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'When to the sessions of sweet silent thought' – William Shakespeare The speaker is despondent/depressed as he has not realised all his ambitions - NSC English HL - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 4
'When to the sessions of sweet silent thought' – William Shakespeare The speaker is despondent/depressed as he has not realised all his ambitions. He sighs because ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'When to the sessions of sweet silent thought' – William Shakespeare The speaker is despondent/depressed as he has not realised all his ambitions - NSC English HL - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
4.1 The speaker is despondent/depressed as he has not realised all his ambitions.
Answer
The speaker expresses feelings of despondency due to unfulfilled ambitions. He reflects on his regrets about missed opportunities and unachieved goals, suggesting a significant emotional burden stemming from a sense of loss.
Step 2
4.2 The speaker is aware that death is eternal.
Answer
The speaker recognizes the permanence of death, which brings a sense of finality. The word 'night' symbolizes the idea that death not only severs connections with friends but also envelops the speaker in darkness and despair, emphasizing the finality of existence.
Step 3
4.3 The speaker feels that, each time he is reminded of his losses ('sad account'), he feels sad/grieves again.
Answer
Each reminder of his losses evokes similar feelings of grief, described as a 'sad account.' The metaphor of paying a debt illustrates the burden his sorrows impose on him. Phrases like 'if not paid before' highlight the continuous presence of these memories, causing ongoing pain. The use of assonance in 'forebemoaned moan' vividly conveys the intensity of his grief that lingers.
Step 4
4.4 AGREE
Answer
Initially, the speaker feels despondent and sad when contemplating his past and losses. However, he recognizes the value of appreciating life and acknowledges that reflecting on these losses can help foster gratitude for what he still has. This duality suggests a growth in perspective where melancholy can lead to a more profound appreciation for life.