Photo AI
Look at lines 1–8 - Scottish Highers English - Question 49 - 2023
Question 49
Look at lines 1–8. By referring to at least two examples, analyse how the poet's use of language conveys a sense of deep hurt.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Look at lines 1–8 - Scottish Highers English - Question 49 - 2023
Step 1
Look at lines 1–8.
Answer
In lines 1-8, the poet employs evocative language that vividly illustrates a profound sense of hurt. The phrase 'and what did you give me?' encapsulates a tone of resentment, suggesting that the speaker feels betrayed by the beauty they once adored. This rhetorical question not only conveys disappointment but also invites the reader to ponder the relationship's imbalance.
The imagery of 'sharp arrows of your beauty' intensifies this feeling; beauty is depicted as a weapon that inflicts pain rather than joy. The adjective 'sharp' implies a penetrating sorrow, which resonates with the speaker's emotional turmoil. Additionally, the juxtaposition of 'piercing sorrow' with 'sore gleam of glory' highlights the duality of their experience—beauty is both a source of admiration and deep hurt.