The Prodigal - Emily Bishop

Question 1

Structure

Answer 1

2 sonnets
1st sonnet: bad parts of his life
“But” at the start of 2nd sonnet=change
2nd sonnet: need for change

Question 2

Addiction metaphor

Answer 2

“Brown enormous odor”
“The floor was rotten; the sty was plastered halfway up with glass-smooth dung”

Question 3

Alcholism

Answer 3

“Some mornings after drinking bouts”
“(he hid the pints behind a two-by-four)”

Question 4

Exile

Answer 4

“He thought he almost might endure his exile yet another year or more”
“It took him a long time finally to make his mind up to go home

Question 5

Imagery

Answer 5

“The sunrise glazed the barnyard mud with red; and burning puddles seemed to reassure”
“The cows and horses in the barn beneath their overthanging clouds of hay

Question 6

Allusions

Answer 6

“The prodigal”
“safe and companionable as in the ark”
“the first star came to warn

Question 7

Epiphany

Answer 7

“It took him a long time finally to make his mind up to go home”