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‘OUT, OUT –’ The buzz saw snarled and rattled in the yard And made dust and dropped stove-length sticks of wood, Sweet-scented stuff when the breeze drew across it - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2007
Question 1
‘OUT, OUT –’ The buzz saw snarled and rattled in the yard And made dust and dropped stove-length sticks of wood, Sweet-scented stuff when the breeze drew across it.... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:‘OUT, OUT –’ The buzz saw snarled and rattled in the yard And made dust and dropped stove-length sticks of wood, Sweet-scented stuff when the breeze drew across it - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2007
Step 1
Which words and phrases in the first twelve lines (ending at “...when saved from work”) help to give you a clear picture of the place where the poem is set? Explain your choice.
Answer
The first twelve lines effectively establish the rural setting of the poem through vivid imagery. Phrases like 'buzz saw snarled and rattled', 'dust', and 'stove-length sticks of wood' evoke a sense of industriousness, while 'Five mountain ranges one behind the other' suggests a vast, natural backdrop. The phrase 'sweet-scented stuff' adds a sensory element, immersing readers in the scene. Together, these descriptions help the reader visualize a rural landscape filled with the sounds and sights of a working farm.
Step 2
Describe the boy’s reaction when he realised that his hand had been badly damaged by the saw.
Answer
Upon realizing his hand was severely damaged, the boy's reaction displayed a mixture of shock and denial. Initially, his response emerged as a 'rueful laugh,' indicating a surreal confrontation with his injury. This juxtaposition reveals a young boy's attempt to mask his fear with humor. As the reality set in, he explicitly pleaded with his sister not to let the doctor amputate his hand, highlighting both his innocence and desperation. His emotions shifted from shock to panic, ultimately succumbing to the gravitas of the situation.
Step 3
Do you think the poet shows sympathy for the boy? Explain your answer.
Answer
Yes, the poet conveys profound sympathy for the boy through the tone and diction throughout the poem. Frost’s portrayal of the boy’s internal struggle and vulnerability evokes empathy. The boy's plea to his sister not to let the doctor cut off his hand reflects a heartbreaking innocence. Additionally, the tragic ending, with the boy’s fate left uncertain, encapsulates the harsh realities of life and loss. Frost seems to invite the reader to feel sorrow for the boy's lost potential and the abrupt transition from childhood to a harrowing experience.
Step 4
Write the diary entry of the boy’s sister, in which she records her experiences and feelings on the day the accident happened.
Answer
Dear Diary,
Today was unlike any day I’ve ever lived. I stood in the kitchen, wrapped up in preparing supper, glancing outside where I could see him working with the saw. He seemed so confident, our strong boy, yet I felt a flutter of worry as he swung the heavy tool. Then, in a moment that felt like eternity, everything changed.
The sound of the saw, once just background noise, turned into a dreadful snarl as it jumped. I remember his first laugh, almost as if he couldn’t believe what happened. But that laugh quickly faded into fear. When he raised his mangled hand, I felt my heart drop.
I wished I could take his pain away and protect him. As I rushed to him, I could see the horror in his eyes as he begged me not to let the doctor cut his hand off. I wanted to shield him, to convince him everything would be okay, but deep down, I felt helpless.
When it was all over, the silence was deafening. We had lost not just a hand, but a part of our youthful joy. I sat by his side, the weight of despair sinking in. I am terrified of what tomorrow will bring; the innocence of my brother, as I knew it, is forever changed.
Yours, in sorrow, [Name]