Prayer before birth Flashcards
What does the polysyndeton of or, or, or suggest about the unborn child
It emphasises the sheer number of threats facing the child
What is the poem about
An unborn child that is praying to God as he fears of the corruption of the world and his future. Poem wrote after WW2 which shows the fear that the nation felt.
What does the utopian imagery of nature suggest
It contrasts to the first stanza which talks about the world being evil and corrupt. Shows that things need to be nurtured and not threatened.
What does the repetition of wise lies suggest
Implies it is easier to believe lies than face the truth of humanity.
What do the biblical allusions of let not the man who is beast or who thinks he is god come near me suggest
He doesn’t want to be come near to people who are empowered by satan like Hitler or Stalin
What does the repetition of O hear me suggest
The unborn child is desperate to be heard by God and receive protection. Symbolises the people in the world who are unheard
