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1. From your reading of the poem what do you learn about the relationship between the poet and his child? Base your answer on evidence from the poem - Junior Cycle English - Question QUESTION ONE - 2010
Question QUESTION ONE
1. From your reading of the poem what do you learn about the relationship between the poet and his child? Base your answer on evidence from the poem. The poem offer... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1. From your reading of the poem what do you learn about the relationship between the poet and his child? Base your answer on evidence from the poem - Junior Cycle English - Question QUESTION ONE - 2010
Step 1
From your reading of the poem what do you learn about the relationship between the poet and his child?
Answer
The poem offers insights into the relationship between the poet and his child, reflecting a deep emotional connection and parental concern. The poet expresses a protective instinct, as illustrated in the line:
- "I clutch you tightly for fear you blow away".
This indicates a sense of anxiety about the child growing up too quickly, emphasizing the poet's desire to keep the child safe and close.
Additionally, the poet shows understanding of the child's developmental stages, lamenting that:
- "You grow up too soon and - suddenly, I almost slip, so take it steady down the hill."
Here, the poet acknowledges the inevitable passage of time and the bittersweet aspects of growing up.
Furthermore, the poet conveys a sense of loss and longing, particularly in the lines:
- "Knowing that I will never see you dressed for the Ball..."
This demonstrates an awareness of the changes that life brings, and the poet's realization that he will not always be there for his child. However, while there is a sense of sorrow in his reflections, there’s also genuine care, as he expresses:
- "And the happy ever afters of pantomime."
This could symbolize hope and the joy he still wishes for his child, despite his own fears.
Overall, the relationship is characterized by a mix of love, protection, and an understanding of the complexities of growing up, ultimately emphasizing a deeper emotional bond between the poet and his child.
Step 2
Do you think the poet captures the scene well in this poem? Support your answer with reference to the poem.
Answer
The poet effectively captures the emotional scene in this poem through vivid imagery and heartfelt expression. For instance, the setting is introduced with a sense of nostalgia as the poet reflects on the past during the pantomime:
- "On the coldest night of the year".
This creates an atmospheric backdrop, enhancing the emotional weight of the poem. The contrast between the warmth of memories and the chill of reality is palpable, allowing readers to feel the poignancy of the moment.
Descriptions of physical actions add depth to the emotional scene, as illustrated in:
- "I clutch you tightly for fear you blow away."
Such actions effectively convey the tension and anxiety felt by the poet, immersing the reader into the emotional landscape of the relationship.
Moreover, references to the magical world of pantomime serve to highlight the dream-like quality of childhood, making the reader keenly aware of the bittersweet nature of growing up.
With effective use of language, the poet conveys complex emotions, making the scene resonate on multiple levels. Thus, the poem captures not only the physical setting but also the emotional weight of the father-child relationship.
Step 3
Do you think this poem is sad or happy or a mixture of both? Explain your answer with reference to the poem.
Answer
This poem embodies a mixture of both happiness and sadness, intricately intertwined through the emotions evoked by the poet. On one hand, the happiness is reflected in the joyful moments shared between the poet and his child, particularly during the pantomime. The poet cherishes these memories, indicating that:
- "The happy ever afters of pantomime".
This line suggests a longing for the innocence and joy of childhood, highlighting the positive aspects of their relationship.
Conversely, the poem resonates with sadness as it confronts the inevitable aspect of growing up. The poet’s reflections on:
- "Knowing that I will never see you dressed for the Ball…"
evoke a sense of loss and resignation. The realization that time passes and the child will eventually grow independent contributes to an underlying melancholic tone.
Additionally, the poet's anxiety expressed in:
- "You are crying now. Where is your wand?" could imply a feeling of helplessness in the face of time, portraying a poignant disparity between the joy of childhood and the responsibilities that come with it.
Ultimately, the poem beautifully balances happiness and sadness, reflecting the complexity of parental love and the bittersweet nature of growing up.