Will it be so again (seen poetry) Flashcards
What is the title referring to?
Insanity/indecency
What influenced the creation of the poem?
The start of WW2, his Reaction to the cycle of war
What is the tone of the poem?
Frustration and disappointment except stanza 5: accusation/blame
What is the mood?
Tense (we are being confronted)
What is the structure and its significance?
5 quintets/quintains. Clear, undisturbed pattern (links to: you know the pattern, yet you don’t break the pattern. Accusation)
Also, military walking/march
What is the purpose of the rhetorical questions?
To torment the reader who cannot shy away
Who are the «gifted» in stanza 1? How are they «lost»?
Those with a vision for humanity of peace/ have humanity. They have no legacy/are lost from view.
Who are the «empty» men and what are they empty of? What can they do?
Politicians, empty of decency, honour and humanity. They are permitted to do as they like.
What does the question — will it be so again? Allude to?
Will we allow another horror to happen? Another ww?
Discuss the impact of «must it be so»?
almost a certainty; never-ending cycle. sorrowful tone/mournful -> innate part of humanity
Who are the «best»?
those with vision, humanity, courage, decency. Those «chosen to sleep» -> soldiers
What does «we too slow» mean?
without conviction
«In claiming the earth they quicken»->
bring back to life/reawaken
old Usurpers significance
old: have been there since the beginning
Usurper: throne from a king is stolen/ absolutism.
Message: we do nothing for their sacrifice
«Reap what they could not sow»
-> not rightful
Significance of «jungle» and the type of word of «hypocritegesture»
- Animal-like/ survival of the fittest
- Noun: insult. Meaning: Politicians: empty promises to manipulate them (eg shows of sadness, respect or peace Eg at a memorial)
«Stale imposture»
Deceit/pretense
What are the connotation of played on and what message does it convey?
- Connotations of an act/game
- A message that shows theta their care is not reality. Use of question is to stir/jolt us into reflection
- The passive hides the agent
Discuss the impact in «will it be as before « and «with no heart or mind to ensure it»
-‘> no heart in it
-> no good intentions pushed forwards
discuss the impact of «guttering»
- Connotations: filth, unwanted things to get rid of
- Message: peace is thrown into it
- Participle: ongoing/doesn’t stop
Discuss the importance of the use of the word « libertine»
- someone who knows the difference between right and wrong but chooses wrong anyway for pleasure
From stanza 4, does the poet think it will happen again?
Yes (last 2 lines)
What does the colon do?
It clarifies why we should not be surprised
«Shall it be so again»
most gentle version — leaves more possibilities open. Urging audience to change it
