Winter Swans (P)

Question 1

Exposition

** “we skirted the lake, silent and apart,”**

Answer 1

A01
The couple are at the side of a lake but there is a large gap between them perhaps due to a previous argument

A02
Tentative verb “skirted” – fearful? Suggests not only the great deal of tension between the couple but also the fragility of the relationship
Sibilance – hushed, sombre, melancholic tone – ominous feel to the opening of the poem , perhaps they had argued over something large like marriage

A03
The tentative approach to marriage and permanent relationships that can happen within couples.

Question 2

Mid-Point

** “returning again/ like boats righting in rough weather.”**

Answer 2

A01
The couple observes the swans as they land on the water

A02
The boats simile foreshadows the reunion of the couple at the end of the poem through the corrective verb ‘righting’
alliteration echoes this sense of restoration.

A03
The swans become a symbol of monogamy, commitment and a potential for the couple to re-align their relationship.

Question 3

Denouement

** “like a pair of wings settling after flight.** (their hands)

Answer 3

A01
The couple has reconciled and the distance at the start of the prom has been bridged by the final line

A02
**purposeful verb “settling” suggests it is right and natural , it should have happened all along this is backed by the unifying noun “pair”
The consistent swan imagery and how swans mate for life suggests they wish to replicate that love and devotion as a couple

A03
Perhaps Sheers wishes to point out that couples can resolve their differences if their love and devotion for each other is strong enough to battle the storms