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Refer to line 1: 'O he is dead then? my duty all ended, Who have watched his mould of man, big-boned and hardy-handsome Pining, pining, till time when reason rambled in it and some Fatal four disorders, fleshed there, all contended? Sickness broke him - NSC English HL - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 3
Refer to line 1: 'O he is dead then? my duty all ended, Who have watched his mould of man, big-boned and hardy-handsome Pining, pining, till time when reason rambled... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Refer to line 1: 'O he is dead then? my duty all ended, Who have watched his mould of man, big-boned and hardy-handsome Pining, pining, till time when reason rambled in it and some Fatal four disorders, fleshed there, all contended? Sickness broke him - NSC English HL - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
Refer to line 1: 'O he is dead then? my duty all ended,'
Answer
The speaker appears to be unaffected by the news of Felix Randal's death, approaching the situation in a matter-of-fact, detached manner. This shows that he has been expecting this outcome for some time, indicating a sense of relief that Felix's suffering is finally over. The emotional tone suggests a complex relationship, where professional duty intersects with personal feelings.
Step 2
Refer to line 3: 'Pining, pining, till time when reason rambled in it.'
Answer
The repetition of the word 'pining' illustrates the slow and ongoing nature of Felix's illness. It conveys a sense of emotional drain and emphasizes the speaker's yearning for Felix to regain his strength. The rhythm created by this repetition contributes to the overall melancholy tone of the poem.
Step 3
Refer to line 9: 'This seeing the sick endears them to us, us to it endears.'
Answer
This line highlights the deep relationship formed between the speaker and Felix throughout the illness. It suggests that the experience of caring for someone in their suffering creates empathy and connection. As the speaker provides comfort, he finds himself emotionally bonded to Felix, reflecting the nature of compassionate care.
Step 4
Discuss the significance of this line in the context of the poem.
Answer
The significance lies in illustrating the transformative nature of suffering for both the caregiver and the patient. The line indicates that through hardship, relationships deepen, forging a bond that enriches understanding and compassion. This dynamic plays a central role throughout the poem, reinforcing the idea that illness brings people closer, reshaping their interactions and emotional landscapes.
Step 5
The speaker presents two contrasting views of Felix Randal.
Answer
Firstly, Felix is depicted as a strong and robust individual, illustrated by descriptors like 'big-boned' and 'hardy-handsome.' This contrasts sharply with his frail state during illness, showing vulnerability. The juxtaposition highlights not only the physical deterioration but also the emotional toll on both Felix and the speaker, emphasizing how illness alters identity and perception.
Step 6
Critically discuss how these contrasting views convey the central idea of the poem.
Answer
The contrasting views of Felix emphasize the central theme of vulnerability inherent in human existence. While Felix starts as a figure of strength, his decline reminds us of mortality's universality. The poem invites reflection on the fragility of life and the compassionate connections formed through care, reinforcing that despite physical weakness, dignity and humanity persist.