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Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 2
Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow. REMEMBER – Christina Rossetti 1 Remember me when I am gone away, 2 Gone far away into the silent lan... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
Account for the repetition of the word, 'remember' throughout the poem.
Answer
The repetition of the word 'remember' throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker's deep desire to be remembered after her passing. Initially, it reflects a longing to remain in her loved one's memory. However, as the poem progresses, it shifts to a more urgent plea, suggesting the speaker fears being forgotten. This duality highlights both the speaker's need to be remembered and a concern for the emotional burden that remembering may impose on her loved one.
Step 2
Refer to lines 5-8: 'Remember me when ... then or pray.'
Answer
These lines suggest a close, intimate relationship between the speaker and her loved one. The speaker wants to ensure that her loved one acknowledges their shared future plans, indicating the emotional significance of their bond. The appeal to 'counsel' or 'pray' illustrates her reliance on this person for guidance, support, and comfort, emphasizing the depth of their connection.
Step 3
Comment on the significance of the reference to 'the darkness and corruption' (line 11) in the context of the poem.
Answer
The reference to 'darkness and corruption' conveys feelings of death and the unknown. It symbolizes the inevitable decline that comes with passing, forming a stark contrast to the life and love shared with her partner. This imagery evokes a sense of urgency and sorrow, as it evokes the speaker's bodily decay while simultaneously asserting the importance of the memories retained by her loved one.
Step 4
Refer to lines 13-14: 'Better by far ... and be sad.'
Answer
These lines highlight a reconciliation between the speaker's desire to be remembered and the emotional toll that remembrance may inflict. The speaker implies that it may be preferable for her loved one to forget her and find happiness rather than to remember her with sadness. This encapsulates the poem's central theme: the complexity of love entangled with the pain of loss, urging the reader to consider the balance between remembrance and emotional wellbeing.