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What do you think the poet is saying about time in the above poem? Support your answer with reference to the poem - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2018
Question 1
What do you think the poet is saying about time in the above poem? Support your answer with reference to the poem. Identify two images from the poem that make an im... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What do you think the poet is saying about time in the above poem? Support your answer with reference to the poem - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2018
Step 1
What do you think the poet is saying about time in the above poem?
Answer
In the poem "Two Ivory Swans" by Moya Cannon, time is portrayed as a powerful, almost transcendent force that connects the past to the present. The reference to the swans flying 'twenty thousand years ago' suggests a deep historical context, indicating that time carries the memories and experiences of generations. The imagery of the swans, depicted as 'vulnerable, magnificent', evokes a sense of beauty that is both fleeting and eternal. This contrast highlights the poet's reflection on time as something that allows moments to resonate through ages, emphasizing both loss and continuity. The phrase 'to emerge, strong-winged, whooping' implies that despite the passage of time, there is still a sense of vitality and the possibility of new beginnings.
Overall, time in this poem serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the enduring spirit of creation and existence.
Step 2
Identify two images from the poem that make an impact on you and give reasons for your choice.
Answer
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'Their wings, their necks, stretched, vulnerable, magnificent'
- This image is striking because it juxtaposes vulnerability with magnificence, evoking a sense of fragility within beauty. It highlights how the swans, despite their grace, are susceptible to the forces of nature, reflecting the human condition of being both strong and fragile.
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'to emerge, strong-winged, whooping'
- This imagery conveys a sense of rebirth and triumph. The phrase 'strong-winged' indicates resilience and the ability to overcome challenges, while 'whooping' suggests joy and celebration. It creates an emotional uplift, leaving a lasting impression of hope and the potential for renewal, resonating deeply in the context of time.