Letters Between Edward and Helen Thomas

Question 1

When did Edward Thomas die?

Answer 1

April 9th 1917

Question 2

When was Helen’s postscript written?

Answer 2

April-June 1917

Question 3

What is the purpose of Edward’s letter to Helen?

Answer 3

To educate her on what he’s been up to, and to comfort her (the letter is personal not public)

Question 4

What type of greeting is “Dearest”?

Answer 4

Warm and affectionate

Question 5

Where is Arras?

Answer 5

An area in France

Question 6

What is the significance of Edward’s use of a poetic description of the artillery?

Answer 6

The poetic tone reassures Helen, makes her feel secure. (Descriptive simile)

Question 7

Give an example of personification in the text

Answer 7

“Violated stark tree trunks”

Question 8

Which oxymoron is used by Edward in the first paragraph?

Answer 8

The birds making love against the wounded soldiers in the trench

Question 9

Give three examples of alliteration in a Edward’s first paragraph

Answer 9

“Cirrus clouds”
“Sun shone
“Bosh is beaten”

Question 10

What is the significance of “ I am tired but resting”

Answer 10

It is a short sentence after a dramatic description

Question 11

How does Edward end his description of Saturday?

Answer 11

It is affectionate and kind - “I hope you sleep no worse that I do”

Question 12

Where is there a pragmatic language change?

Answer 12

“I slept jolly well” Jolly becomes more positive

Question 13

What is significant about the ending of Edward’s letter?

Answer 13

Is seems rushed, but maintains affectionate

Question 14

What is the purpose of Helen’s letter?

Answer 14

To prove her loyalty and patience to Edward, and to encourage him

Question 15

What is important to note when reading Helen’s letter?

Answer 15

Edward never read it and it was returned back to her following his death

Question 16

What does “my darling my own soul” suggest

Answer 16

That they are one in the same person

Question 17

Give an example of a metaphor in Helen’s second paragraph

Answer 17

“This snow must be the last of this terrible winter”

Question 18

What is the significance of “farewell and a God bless you”

Answer 18

The church was very significant in 18th century England

Question 19

What does “Baba says ‘give Daddy 100 loves’” tell the reader?

Answer 19

They have children, a life and family.

Question 20

How does the postscript begin and why is it significant?

Answer 20

“Beloved” - Helen doesn’t address anyone because she knows he won’t read it

Question 21

Which technique is used in “darkness and despair and just nothingness and fear”

Answer 21

Polysyndeton - she is letting out all of her oppressed emotions

Question 22

What is the significance of sibilance in the second paragraph?

Answer 22

Soft sounds introduce the theme of nature, mirroring Edwards poetic descriptions

Question 23

What is important about “Do you remember!”

Answer 23

Exclamation instead of interrogative: she knows he can’t respond

Question 24

What could be implied from “touched the moist green grass”

Answer 24

Helen can’t touch Edward anymore, so connects with him through nature

Question 25

How do we know Helen isn’t coping?

Answer 25

“I am almost content”- she can’t quite carry on without him

Question 26

What does the repetition of “content” signify?

Answer 26

Helen is repeating it to try and convince herself that she is okay when in reality she is not