Glasgow Sonnet

Question 1

A mean wind wanders

Answer 1

Personification on the opening line establishes the themes of poverty, homelessness and decay. The air itself becomes something cruel or unwelcoming this image contributes to the unpleasant atmosphere of the poem

Question 2

Roses of mould

Answer 2

Imagery - roses represent life and are considered beautiful. Mould highlights the absence of anything positive and shows the decay that is present

Question 3

Letting his coughs fall

Answer 3

The picture is one of hopelessness or lifelessness the man has fallen as he no longer stands against the decay this makes us think of poverty being linked to poor health

Question 4

Air too poor to rob

Answer 4

Personification the air itself becomes something pathetic or destitute. The speakers observations conclude that the scene is one of utter poverty hopelessness ad decay