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1. (a) Describe, in your own words, the funeral scene created by the poet in this poem - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2016
Question 1
1. (a) Describe, in your own words, the funeral scene created by the poet in this poem. (b) Select a line or phrase from the poem that made an impact on you and exp... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1. (a) Describe, in your own words, the funeral scene created by the poet in this poem - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2016
Step 1
Describe, in your own words, the funeral scene created by the poet in this poem.
Answer
In the poem, the speaker expresses a profound sense of despair and heaviness brought about by the experience of a funeral. The scene depicts mourners gathered together as they tread forward, weighed down by their sorrow and the somber atmosphere. The relentless beating of a drum resonates throughout the setting, emphasizing the gravity of the occasion. The sound signifies both the rhythm of the funeral process and the internal struggle of the speaker, culminating in a feeling of numbness as they observe the proceedings with a detached awareness of their own emotional turmoil.
Step 2
Select a line or phrase from the poem that made an impact on you and explain why it made an impact on you.
Answer
A particularly striking phrase is 'Then Space - began to toll.' This line resonates deeply as it encapsulates the overwhelming sense of loss and the infinite void that follows death. The imagery evokes a feeling of isolation and despair, as 'Space' symbolizes both emptiness and the overwhelming silence after the commotion of a funeral. It highlights the transition from the external noise of mourning to an internal contemplation of death, making the impact of the loss all the more palpable.
Step 3
In your opinion, is the poet mainly optimistic or mainly pessimistic in this poem? Support your answer with reference to the poem.
Answer
In my opinion, the poet is mainly pessimistic in this poem. Throughout the work, there is a prevalent mood of desolation and gloom. The recurring imagery of heaviness, such as the 'Boots of Lead,' signifies the weight of grief that the speaker feels. Furthermore, the closing lines convey a sense of resignation to the inevitability of death and an acceptance of profound sorrow, indicating that there is little hope or solace found within the funeral scene.