Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow - Languages - NSC English HL - Question 4 - 2023 - Paper 2
Question 4
Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow.
POEM OF RETURN – Jofre Rocha
When I return from the land of exile and silence,
do not bring me flowe... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow - Languages - NSC English HL - Question 4 - 2023 - Paper 2
Step 1
Explain the use of the word, 'silence' (line 1) in the context of the poem.
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Answer
The word, 'silence' suggests that the speaker's time in exile has been lonely and he feels isolated from his people. He misses hearing the sounds of home. Being in exile, he feels that his voice of protest may be censored.
Step 2
Account for the use of the ellipsis in line 10.
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Answer
The ellipsis creates a dramatic pause after the speaker emphatically states that he does not want flowers. The reader waits with anticipation to find out what it is that the speaker actually wants.
Step 3
Refer to lines 3-4: 'Bring me rather ... which witnessed dramas.'
Identify the figure of speech in these lines.
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Answer
The figure of speech in these lines is personification.
Step 4
Comment on the effectiveness of this image.
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Answer
Dawn is personified to suggest that witnessing all the tragedy has brought it to tears ('dew'). The injustices that the people have suffered have been so immense and frequent that even nature responds with grief and sorrow.
Step 5
Refer to lines 11–14: 'Bring me only ... in their eyes.'
Critically discuss how the final stanza reinforces the central message of the poem.
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Answer
The stanza conveys how the speaker wants only one thing: justice for people who have lost their lives in the struggle for freedom. He views the people who died for the cause as the real 'heroes' as they fought a difficult and hopeless battle ('wingless stone'). The speaker is angry and insistent that their 'last wish' be fulfilled.
