Photo AI
Re-read A Poison Tree - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 9 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 9
Re-read A Poison Tree. Choose one other poem from the Conflict anthology. Compare how anger is presented in the two poems. In your answer, you should consider the:... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Re-read A Poison Tree - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 9 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Compare how anger is presented in A Poison Tree and The Destruction of Sennacherib
Answer
In William Blake's A Poison Tree, anger is portrayed as a growing, destructive force. The speaker nurtures his anger, allowing it to fester like a poison. This is evident in the lines where the speaker reflects on how his anger flourished in secrecy, ultimately resulting in a bitter outcome where his foe is harmed.
On the other hand, Lord Byron's The Destruction of Sennacherib presents anger as a divine and retributive force. The poem illustrates the consequences of unchecked anger, depicting the annihilation of Sennacherib's army as a direct outcome of his own wrath and hubris. Here, the contextual influence of historical events, specifically the fall of the Assyrian empire, adds a layer of gravity to the presentation of anger, emphasizing its destructive power over both the individual and collective realms.
Both poems utilize vivid imagery and strong language to convey the idea of anger, but while Blake focuses on an internal struggle and the personal consequences of nurturing anger, Byron illustrates a broader societal implication, showcasing how anger can lead to dramatic transformations in the world.
Step 2
Discuss the poets’ use of language, form and structure
Answer
Blake employs a straightforward and rhythmic structure in A Poison Tree, which mirrors the growth of the speaker's anger. The use of repetition, particularly in phrases like 'night and morning,' emphasizes the continuous nature of his resentment. The poem employs metaphors of growth and decay, where anger evolves like a tree, eventually bearing poisonous fruit.
Conversely, Byron's The Destruction of Sennacherib features a more formal and grandiose structure, utilizing a rhythmic pattern that emphasizes the unfolding drama of conflict. Byron uses strong, descriptive language to vividly depict the scene of battle and destruction, employing similes and personification to convey the divine retribution against anger. The structure of Byron's poem allows for a dynamic progression, emphasizing the chaos of war and its moral implications.
Step 3
Analyze the influence of the contexts in which the poems were written
Answer
The context of Blake's A Poison Tree, written during the Romantic era, reflects the individualistic focus of the time. Blake's emphasis on personal emotions and inner turmoil showcases the Romantic ideal of personal conflict over societal issues. This focus is influenced by the Enlightenment's exploration of human nature and the potential consequences of suppressed emotions.
In contrast, Byron's context, set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, illustrates societal issues and collective consequences of anger and conflict. Byron’s poem serves as a critique of the hubris of leaders like Sennacherib, reflecting on the larger implications of war and aggression, which were highly relevant to his contemporary audience. Thus, both poems tackle the theme of anger, but from individual versus societal perspectives, shaped by their unique historical contexts.