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Read the following poem by Czeslaw Milosz and answer either Question 1 or Question 2 - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2016
Question 1
Read the following poem by Czeslaw Milosz and answer either Question 1 or Question 2. And Yet the Books And yet the books will be there on the shelves, separate be... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the following poem by Czeslaw Milosz and answer either Question 1 or Question 2 - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2016
Step 1
Outline the ideas expressed by the poet in this poem.
Answer
The poet, Czeslaw Milosz, explores the enduring nature of books as separate entities that hold life and meaning. He contrasts this permanence with human fragility, noting how people are susceptible to loss and decay, while books retain their essence even as world events unfold around them.
The imagery of 'shining chestnuts under a tree in autumn' evokes the idea that books are vibrant and full of potential. Milosz personifies books by stating that they 'are', emphasizing their continued existence despite external circumstances. This idea is further underlined by the metaphor of a 'buzzing flame' licking away the letters, indicating that while humans may perish, the thoughts and stories contained in books are timeless.
Additionally, Milosz reflects on his own mortality, imagining a world that continues without him. He suggests that, even in absence, the beauty of literature remains, embodied in the phrase 'still a strange women's dresses, dew illics'. The line 'Derived from people, but also from radiance, light' suggests that literature transcends humanity, capturing not just human experiences but also the essence of existence itself.
Step 2
Select two images from the poem that you think best convey the poet’s ideas. Explain your choice.
Answer
The first image is 'shining chestnuts under a tree in autumn'. This image symbolizes the vibrancy and potential of books as they await discovery. It captures the notion that literature, like chestnuts, has the ability to nourish and provoke thought long after it is created.
The second image is 'a buzzing flame licking away their letters'. This imagery starkly contrasts the permanence of books with the inherent impermanence of human life. The flame represents destruction and mortality; however, even as the flame threatens the written word, the essence of the book endures. These images collectively emphasize the resilience of literature and its significance against the backdrop of human ephemerality.