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Read the following poem, in which the poet, Louise Greig, gives instructions for the construction of an Albatross, a seabird noted for its giant wingspan - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2021
Question 1
Read the following poem, in which the poet, Louise Greig, gives instructions for the construction of an Albatross, a seabird noted for its giant wingspan. Answer ei... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the following poem, in which the poet, Louise Greig, gives instructions for the construction of an Albatross, a seabird noted for its giant wingspan - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2021
Step 1
Do you find the language used by the poet in the poem, "How to Construct an Albatross" appealing? Explain your response with reference to the poem.
Answer
The language used in the poem "How to Construct an Albatross" is appealing due to its vivid imagery and evocative sound patterns. The poet employs metaphors and similes that create a sensory experience for the reader. For instance, the phrase "clunking wings (treat like hangar doors)" not only paints a picture of the physicality of the wings but also evokes a sense of weight and grandeur.
Additionally, the language conveys a sense of motion and transformation, as seen in the line "you may witness a sudden upwards surge." Such language invites the reader to visualize the albatross coming to life, effectively immersing them in the poem’s thematic exploration of creation and freedom.
Moreover, the repetition of sounds and internal rhymes enhance the musicality of the poem, making it resonate emotionally. The line "just as the heart (yours) begins to break" underscores the personal connection the poet establishes with the reader, making the language not just appealing but also deeply affecting.
Step 2
The poet has not placed a punctuation mark at the end of the poem. In your opinion, what is the effect of this decision on the poem? Explain your response with reference to the poem.
Answer
The absence of a punctuation mark at the end of the poem creates an open-ended feeling that invites reflection and interpretation. This decision emphasizes the continuity of flight and the notion of the albatross as an ongoing journey rather than a concluded thought. As readers, we are compelled to engage with the poem actively, pondering the implications of "let go" and what it means for the speaker’s emotional state.
Furthermore, without a definitive pause, the poem embodies the fluidity and spontaneity of life and creativity. The line "just as the heart (yours) begins to break" is particularly poignant, as leaving it open implies an unresolved emotional tension. This technique deepens the reader's engagement, pushing them to dwell on the themes of loss, freedom, and the unpredictable nature of existence.
Step 3
Based on your reading of the above poem, explain the reasons why you find it to be serious or amusing or both. Support your response with reference to the poet’s use of language and the subject matter of the poem.
Answer
In analyzing the poem, I find it both serious and reflective due to its exploration of creation, identity, and existential themes. The use of serious language, such as "let go" and "begins to break," conveys a weighty emotional theme that resonates with the reader's personal experiences of loss and transformation. The imagery of constructing an albatross serves as a metaphor for the broader human experience, signifying our aspirations and the nature of freedom.
The poem's tone is underscored by a careful choice of language that blends tenderness with a sense of gravity. For instance, phrases like "carry the slumbering bird" evoke a gentle nurturing quality, yet juxtaposed with the notion of heartache, they create a complex emotional landscape.
Overall, the serious implications within the language and imagery elevate the poem beyond mere amusement, offering a profound commentary on life and the human condition, leaving the reader to reflect on their own emotions and experiences related to the themes presented.