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Look at lines 1–10 - Scottish Highers English - Question 41 - 2018
Question 41
Look at lines 1–10. By referring to at least two examples, analyse how the poet’s language conveys the enjoyment gained from looking at the photographs.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Look at lines 1–10 - Scottish Highers English - Question 41 - 2018
Step 1
Look at lines 1–10.
Answer
In the first ten lines of the poem, Lochhead employs vivid imagery and evocative language to convey enjoyment and nostalgia in the photographs.
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"weather evocative as scent"
- This simile illustrates how the weather in the photographs not only captures a moment but also stimulates the senses, suggesting a deep emotional connection with the scenes depicted. Here, the weather becomes a trigger for memories, enhancing the pleasure derived from the photographs.
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"the romance of dark stormclouds"
- The word 'romance' suggests that there is beauty and allure even in darker aspects, inviting the viewer to appreciate the complexity of the images. This creates an appreciation that goes beyond mere observation, evoking a sense of fond recollection associated with family or past experiences.
Additionally, the phrase "long shadows and longer shafts of light" accentuates the interplay of light and dark, symbolizing the transient nature of memories captured in photographs. These elements collectively produce an enchanting depiction that resonates emotionally with the viewer.
Step 2
Look at lines 11–18.
Answer
In these lines, Lochhead deepens the engagement with the photographs through vivid descriptions and personal reflections.
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"your young, still-lovely mother laughs"
- The joyful image of a laughing mother infuses a sense of warmth and vitality, prompting the reader to share in the happiness of the moment captured. This personal touch creates an intimate bond between the viewer and the photograph.
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"hem of her sundress whipped up"
- This imagery conveys a sense of movement and liveliness, suggesting that the photograph captures a spontaneous moment of joy, enhancing the viewer's pleasure in recalling such fond memories. It makes the scene feel alive, suggesting shared happiness and familial bonds.
Lochhead also utilizes sensory details like "the wind" which adds a tactile dimension, showcasing how photographs can evoke feelings of freedom and nostalgia.
Step 3
Look at lines 19–27.
Answer
In this section, the poet addresses the inherent challenges associated with the photographs.
- **"aliteration ‘startling swarming...
- This technique signifies a change in focus from the sentimental to a more pragmatic view of the past, emphasizing that while the photographs are beautiful, they also contain complexities that may obscure reality.