Hide And Seek

Question 1

“Call out. Call loud: ‘I’m ready! Come and find me!’”

Answer 1

The imperative verbs “Call out” and “Call loud” convey the initial confidence and excitement of the speaker, eager to participate in the game.
The exclamation in the dialogue emphasizes enthusiasm, symbolizing the innocence and vibrancy of childhood.
However, this bold declaration contrasts with the later introspection, foreshadowing a shift from naivety to realization.
The tone is playful yet anticipatory, hinting at the broader theme of isolation that will develop as the poem progresses.

Question 2

“The sacks in the toolshed smell like the seaside.”

Answer 2

This simile connects the mundane setting of the toolshed to the expansive imagery of the seaside, evoking a sensory memory that reflects the imaginative mind of the child.
The juxtaposition of the confined “toolshed” with the open “seaside” highlights the interplay between reality and imagination in the child’s world.
This detail also adds texture to the setting, enhancing the immersive experience of the poem while subtly reminding the reader of the fleeting nature of childhood perception.

Question 3

“Don’t breathe. Don’t move. Stay dumb.”

Answer 3

The use of short, fragmented sentences and repetition creates a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere, mimicking the speaker’s heightened state of alertness.
The phrase “Stay dumb” is particularly striking, suggesting a suppression of expression and a momentary loss of agency, emphasizing the stakes of the game.
On a deeper level, this reflects the broader theme of self-imposed restraint in the pursuit of success, hinting at the isolation that such determination can bring.

Question 4

“The dark damp smell of sand moves in your throat.”

Answer 4

The synesthetic description of “dark damp smell” evokes a sensory overload, heightening the discomfort of the speaker’s prolonged hiding.
The phrase “moves in your throat” suggests suffocation, symbolizing the physical and emotional toll of isolation.
The darkness and dampness create an oppressive atmosphere, mirroring the speaker’s realization of the loneliness that accompanies their triumph.
This moment marks a transition from the playful tone of the game to a somber reflection on its consequences.

Question 5

“The darkening garden watches. Nothing stirs.”

Answer 5

The personification of the “darkening garden” transforms the setting into an ominous presence, reflecting the speaker’s growing awareness of abandonment.
The stillness of “Nothing stirs” underscores the emptiness of their victory, as the absence of the seekers signifies the loss of connection and companionship.
The fading light in the “darkening” garden parallels the waning innocence and joy of childhood, encapsulating the poem’s poignant commentary on the cost of solitary success.

Question 6

Form

Answer 6

1. Dramatic Monologue:
   • The poem is written in the second person, creating a sense of immediacy and immersion as though the reader is the one playing the game. This direct involvement enhances the tension and emotional connection.
   • It mirrors the thought process of a child, emphasizing the innocence and internal monologue as the speaker experiences both triumph and eventual isolation.
2. Free Verse:
   • The absence of a strict rhyme scheme or meter reflects the unpredictability of the game and mirrors the child’s stream of consciousness. This choice adds a naturalistic and conversational tone, making the experience relatable and poignant.

Question 7

Structure

Answer 7

1. Single Stanza:
   • The poem is written in one long stanza, symbolizing the continuous, unbroken experience of the game. This mirrors the child’s perspective, where time feels drawn out during moments of anticipation and waiting.
   • The lack of breaks reflects the unrelenting nature of the speaker’s isolation and growing realization, contributing to the thematic exploration of loneliness and the fleeting nature of triumph.
2. Pacing and Shift in Tone:
   • The poem starts with excitement and confidence (“Call out. Call loud”), creating a playful, energetic tone. However, as the poem progresses, the tone becomes increasingly tense and somber, culminating in the reflective final lines where the speaker confronts abandonment.
   • The gradual slowing of the narrative as the poem ends mirrors the child’s realization that success has come at the cost of connection.
3. Repetition and Imperatives:
   • Repeated commands (“Don’t breathe. Don’t move. Stay dumb”) heighten the tension and mirror the speaker’s focus and fear, immersing the reader in the hiding experience. This structural feature underlines the themes of self-restraint and perseverance.

Question 8

Context

Answer 8

• Vernon Scannell was a World War II soldier, and his works often explore themes of loss, abandonment, and the darker aspects of human experience. Hide and Seek can be interpreted as a metaphor for life’s struggles, where victory often brings unforeseen consequences.
• The sense of isolation and abandonment in the poem may reflect Scannell’s own experiences with trauma, survival, and alienation after the war.

Question 9

Themes

Answer 9

Childhood
Innocence
Isolation
Abandonment
Cost of success