Spring – Gerard Manley Hopkins
Nothing is so beautiful as Spring –
When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush;
Thrush's eggs look little low heavens, and thrush
Through the echoing timber does so rinse and wring
The ear, it strikes like lightning to hear him sing;
The glassy pear tree leaves and blooms, they brush
The descending blue; that blue is all in a rush
With richness; the racing lambs too have fair their fling - NSC English FAL - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 2
Question 6
Spring – Gerard Manley Hopkins
Nothing is so beautiful as Spring –
When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush;
Thrush's eggs look little low heavens, and... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Spring – Gerard Manley Hopkins
Nothing is so beautiful as Spring –
When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush;
Thrush's eggs look little low heavens, and thrush
Through the echoing timber does so rinse and wring
The ear, it strikes like lightning to hear him sing;
The glassy pear tree leaves and blooms, they brush
The descending blue; that blue is all in a rush
With richness; the racing lambs too have fair their fling - NSC English FAL - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 2
Step 1
What is the structure of the poem?
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Answer
The poem consists of 14 lines, structured in a way that the first eight lines create an octave (or octet) while the last six lines form a sestet. The rhyme scheme is also specific, following the pattern: abba abba cdc dcd.
Step 2
Identify two literary devices used in the poem.
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Answer
Alliteration: This can be observed in phrases such as "when weeds" emphasizing the lushness of spring.
Personification: The poem personifies spring as something alive with actions and emotions, as shown in the description of thrush's songs and the racing lambs.
Step 3
What does the speaker compare the beauty of spring to?
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Answer
The speaker compares the beauty of spring to the Garden of Eden, alluding to the notion of paradise and innocence that spring represents.
Step 4
What is the significance of the phrase 'innocent mind and Mayday in girl and boy'?
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Answer
This phrase highlights the purity and joy associated with youth and springtime celebrations, suggesting a rebirth and an awakening to life and love during this season.
