Photo AI
Do you think the poem gives a surprising insight into a childhood experience? In your answer you might consider: - the pattern of the child's thinking - the words and images in the poem. - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2006
Question 1
Do you think the poem gives a surprising insight into a childhood experience? In your answer you might consider: - the pattern of the child's thinking - the wo... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Do you think the poem gives a surprising insight into a childhood experience? In your answer you might consider: - the pattern of the child's thinking - the words and images in the poem. - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2006
Step 1
the pattern of the child's thinking
Answer
The poem "The Toy Horse" provides a profound insight into childhood experiences through its exploration of emotions and thoughts within that phase of life. The child exhibits a sense of loss and longing when the toy horse is taken away, reflecting the deep attachment and emotional connection children often have with their toys. The phrase, 'For two days I grieved,' reveals the intense feelings children can experience, underscoring that even small events can have significant emotional impacts on them. This sentiment of grief echoes the idea of innocence lost, a common theme in childhood recollections, offering a glimpse into the sensitive nature of a child’s psyche.
Step 2
the words and images in the poem
Answer
The imagery in the poem is vivid and evocative, drawing the reader into the child's world. Phrases like 'holding my sorrow like flowers' imply an innocent yet profound sense of sadness. The use of contrasting images such as 'evil between my eyes' juxtaposed with 'my vivid coloured crayons' helps illustrate the turmoil of a child's emotions, suggesting that innocence coexists with darker feelings. Additionally, the metaphor of the horse as a 'battle' against 'the enemies of his Unreason's land' furthers the complexity of childhood, where imagination and reality often intertwine, highlighting the depth of a child's emotional landscape.