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1. (a) How does the poet suggest the passing of time in the second stanza of this poem? Support your answer with reference to the poem - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2015
Question 1
1. (a) How does the poet suggest the passing of time in the second stanza of this poem? Support your answer with reference to the poem. (b) In your opinion, which o... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1. (a) How does the poet suggest the passing of time in the second stanza of this poem? Support your answer with reference to the poem - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2015
Step 1
How does the poet suggest the passing of time in the second stanza of this poem? Support your answer with reference to the poem.
Answer
In the second stanza, the poet underscores the passage of time through vivid imagery and changing perspectives. The lines describe how the child once felt small compared to the natural surroundings, depicted with phrases like "You are taller now than us," indicating growth and the inevitable passage of years. The description of the house becoming "covered in green creeper" symbolizes nature's encroachment on human structures, further implying the march of time. This blend of personal reflection and environmental change conveys how time alters both our perceptions and our surroundings.
Step 2
In your opinion, which one of the following words best describes the mood or atmosphere of this poem?
Answer
I believe the word "Nostalgic" best encapsulates the mood of the poem. The poet evokes a sense of longing for the past, especially through the memories of childhood and the significant places that have changed over time. This nostalgia is palpable in phrases that highlight the absence of those who once inhabited these spaces, making the reader feel the weight of time and loss, yet simultaneously celebrating the beautiful memories associated with those bygone days.
Step 3
Explain, in your own words, what you think the poet means in the last line of this poem:
Answer
In the line, "This is the place of their presence: in the tree, in the air," the poet conveys the idea that even though people may be absent, their essence lingers in the places they once occupied. It suggests a spiritual continuity; the memories and experiences are intertwined with the natural elements around them. The trees and air serve as reminders of their existence, reinforcing the notion that while physical forms may fade, the connections we share with our environment and loved ones remain vibrant and enduring.