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Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 4 - 2024 - Paper 2
Question 4
Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow. THE CHILD WHO WAS SHOT DEAD BY SOLDIERS IN NYANGA – Ingrid Jonker 1 The child is not dead 2 the chil... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 4 - 2024 - Paper 2
Step 1
Identify and explain the mood that is created by the phrase, 'raises his fists' in line 2.
Answer
The mood created by the phrase 'raises his fists' is one of defiance and rebellion. This action symbolizes a strong act of resistance against oppression. The raising of fists represents a refusal to succumb to passive acceptance of the oppressive societal conditions faced by the child and his community. The overall tone reflects a sense of urgency and militancy, suggesting that the youth will not passively accept the injustices inflicted upon them.
Step 2
Explain why the phrase, 'the child' is repeated throughout the poem.
Answer
The repetition of the phrase 'the child' serves to emphasize the innocence and vulnerability of the youth in the face of systemic violence. It highlights the generational difference between the child and the adults, reinforcing the idea that the child embodies hope and future change. Additionally, this repetition evokes a list of innocent lives lost to violence, drawing attention to the ongoing struggle against oppression.
Step 4
Identify the figure of speech used in this line.
Answer
The figure of speech used in this line is a metaphor. This comparison portrays the child as a shadow of the soldiers, suggesting that while the soldiers exert authority and violence, the child's existence is tied to and defined by their presence.
Step 5
Discuss the effectiveness of the image.
Answer
This image is effective in conveying the idea of the children being invariably affected by the violence of the soldiers. The metaphor of the child as a shadow illustrates how deeply the actions and consciousness of the soldiers impact the child's existence. It creates a haunting portrayal, evoking feelings of unease about the moral implications of the soldiers' actions, as it indicates that the child is forever in their darkened shade, unable to escape the consequences of their violence.
Step 6
Refer to line 23: 'Without a pass'.
Answer
The phrase 'Without a pass' symbolizes the oppressive control exerted over the lives of black South Africans during apartheid. It serves as a reminder of how the child, despite his innocence, is subjected to systemic oppression that determines where he can go and what he can do. This line encapsulates the harsh realities of life under apartheid, where even basic movement and freedom were restricted based on race. It further underscores the irony of the child's plight—he is denied freedom merely by virtue of his identity.