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In 'Shoulders', how does the poet present ideas about the importance of protecting and taking care of each other? - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 7 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 7
In 'Shoulders', how does the poet present ideas about the importance of protecting and taking care of each other?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In 'Shoulders', how does the poet present ideas about the importance of protecting and taking care of each other? - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 7 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Ideas about the role of a parent as protector
Answer
In 'Shoulders', the poet vividly illustrates the role of a parent as a protector through evocative imagery and metaphor. The parent is depicted as a shield, emphasizing the duty to safeguard children from harm and uncertainty. This imagery conveys the profound responsibility adults hold in nurturing not just physical safety, but emotional well-being.
Step 2
Vulnerability of children
Answer
The poem poignantly expresses the vulnerability of children, highlighting the need for care and protection. The poet uses phrases that evoke a sense of fragility, illustrating how young individuals are susceptible to the dangers present in the world. This serves to underline the importance of not only protecting them physically but also emotionally.
Step 3
Connection to wider world threats
Answer
Moreover, the poet touches on the threat posed by the wider world. The use of nature as a metaphor for potential dangers suggests that the environment can be both nurturing and perilous. This duality further emphasizes the necessity of vigilance and protection, urging the reader to acknowledge the broader implications of care and security.
Step 4
The importance of taking care of each other
Answer
Ultimately, the poem encapsulates the necessity of collective care. The treatment of ideas surrounding community and mutual protection solidifies the message that safeguarding one another is a shared responsibility. Through repeated structures and emotional language, the poet compels readers to reflect on their role in nurturing and supporting those around them.