Stanza 1

Question 1

dark room

Answer 1

Place of peace and calm

Safe from dangers of his work

Question 2

finally alone

Answer 2

word choice

place of peace and sanctuary
after being confronted with horrors

Question 3

spools of suffering

Answer 3

Alliteration/Metaphor.

Harsh S sound reminds us of the harsh world he works in.

Personification-spools can’t suffer but the images they hold are of suffering. Therefore once the spools are developed they bring the suffering to life.

Question 4

red

Answer 4

‘Red’

Room is lit like a church sanctuary lamp. Also has connotations of blood

Question 5

priest preparing

Answer 5

The poet is compared to a priest here because the way
he prepares the photos for development is sombre,
respectful and almost ritualistic

Question 6

All flesh is grass

Answer 6

comes from New Testament and reinforces the religious imagery as well as emphasising fragility of life.

implies that we all die, and become earth again