Photo AI
Describe the children’s mood at the end of the school day - Junior Cycle English - Question A - 2012
Question A
Describe the children’s mood at the end of the school day. (10) It is the end of a school day and down the long drive come bag-swinging, shouting children. Deafened... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe the children’s mood at the end of the school day - Junior Cycle English - Question A - 2012
Step 1
Describe the children’s mood at the end of the school day.
Answer
At the end of the school day, the children exhibit a mood that transitions from exuberance to stillness. Initially, they come down the long driveway 'bag-swinging' and 'shouting', indicating their excitement and energy. However, this lively atmosphere shifts dramatically when they stop to observe a small hedgehog. This moment of curiosity leads them to a reflective state, showcasing their awe and compassion towards the creature. The mood becomes quieter and more contemplative, as indicated by the description of everyone, including the 'sky' and 'sun', holding their breath in silence. This contrast illustrates the richness of children's emotions as they balance joy with a sense of responsibility and a moment of remembrance.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Why did everyone and sky and sun ‘hold their breath’?
Answer
Everyone, along with the sky and sun, held their breath as they were captivated by this delicate moment. They were pausing to remember the importance of life and nature, appreciating the fragility of the hedgehog and the beauty of the scene unfolding.
Step 5
Compare the first stanza to the last stanza. What has changed?
Answer
In the first stanza, the atmosphere is filled with noise and energy, with children coming down the drive 'bag-swinging' and 'shouting'. In contrast, the final stanza describes a serene and quiet moment, as the children, sky, and sun hold their breath, signifying a shift from excitement to contemplation.
Step 6
Do you think this is a good ending? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer
Yes, this is a good ending because it highlights the children's newfound appreciation for nature. The transformation from a noisy afternoon to a moment of quiet reflection enriches the poem's emotional depth. It showcases the beauty of stillness and the importance of observing the world around us, bringing closure to the day.
Step 7
Step 8
Describe the animal or event.
Answer
In 'The Tyger', the poem explores the magnificent and fearsome qualities of the tiger. Blake examines the creature's power, beauty, and the awe it inspires. The tiger symbolizes both creation and destruction, raising existential questions about the nature of the creator.
Step 9
Did you like the poem? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer
Yes, I enjoyed 'The Tyger' because of its vivid imagery and rhythmic structure. Blake's use of repetition and rhetorical questions creates a haunting atmosphere that captivates the reader. The poem challenges us to ponder deeper themes of creation and the duality of existence, which I find profoundly thought-provoking.