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Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 3
Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow. FUNERAL BLUES – WH Auden 1 Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, 2 Prevent the dog from barki... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
Account for the use of the word, 'Blues' in the title.
Answer
The term 'Blues' in the title symbolizes the profound sense of sorrow and despair experienced by the speaker due to the loss of their partner. It evokes a melancholic mood, aligning with the mournful subject matter of the poem. The use of 'Blues' suggests a deep emotional burden, indicating the speaker's feelings of heartache and desolation.
Step 2
Refer to line 5: 'Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead'.
Answer
In this line, the imagery of aeroplanes circling overhead conveys a sense of mourning and public acknowledgment of the speaker's grief. The word 'moaning' has an onomatopoeic quality, enhancing the feeling of loss and hopelessness. It reflects how the speaker's anguish permeates not just their personal space but also the wider environment, showcasing the magnitude of their sorrow.
Step 3
Refer to lines 9–12: 'He was my ... I was wrong.'
Answer
In these lines, 'My' is repeatedly used to emphasize the deep connection and intimacy the speaker shared with their partner. Each 'My' denotes the integral role the lost partner played in various aspects of the speaker's life, highlighting the emptiness felt in their absence. The realization expressed in 'I was wrong' reveals the speaker's disillusionment and the painful acknowledgment that love does not last forever.
Step 4
Refer to lines 13–16: 'The stars are ... to any good.'
Answer
These lines depict the speaker's overwhelming despair, illustrating the insignificance of light and hope in the face of profound loss. The request to extinguish stars and dismantle the sun symbolizes a world stripped of joy and meaning. The speaker's profound disillusionment culminates in the line 'For nothing now can ever come to any good,' emphasizing a somber outlook on life after the loss of their loved one.