the persona realises that they are on their own and have been neglected.

Question 37

In the title of My Last Duchess, what does “my” suggest?

Answer 37

The possessive pronoun “My” could suggest that the Duke is a possessive character.

Question 38

In the title of My last duchess, what does ‘Last’ convey?

Answer 38

The adjective “last” showcases how this is an ambiguous title and makes the reader wonder what Robert Browning mean by his last duchess? Does this mean that he has had a string of wives and this is the most recent, or does it mean that his wife has recently died?

Question 39

In the title of My Last Duchess, overall what can we see the poem is going to be about?

Answer 39

We can evidently see that this is an ambiguous wider criticism of the treatment of women from Browning, as well as criticising men.

Question 40

In My Last Duchess, what does “Ferrara” allude to?

Answer 40

This sub-heading alluded to Alfonso II who was a duke in the 1500s. His second wife died and many people gossiped that he killed his wife. One could argue that Browning’s poem is an interpretation of what might’ve happened between Alfonso and his wife.

Question 41

On the first line of My Last Duchess, what is the significance of the first word?

Answer 41

The pronoun “That’s” suggests the duke objectifies his duchess, creating an unsettling mood as it could be seen that he treats her like an object.

Question 42

On the first line of My Last Duchess, why is the adjective “last” significant?

Answer 42

The adjective conveys that he sees her as sequential, like a collectible, and that he has collected wives in the past.

Question 43

On the third line of My Last Duchess, why is the word “now:” significant and what’s its device?

Answer 43

The diction “now” indicates that the Duke regarded her as less when living. It makes us as readers questions why is the painting of her a wonder now? To add, it also conveys that he may not have regarded her so highly when she was alive.

Question 44

In my last duchess, why is “Fra Pandolf” significant and what device is it?

Answer 44

The repetition of “Fra Pandolf” highlights how the Duke is constantly name dropping the artists name, and bragging that he’s had this famous artist painting for him which indicates something vulgar about the Duke and his personality . To delve deeper, Fra is the term that you would call a monk in Italian, which is significant since the Duke tries to argue that there was something romantic going on between him and the Duchess despite him being a monk. This makes the claim unbelievable as monks are normally celibate, therefore discrediting what the Duke says.

Question 45

In My Last Duchess, why is the parenthesis significant ?

Answer 45

The parenthesis of “since none puts by the curtain” reveals the Duke to be controlling. He has this great need to control her, and now that she’s dead and in this painting, he is able to control where her eyes go.

Question 46

What impact does “spot of joy” have on the readers in The Last Duchess?

Answer 46

The metaphor “spot of joy” refers to the Duchesses blush on her cheeks as a blemish. The Duke is arguing that - it was not just him that caused her to blush. -Moreover, her blushing which many people would see as endearing and quite beautiful, he refers to it as a spot which presents it as more of an imperfection rather than something lovely to -The repetition of this later emphasises how annoyed he would get at seeing her blush.

Question 47

Starting from line 20 in The Last Duchess, why is the listing so important and what’s the device ?

Answer 47

It’s Ironic that the Duke got mad about the “dropping of the daylight in the West, The bough of cherries some officious fool” due to the fact that this is a list of great qualities which encourage the reader to like the Duchess. It also exposes the Duke to be irrational. Furthermore, it makes her seem even more endearing while the Duke is perceived as incredibly jealous.

Question 48

In My Last duchess, what device is “My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name”

Answer 48

This is a hyperbole and it exposes the Duke as incredibly irrational as he is annoyed that the Duchess isn’t proud and pretentious like him since she treats people well. On a deeper level, this is the heart of what really bothers him. She treated people as equals and she treated the men that would bring her cherries from the orchard as equal to her husband whom he gave her his surname .

Question 49

In My Last Duchess, what is the significance of the word “stoop”

Answer 49

The verb “stoop” highlights how the Duke feels that if he complained about what he doesn’t like about her , this would be below him and he doesn’t want to lessen himself for anyone. This supports the ides that he is pretentious and very much aware of the hierarchy and his social status.

Question 50

In my last duchess on line 36 what is the significance of “which I have not” and how does it impact the reader?

Answer 50

This is ironic as the poem is an iambic pentameter and dramatic monologue which proves the opposite. He is very skilled in speech, so what we learn is that he is dishonest. Additionally, not only should we not believe him about this, we should also not believe anything else that he hints at: for example his wife supposedly having an affair.

Question 51

On line 45 in My Last Duchess, what device is “same smile” and why is it important?

Answer 51

The alliteration “same smile” paints the duke as insecure because he was upset that she smiled at him as well as everyone. The duke sees himself as more important than anyone else while the Duchess viewed everyone equally.

Question 52

On line 45 in My Last Duchess, what device is “I gave commands;” and why is it important?

Answer 52

The curt clauses create a sinister and ambiguous tone. It also makes the reader wonder what commands did the Duke give to make his wife stop smiling? Did he have her killed?

Question 53

Give 4 structure points of My Last Duchess with explanations.

Answer 53

- Dramatic monologue = highlights the Dukes sense of narcissism and self-importance. - He uses personal pronouns throughout which helps support the ides that he is self obsessed. (Middle) - Iambic Pentameter in rhyming couplets = tightly controlled poem which reflects the tight control he wishes to have on his wives. - The Enjabment helps create a conversational tone. However it also adds a sinister tone as the Duke is talking so casually about him potentially having his wife murdered.

Question 54

Name 4 themes in My Last Duchess

Answer 54

-Jealousy / insecurity - Gender roles -Power -Relationships

Question 55

In If by Rudyard Kipling, what is the significance of “If you can”

Answer 55

An anaphora that emphasises what the authors son can do, and due to “if” being a conditional it serves as a reminder that life is full of consequences, which is really fatherly advice.

Question 56

‘If’ Rudyard Kipling - What can you assume due to the poem being written in second person?

Answer 56

Kipling did write this for his son but you could argue that the universality of the message is all about how to be a good person which is not just relevant for his son but for all of us. Therefore you could read this as the persona speaking to the reader.

Question 57

What is “The Tyger” by William Blake about?

Answer 57

The poem is a question of why God has allowed evil to exist, and it explores the power of God and nature. Could the same God who created innocent and vulnerable creatures such as a lamb also create such a fierce and fearsome animal such as the tiger?

Question 58

The poem the tyger - what is the significance of the title?

Answer 58

The title is parallel to William Blake’s poem ‘The Lamb’ which is a symbol of innocent mankind. - To add, this poem could be a metaphor for mankind and its capabilities of great evil.

Question 59

When does William Blake directly address the tiger?

Answer 59

With the alliteration “Tyger Tyger”

Question 60

What is the significance of the plosives on the first line in the tyger?

Answer 60

“Burning bright” - Fiery image used which creates a sense of danger. -Furthermore it may represent how we feel about tigers due to fire being beautiful yet dangerous, exactly like a tiger.

Question 61

What is important about the first line in William Blake’s poem?

Answer 61

The first line reads like a nursery rhyme, especially with the alliteration “Tyger, Tyger” which is ironic because the context of this poem is complex, so it’s deceiving the reader slightly in thinking that this is simple.

Question 62

On line two what does the imagery do in the tyger?

Answer 62

The imagery of night helps to create a mysterious environment, which reflects the mystery around God for Blake. He saw God as a mystery as he wanted to know what God was really like.

Question 63

What is the effect of the adjective “immortal” in The Tyger poem?

Answer 63

The adjective immortal creates allusions to the divine. This makes it evident that the main message of this poem is about what kind of God created this ‘fearful symmetry.’

Question 64

What is the effect of “On what wings dare he aspire?” In the Tyger

Answer 64

This rhetorical question introduces us to other Gods. Thinking about Greek mythology, is Blake referring to Prometheus or Icarus, where in this story they escaped their captors created wings and flew away. - This also asks the question of whether this is a rebellious God.

Question 65

What is the effect of the imagery “Burnt the fire“ in the Tyger?

Answer 65

Images of fire suggest that the Tiger was created out of fire, mirroring the flame-like image of the Tigers fur. - Also creates an image of a daring God that is willing to play with fire suggesting that God took a great risk by creating mankind with free will.

Question 66

What is the significance of the word “twist” in The Tyger.

Answer 66

-Creates this idea of creation happening. -However, the verb “twist” could also be a play-on words that highlight the heart of the tiger and therefore the heart of mankind being corrupted (double meaning).

Question 67

What do the repetitive question marks mean in the Tyger?

Answer 67

It shows Blake’s never ending questions about God.

Question 68

What is the significance of the word “dread” in the Tyger?

Answer 68

The repetition of “dread” asks the question to God if he immediately feared what he created. - On a deeper level, this could relate to when the creator of Frankenstein feared his creation.

Question 69

The whole stanza of “What the hammer” in The Tyger - what’s its significance?

Answer 69

This whole stanza focuses on God almost acting like a blacksmith = a blacksmith. - Hammer suggests the idea that God is in a workshop hammering away and creating mankind.

Question 70

What is the significance of stanza 4 of the Tyger?

Answer 70

The Greek God of fire Hephaestus made weapons of war, so this insinuates that God is making this tiger, or mankind, to create something that is capable of great evil and destruction. Blake is questioning why God would make things capable of committing such evil.

Question 71

In the Tyger, why is “stars” important?

Answer 71

Metaphor for angels and it may refer to the angels throwing down their spears when lucifer was defeated.

Question 72

Why is the first two lines of stanza 5 in the Tyger effective?

Answer 72

Personification - did the angels protest when God created humankind? - Also suggests that they were fearful of what the human race could do as they were given free will.