POETRY LAST PUSH NOTES

Four Square Poetry Analysis:

Imagery and Sound devices: Tone, Attitude:

(Figurative language is language that uses words or ✓ Words that give the feeling and emotion that
expressions with a meaning that is different from the poet wants to express.
the literal interpretation. When a writer uses literal ✓ Which words are chosen to create a mood/
feeling?
language, he or she is simply stating the facts as
✓ Does the tone change in the poem?
they are.) ✓ Is the poem satirical, ironic, thoughtful, sad,
painful, happy, celebratory, funny?
✓ Describing words?
✓ Word choice:
✓ Alliteration
✓ Connotations- emotions attached
✓ Onomatopoeia
✓ Denotation- actual meanings of words.
✓ Metaphors
✓ Why does the writer use the tone or feeling in
✓ Similes
the poem?
✓ Vivid Language
✓ Word Choice
✓ Alliteration, assonance, onomatopoeia

• Why does the poet choose these words?

• What effect do they have on the overall poem?
Style/Structure/Form: Interpretation/Theme/Message:

• What type of poem is this? Eg. Lyric, epic, • What is the poet trying to say (message)?
narrative, haiku, free verse, prose, ekphrasis • Who or what is the poem for?
• How many stanzas? Are they a particular type? • Is it about a historical event?
Eg. Couplets, quatrains et al. • An important event in the life of a person (birth,
• Other considerations: Line length, line death, love, mental illness, change of heart,
groupings, are there metric patterns. upheaval in their life)?
• Is there rhyme? A rhyme scheme? • Who is the narrator? Who is speaking and to
• Note the unusual use of punctuation, or whom? Under what circumstances is the
absence of it narrator speaking?
• Why does the writer use these devices or • What does the poem mean to you? Can you
forms? relate to the feeling or to the events in the
poem? What message, or feeling do you pull
from the story/words/form of the poem?
• What themes can you identify in the poem?
 REMEMBER – Christina Rossetti
Imagery & Sound devices Tone
APOSTROPHE – addresses the lover as if he is present. OCTAVE – The tone is slightly more urgent than the sestet: In line
1 – the speaker gives a clear, firm instruction to her loved one –
EUPHEMISMS - gone away’ – dies; ‘silent land’ – life after death. “remember me”. The poet uses repetition in line 5 and 7 to
‘Silent’ – mysterious/unknown ‘land’ reinforce idea that death is emphasise its importance. The phrase “gone away” is also
unexplored territory and permanent; ‘turn to go’ – die. Shows repeated as well as “no more”. This repetition suggest and
that speaker is unable to face the prospect of dying and reality underlying grief at the thought of losing her life and her loved one.
(and pain) associated with it. Makes death seem less permanent.
SESTET – The speaker’s attention turns away from herself and
SYMBOLISM - ‘no more hold me by the hand’ - the hand focusses instead on her loved one. She realizes that some
symbolises the physical relationship shared by the couple. The forgetting is inevitable (Yet if…afterwards remember”) and that
separation of the two hands demonstrates severance of life and she would not want him to suffer feelings of guilt about this.
ultimately their physical and emotional connection. The last 2 lines of the poem reinforce this idea. She does not want
memories of her to make him miserable. The tone is therefore
METAPHOR: ‘going away’ – refers to death. gentler.

IRONY: The title implores the listener to remember her but in the
final lines, she encourages him to ‘forget’ and ‘smile’.
Style/Structure/Form Theme & Message
✓ Italian (Petrarchan sonnet) The poem is about the importance of remembering, but also the
✓ 14 lines, divided into: importance of letting go of memories that cause pain. Someone
✓ An octave – Addresses memories and remembering who loves another will want to be remembered but will also not
✓ The sestet – Focusses on the process of forgetting and want those memories to cause unhappiness to the loved one.
moving on. “Remember” also shows the poet’s struggle to understand and
✓ Metre/rhythm: iambic pentameter. come to terms with the unavoidable transition between life and
death – between our physical existence and crossing over into
the unknown.

1. Describe in your own words how the speaker portrays death in the poem. (2)
The speaker describes death as a country far away, where there is silence and darkness. She
repeats the words “gone away” to emphasise the infinite remoteness of this “silent land”. She also
mentions the physical decay that death brings.
2. What impression are we given of the speaker’s relationship with the person she is
addressing in the first eight lines of the poem? Quote to support your answer. (2)
They had a close and loving relationship. She mentions how they held hands, which implies
affection. She also mentions how they made plans for the future and uses the words “counsel” and
“pray” which suggest a caring relationship.
3. Discuss the effect of the repetition used in lines 1-8. (2)
The repetition of “remember me” emphasises how desperately she wants to remain part of her loved
one’s thoughts even after she is dead. It is almost like a command to him. She repeats “gone away”
and “no more” which emphasises the finality of death.
4. What kinds of change in attitude is introduced by the word “Yet” at the beginning of
line 9? (2)
The word “yet” suggests that the speaker is changing her attitude. After emphasizing how important
it is to her that she should be remembered, it occurs to her that it is more important to her that her
loved one should be happy. She becomes more resigned to the idea that his memories of her
should eventually fade.
5. Do you think the last two lines of the poem provide an effective summary of the message
the speaker wants to convey? Justify your answer with reference to the text. (2)
Example: Yes, these two lines summarise her conclusions, that remembering her might bring sadness,
whereas her loved one could not go on to have a happy life if he allows his memories of her to fade. This
shows she is prepared to sacrifice her wish to be remembered in order to ensure his happiness.
 FIRST DAY AFTER THE WAR – Mazisi Kunene
Imagery & Sound devices Tone
METAPHOR ‘songs of a wedding party’: ‘songs’ highlight the The toe is upbeat and it creates a mood of excitement and
celebratory mood – ‘wedding’ supports the idea of two diverse jubilation.
groups becoming one – just like a couple who get married. South ✓ In the first few lines, the people hear and see the first
Africans have to create a new society. suggestions of a new beginning, and the tone is gentle.
‘soft light’ – reinforces a sense of contained hope, expectation ✓ Then the poet picks up the pace and increases the
and optimism. excitement. There is a celebratory mood.
‘young blades of grass’ – refer to the young people who have not ✓ In lines 14-18 the short sentences create an emphatic tone
been tainted by the horrors of Apartheid and can blossom freely ✓ The last line of the poem: the tone is serious, as the poet
post -apartheid. delivers his message of the narrative.
‘we saw her footprints’; ‘Her face emerged’ ; ‘She woke us up’ –
freedom is personified as a woman / a bride whose ‘wedding’ is
being celebrated. Her message to the hopeful confirms that
freedom has become a reality
‘Mountains’ and ‘pathways’ remind us of paths limited to people
because of Apartheid – these could now be traversed by everyone
irrespective of their colour.
‘Calling people…circles of the earth.’ – sense of being united with
the world at large.
Reference to ‘Ancestors travelling tall’ – ancestors also enjoying
fruits of freedom. ‘tall’ – they are proud of their sacrifices and
subsequent achievement. ‘held hands with a stranger’ – reaching
out to each other. ‘Strangers’ in own country are now forming
friendships and becoming a unified nation.
ALLITERATION: “traveling tall” (line 18) – creates a lively rhythm
that emphasises the importance of the ancestors.
Style/Structure/Form Theme & Message
✓ Free verse This poem is about renewal – it is a message of hope to people
✓ Enjambment (creates the sense of a story being told) who have suffered and struggled, announcing a new beginning
✓ The poet uses 2 lines of dialogue (line 7 and 8) – dialogue is that will bring joy and peace.
also used in African oral storytelling traditions. Triumph over oppression
✓ The poem is paced like a story, with a slow beginning, building
up to a climax, and ending with a concluding message.
1 Suggest why they ‘hesitated’ in line 4. (2)
The arrival of freedom is unexpected and they cannot believe it. It alludes to the doubt that freedom
is now a reality. It might have undertones of fear that this freedom may be short-lived.
2 Account for the use of direct speech in lines 7 and 8. (2)
The direct speech personifies the dawn. The gentle manner in which it wakes them is like a
maternal figure waking a child in the morning. She reassures them of the reality of the freedom. The
response she receives is an indication of the unity of peace and the confidence that the war has
ended.
3 Refer to lines 4-5: ‘Her face emerged … a smile saying’. Discuss how the image above
contributes to the mood of these lines. (3)
The dawn is compared to a lady with a face, eyes and body. The image captures the reality of
freedom. The dawn is being compared to something beautiful. This establishes a mood of joy and
cheerfulness.
4 Comment on the significance of mentioning the ‘Ancestors’ in the final line of the poem. (3)
In African culture, the ancestors are held in high regard as there is much faith placed in spirit
worship. The seeing of the ancestors suggests that there is a spiritual well-being in the community.
The ancestors are satisfied with the freedom the community has achieved. It shows that the
ancestors play a very important role in the lives of the living descendants. This ensures that the
new-found freedom will be guided by spiritually.
 THE ZULU GIRL – Roy Campbell
Imagery & Sound devices Tone
Stanza 1: the soil of the fields is compared to burning coals: “hot STANZA 1 – neutral (the poet is describing the scene. The group
red acres smolder” to evoke the extreme heat. is working hard in the heat.)
Stanza 2: METAPHOR (lines 5-6) – the shade of the thorn-trees
is compared to a pool of water, providing a cool place for the STANZA 2 – calm sleepiness, with an underlying threatening
mother to feed her baby. The shade is also described as “purpled feeling. The positive image of the mother feeding her baby
with the blood of ticks”, which gives us an idea of the deep, dark contrasts with the negative feelings suggested by some images.
colour of the shade in contrast to the hot, red soil in the sunshine.
Metaphor – the mother’s nails are compared to a predator as STANZA 3 – Calm and intimate. The baby feeds and the mother’s
they “prowl” the baby’s hair (lines 7-8). sleepy relaxation is passed to the child.
Stanza 3: SIMILE (line 10) – the baby is compared to a puppy. STANZA 4 – Hidden menace and passion. The poet describes how
Simile (lines 11-12) – the mother’s “languor” or exhausted calm the baby absorbs, with its mother’s milk, the knowledge of the
flows into the baby along with the milk and is compared to a river past defeat and humiliation of the Zulu people.
“sighing through the reeds”.
Stanza 4: METAPHOR (line 13-16) – the baby’s “flesh imbibes” or STANZA 5 – The poet describes the mother’s body rising above
drinks in the anger, pride and dignity of his tribe along with his the baby – first with a positive tone, then an ominous mood is
mother’s milk. The fiery “heat” of the Zulu people’s anger created by the use of the word “looms”. The poet portrays the
contrasts with the cool of the river in the stanza 3. mother’s body as a thundercloud bringing a terrible storm.
Stanza 5: SIMILE (line 17) – compares the mother’s body to a hill
“looming” above the baby, protecting him as a hill provides
shelter for a village. Simultaneously her body can be seen as a
dark cloud, indicating the arrival of a violent storm.

ONOMATOPOEIA: ‘clicks’ sound of her nails crushing the ticks –

she shows no mercy in order to protect her baby. ‘sighing’ – her
sighs of fatigue and discontent.
Style/Structure/Form Theme & Message
✓ 5 stanzas of 4 lines each. The poem contrasts the peaceful life of the Zulu people with their
✓ Rhyme scheme = simple (abab, cdcd, efef etc) dramatic history of struggle and defeat. It suggests that their
✓ Metre = regular, most lines consist of 10 syllables. pride and will to resist is still strong, and that they will rise up
against their oppressors in the future.
1.Refer to specific examples of diction to describe the atmosphere that is created in the first stanza. (2)
The atmosphere is harsh and unyielding. The heat is ‘smouldering’ – almost setting the earth on fire because it is so intense. The
labours are ‘sweating’ in the unforgiving heat. The girl’s exhaustion is suggested when she ‘flings down her hoe’. The flies are
another sign of the heat and ‘torment’ experienced by the people
2. What is the effect of the onomatopoeia in line 8? (2)
The ‘sharp electric clicks’ describe the sound created as the mother pinches the ticks between her finger nails. She is quick and
ruthless in dealing with the ticks that threaten her son’s well-being.
3. Comment on what the speaker imagines happening as the mother feeds her young son. (3)
The speaker imagines that, in feeding her son, the mother also subconsciously passes on her attitudes and beliefs. Her son will
become aware of the ‘languors’ (line 11) and her ‘heat’ (line 14) – her weariness and hopelessness but also her vigour and spirit.
This might prompt in him the same feelings and motivate him to rise and restore his mother’s – and his tribe’s - dignity
4. The tone in the final stanza is both optimistic and ominous. Do you agree? Justify your response with reference to the
last stanza. (3)
The potential of future generations’ restoring the dignity and might of the Zulu nation might be perceived as optimistic. However,
the speaker suggests that this can only be achieved through a storm ‘so terrible’. This image implies that violence might be
unleashed in order to bring about change this is ominous.
 MOTHO KE MOTHO KA BATHO BABANG – Jeremy Cronin
Imagery & Sound Devices Tone
SYMBOLS: Secretive, intimate and conversational, because the messages
✓ THE MIRROR is a symbol of freedom and communication – a portal between the prisoners have to be conveyed in silence. The fact
to escape dreary conditions. that the gestures are instantly understood by the speaker
✓ THE BLACK FIRST: symbol of resistance against apartheid; increases the sense of intimacy.
encouragement, motivation and resilience.
✓ THE FREE HAND: a ‘voice’ that speaks without using sound. Hand is We do not know the prisoner’s name, and it seems that the
almost a person on its own.
speaker also doesn’t know him personally. The speaker
SIMILE: ‘Two fingers are extended in a vee / And wiggle like two
describes him as “a person” and a “prisoner”. Their
antennae.’ Antennae in animal alerts it to danger or obstacle. Wiggling
comradeship and intimacy are based on their shared belief and
fingers serve the same purpose.
values, and their shared opposition to apartheid.
SYNECDOCHE: ‘voice from around the corner’ refers to the voice of
the warden who is out of sight but his question and commanding tone
suggests that he is watching them closely.
IRONY: ‘later we can speak’ – the word ‘speak’ is ironic as they do not
literally speak but communicate in different ways as demonstrated by
the sign language used here.
‘the talkative one (hand)’ – the hand (which is silent literally) that is
mainly used for communication.
ALLITERATION: ‘finger of his free hand’. Free’ hand: hand that is not
busy with a chore. Also IRONIC as the man is not really free. ‘slow-slow
rhythm of his work’ – repetition of the word ‘slow’ and ‘sl’ sound,
broken by the hyphen, slows down the pace of the line and
demonstrates the slow pace at which the prisoner works.
Style/Structure/Form Theme & Message
✓ Free verse We can only live a truly human life if we are connected to and
✓ Enjambment (creates flow, as if the speaker is talking to the interacting with other humans.
reader). It is just as important to have contact with like-minded humans
✓ Visual layout is IMPORANT. Meaning of the messages that the (the prisoners got strength and support from their fellow
prisoner is communicating is placed on the right of the page, to prisoners, not from the warders).
set them apart from the speaker’s description of what he sees. Any human endevour, whether it is a political struggle or an
The warder’s words to the prisoner are located in the middle of everyday activity, is made easier and more meaningful by the
the page, emphasizing that the warder is not part of the same support and encouragement of others.
conversation that the two prisoners are having. The warder’s
direct speech & the prisoner’s silent messages are in italics.
1. Explain how the phrase, ‘down here’ (line 3) highlights the difficulty the prisoners must overcome. (2)
The phrase emphasises how far apart the two men are/the distance between them and so the difficulty of their communicating with
each other without drawing attention to this illegal activity.
2. Why if ‘My face’ line 6 placed at the beginning of the line? (2)
The face is very important when people communicate with each other/the face represents the nature of the person/shows the
person’s character/the poem will establish later that the face is that of a white man and the prisoner who sees is black but this
makes no difference to either men
3. Why is the simile in line 14 particularly appropriate in this context? (3)
The simile suggests the tremble of fingers, focusing on the small movements made to avoid being noticed.
AND An inset uses its antennae to evaluate its environment and process the stimulae it receives/it transforms the stimulae into
messages. In the same way, the prisoners’ fingers create a message and communicate with the other prisoner.
4. Considering the way in which people are identified in the poem as ‘prisoner’ or ‘warder’, comment on how ‘brother’
(line 26) explores and important message in the poem. (3)
The opposition of ‘prisoner’ and ‘warder’ establishes the start reality of the power relations in a prison. There is a simple contrast: a
man is imprisoned, stripped of all choice, at the mercy of authorities, or a man is one of those authorities, having power. The word,
‘brother’, establishes the possibility of a different relationship; the prisoners can resist being disempowered by establishing
comradeship amongst themselves/the prisoners create new bonds/a sense of family or fellow-feeling that challenges the label of
‘prisoner’ and gives a sense of common purpose/shared humanity/ comfort. The struggle against an evil system like apartheid
unites all those who oppose it.
 FUNERAL BLUES – WH Auden
Imagery/Figurative Language Tone
HYPERBOLE: ‘Stop all the clocks’, ‘cut off the telephone’ – signs of respect Stanza 1 – Curt (the speaker issues sad instructions about
to honour dead. Speaker wishes to stop the time: his grief is overwhelming. setting up the signs of mourning. He is stopping everything
‘Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone’ – wants normal life and that represents everyday life)/
others’ happiness to be suspended in his hour of grief. The ‘drum’ and Stanza 2 – Hysterical (the speaker desires to share his loss
‘pianos’ are musical instruments also serve as the death knell (normally with others, even the general public. He suggests impossible
bell tolls for the dead) – symbolises or announces someone’s death. ‘Put ways of marking the death of his loved one).
crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves’: expectation of a Stanza 3 – Sad but calmer (the speaker describes
mass mourning. He wants everyone to share his unbearable pain and loss. nostalgically how his loved on meant everything to him. The
‘My noon, my midnight’,– again the speaker reflects on the sense of stanza concludes with a moving statement in line 12 “I was
oneness of the couple. Their time spent together reminds one that this wrong”. This antithesis demonstrates what a shock the sudden
time has passed, and the relationship severed by death. The loss therefore and unexpected loss of his love has been to him).
is presented as more devastating. Stanza 4 – Near-hysterical grief (speaker describes how he
‘The stars are not wanted now; put out every one, ’‘Pack up the moon and wants to “put out” the stars and “dismantle the sun”. This
dismantle the sun, Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood; / For demonstrates the depth of his grief, and is supported by the
nothing now can ever come to any good. bleak statement in the last line: “nothing …good”).
These lines highlight his utter hopelessness and depression. He is so
immersed in his grief he expects the world to literally disappear for he
cannot stand to face a normal life given his pain and grief
METAPHOR: ’He was my North, my South, my East and West’ – shows the
person gave the speaker direction in life.
‘My working week and my Sunday rest,– this was his life partner. They
seemed to be a perfect match, sharing everything with each other. ‘my
talk, my song’ – they were inseparable and almost one person who shared
the same vision and thoughts. ‘song’ – reflects the happiness and joy which
the person brought into his life.
PERSONIFICATION: ‘Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead’ – the death
needs to be commemorated. Sound of aeroplanes remind us of actual
moaning/mourning sound of mourners crying profusely
ALLITERATION: ‘mourners’. and ‘muffle’ shows he is trying to stifle his
tears.
ONOMATOPOEIA: ‘moaning’ – sound of muffled pain and grief.
Style/Structure/Form Theme & Message
✓ Elegy or a dirge The poem concerns grief and mourning for a lost loved one,
✓ Four stanzas of four lines. and the impulse to spread the dreadful news far and wide.
✓ Consistent rhyme scheme (aabb, ccdd, eeff, gghh) It demonstrates how shocking it can eb to realise that love
✓ An elegy often has a slow pace, but in this poem the pace is fast, as may not, in fact, last forever.
if the speaker is rushing to say everything he feels, until the pace
slows down towards the end.

1. How is the choice of diction in line 1 used to convey the speaker’s tone? (2)
The words, ‘Stop’ and ‘cut’, are instructions given to bring a halt to communication with the outside world. This conveys an
imperative tone as the speaker takes charge of the situation.
2. Explain why aeroplanes are described as ‘moaning’ in line 5. (2)
A moaning sound will express a level of suffering. The onomatopoeia suggests that even the aeroplanes are grieving for the death.
The sound is an outward display of sorrow and lamentation.
3. Refer to line 8: ‘He was my … East and West’. Discuss what the image suggests about the relationship between the
speaker and the dead man. (3)
The speaker refers to the cardinal points of a compass which is used for direction. He wishes to convey the dead man meant
everything to him. Now that the man is deceased, the speaker lacks direction and feels completely lost.
4. Does the title of the poem capture the speaker’s feelings accurately? Justify your response. (3)
A funeral is a formal service held for the deceased shortly after his death. ‘Blues’ expresses a feeling of melancholy and sorrow. In
the poem, the speaker is deeply grieved by the death of the dead man. He conveys the intensity of his heartache through the
imagery which suggests how much the dead man meant to him.
 A HARD FROST – Cecil Day Lewis
Imagery & Sound Devices Tone
PERSONIFICATION: • The speaker’s tone shows his distrust of the frost and its beauty.
• Line 1 – the frost “came in the night and stole my world” – frost is To him it is a thief who has stolen the real world and replaced it
described as a thief
with this ‘changeling’, which looks attractive but is too good to be
• Line 10 – “the sun looks out” – sun is compared to a person, looking out
true.
of a window, which describes the appearance of the sun on the horizon.
• Line 11-14: “mockery spring” – imitation spring cruelly gives a “raw • He acknowledges the beauty of the frost but with a dismissive
country maid” (the landscape) this beautiful “bridal gear” (ice tone pointing out that it is not lasting.
crystals), knowing it will not last and she will be left with nothing but • His description of the mist has an uneasy tone. It reminds him of
“old fairings”. a prehistoric substance.
• Line 17-19: The frost is “worrying” the clods of earth to break them up. • In lines 11-14 the speaker’s tone becomes disapproving as he
The clods of earth have a strong “grip” on the seed, which the frost compares the frost to a “mockery” who tricks the poor innocent
forces them to loosen (“unclenches”). “country maid” into thinking she has been given all this beauty
METAPHOR: that will disappear and laver her disappointed and upset.
• line 2: the brilliant frosty scene is described as a changeling. The • The speaker ends with a more emphatic, positive tone as he
implication is that this beautiful scene cannot be trusted. points out where the real work is being done.
• Line 7: Elm trees are described as “blossomers in crystal” serving as • The last line of the poem has a tone of satisfaction, as the
“stems” for the clouds of mist. speaker says the frost “lets our future breathe”.
• Line 10: The light reflecting of the ice particles is compared to the
“blaze” of fiery sparkle of diamonds.
• WHOLE POEM: “frost” is a metaphor, comparing the beautiful ice
crystals to superficial things of this world, which may be attractive and
seem like a promise of something good, but which prove to have no
lasting value.

SIMILE – line 7-9: The mist is compared to “blind tissue whence creation
formed” – this refers to the unformed, primitive matter that existed
before “creation” and from which the nature grew.
Style/Structure/Form Theme & Message
✓ Free verse The beautiful, spring-like appearance of the frosty scene is
✓ Two stanzas, 9 lines + 10 lines deceptive, as it will soon melt away and the frost-damaged winter
✓ Enjambment (creates smooth flow, as if the poet is thinking landscape will be revealed. The actual approach of spring is
aloud). happening underground.
In the same way, much of what we see as beautiful and worthy is
actually an illusion, and the truly important things in life are often
happening unseen and unappreciated.
1. What impression of the frost is created by the use of the word, ‘changeling’ (line 2)? (2)
The frost is described as stealing the world and leaving a ‘changeling’ in its place. This would suggest that the frost is like a fairy
and creates the impression that there is something magical and mysterious about it. Fairies might also be regarded as malevolent,
which might suggest the deceptive and devious nature of the frost. The frost tricks people into believing that spring has arrived and
is therefore, untrustworthy
2. Describe the speaker’s tone in ‘Mockery spring’ (line 11) and explain why he would feel this way. (2)
His tone might be described as angry/annoyed/exasperated because he feels that it is wrong of the frost to trick people into
believing that spring has arrived.
3. Refer to lines 7-8: ‘amorphous/as the blind tissue whence creation formed’. Discuss whether the creation reference is
effective in the context of the poem. (3)
The lines suggest that the forces of creation are unseen until the life they produce emerges with some definitive shape. Until such
time, they are vague and ‘amorphous’. The reference effectively prepares the reader for the last five lines of the poem where the
speaker presents his views on how the cycle of nature is dependent on the regeneration that occurs below the ground
4. The poem is a celebration of Spring. Do you agree? Support your answer with reference to the poem. (3)
The speaker celebrates the transformative power of spring. This is evident when he mentions the ‘true transformation’ that is not
yet apparent on the surface of the earth. He considers the frost’s superficial beauty as being an ‘image of spring’, which implies
that the beauty of spring is more authentic. He admires the fact that spring ensures the future of all life.
 AN AFRICAN THUNDERSTORM – David Rubadiri
Imagery & Sound devices Tone
STANZA 1: - the images of the storm and its elements are frightening Dismay – the author is not happy; he concentrates on telling us
SIMILE (line 6) – the clouds are compared to a “plague of locusts”. about the damage caused by the rain and wind e.g. a plague of
Suggests destruction.
SIMILE (Line 9) - Wind is compared to a “madman chasing nothing”. locusts is never a good thing, at least for the crops.
Emphasises the unpredictability of the wind.
METAPHOR (line 8) – Wind is compared to a powerful animal “tossing up
This contrasts with the usual view of rain in African society:
things on its tail”. Reinforces the destructive power of the wind.
ONOMATOPOEIA (line 2 & 7) – “hurrying”, “whirling” – sounds like wind
rain is a blessing; everything loves the approach of rain, not
rushing through the air. just children. It is good for the crops and the animals, as it
increases the harvest. However, this storm causes destruction.
STANZA 2: - the images reinforce the comparisons with frightening Therefore, it is not good.
creatures and introduce a new image of the storm.
PERSONIFICATION (line 10) – the clouds are “pregnant”, implies the
weight of the water they will release onto the land, and they “ride stately”,
like royalty. In line 12 they are “gathering” like a group that has strength in
numbers.
SIMILE (line 13) – “like dark sinister wings”. Suggests the clouds are
frightening birds of prey.
ONOMATOPOEIA (line 14) – “whistles”
STANZA 3: - the storm reaches a climax and the images of chaos and
destruction reflect the impact on humans.
SIMILE (line 27) – women’s clothes being torn off them “like tattered
flags”. Image of loss and underlines the ruthlessness of the storm.
METAPHOR (line 33) – the storm is compared to an army (“the pelting
march of the storm”) confirms the storm as a destructive force.
ALLITERATION (line 18) – “Toss and turn” – movement created by strong
wind.
ALLITERATION (line 27-28) – “Flags/flying off”
Style/Structure/Form Theme & Message
✓ 2 Parts which divide the content into general & specific. Literal: Chaos and destruction of a storm and the helplessness
✓ Wind builds up 4 times (4 interwoven stanzas). of the people caught in its path.
✓ Irregular line length & single-word lines: captures the Metaphorical: The storm and its negative effects can stand for
unpredictable progress of the wind. the British and European colonization and the destructive impact
it has had on the people of Africa.
1. How does the line arrangement in stanza 1 support the mood of the opening of the poem. (2)
The short lines create urgency while the longer lines suggest speed.
2. By referring closely to one example of diction, describe the observer’s response to the clouds in line 13. (2)
The observer is nervous/frightened/ feels vulnerable/nervous.
dark: associated with threat/ominous/black ; sinister: menacing/ominious/threatening/even evil
wings: connotations here of being overshadowed/surrounded/trapped by darkness/threat
3. What impression is created of the babies in line 21? (3)
There is an almost comical impression of desperate babies holding tightly onto their mothers’ backs as the women rush
about frightened and flustered, to prepare for the potential ravages of the storm.
4. Consider the last line of each stanza. Critically discuss how the use of personification in each line highlights
an important aspect of the description of the storm. (3)
The last lines use personification to emphasise the power of the storm.
Stanza 1: the simile suggests lunatic, filled with a violent, restless, and potentially destructive energy.
Stanza 2: The tees do not withstand the wind; hey bow submissively, passive and unresisting.
Stanza 3: the storm is like an advancing army which cannot be opposed.
 AN AFRICAN ELEGY – Ben Okri
Imagery/Figurative Language Tone
Stanza 1 –
METAPHOR (lines 1-2) – speaker compares Africans to
• In spite that the poem is called an “elegy” and deals with
“miracles…Time”. Suggests that Africans are in some way chosen suffering of the African people, the tone of the poem is
by God to bear suffering, and then eventually be celebrated as “the optimistic, positive and full of wonder.
wonders of the earth” (line 5). Introduces the unique perspective • Stanza 2 – joyful amazement
of dealing with life. • Stanza 3 – positive and optimistic
Stanza 2 – • Stanza 4 – joy and mystery
METAPHOR (line 6) – describes how some things may “burn” at • Stanza 6 – triumph and celebration
one point yet “turn golden” at another. Show that one’s attitude can
decide the way in which one experiences something.
Stanza 4 –
PERSONIFICATION – speaker describes how the “sweet” African
music “makes the air remember (line 16-17). He also personifies
Time (line 19), suggesting that Time will eventually reveal the
“secret miracles” that are “at work” (line 18).
“heard the dead singing (line 20).
Stanza 6 –
METAPHORS: “the ocean is full of songs”, “the sky is not our
enemy”. Emphasises the idea of mystery, joy and surprise.
PERSONIFICATION – (line 30) summarises the message: Destiny is
our friend.
Style/Structure/Form Theme & Message
✓ Free verse African people’s ability to find joy and wonder in life
✓ No regular rhyme or metre. despite their difficult circumstances, and to celebrate
✓ Enjambment life’s possibilities and mysteries.

1. Why does the speaker refer to us as ‘miracles’? (2)

Man is connected to a divine agency as we have been created by God. We have the ability to think and reason,
attributing superior qualities to our existence.

2. Explain why ‘Time’ is personified in lines 2 and 19. (2)

Time is given the power to reveal life’s experiences and choices. It is through time that the complexity of life is revealed
and lessons are learnt from real life experiences. Irrespective of whether the experiences are positive or negative, they
are necessary part of life.

3. Account for the speaker’s use of the word ‘golden’ (line 7) in the context of stanza 2. (3)

‘Golden’ suggests the hope and optimism of African people despite the pain and suffering they have endured. ‘Golden’
has connotations of something precious. It might refer to the African sun – with every sunset, a new day will dawn. This
captures the hope of the African people

4. Comment on the effectiveness of the imagery in line 30 in conveying the message of the poem: ‘Destiny is
our friend’. (3)

The personification conveys the idea that the plan God has for Africa should not be feared. Instead, life and its destiny
should be embraced and appreciated. This attitude reaffirms traditional African beliefs.
 SOMEWHERE I HAVE NEVER TRAVELLED – ee cummings
Imagery/Figurative Language Tone
PARADOX: (Line 1): – ‘somewhere i have never travelled’ - experience is unknown to • The tone of this poem combines bewilderment at
speaker but he is keen to embark on the ‘journey’ – words ‘gladly beyond’ demonstrate love’s mysterious power with a joyful acceptance of
willingness / sense of adventure
his love.
(Line 6): ‘rendering death and forever with each breathing’: intense concept – her
power of spiritual ‘life’ and ‘death’ over him.
SIMILE (lline 5-l6) ’your slightest look easily will unclose me … closed myself as
fingers’. Speaker has built walls around himself – she breaks them down. He is
compared to a flower – unusual for a man to be compared to something as fragile –
again highlighting his awe and defenselessness to control his emotions.
(lines l7-l8) ‘you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens (touching
skillfully, mysteriously) her first rose’. Spring seen as a goddess whose impact is
profound, almost magical. Like Spring, she ‘forces’ to ‘open’ him up to the
emotions/vulnerabilities he wishes to withhold but simply cannot.
(lines 10-12) ’my life will shut…this flower imagines’. Reinforces her sense of power –
not destructive. The word ‘beautifully’ and ‘carefully’ imply that her influence on him
whether positive or negative is part of the ‘journey’ he is being compelled to
undertake.
PERSONIFICATION:’ the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses/nobody, not even
the rain, has such small hands’ – sees her impact as being as mysterious as the power
of nature. Beautiful, life-giving, nurturing.
EXTENDED METAPHOR: Speaker sees lover as having the power to ‘close’ and
‘unclose’ him. ‘Unclose’ – bring out the best in him/evoke love/appreciation. ‘Close’ –
restrict his emotions.
ALLITERATION: (line 7) - ‘petal by petal’ –reinforces her supremacy over him.
(Line 15) - ’compels me with the colour of its countries’. Creates the
impression that his love for her and her power over him is ceaseless and
unyielding
Style/Structure/Form Theme & Message
✓ The lack of capitalization, specifically in the pronoun "I," also supports the • The poet highlights the inexplicable power of love.
poet's extreme devotion to his lover. • Goes hand-in-hand with his love of nature.
✓ The poem is arranged in 5 quatrains with odd punctuation. • When he is describing how easy it is for his lover's
✓ EFFECT OF ODD PUNCTUATION AND SYNTAX: implies that speaker cannot glance to open him up, if she wishes, cummings
express lover’s impact (on him) by using conventional grammar or compares this process to a natural one.
vocabulary because her power over him is mysterious and inexplicable.
1. Refer to stanza 1. In line 1 the speaker uses the image of a journey: “somewhere i have never travelled”. What
does this tell us about his experience of love? (2)
This tells us that he is experiencing something he has never felt before so he feels that he is on an emotional ‘journey’.
2. What do you think the speaker means by “your…silence” (line 2)? (2)
The speaker feels a profound sense of peace and tranquility when he looks into the eyes of the one he loves. OR Her look
has a profound effect on him, so much so that she does not need to say anything.
3. Refer to stanza 2. Explain how the image the speaker uses of being “unclosed” by his loved one expresses the
power of his feelings. (2)
The speaker feels that the person he loves has such power over him, because of the strength of his feelings that they can
“unclose him even if he has “closed” himself.
4. Refer to stanzas 2 and 3. The speaker uses the image of a flower in these lines. Why do you think he chooses this
image. (2)
The use of the flower image links to the image of closing and unclosing. It symolises the blossoming of his feelings of
love. She is able to get him to open up and talk about his feelings.
5. The speaker describes his loved one’s physical delicacy. Explain how these references contribute to our
understanding of his feelings. (2)
The emphasis on physical weakness or delicacy emphasises that it is the speaker’s emotions that are powerful and
overwhelming rather than the person he loves. He does not understand how such a physically delicate being can have so
much power over him.
 THE GARDEN OF LOVE – William Blake
Imagery/Figurative Language Tone
The Garden of Love (line 1) – Represents innocence and natural joyfulness. The tone is one of dismay, disappointment and
Also an allusion to the Garden of Eden. disapproval.
The “Chapel” (line 3) – Represents Christianity and the Church. The poet felt
that organized religion had become repressive, seeking to control people.
Over the door the words “Thou shalt not” (line 6) – emphasises the Church The poet uses the repetition of “And” to emphasise how
concerns itself only with forbidding things.
he notices one unpleasant change after another.
Graves and tombstones have replaced flowers – indicates that the Church’s
focus on sin and death destroys beauty and joy of life.
“Priests in black gowns” (line 11) – enforcers of the Church’s laws. Patrol the
Garden like prison wardens, controlling people’s natural impulses and desires.
The “green” (line 4) – colour green represents life, growth and the natural
world. It is the antithesis of the black-robed priests who are obsessed with
death and sin.
The village green (park) represents youth, innocence and joyfulness. It was also
a communal space – represents freedom from control.
The flowers (line 8) – symbolize the happy freedom of the speaker’s youth,
unburdened by restrictions or shame. He finds they have all gone, displaced by
the chapel and the graves.
Also present in reference to the Church’s rules as “briars” that imprison his
“joys and desires”. The Church thus rejects the beauty and joyfulness of
nature.
ALLITERATION: ‘binding with briars’ – allusion to the crucifixion. ‘Briars’ are
prickly vines which remind us of the crown of thorns used to torture Jesus.
Laws imposed on society are cruel, restrictive and painful. Emphasised by
harsh “b” sound.
Style/Structure/Form Theme & Message
3 stanzas of 4 lines. Each focuses on a different issue: The poet shows how:
✓ 1st– speaker’s discovery of the chapel; • the human imagination and desire (and sexuality per
✓ 2nd– speaker’s feelings about the building but expresses hope for se) is oppressed in all forms especially by organised
consolation to be found in the garden. religion (i.e. the institution of the church;
✓ 3rd– speaker’s disappointment that this too has undergone drastic change. • the concept of original sin restricts freedom;
- End rhymes in first 2 stanzas: ABCB DEFE • Christianity has been distorted by the interpreters of
- Internal rhymes with ‘gowns’ and ‘rounds’; ‘briars’ and ‘desires’ the faith.
1. How does the rhythm of line 2 support the speaker’s tone? (2)
The rhythm puts the stress on ‘ saw’, ‘never’ and ‘seen’, suggesting the speaker’s shock/disappointment/disbelief in
seeing what he sees now which had never before been there/the unexpected/shocking change in the garden.
2. Explain the irony of the Chapel’s position in the middle of the Garden of Love. (2)
The reader would expect the doors of the Chapel to stand open (because a Chapel is a place of Christian worship and
the central tenet of Christianity is love – of God and one’s neighbour), but these doors are shut, indicating a
forbidding/unfriendly/unwelcoming attitude.
3. Refer to stanza 2. Comment on the poet’s diction in this stanza. How does his choice of words convey his
feelings at this point. (3)
The words “shut” and “Thou shalt not” convey the unpleasant feelings he has bout what the chapel represents – a rigid
and judgemental philosophy. When he speaks of the garden, on the other hand, he uses the words “Love” and “sweet
flowers”, which convey his happy, positive feelings about it.
4. Considering the poem as a whole, what can you deduce about the person who is speaking? (3)
The speaker values childhood and the natural overflow of creative, optimistic spontaneous feelings (love). He opposes
formal religion because religious leaders fear the expression of human needs and strong feelings, and seek to control
and repress them. They impose their rules and restrictions on children and adults alike.
 FELIX RANDAL – Gerard Manley Hopkins
Imagery/Figurative Language Tone
METAPHOR: ‘mould of man’ – metaphor. Felix was a man who • OCTAVE: dispassionate, detached and matter-of-fact
moulded iron and shaped it to create his products. Similarly, he was • SESTET: sorrow, grief, sympathetic and endearing
shaped as strong and tough just like the metal he worked with.
‘Sickness broke him’. His illnesses destroyed his strength and The poem has a thoughtful yet conversational tone. It reminds us
health; also had to come to terms with death and preparing for the of how we react when we are told of someone who has died. The
afterlife. ‘heavenlier heart’ – he had found God / acceptance of his speaker moves from one aspect of the man’s life to another and
fate. mentions thoughtfully the comfort that friendship and faith can
SYNCDOCHE: ‘My tongue had taught thee comfort’. He had been bring.
able to assuage Felix’s pain with his words.
SOUND DEVICES -
ALLITERATION:’ big-boned’; ‘hardy-handsome’: repetition of ‘b’ and
‘h’ sounds reinforce the sense of his physical strength. Unusual
compound adjectives to describe the uniqueness of the individual.
‘pining’ ‘pining’ – plosive ‘p’ sound highlights his debilitating
suffering and pain.
‘Fatal four disorders fleshed’- fricative ‘f’ sound echo his suffering
and pain.
Plosive sounds in ‘great gray drayhorse’ and ‘bright battering
sandal’ remind of Felix’s strength but also how that strength has
been destroyed by illness.
‘reason rambled’ – repetition of ‘r’ sound creates rattling effect
(struggling to breathe) – also indication of his delirium brought
upon by his illness.
Style/Structure/Form Theme & Message
✓ Italian (Petrarchan Sonnet) • The poem deals with the fact that even the strongest die.
✓ Octave • The poem also suggests that religious faith has a healing,
✓ Sestet comforting power.
✓ Traditional rhyme scheme: abba, abba, ccd, ccd. • Finally the poem is about the bond of friendship, even love, which
grows between those who care for the sick, and those who are
cared for.
1. In your own words, provide a description of Felix Randal when he is healthy and when he is sick. (2)
Felix was muscular, well-built and robust when he is healthy. When he becomes ill, he is reduced to a weak/frail man
who loses his energetic and lively stature.

2. In line 9, ‘endears’ appears twice. Explain the significance of ‘endears’ in the relationship between the
farrier and the speaker. (2)
The speaker is a Roman Catholic priest. He plays a spiritual role in the life of Felix Randal. The speaker feels a sense of
loss and mourning when Felix Randal dies. The compassion the speaker feels illustrates that he develops a fondness
for his parishioner.

3. Why does the speaker refer to Felix Randal as a ‘child’ in line 17? (3)
The speaker is a priest and a father figure to his flock. The word, ‘child’ reduces Felix Randal to a vulnerable state; his
illness has been debilitating and he has become incapable of caring for himself.

4. Refer to line 5: ‘sickness broke him’. In your opinion, is the uses of the word ‘broke’ suitable in the context
of the poem? Justify your response. (3)
Yes. ‘Broke’ has connotations of something being taken apart/he is no longer whole. The hefty and robust body of Felix
Randal has been damaged by illness. This has prevented him from functioning normally. This does not allow him to
continue with his daily routine
 VULTURES – Chinua Achebe
Imagery/Figurative Language Tone
METAPHOR: S1 -’ broken bones of a dead tree’ – plosive ‘d’ sounds repeated. • S 1 (ln 1-21) – Disgust and revulsion: the speaker describes
‘dead’ highlights the sterility of the environment – even the tree (symbol of life) the dreary day and the ugly vultures relaxing after a meal of
is dead.
rotting flesh.
S 1 ‘a pebble on a stem rooted in a dump of gross feathers’ – depicts the
revolting and ugly physical sight of the vulture. The word ‘gross’ and ‘dumped’
reinforce the idea that the speaker is disgusted by the sight of the vultures. The • S 2 (ln 22-29) – Puzzlement: the speaker marvels that love
words show his rejection of what they symbolise. could find a place in the heart of such an ugly creature.
S 3 - ‘the Commandant at Belsen / Camp going home for / the day with fumes
of / human roast clinging rebelliously to his hairy / nostrils’. ‘fumes’ of ‘human • S 3 (ln 30-40) – Horror: The speaker contrasts the
roast’ is a reminder that the commandant’s job is to execute people. The fact unimaginable evil that the Commandant is guilty of with his
that he is able to breathe and live normally while the stench of their pitiful feelings of tender kindness for his children.
deaths linger in his nostrils, is horrific and saddening. He has the capacity to kill
cold-heartedly and indiscriminately yet it is not instinctual as it is for the • S 4 (ln 41-51) – Resigned and pessimistic: The speaker offers a
vulture. choice of being thankful for the capacity to love or feeling
S 4 - ‘tenderness encapsulated in icy caverns of a cruel heart’ – heart is like ‘despair’ because the capacity for evil seems to co-exist with it.
an icy cave yet there is warmth.
‘the very germ / of that kindred love is / lodged the perpetuity of evil’. ‘germ’
suggests that love and hate can blossom unhindered in all of us. The word
‘perpetuity’ suggests that both love and evil will never die, and their co-
existence will persist. Both images highlight that the speaker is perplexed by the
paradox of the human condition.

PERSONIFICATION: ‘despondent dawn’ – dawn is personified as a sad person.

This depressing mood is reinforced by the heavy ‘d’ sound repeated.
‘love in other / ways so particular / will pick a corner / in that charnel-house
tidy it and coil up there’ - The fact that love is given human characteristics
shows that humans, just like love, will initially struggle to survive with a
semblance of normality, but ultimately shrivel up and die in inhumane conditions
like in the Belsen camp where hatred and evil rule. Love is snuffed out and
human lives are destroyed because love is absent.
Style/Structure/Form Theme & Message
✓ Free verse The strange co-existence of gross evil, and tender love.
✓ Divided into 4 sections, indicated by indentation of lines and ellipses. The paradoxical nature of human beings who have the capacity
✓ Enjambment to love intensely while at the same time, commit unspeakable
✓ Very short lines horrors.
1. By referring to the diction in lines 1-6, describe the mood at the beginning of the poem. (2)
The words, ‘greyness’ and ‘drizzle’ create a dark and dismal mood. The weather is dull and gloomy. The alliteration of the heavy ‘d’
sound also adds to the miserable ad grim start to the morning.
2. Explain why the use of the word, ‘Daddy’ (line 39) is ironic. (2)
‘Daddy’ is a term of endearment used to show how ‘normal’ the Commandant’s role as a father is. He is portrayed as a loving,
family man which is ironic when one considers that his job entails the torture and murder of fellow human beings.
3. Comment on the appropriateness of the title in context of the meaning of the poem. (3)
Vultures are associated with repugnant behaviour because they prey on the weak or sick. Despite the moment of tenderness
witnessed between the pair, the vultures are regarded as unfeeling/heartless. Their cruel and evil deeds are equated to the evil
committed by the Commandant who also preys on the weak and sick in the concentration camp. The vultures are a metaphor for
people who commit atrocities against others.
4. The speaker suggests that the world is not a place where hope can exist. Do you agree? Justify your response with
reference to the poem. (3)
The last two lines of the poem might leave the reader feeling despondent and hopeless: ‘perpetuity’ suggests that evil is eternal
and will not be eliminated. ‘Evil’ is the last word in the poem and will linger in the mind of the reader. The speaker acknowledges
that love/tenderness does exist, but hoping that love will emerge from the depth of a monster’s (‘ogre’) cold heart is futile. The
predominance of images related to death and that focus on repugnant behaviour create a bleak and sombre mood. (3)
 POSSIBLE ESSAY QUESTIONS
(250-300 words)

1. Remember - In “Remember”, the speaker explores the opposing ideas of “remembering” and “forgetting” the
dead. By close reference to the diction, imagery and tone of the poem, critically discuss the above statement.
2. First day after the war - Kunene’s poem, “First Day after the War” is a celebratory vision of a post-apartheid
future, built on renewal and a strong message about the power of the past. Critically discuss this statement and
refer to the diction, imagery and tone of the poem.
3. The Zulu Girl - “The Zulu Girl foreshadows the future resistance of the South African people to policies of
segregation and apartheid. It demonstrates Campbell’s sympathy for the people of the Zulu nation, as well as
his fear of them. By close reference to diction, imagery and tone, critically discuss this statement.
4. Motho Ke Motho Ka Batho Babang - Cronin’s poem “Motho Ke Motho Ka Batho Baband” demonstrates his
belief that we need the support of others , and close communication with others, in order to maintain our
humanity. By close reference to diction, imagery and tone used in this poem, critically discuss this statement.
5. Funeral Blues - “Funeral Blues” is a powerful exploration of the devastating effects of grief and loss. By
carefully examining the diction, imagery and tone of the poem, evaluate the validity of the above statement.
6. Hard Frost - In “A hard Frost” Day Lewis puts forward the idea that the superficial beauty that many people
admire is worthless, even harmful. He believes that most of the valuable things in life are actually unseen and
unacknowledged. By close reference to diction, imagery and tone, assess the validity of this statement.
7. African Thunderstorm - The storm in “An African Thunderstorm” is a frightening, chaotic, ruthless force. With
reference to diction, imagery and tone, critically discuss this statement.

TIP:
"plague of "tossing up "toss and
locusts" things" turn"
"jaggered
Lide a blinding
madman flashes"
frightening chaotic

"din of whirling "dark sinister wings' "in and

wind" "whirling wind"
out/Madly"

ruthless "pelting march of the

"clothes wave like tattered flags"
storm"

8. African Elegy - In “An African Elegy”, Okri mourns the pain of Africa and celebrates its unique resilience.
Discuss the validity of the statement, paying close attention to the diction, imagery and tone.
9. Somewhere i have never travelled, gladly before - Cummings uses words, images and grammar in a way
that seems almost illogical – yet he creates a reality that is vividly evoked and extremely moving. By close
examination of the diction, imagery and tone in “somewhere i have never travelled…”, evaluate the validity of
the statement.
10. The Garden of love – William Blake was very critical of the effect that the institutions of his time had on the
individual. By close reference to diction, imagery and tone used in this poem, discuss how the poem reflects the
truth of this statement.
11. Felix Randal – In “Felix Randal”, Hopkins emphasises the temporary nature of human existence, and affirms
the importance of religious faith. Critically discuss the statement with reference to diction, imagery and tone.
12. Vultures – In “Vultures”, Chinua Achebe presents a chilling description of humanity’s capacity for both
tenderness and brutality. Discuss the validity of this statement.
 1. Remember
In “Remember”, the speaker explores the opposing ideas of “remembering” and “forgetting” the dead. By close reference to
the diction, imagery and tone of the poem, critically discuss the above statement.

PLANNING

INTRODUCTION: In the poem Remember by Christina Rosetti the speaker explores the opposing ideas of
‘remembering’ and ‘forgetting’ the dead. This can be seen from the onset of the poem when the speaker starts with an
instruction to her beloved which is followed by words that describe her death. The speaker uses images to describe
death and life, as well as remembering and forgetting. There is also a change in tone between the octave and sestet.
• The poem begins with an instruction from the speaker and is followed by words that describe her death.
The speaker’s opening line of the poem “Remember me” and concluding line “Better by far you should forget and
smile” highlight the main theme of the poem. The speaker uses words that describe her death, such as “gone away”,
“silent land”. These emphasise that death is felt as an absence. The euphemisms aim to make the absence more
bearable. She uses phrases such as “hold me by the hand” to describe small pleasures of their everyday life that
she wants them to remember. In the second part of the poem she realises that that these memories might cause
pain and grants her lover permission to rather forget her and “smile”.
• The speaker uses images to describe death and life, as well as remembering and forgetting. Death is “the
silent land” where she will be “gone away” and be with her loved one “no more”. The images she uses to describe
their physical life together depict very simple, everyday things (“hold…hand” and “tell…planned). These are the
times she wants her loved one to remember. The image of her beloved “forget[ting] and smil[ing]” is a less painful
idea than the image of them “rember[ing] and be[ing] sad.”
• There is a change in tone between the octave and sestet. In the octave, when the speaker mentions her death
and all the things that will no longer be possible the tone is sad. The instruction also comes across as commanding.
The sestet however focusses on forgetting an letting go. The tone becomes more gentle and caring when the
speaker grants her beloved permission to rather “forget and smile”, indicating that she has come to the conclusion
that forgetting ins both necessary and good.
In conclusion, the diction, imagery and tone explore the speaker’s thoughts about remembering and forgetting. The
author’s process of contemplating these contradictory ideas represent the natural stages of grief. This links to the theme
of remembrance and relinquishment ending the poem on a note of acceptance.

2. First day after the war

Kunene’s poem, “First Day after the War” is a celebratory vision of a post-apartheid future, built on renewal and
a strong message about the power of the past. Critically discuss this statement and refer to the diction, imagery
and tone of the poem.

INTRODUCTION: This poem is a vision of what the first day after the struggle against apartheid will be like. It is a
poem about celebration and joy.

• The poet chooses words that build a sense of celebration and joy by using images of a “wedding party” and a
“festival”. The poet draws on the sounds of celebrations with words like “songs”, ululating, “calling”. These
words help to build a mood of jubilation.
• The poet uses comparisons and juxtapositions that embody aspects of freedom, on the one hand as being
nurturing and life-giving by personifying freedom as a woman and on the other hand as being strong and
powerful by describing freedom as a “soft light / coiling”. The hope of a new life is evident in the images drawn
from nature, such as the “young blades of grass” in line 3 and the “first fruits of the season” in line 13.
• The use of words that detail the sounds of people celebrating, such as “shouted” and “ululating” add energy and
excitement to the tone of the poem. The mood is urgent (the people “shook up the old man demanding a
festival” and emphatic in the short lines near the end of the poem. The tone changes in the last line when it
becomes more serious: this line is a reminder that the people must look back to the past for guidance for their
future.
CONCLUSION: In this poem the poet has built a vision of hope and celebration for freedom and peace, but has
also given a strong message about the connection between a new future an the experience of the past.
 3. The Zulu Girl - “The Zulu Girl foreshadows the future resistance of the South African people to policies of
segregation and apartheid. It demonstrates Campbell’s sympathy for the people of the Zulu nation, as well as
his fear of them. By close reference to diction, imagery and tone, critically discuss this statement.

INTRODUCTION: In this poem, the poet describes a Zulu woman feeding her baby and uses this image to suggest
that the Zulu people will rise up in the future.
• The diction of the poem starts by referring to heat and the exhaustion of the field workers (“hot red acres”;
“sweating gang”; “deep langours”). As the poem continues, the phrases “unquenched unsmotherable heat”,
“curbed ferocity” and “so terrible and still” give an indication of anger and violence hidden beneath the
exhaustion created by the heat. The heat itself could symbolize anger.
• The imager also suggests a hidden menace – the col shade is “purpled” with “blood” and the mother’s caresses
“prowl” and create “sharp electric clicks”. Her baby “imbibes” the historic anger of his tribe together with his
mother’s milk. Her body is simultaneously protecting (“a hill…rest” and ominous (“the first…its breast”).
• The tone of the poem is initially fairly matter-of-fact in its description of farm workers in the hot fields, and a
young mother feeding her baby in the shade. It soon becomes more emotive, however, as the poet describes
the anger and resentment, and desire for revenge, which the young child absorbs at his mother’s breast. The
final stanza gives a disturbing hint of violence and destruction to come, as the “harvest of the suffering that has
been imposed on the Zulu.
CONCLUSION: Campbell seems to empathise with the feelings of the Zulu nation – he speaks of their “dignity” and
describes their hidden anger in almost admiring terms. The notion of an infant absorbing his inheritance, of events
and emotions he has never experienced, is quite and unusual one. Added to that is the image of the mother’s body,
which depict nurturing protectiveness but also symbolizes the coming revenge of the Zulu people. These two ideas
couple express Campbell’s fear at what the future might bring.
4. Motho Ke Motho Ka Batho Babang - Cronin’s poem “Motho Ke Motho Ka Batho Baband” demonstrates his
belief that we need the support of others , and close communication with others, in order to maintain our
humanity. By close reference to diction, imagery and tone used in this poem, critically discuss this statement.

INTRODUCTION: The poem begins with an image of complete isolation – a prisoner alone in a cell, not allowed to
communicate with other prisoners. TO try and make some contact with others, he uses his mirror to see what is going
on outside. The prisoner he sees in the corridor begins a silent communication with him by means of gestures.
• The speaker gives us a clear picture of the images he observes: the fingers that “bunch together” to show “An
object…badge” on the “imaginary cap” of a warder”; the two fingers making a “vee” and wiggling “like two
antennae” to show he is being watched; the moving “watch-hand’s arc”, to show they will speak later; and finally
the clenched fist to indicate solidarity and support. All these images are understood perfectly by the speaker and
in spite of his solitude he feels supported and comforted; part of a caring community.
• The diction used by the poet is simple and informal. The conversation between the two prisoners is confided to
silent gestures expressing simple yet powerful ideas. Similarly, the speakers narrative uses simple words to
describe what he saw (“There’s a person down there”; “He’s being watched” ; “In my mirror;/A black fist”) but this
was clearly a moving and important experience for him. This suggests that closeness and communication
between people does not have to be complicated – we merely have to be understood and supported.
• The tone of the poem is also informal and conversational, almost intimate. The speaker tells us every detail of
what he sees so that we are drawn into the silent yet satisfying conversation, as if we are participants. He
mentions the imaginary badge “Which travels…forehead” and we find ourselves watching in our imaginations.
CONCLUSION: The poet thus uses an informal, intimate tone and simple diction to convey a series of powerful
images that show us clearly how the prisoners maintain a community that allowed them to feel that they had not been
deprived of their humanity.
5. Funeral Blues - “Funeral Blues” is a powerful exploration of the devastating effects of grief and loss. By
carefully examining the diction, imagery and tone of the poem, evaluate the validity of the above statement.
• Negative forms & words that
speak of stopping, preventing
Diction and finishing things.
• Words about death and
mourning

Effects
of grief
and loss

Tone Imagery

6. A Hard Frost - In “A hard Frost” Day Lewis puts forward the idea that the superficial beauty that many people
admire is worthless, even harmful. He believes that most of the valuable things in life are actually unseen and
unacknowledged. By close reference to diction, imagery and tone, assess the validity of this statement.
PLANNING

Diction Imagery Tone

•Words describig beauty of •Frost as a "changeling" •tone of contempt and
frost: brilliant, crystal, blaze, •The mist as prehistoric "blind dissaproval for the beauty of
diamonds, bridal gear tissue" frost
•Words critical of frost: stole, •frost as "Mockery spring" •tone of satisfaction when
changeling, precocious, deceiving the "raw country describing the frost's action
amorphous, blind, mockery, maid" underground
death •frost "worrying" the "stiff
•Words describing the clods" and forcing them to
positive action of the frost: release their "grip" on the
real transformation, seeds so the future can
progress, unclenches, future, "breathe"
breathe
 7. African Thunderstorm - The storm in “An African Thunderstorm” is a frightening, chaotic, ruthless force. With
reference to diction, imagery and tone, critically discuss this statement.

TIP:
"plague of "tossing up "toss and
locusts" things" turn"
"jaggered
Lide a blinding
madman flashes"
frightening chaotic

"din of whirling "dark sinister wings' "in and

wind" "whirling wind"
out/Madly"

ruthless "pelting march of the

"clothes wave like tattered flags"
storm"

8. African Elegy - In “An African Elegy”, Okri mourns the pain of Africa and celebrates its unique resilience.
Discuss the validity of the statement, paying close attention to the diction, imagery and tone.

INTRODUCTION: “An African Elegy” does discuss the intense suffering experienced by the people of Africa through
the ages, but it is also a joyful poem, rejoicing in their power to transcend their suffering and experience the pleasures
of life.
• The speaker acknowledges that Africa’s history has been a painful one. However there are many words that
show how African people are still able to enjoy the pleasures of life and keep their optimism about the future, as
in: “We are the miracles”; “We are precious”; “the wonders of the earth”, “golden…happy” ; “sing and dream
sweet”; “secret miracles”; “life is good”; “full of songs” and “Destiny is our friend…”.
• The speaker uses images that describe the wonderful pleasures and beauty that can still be appreciated, even
when there are difficult times, for example, “things…happy in Stanza 2; “never…warm” in Stanza 3; “It makes
…forth” and “I…singing” Stanza 4. He also makes reference to things that cannot be easily explained or clearly
understood, but which he believes tell of a positive outcome, for example “We…made” and “one day…earth” in
stanza 1.
• The speaker’s tone is one of strength and confidence. The diction and imagery combine to create a mood of
elation. “We are…made”, “We are precious”, and “wonders…earth” .
CONCLUSION: In spite of the speaker’s acknowledgement of African suffering, a study of the diction, imagery and
tone used in the poem shows an optimistic and joyful side to African people’s experience of life.
 9. Somewhere i have never travelled, gladly before - Cummings uses words, images and grammar in a way
that seems almost illogical – yet he creates a reality that is vividly evoked and extremely moving. By close
examination of the diction, imagery and tone in “somewhere i have never travelled…”, evaluate the validity of
the statement.

PLANNING

Diction Imagery Tone

• Unusual words in the • images of closing and • A tone of wonder and

context - unclosing; flower and reverence; willing
"gladly...experience"; nature surrender to the power of
"touching...mysteriously"; • Contradictory or illogical love
"shut very beautifully" images - "your
• Words that are made up - eyes...silence"; i have
"unclose" closed...as fingers"; "my
• Words that are used life...beautifully" ; "the
"wrongly" - "you power...fragility"; the
open...myself"; "each colour of....countries"; the
breathing" voice...eyes.

10. The Garden of love – William Blake was very critical of the effect that the institutions of his time had on the
individual. By close reference to diction, imagery and tone used in this poem, discuss how the poem reflects the
truth of this statement.

INTRODUCTION: The poem describes the poet’s return to a “Garden of Love’ in which he used to play. This could
be a an actual or mental/emotional state of mind. However we interpret it, the way the poet describes the garden
and the way he describes the chapel that has replaced it are very different and clearly show his anger at and
disapproval of the Christian Church of his time.

• The words chosen by the poet to describe the garden he remembers are very positive. He speaker of how he
would “play on the green” and “sweet flowers”. The “joys and desires” he mentions in the last line are also
associated with the garden. His description of what has been done with the garden, however, clearly shows his
disapproval. He describes the “shut” gates and words “Thou shalt not” over the door; and he tells of the “graves”
and “tombstones” that have replaced the flowers. The priests “in black gowns” are “binding with briars” people’s
pleasure. All these words convey his distaste for the chapel that has replaced his garden.

• By using the above emotive words Blacker creates a mood of nostalgia for the carefree garden of his youth, and
of disgust at the petty nastiness of the Church and its ways. As he sees one horrible sight after the other the
tone becomes almost despairing, as if he is trapped in a nightmare in which everything good, natural and
beautiful has been destroyed by the individual in bonds of shame and guilt.

CONLUSION: Blake uses several powerful images to represent very different things. The chapel and graves
represent a prison-like church, locked and forbidding, which asserts its power over the individual and sucks all the
joy from their lives. Death and darkness are all it can offer. The garden or “green” represent an innocent, Eden-like
state in which people can enjoy the beauty of nature – their own instinctive natures and the loveliness of the natural
world.
 11. Felix Randal – In “Felix Randal”, Hopkins emphasises the temporary nature of human existence, and affirms
the importance of religious faith. Critically discuss the statement with reference to diction, imagery and tone.

INTRODUCTION: The speaker in the poem cared for Randal during his final illness. He watched him become
weaker, struggle against sickness, and finally find spiritual peace before he died.
• He repeatedly contrasts the healthy Randal and the sick man to emphasise that physical health and strength
does not last forever; “big-boned… handsome” and “pining…rambled”; “Sickness…at first” and
“boisterous…peers”.
• Randal’s huge physical strength was powerless against the illness – his “reason rambled” as the
“fatal…disorders” took over his body; the sickness “broke him”. These images emphasise how frail our human
bodies are even when we seem strong.
• Religious faith brought Randal comfort. He “mended…anointed” and gained a “heavenlier heart” when the priest
offered him spiritual comfort – “our…ransom”. Line 8 brings a tone of confidence as the speaker expresses his
belief that God will “rest him” and forgive him his sins.
CONCLUSION: The poet’s use of direction, imagery and tone does support the validity of the statement. However
the speaker was not implying that the worldly life is unimportant – he expresses his personal grief at Randal’s death
(“child…Randal”) and also his personal feelings of fulfilment caused by his care of Randal (“This seeing…endears”).
Even though he believes in the importance of faith, he still relates to Randal in a very human and loving way.
12. Vultures – In “Vultures”, Chinua Achebe presents a chilling description of humanity’s capacity for both
tenderness and brutality. Discuss the validity of this statement.

PLANNING

"inclined
affectionately
to hers"
"nestled "love...will
close to his pick a
mate" corner"

"broken
bone"
tenderness "tidy it "gross "picked
"waiting...f
and coil feathers" the
or Daddy's
up eyes"
return"
there"
"dead "swollen
"tender "pick up a tree" corpse"
offspring" chocolate" brutality
"icy
caverns of "hollowed
a cruel remnant"
heart"
"fumes
of "charnel-
human house"
roast"