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Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 4
Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow. AN AFRICAN THUNDERSTORM – David Rubadiri 1 From the west 2 Clouds come hurrying with the wind 3 T... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
Refer to line 14: 'The Wind whistles by' and line 19: 'In the din of whirling wind'. Suggest how the alliteration in these lines is used to describe the wind.
Answer
The alliteration in the phrases 'Wind whistles' and 'whirling wind' emphasizes the harsh, sharp sound of the wind as it moves through the air. This repetition of the 'w' sound creates a musical quality, contributing to the vivid imagery of the wind's rapid and forceful movement. Such a description evokes an intense sensory experience, helping the reader to feel the wind's energy and its ability to disturb the surrounding environment.
Step 2
Refer to line 10: 'Pregnant clouds'. Explain what the word, 'pregnant' implies about the clouds.
Answer
The term 'pregnant' suggests that the clouds are heavy, laden with rain and ready to release it, similar to how a pregnant woman carries life. This metaphor not only indicates the physical appearance of the clouds but also alludes to the life-giving properties of rain, which nourishes the land and supports growth. Thus, the imagery conveys the anticipation of a storm that will bring both destruction and renewal.
Step 3
Discuss the effectiveness of comparing the approaching storm to 'a plague of locusts' (line 6).
Answer
The comparison of the storm to a 'plague of locusts' is particularly effective as it conveys a sense of overwhelming destruction. Just as locusts devastate the fields, the storm threatens the livelihood of the villagers, emphasizing its ferocity and uncontrollable nature. The image also suggests a relentless advance, indicating that the storm is not just a natural occurrence but a force that can lead to despair and devastation for those who experience it.
Step 4
Refer to lines 16–23: 'In the village ... In and out'. Critically comment on how the structure of these lines conveys the speaker's attitude toward the wind.
Answer
The structure of these lines reflects a chaotic and frantic atmosphere, mirroring the speaker's anxiety in response to the approaching storm. The enjambment creates a sense of urgency, as thoughts spill over from one line to the next, much like the unpredictable movement of individuals caught in the storm. This disordered structure conveys the speaker's feeling of helplessness and illustrates the destructive potential of nature, while also capturing the excitement and fear of the unfolding event.