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1. What impression do you get of the boy in Miroslav Holub's poem, 'A Boy's Head'? Explain your answer with reference to the first fourteen lines of the poem - Junior Cycle English - Question QUESTION ONE - 2014
Question QUESTION ONE
1. What impression do you get of the boy in Miroslav Holub's poem, 'A Boy's Head'? Explain your answer with reference to the first fourteen lines of the poem. 2. Mi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1. What impression do you get of the boy in Miroslav Holub's poem, 'A Boy's Head'? Explain your answer with reference to the first fourteen lines of the poem - Junior Cycle English - Question QUESTION ONE - 2014
Step 1
What impression do you get of the boy in Miroslav Holub's poem, 'A Boy's Head'? Explain your answer with reference to the first fourteen lines of the poem.
Answer
In the opening lines of the poem, the boy is depicted as imaginative and creative, showcasing a mind full of diverse ideas. The phrases used — such as 'space-ship' and 'project for doing away with piano lessons' — indicate a boy who is adventurous and perhaps rebellious against traditional norms. This reflects a youthful spirit eager to explore and express individuality. The inclusion of playful imagery, like 'entirely new hare' and 'new bumble-bee,' reinforces the idea that his mind is alive with possibilities, seemingly unbound by reality.
Furthermore, the mention of 'Noah's ark' suggests a sense of responsibility, as if the boy is harboring numerous thoughts and dreams within him. Ultimately, the impression is one of a complex individual navigating the heavy expectations often placed upon youth, eager yet sometimes tormented by the chaos within his mind.
Step 2
Miroslav Holub's use of language in 'A Boy's Head' is highly imaginative. Do you agree? Base your answer on evidence from the poem.
Answer
I agree that Miroslav Holub's use of language in 'A Boy's Head' is particularly imaginative. The poem is rich in unconventional imagery and metaphors that stimulate the reader's imagination. For example, the boy's mind is likened to a 'space-ship' and a 'multiplication table,' creating a juxtaposition between exploration and education, which can represent the boy's conflicting emotions.
The language is filled with unexpected elements, such as 'anti-matter' and the humorous notion that the boy's head is 'something that cannot be trimmed,' portraying an unorthodox approach to expression. This reveals a playful yet profound quality in Holub's writing, compelling the reader to think beyond conventional boundaries. Such devices invite reflection on both the theme of childhood and the complexities of growing up.
Step 3
Do you think that this is an optimistic poem? Support your answer with reference to the poem.
Answer
This poem can be viewed as optimistic for several reasons. The boy's head brims with possibilities, suggesting that imagination and the freedom to think creatively are indeed boundless. Phrases like 'there is much promise in the circumstance that so many people have heads' echo a sense of hope and potential.
Moreover, the idea that 'only what cannot be trimmed is a head' implies that one's thoughts and dreams, while messy and perhaps overwhelming, are essential and worthy of exploration, hinting at a journey of self-discovery. On the other hand, one could argue that it reflects the struggles and pressures faced by a young mind. However, the overall tone leans towards optimism as it encourages embracing one's thoughts, regardless of their chaotic nature, and seeing the value in the unique personal perspective.