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In his poem, "The Voice You Hear When You Read Silently", Thomas Lux considers the process of silent reading - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2022
Question 1
In his poem, "The Voice You Hear When You Read Silently", Thomas Lux considers the process of silent reading. Read the poem and answer either Question 1 or Question ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In his poem, "The Voice You Hear When You Read Silently", Thomas Lux considers the process of silent reading - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2022
Step 1
How accurately do you think the poet describes the process of silent reading in the first seventeen lines of the above poem? Support your response with reference to the poem.
Answer
In the first seventeen lines of the poem, the poet describes silent reading as an active and internalized process. The phrase 'out-loud voice in your head' suggests that silent reading involves an internal dialogue, where the reader engages with the text not just passively but as if it were spoken aloud. This highlights the importance of the reader's own voice and interpretation.
Lux mentions, 'Not the sound your friends know', indicating that silent reading is personal and subjective. The internal 'voice' is shaped by the reader's prior experiences and emotions, which give unique meaning to the words.
Moreover, he emphasizes the complexities involved by stating that this internal voice is informed by 'internal abstracts'. These abstractions can include mood, memory, and context which contribute to how one perceives the word 'barn'. For example, the mention of 'the bony, filthy haunches of cows' imbues the simple word with imagery and sensory detail, showing how our understanding goes beyond mere words.
Therefore, the poem powerfully conveys that silent reading is not just about recognizing printed words; it is an intricate interplay of voice, feeling, and cognitive processing.
Step 2
In your opinion, does the poet make effective use of the word 'barn' to explain how our experiences shape our understanding when we read? Explain your response with reference to the poem.
Answer
Yes, the poet uses the word 'barn' effectively to illustrate how experiences shape our understanding when reading. The word serves as a focal point to explore deeper meanings and associations tied to personal histories. When Lux writes, 'the barn you say is a barn you know or knew', he implies that the individual concept of 'barn' is influenced by personal memories or experiences related to barns.
This connection emphasizes the subjective nature of reading, where words acquire different dimensions based on the reader's background. The poem suggests that reading transcends mere recognition; it invokes a world of associations, evoking imagery like 'hayloft' and 'black heat wrapping.' These details stem from a richer, experiential understanding.
Thus, 'barn' becomes layered with emotional weight, showcasing how language interacts with experience. The poet illustrates that the meaning we derive from reading is heavily filtered through our individual perceptions, affirming the profound impact of personal insights on comprehension.