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IT IS A BEAUTEOUS EVENING, CALM AND FREE – William Wordsworth It is a beauteous evening, calm and free; The holy time is quiet as a nun Breathless with adoration; the broad sun Is sinking down in its tranquillity; The gentleness of heaven is on the sea: Listen! the mighty Being is awake, And doth with his eternal motion make A sound like thunder – everlastingly - NSC English HL - Question 3 - 2024 - Paper 2
Question 3
IT IS A BEAUTEOUS EVENING, CALM AND FREE – William Wordsworth It is a beauteous evening, calm and free; The holy time is quiet as a nun Breathless with adoration; t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:IT IS A BEAUTEOUS EVENING, CALM AND FREE – William Wordsworth It is a beauteous evening, calm and free; The holy time is quiet as a nun Breathless with adoration; the broad sun Is sinking down in its tranquillity; The gentleness of heaven is on the sea: Listen! the mighty Being is awake, And doth with his eternal motion make A sound like thunder – everlastingly - NSC English HL - Question 3 - 2024 - Paper 2
Step 1
Step 2
Explain the effect of the punctuation mark in 'Listen!' (line 6).
Answer
The exclamation mark in 'Listen!' serves to emphasize the speaker's urgency and excitement. It compels both the companion and the reader to pay attention to the surrounding beauty and natural wonders, reinforcing the idea of an awe-inspiring experience.
Step 3
Account for the sun's being described as 'broad' (line 3) in the context of the poem.
Answer
The term 'broad' conveys a sense of the expansive and far-reaching beauty of the setting sun. As it sets over the vast ocean, the sun's wide, enveloping presence offers a reminder of God's omnipresence in nature, highlighting the transition of day to night.
Step 4
Refer to lines 6–8: 'the mighty Being ... everlastingly.'
Answer
In these lines, the speaker compares the sound of the waves to thunder, illustrating the power and might of nature. This choice of imagery showcases the divine quality of creation, suggesting that the natural world is an expression of God's grandeur and eternal presence.
Step 5
Discuss the effectiveness of the slime in these lines.
Answer
These lines effectively evoke a sense of wonder and reverence for nature. By addressing the child and emphasizing the divine connection between humanity and creation, Wordsworth instills a sense of awe, which enhances the spiritual and contemplative atmosphere of the poem.
Step 6
Critically discuss how the structure of the poem is used to convey its central themes.
Answer
The structure of the poem, comprising a single stanza of fourteen lines, creates a sense of continuity and flow, mirroring the seamless connection between nature and spirituality. The rhythm and enjambment reflect the ongoing motion of the natural world, while the formal tone underscores the seriousness of the contemplation. Through this structure, Wordsworth effectively conveys themes of divinity in nature, innocence, and the relationship between humanity and the cosmos.