Kinsale- Mahon

Question 1

‘The kind of rain we knew is a thing of the past’

Answer 1

This contrast between past and present suggests a shift from hardship to renewal.
The rain, often associated with gloom in Irish literature, is replaced by brightness. Rain is a symbol for depression

Question 2

‘deep-delving-dark-deliberate you would say’

Answer 2

Alliteration shows the harshness of the time. Metaphorical of troubled past

Mahon subtly alludes to Ireland’s troubled history but chooses to focus on a hopeful present:

Question 3

‘but today our sky blue slates are steaming in the sun’

Answer 3

Water from rain is evaporated off and there is a time for renewal
Alliteration of ‘s’ creates the idea of peace and contemptment

Question 4

‘our yachts tanking and dancing in the bay like racehorses’

Answer 4

Tinkling- onomatopoeia
Racehorses sign of wealth
Personification happpiness the place is now filled with joy

Question 5

‘we contemplate at last shining windows’

Answer 5

Finally have a clear future that is shining with new hope

Question 6

‘a future forbidden to no one’

Answer 6

Future of prosperity
Everyone

Question 7

wHAT DO THE FLOW OF LINES IMPLY

Answer 7

The poem’s lines flow seamlessly into one another, creating a gentle, rolling rhythm that reflects the ebb and flow of the sea.