Poetry: In The Park

Question 0

Message (In the Park)

Answer 0

Hypocrisy and double standards in society where women take all responsibility and burden for child raising

Question 1

What is it about? (In the Park)

Answer 1

A poor single mother reflecting on life and family choices

Question 2

Themes: motherhood is unfulfilling (In the Park)

Answer 2

• harassed and tired
• opposite to ideal mother
• “tug at her skirt”

Question 3

Themes: superficial view (In the Park)

Answer 3

• life seems drab and mundane (lacks excitement)
• use of language
• “feign indifference to that casual nod”
• “her clothes are out of date”

Question 4

Themes: compete self sacrifice/giving (In the Park)

Answer 4

“They have eaten me alive”

- dramatic climax/realisation

Question 5

Themes: unfulfilled potential (In the Park)

Answer 5

“Someone she loved once passes by - too late”

• other opportunities out there
• motherhood is consuming

Question 6

Themes: hope for the future (In the Park)

Answer 6

• use of imagery
• “flickering light”
  
  • light: hope
  • symbolises feint impeding hope of future
• “it’s so sweet to hear their chatter, watch them grow and thrive”

Question 7

Structure: sonnet and rhyme (In the Park)

Answer 7

Used ironically

- contrast to monotonous life