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Look at lines 1–11 - Scottish Highers English - Question 41 - 2023
Question 41
Look at lines 1–11. By referring to at least two examples, analyse how the writer’s use of language conveys the importance of traditions at Hogmanay. Down on her h... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Look at lines 1–11 - Scottish Highers English - Question 41 - 2023
Step 1
By referring to at least two examples, analyse how the writer’s use of language conveys the importance of traditions at Hogmanay.
Answer
The poem opens with a vivid image of the speaker's mother preparing for Hogmanay, emphasizing the importance of tradition seen in the phrase ‘my mother still giving it the elbowgrease’. This not only highlights her diligence but also the communal effort involved in upholding the family’s customs. The use of the specific time ‘ten at night’ situates the reader in a familiar context.
Moreover, references like ‘the slab of black bun’ evoke traditional food associated with Hogmanay, symbolizing a cultural connection. By using descriptors such as 'petticoat-tails fanned out', Lochhead lends a tactile quality to the setting, reinforcing the significance of these rituals in the family. This craft of detail invites the reader to appreciate the richness of these longstanding customs.