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Look at lines 1–10 - Scottish Highers English - Question 53 - 2018
Question 53
Look at lines 1–10. By referring to at least two examples, analyse how the poet’s use of language conveys an unsettling atmosphere. The Ferryman's Arms by Don Pater... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Look at lines 1–10 - Scottish Highers English - Question 53 - 2018
Step 1
Look at lines 1–10.
Answer
In these lines, the poet invokes an unsettling atmosphere through the use of vivid imagery and metaphors. The phrase 'I was magnetized by a remote phosphorescence' immediately suggests an otherworldly or haunting quality. This 'remote phosphorescence' is indicative of something distant and perhaps even menacing, drawing the speaker in like a magnetic force.
Additionally, the comparison to 'like a moth' further emphasizes this unsettling feeling, as it alludes to vulnerability and inevitable danger, akin to a moth being drawn to a flame. The description of the pool table humming 'to itself' adds another layer of eeriness, suggesting that the environment is alive but unwelcoming. These elements combine to create a tension-filled space, hinting at underlying discomfort and isolation.
Step 2
Look at lines 11–20.
Answer
The lines convey the speaker's disorientation and lack of control through phrases like 'a rash of small miracles' and 'I went on to make an immaculate clearance.' This suggests a struggle against fate, as the speaker seems to be navigating through a chaotic environment. The line 'the balls were deposited with an abrupt intestinal thump' evokes a visceral reaction, reinforcing the idea of unpredictability in the setting. Such language choices highlight the speaker's uneasy relationship with the world around them, increasing the overall unsettling vibe.
Step 3
Look at lines 21–30.
Answer
In this segment, the imagery transitions to more death-related themes, expressing mortality and existential dread. The phrase 'as black as my stout' hints at the darkness of death and the unknown that looms over the speaker. The line 'remembering the ferry would leave on the hour' also suggests a sense of urgency, as if time is running out. Moreover, the repetition of actions like 'read and re-read the shoreline' implies confusion and a lack of direction in life. These references to death and uncertainty amplify the unsettling atmosphere, reinforcing the speaker's internal struggle.