Hyena

Question 1

“I am waiting for you”

Why is the opening line effective?

Answer 1

• short sentence for impact

- pronoun “you” is menacing direct address to the reader

Question 2

for which reasons can we feel sorry for the hyena?

Answer 2

no water, no food (“not eaten”), scorching sun (“my eyes are screwed to slits against the sun”)

Question 3

what does the repeated use of “I” add to our understanding of the hyena’s personality?

Answer 3

arrogant, self centred

Question 4

Which quotations make the hyena sound menacing?

Answer 4

slave of darkness, you must believe I am prepared to spring, fierce, I eat the dead, would you meet me there, I have a crowd of fangs, snarling, I am crouching in my dry shadows, my place is to pick you clean

Question 5

which quotations give the impression of a natural setting which makes it difficult to survive?

Answer 5

dusty, no water hole, my eyes are screwed to slits against the sun, the moon pours hard and cold, ruined places, dry shadows

Question 6

which two qualities does the hyena say it has which it compares to Africa?

Answer 6

crafty, rough

Question 7

what does the metaphor/ question “do you like my song?” suggest about the hyena?

Answer 7

arrogance - he uses the metaphor to compare the horrible sound of his snarling to the beautiful sound of a song

Question 8

what does calling himself “the slave of darkness” suggest about the hyena?

Answer 8

makes him sound supernatural and evil

Question 9

the poem mentions or hints at several predators. What are they, and why does Morgan mention them?

Answer 9

owl, lion, hyena, human (only hinted at). To show that Africa is a difficult place to survive.

Question 10

which hints are there in the poem that humans were once present here, but were killed or driven away by other humans?

Answer 10

burnt out kraal, broken drum

Question 11

why does the hyena compare his pelt to “silver” and the lion’s to “gold”?

Answer 11

comparing his pelt to “silver” shows arrogance as silver is a precious metal. Comparing the lion’s to “gold” shows that he knows people hold lions in higher regard than hyenas.

Question 12

which points of comparison could you use for this poem?

Answer 12

death, struggle to survive, natural environment, interesting character

Question 13

which other poem(s) is/are about the theme of death?

Answer 13

winter

Question 14

which other poem(s) has/have an interesting character?

Answer 14

In the Snack Bar, Good Friday

Question 15

which other poem(s) is/are about the struggle to survive?

Answer 15

Winter, In the Snack Bar, Slate, maybe Trio.

Question 16

which other poem(s) describe the natural environment?

Answer 16

Winter, Slate

Question 17

which other poems have a negative tone?

Answer 17

In the Snack Bar, Winter

Question 18

How does the quotation “it is said I am a good match for a dead lion” show dark humour?

Answer 18

if the lion is dead then there is no “good match” - ie no fair fight. The hyena is making fun of its reputation as being cowardly and sneaky. It attacks animals who are weaker or already dead.

Question 19

What is the purpose of the long sentence at the end : “I am waiting for the foot to slide…”?

Answer 19

The list emphasises the vast amount of different ways to die. The hyena does not have to fight, he just has to wait for death to be able to eat a superior animal. It also suggests that we all die in the end, so the hyena doesn’t think we should feel superior to him.

Question 20

how does the closing line “my place is to pick you clean”…make an effective conclusion?

Answer 20

word choice of “my place” emphasises his arrogance. he thinks it is his right. “pick you clean” and “bones” convey the theme of death.