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In ‘Shoulders’, how does the poet present ideas about the importance of protecting and taking care of each other? Based on the content of the poem, the poet presents several key ideas through vivid imagery and emotional undertones - 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? Based on the content of the poem, the poet present... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In ‘Shoulders’, how does the poet present ideas about the importance of protecting and taking care of each other? Based on the content of the poem, the poet presents several key ideas through vivid imagery and emotional undertones - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 7 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
In ‘Shoulders’, how does the poet present ideas about the importance of protecting and taking care of each other?
Answer
The poem presents the role of a parent as a protector of innocence and potential, emphasizing the significance of safeguarding children from the external world's dangers. The imagery of 'the weight of the world' symbolizes both emotional and physical burdens, highlighting the challenges that come with the responsibility of protection.
In addressing the vulnerability of children, the poet evokes deep emotional responses, utilizing language that resonates with urgency and care. The direct expressions of fear for children's safety reinforce the protective instincts ingrained in parental love.
Moreover, the poet intertwines nature and human relationships, suggesting that nurturing extends beyond familial bonds to encompass care for the environment. This holistic view accentuates the integral connection between protecting one another and safeguarding our shared world, presenting a compelling narrative around the importance of care and responsibility.
Step 2
In both ‘Choices’ and ‘Shoulders’ the poets present ideas about protecting and taking care of things around us. What are the similarities and/or differences between the methods the poets use to present these ideas?
Answer
Both poets employ vivid imagery and emotional undertones to explore themes of protection and care. In 'Shoulders', the focus is on the protective instincts of a parent, while in 'Choices', the narrative may encompass broader societal responsibilities toward the environment and community.
While 'Shoulders' uses direct language to convey personal and familial concerns, 'Choices' may incorporate allegorical elements to represent moral decisions faced by individuals. This contrast highlights different scopes of responsibility: the intimate bonds of family versus the collective duty toward society and nature.
Additionally, both poets utilize metaphorical language; however, 'Shoulders' is more grounded in familial relationships, whereas 'Choices' transcends personal boundaries to address larger issues. These stylistic choices reveal how both poems, despite differing focal points, converge on the imperatives of care and responsibility.