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What does the word, 'marks' (line 4) suggest about the relationship between the people and the city? Explain the effect of the word, 'hapless' (line 11) in the context of the poem - NSC English HL - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 2
Question 4
What does the word, 'marks' (line 4) suggest about the relationship between the people and the city? Explain the effect of the word, 'hapless' (line 11) in the cont... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What does the word, 'marks' (line 4) suggest about the relationship between the people and the city? Explain the effect of the word, 'hapless' (line 11) in the context of the poem - NSC English HL - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 2
Step 1
What does the word, 'marks' (line 4) suggest about the relationship between the people and the city?
Answer
The term 'marks' indicates the visible signs of suffering and misery prevalent among the people in London. These marks serve as physical and psychological indicators of their distress and alienation. The city is portrayed as a place where individuals feel dehumanized and downtrodden, as they are subjected to the oppressive environment that reflects their despair.
Step 2
Explain the effect of the word, 'hapless' (line 11) in the context of the poem.
Answer
'Hapless' conveys a sense of unfortunate circumstance that the soldier finds himself in. It highlights his lack of control over his own fate, suggesting he is a victim of an indifferent society. This word reinforces the exploitation and helplessness faced by individuals, illustrating the broader theme of powerlessness within London’s urban landscape.
Step 3
Refer to line 8: 'The mind-forg'd manacles I hear'.
Answer
This phrase metaphorically suggests that the minds of the inhabitants are shackled by their own thoughts. They are imprisoned by the oppressive beliefs and societal norms they have internalized, which prevent them from envisioning any alternative life beyond their confines. This emphasizes the theme of self-imposed limitations and the lack of agency experienced by the citizens.
Step 4
In the fourth stanza, the speaker expresses his horror of living in the London of his time.
Answer
The fourth stanza reveals the stark reality of life in London, particularly the negative impacts on the youth. The imagery of young girls being forced into desperate situations underscores the pervasive sense of hopelessness. Words like 'blasts', 'blights', and 'plagues' evoke a visceral reaction, painting a grim picture of societal decay and the corrupting influence of moral decline on personal lives.
Step 5
Do you agree with this statement? Justify your response by referring to imagery and/or diction.
Answer
I agree with the statement as the poem illustrates a vivid portrayal of suffering and despair in London. The harsh imagery of disease and moral corruption suggests a city that fails its youth. The use of terms such as 'curse' and 'blasts' enhances the sense of urgency and tragedy. The diction employed by Blake effectively conveys the emotional weight of these experiences, prompting a reflection on the dire consequences of societal neglect.