Mahon: Antarctica

Question 1

What is the form

Answer 1

A villanelle: 19 lines, 2 refrains
The villanelle’s looping structure mirrors the timeless, mythic quality of Oates’s sacrifice.

Question 2

5 key quotes

Answer 2

“I am just going outside and may be some time”
“At the heart of the ridiculous, the sublime”
“Goading his ghost into to the howling snow”
“Soliatry enzyne”
“He takes leave of the earthly pantomime”

Question 3

Analysis of “i am just going outside and may be some time”

Answer 3

Understatement: inability to express emotion (stoic heroism), a quiet dignified departure, emotionally frozen, detached emotional tone.

Question 4

Analysis of repetition of “i am just going outside and may be some time”

Answer 4

The emotional centre of the poem due to repetition, forces reader to pause and absorb its magnitude. Ritualistic and enduring quality. Creates a haunting ghostlike echo effect

Question 5

Analysis of “at the heart of the ridiculous, the sublime”

Answer 5

Paradox: within something foolish, there is extraordinary beauty and dignity. Uses him as an insight into human nature.
Critique from Mahon of the futile and rigid values of imperial Britain. This line captures: mockable circumstances yet deeply moving actions

Question 6

Analysis of repetition of “at the heart of the ridiculous, the sublime”

Answer 6

Forces reflection on the juxtaposition

Question 7

Analysis of “goading his ghost in to the howling snow”

Answer 7

Alliteration and assonance: hollow, harsh rhythm that mirrors the biting wind of the antarctic, adds musical intensity. Already a ghost before he dies, he now his death is inevitable.

Personification and onomatopoeia: elements appear more fierce and come to life

Question 8

Analysis of solitary enzyme

Answer 8

Acts for the benefit of of others, alone, self sacrifice. he’s a single, active agent of change within a much larger, passive system. juxtaposition adds depth, Oates’s action is noble, deliberate, functional, and impactful, like an enzyme triggering a greater process.

Question 9

Analysis of “he takes leave of the earthly pantomime

Answer 9

Everyday world is superficial and performative , contrasts the absurdity of daily life with sublime sacrifice of Oates. True heroism in the. Modern world is quietly extraordinary

Question 10

What are key themes

Answer 10

Heroism and self sacrifice
Memory and legacy
Isolation
Sublime in the ridiculous

Question 11

What are the key techniques

Answer 11

Villanelle form
Refrain
Juxtaposition
Alliteration + aural imagery