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Read the two poems below and then answer both part a) and part b) - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 2
Read the two poems below and then answer both part a) and part b). You are advised to spend about 45 minutes on part a) and 30 minutes on part b). a) Compare how t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the two poems below and then answer both part a) and part b) - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
a) Compare how these poems present the widespread effects of conflict.
Answer
To compare how the two poems present the widespread effects of conflict, we can analyze several key elements.
Ideas and Attitudes
Both poems showcase the devastating realities of conflict; however, they convey different emotions. The first poem illustrates a sense of detachment and horror as it reflects on the ruins of war, whereas the second poem, 'Vergissmeinlicht', delves into personal loss and the haunting memories left behind.
Tone and Atmosphere
The tone in the first poem is somber and grim, creating an atmosphere filled with despair. In contrast, 'Vergissmeinlicht' combines initial detachment with a deep emotional resonance that reveals the tragedy of loss. This shift in tone invites readers to reflect on how conflict affects individuals on a personal level.
Effects of Language and Structure
Both poems utilize vivid imagery and carefully chosen language to elicit emotional responses. The use of stark visual descriptions in the first poem emphasizes the horrors of battle, while 'Vergissmeinlicht' employs intimate details to connect the reader to the lives of the victims. The structure of both poems plays a crucial role; the first poem might use more traditional forms, while 'Vergissmeinlicht' could include more fragmented or free-verse elements to reflect chaos.
In essence, these elements combine to highlight the pervasive and multifaceted impact of conflict on individuals and communities.
Step 2
b) Explore in detail one other poem from your anthology which presents conflict damaging the lives of people not directly involved.
Answer
'Vergissmeinlicht' by Keith Douglas serves as a perfect illustration of how conflict affects individuals indirectly. In the poem, the soldier's experience is laden with personal loss, as symbolized by the photograph of his girl, Steffi, that remains in the gunpit. This object serves as a tangible reminder of the life and love that continue despite the soldier’s current brutal reality.
Emotional Impact
The emotional weight of the poem lies in how it portrays not just the physical toll of war on the soldier but also the psychological scars borne by those left behind. The juxtaposition of the soldier’s desolation and the dishonored picture indicates how war shatters relationships and lives far beyond the battlefield.
Symbolism
Moreover, the poem’s repeated emphasis on the flies, both on the soldier’s body and the photograph, underscores decay—not only in a physical sense but also in terms of dreams and aspirations. This imagery reveals how conflict obliterates not just lives but also memories and futures.
Conclusion
In summary, 'Vergissmeinlicht' profoundly captures the ripple effects of conflict, demonstrating how even those not directly engaged in combat suffer irreparably from the repercussions of war.