Personal Helicon

Question 1

“I loved the dark drop, the trapped sky, the smells / Of waterweed, fungus and dank moss.”

Answer 1

“I loved the dark drop, the trapped sky, the smells / Of waterweed, fungus and dank moss.”
Alliteration and assonance of ‘dark drop’ and the smells of ‘waterweed … moss’ draws attention to the sensual language as he recalls the depth of the wells along with the pungent, musty, rotting odour. Emphasised through enjambment which also helps create a childish fascination.

WC ‘waterweed, fungus and dank moss’ repelling to most but pleasing and homely to speaker. Suggesting that the speakers surroundings of nature comfort and put them at ease.

Question 2

“I savoured the rich crash when a bucket / Plummeted down at the end of a rope.”

Answer 2

“I savoured the rich crash when a bucket / Plummeted down at the end of a rope.”
WC ‘savoured’ enjoys the experience and wants it to last, echoed by the long vowel sounds.

WC ‘rich crash’ - valued but could also be threatening and possible destructive.

WC ‘plummeted’ suggests out of control.

Question 3

“A white face hovered over the bottom”

Answer 3

“A white face hovered over the bottom”
Imagery conveys the idea of something ghostly, haunting and frightening. Unlike the previous stanza, he is now maturing and able to understand himself more.

Question 4

“Is beneath all adult dignity”

Answer 4

“Is beneath all adult dignity”
Much more adult language. He is now more refined and sophisticated than the child who revelled in the filth of wells.