Photo AI
From your reading of the above poem, describe the poet’s reaction to the child’s murder - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2018
Question 1
From your reading of the above poem, describe the poet’s reaction to the child’s murder. Support your answer with reference to the poem. Describe, in your own words... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:From your reading of the above poem, describe the poet’s reaction to the child’s murder - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2018
Step 1
Describe the poet’s reaction to the child’s murder.
Answer
The poet expresses profound guilt and anguish over the child's murder. Eavan Boland reflects on how society at large fails to grasp the magnitude of such tragedies. In the poem, images of rhythm and disorder evoke the pain and disruption caused by the child's death. Boland suggests that society must learn from this loss, urging a collective awakening and yearning for a future devoid of such senseless violence. The poet's tone is both mournful and admonitory, compelling readers to acknowledge and understand the horror of violent acts against innocents.
Step 2
Describe the childhood experiences in lines eight, nine, and ten.
Answer
In lines eight, nine, and ten, the poet explores childhood innocence and the semblance of safety that children believe they possess. Boland illustrates how children create a world of imagination that protects them from harsh realities. The reference to 'sleep' serves as a metaphor for both physical rest and a state of unawareness to life's dangers. These lines reveal the juxtaposition between the carefree nature of childhood and the looming threats that exist outside their innocent bubble.
Step 3
What is the poet saying in the last line of the poem?
Answer
In the last line of the poem, Boland contemplates the lasting impact of the child’s death, suggesting that this loss should serve as a catalyst for change. The phrase 'Sleep in a world your final sleep has woken' indicates that the child's death should awaken society to its failures in protecting the vulnerable. This line encapsulates a poignant call to action, highlighting the importance of remembrance and the necessity for societal transformation in the face of tragedy.