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Refer to line 4: 'Where I used to play on the green.' What is implied by the word, 'play' in the context of the poem? Refer to lines 9-10: 'And I saw .. - NSC English HL - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 4
Refer to line 4: 'Where I used to play on the green.' What is implied by the word, 'play' in the context of the poem? Refer to lines 9-10: 'And I saw ... flowers s... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Refer to line 4: 'Where I used to play on the green.' What is implied by the word, 'play' in the context of the poem? Refer to lines 9-10: 'And I saw .. - NSC English HL - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Refer to line 4: 'Where I used to play on the green.'
Answer
The word 'play' in this context implies a sense of childhood innocence and carefree joy. It suggests a time when the speaker enjoyed freedom and happiness in nature, representing a state of unblemished joy that is later contrasted with the somber reality in the poem.
Step 2
Refer to lines 9-10: 'And I saw ... flowers should be.'
Answer
These lines convey a somber and ominous mood. The mention of 'graves' and 'tomb-stones' evokes a sense of death and loss, creating a stark contrast to the initial joyful memory of playing. The imagery of flowers, which are typically associated with beauty and life, is now overshadowed by the gloom represented by the graves.
Step 3
Refer to line 12: 'And binding with briars my joys and desires.'
Answer
The image of 'briars' symbolizes the restrictive and painful aspects of societal laws and norms imposed by the Church. This metaphor reinforces how the speaker's natural inclinations and joys are stifled, indicating that the Church's influence binds and causes distress in pursuit of happiness.
Step 4
Refer to lines 5-6: 'And the gates ... over the door.'
Answer
The speaker’s tone in these lines is filled with anguish and disillusionment. By describing the gates as shut, the speaker conveys a profound sense of loss and exclusion. The imagery of being denied access to a place that was once welcoming symbolizes the harsh reality where freedom has been replaced by constraint and disappointment.