Photo AI
Read the poem below and then answer the question that follows - NSC English HL - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 1
Read the poem below and then answer the question that follows. somewhere i have never travelled,gladly beyond – ee cummings somewhere i have never travelled,gladly... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the poem below and then answer the question that follows - NSC English HL - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
Discuss how the imagery reflects the mysterious power of love.
Answer
In the poem, the imagery used by ee cummings captures the essence of love as an unpredictable journey. The line 'your eyes have their silence' suggests that love holds a depth that is beyond words, emitting a profound mystery. The description of the beloved's ‘frail gesture’ evokes vulnerability, portraying love as a delicate force that can 'enclose' the speaker. Such imagery creates an emotive landscape that reflects the transformative power of love.
Furthermore, the comparison of the beloved to the 'blossoming flower' illustrates the nurturing aspect of love. The use of nature imagery emphasizes the idea that love encourages growth and openness in the speaker, illustrated by the phrase 'you open always petal by petal.' This highlights how love can awaken hidden emotions, revealing the complexity of feelings that are intertwined with vulnerability.
The enchanting imagery also evokes a sense of wonder, as the speaker contemplates their beloved's influence.
Step 2
Discuss how punctuation contributes to the poem's tone.
Answer
Cummings' use of punctuation plays a crucial role in shaping the poem's tone. The frequent use of commas and enjambment creates a flowing rhythm that mimics the gentle unfolding of love. For instance, phrases like 'and my life will shut very beautifully,suddenly,' juxtapose delight with suddenness, suggesting that love can bring rapid changes in emotional landscapes.
Moreover, the strategic placement of parentheses creates an intimate tone, as if the speaker is sharing a private thought. When stating, '(i do not know what it is about you that close and opens;)', the parenthesis invites the reader into a moment of vulnerability, reinforcing the idea that love is an intricate mix of familiarity and uncertainty.
Overall, the fluidity brought about by punctuation complements the tender themes of the poem, enhancing the reader's emotional connection to the speaker's experience of love.
Step 3
Discuss how tone enriches the poem's exploration of love.
Answer
The tone of the poem oscillates between awe and vulnerability, capturing the complexities of love. The speaker expresses a deep admiration for their beloved, with phrases like 'my life will shut very beautifully'. Such expressions convey reverence while simultaneously revealing a sense of fragility.
Additionally, the tone shifts to one of introspection as the speaker contemplates the mysterious qualities that love brings into their life. The declaration that 'the voice of your eyes deeper than all roses' encapsulates profound admiration while emphasizing the transcendental nature of their emotional bond.
This nuanced tone allows for an exploration of love that goes beyond mere romanticism, embedding the sentiment with a rich tapestry of emotions that range from joy to existential wonder. Cummings thus effectively illustrates how love evokes deep and varied emotional responses within individuals.