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A UNSEEN POEM (20 marks) Answer either Question 1 or Question 2 - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2010
Question 1
A UNSEEN POEM (20 marks) Answer either Question 1 or Question 2. Seed The first warm day of spring and I step out into the garden from the gloom of a house where ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A UNSEEN POEM (20 marks) Answer either Question 1 or Question 2 - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2010
Step 1
What in your view is the mood of this poem? Explain briefly how it is conveyed.
Answer
The mood of this poem can be described as one of renewal and gratitude, evoking feelings of hope and rebirth. These sentiments are conveyed through the imagery of spring and the act of stepping out into the garden. The contrast between the 'gloom' of the house and the vibrant imagery of 'lupins' emerging from the ground illustrates a transformation from despair to appreciation. The poet's expression of sudden gratitude highlights a nuanced shift in mood, further underlined by the warmth of spring, which symbolizes new beginnings. The lines "I am suddenly grateful and would offer a prayer if I believed in God" suggest an internal conflict between doubt and a profound sense of awe at the beauty of nature, emphasizing the complexity of human emotion.
Step 2
Choose one image from the poem that appealed to you. Explain your choice.
Answer
One image that stood out to me is the 'lupins I’d sown from seed last autumn.' This image is particularly powerful because it symbolizes hope and resurgence. The lupins, representing something nurtured in the past, bring forth a tangible reminder of life’s continuity despite hardship. The phrase 'holding in their fingers a rainbow each' evokes a vivid visual of the flowers' colors, suggesting beauty and joy. This imagery resonates with the theme of perseverance, as the seeds planted in autumn have overcome the adversities of winter to bloom again, reflecting our capacity for resilience and rebirth in our own lives.