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'A Hard Frost' Essay question The poem 'A Hard Frost' by Cecil Day Lewis depicts a winter’s morning transformed into an illusion of spring by the harsh winter frost - NSC English HL - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 5
'A Hard Frost' Essay question The poem 'A Hard Frost' by Cecil Day Lewis depicts a winter’s morning transformed into an illusion of spring by the harsh winter frost... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'A Hard Frost' Essay question The poem 'A Hard Frost' by Cecil Day Lewis depicts a winter’s morning transformed into an illusion of spring by the harsh winter frost - NSC English HL - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
Describe the speaker's observation of the frost's arrival.
Answer
The speaker observes the arrival of frost as a transformative moment, turning a winter landscape into an illusion of spring. Initially, the frost creates an enchanting beauty, highlighting the speaker's surprise at the sudden change.
Step 2
Explain the imagery and its implications.
Answer
Imagery in the poem contrasts the beauty of frost glistening in sunlight with the bleakness of winter that follows. The use of words like 'changeling' conveys the idea that the frost’s beauty is deceptive, masking the reality of the season and the inevitability of spring's tardiness.
Step 3
Discuss the emotional and thematic elements in the poem.
Answer
The poem explores themes of deception in nature, the fleeting nature of beauty, and the complex human emotions tied to hope and disappointment. As the frost melts, it reveals the stark reality of winter, prompting the speaker to reflect on the transient beauty that nature offers.