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What do you believe is the central message of this poem? Support your answer with reference to the poem - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2015
Question 1
What do you believe is the central message of this poem? Support your answer with reference to the poem. Identify two images that you find interesting in this poem.... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What do you believe is the central message of this poem? Support your answer with reference to the poem - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2015
Step 1
What do you believe is the central message of this poem?
Answer
The central message of Peter Sirr's poem 'Peter Street' revolves around themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. It captures the emotional weight of a child reflecting on their father's vulnerability as he ages. This is illustrated through the poignant imagery of looking up at a building site, which symbolizes change and perhaps loss, as the speaker feels disconnected from their father's experience. The line 'held in his gaze' suggests a desperate yearning for connection and understanding, underscoring the emotional strain that accompanies love for a sick family member. Furthermore, the reference to 'a marvelous house; music should roam the corridors' evokes a sense of nostalgia and the hope for joyful memories amid a painful reality.
Step 2
Identify two images that you find interesting in this poem.
Answer
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'a flaw in the structure, something unappeasable': This image captures the imperfection and hidden emotions within familial relationships. It indicates the complexity of emotions that are difficult to articulate, mirroring the struggle of accepting a loved one's frailty.
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'a crane moves delicately in the sky, in its own language': This visual presents a juxtaposition of the industrial against the personal. The crane, often a symbol of construction and change, reflects the ongoing developments in life while contrasting with the stillness of the father's condition. It suggests that while life continues, there are moments that provoke profound introspection.