Photo AI
Look at lines 1–10 - Scottish Highers English - Question 53 - 2022
Question 53
Look at lines 1–10. By referring to at least two examples, analyse how the poet's use of language creates a sense of excitement. Look at lines 11–26. By referring ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Look at lines 1–10 - Scottish Highers English - Question 53 - 2022
Step 1
Look at lines 1–10. By referring to at least two examples, analyse how the poet's use of language creates a sense of excitement.
Answer
In the lines from 1 to 10, the use of vivid imagery and dynamic verbs creates an exhilarating atmosphere. The phrase "we're going up the Hilltown for the first time ever on our own" conveys a sense of adventure, suggesting the thrill of independence. The list of activities like "tanners, black pennies, florins with bald kings" adds vibrancy, evoking a lively marketplace filled with possibility. Furthermore, phrases like "brick chips" and "magic tricks" signal youthful curiosity, suggesting the excitement of exploration and play.
Step 2
Look at lines 11–26. By referring to at least two examples, analyse how the poet's use of language conveys an unsettling mood.
Answer
Lines 11 to 26 introduce a feeling of unease through the use of stark contrasts. The repetition of "Are you sure?" emphasizes doubt and hesitation, reflecting the childlike anxiety about embarking on a journey. Furthermore, phrases like "wrong streets" signal confusion and lost direction, heightening the tension of the poem. The imagery of forgotten names at crossroads underscores a sense of disconnection, making the reader feel the weight of uncertainty and fear.
Step 3
Look at lines 27–30. Analyse how the poet's use of language creates a powerful ending.
Answer
The ending lines evoke a profound sense of loss and reflection. The phrase "all the houses are gone" highlights the absence and decay of memories, serving as a poignant closure to the poem. Additionally, the gentle tone of "we will enter the land at the point we left off" suggests a cyclical nature of life, where endings blend into new beginnings. The imagery of 'rain' and 'kicky and black waves' further enhances the melancholic mood, leaving a lasting emotional impact on the reader.
Step 4
By referring to this poem and to at least one other poem by Paterson, discuss how the poet explores the impact of change.
Answer
In 'Baldoon', Paterson delves deep into the concept of change, notably through alterable environments and nostalgic reflections. This theme resonates in 'The Body', where the fleeting nature of youth is similarly portrayed. Both poems vividly depict transitions, with 'Baldoon' utilizing personal and evocative imagery to express loss, while 'The Body' addresses the shift from childhood to adulthood. The common thread is Paterson's exploration of how each change, though often accompanied by loss, opens the door for new experiences, emphasizing the duality of growth.