Hide and seek Flashcards
Q: What is the main theme of Hide and Seek?
A: The poem explores themes of childhood innocence, excitement, isolation, and the transition from childhood joy to loneliness and abandonment.
Q: How does the poem reflect a child’s perspective?
A: The poem uses direct speech and simple, imperative language (“Call out. Call loud”), mimicking a child’s inner thoughts and excitement.
Q: How does the poet use sensory imagery in the poem?
A: Vivid sensory details like “salty dark” and “smell of the seaside” immerse the reader in the child’s physical environment, making the scene more realistic and engaging.
Q: What is the significance of the opening line “Call out. Call loud”?
A: The abrupt imperatives reflect the child’s eagerness and excitement, setting a playful yet urgent tone.
Q: How does the poet create a sense of suspense?
A: The poet uses short, fragmented lines and repetition, such as “They’ll never find you in this salty dark”, building tension as the child remains hidden.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase “salty dark”?
A: It combines taste and sight, creating a vivid atmosphere that immerses the reader in the child’s experience while also hinting at an unsettling, isolating tone.
Q: How does the mood shift in the second half of the poem?
A: The excitement of the game fades into loneliness as the realization of abandonment sets in: “But where are they who sought you?”
Q: What does the final line “Yes, here you are. But where are they who sought you?” suggest?
A: It highlights the child’s realization that he has been left behind, evoking feelings of abandonment and disappointment.
Q: How does the poem explore childhood disillusionment?
A: The shift from joy to isolation mirrors the transition from the innocence of childhood to the realization that people may not always be reliable.
Q: What role does structure play in the poem?
A: The use of enjambment and irregular line lengths mimics the child’s thoughts and movement, creating a sense of breathlessness and urgency.
Q: How does Hide and Seek compare to Half-Past Two?
A: Both poems explore childhood experiences, but Hide and Seek focuses on isolation and abandonment, while Half-Past Two highlights confusion and innocence regarding time and authority.
Q: What is the effect of using present tense in the poem?
A: The present tense makes the experience feel immediate, drawing the reader into the child’s emotions as they unfold.
Q: How does the poem depict the contrast between childhood excitement and disappointment?
A: The beginning is filled with enthusiasm (“Call out. Call loud”), while the ending shifts to disappointment and loneliness (“But where are they who sought you?”), illustrating the unpredictability of childhood experiences.
