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What do you learn about the poet's approach to life from reading this poem? Explain your answer with reference to the poem - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2017
Question 1
What do you learn about the poet's approach to life from reading this poem? Explain your answer with reference to the poem. Identify a mood or feeling evoked in the... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What do you learn about the poet's approach to life from reading this poem? Explain your answer with reference to the poem - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2017
Step 1
What do you learn about the poet's approach to life from reading this poem?
Answer
The poet, Robyn Sarah, adopts a reflective and introspective approach to life in the poem "Bounty." This is evident in the imagery and the emotional weight conveyed through seemingly mundane observations. The act of making something small, such as tea or listening to the sounds of the December sun, suggests a focus on finding beauty and significance in everyday moments. The phrase "Make much of something small" emphasizes an appreciation for life's subtleties, illustrating that even in the cold of December, there is warmth to be found in small acts. Additionally, the use of sensory details, such as the "elemental sediment" and the noises related to the setting, points to a nuanced awareness of the world. Overall, the poem reveals the poet's belief in the importance of valuing the ordinary and recognizing the richness of life's fleeting moments.
Step 2
Identify a mood or feeling evoked in the above poem and explain how the poet creates this mood or feeling.
Answer
The poem evokes a mood of nostalgia intertwined with a sense of longing. This is established through vivid imagery and sensory language. For instance, phrases like "the pouring-out of tea" and "pistachio shells, peel of a clementine" evoke tactile and visual memories that elicit a yearning for the past. The contrast between the vibrant impermanence of summer and the starkness of December highlights the inevitability of change, contributing to a bittersweet feeling. The mention of slippers and the warmth of iron radiators also adds a layer of homeliness, creating a sense of comfort that juxtaposes with the colder, harsher aspects of winter. Thus, the poet combines imagery and reflective tone to generate a rich atmosphere of nostalgia, prompting the reader to connect with their own memories.