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Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 2
Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow. REMEMBER – Christina Rossetti 1 Remember me when I am gone away, 2 Gone far away into the silent... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
2.1 Account for the speaker's use of euphemisms in the first two lines of the poem.
Answer
In the first two lines, the speaker uses euphemisms such as 'gone away' and 'silent land' to soften the reality of death. These phrases serve as a way of avoiding a direct confrontation with mortality. By using such language, the speaker attempts to shield her loved one from the harshness of her impending absence while still acknowledging the finality of her situation.
Step 2
2.2 Refer to line 4: 'Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.'
Answer
This line reveals the speaker's ambivalence regarding her imminent death. It underscores her conflict as she expresses a desire to remain in the presence of her loved one while also recognizing the inevitability of her departure. The phrase 'half turn' implies hesitation, showing her reluctance to leave behind someone she cares deeply for.
Step 3
2.3 Discuss how the structure of the poem reinforces the shift in the speaker's tone.
Answer
The poem's structure, particularly its octave form, transitions from a tone of urgency and sorrow in the first stanza to a more reconciliatory stance in the latter part. In the first eight lines, the speaker's pleas for remembrance highlight her fear of being forgotten. The later lines, particularly with the use of 'yet,' show a shift towards acceptance, illustrating her resolve to find comfort in the idea that forgetting can be natural.
Step 4
2.4 The title of the poem is ironic. Do you agree? Justify your response.
Answer
I agree that the title is ironic. While 'Remember' suggests a desire for lasting memory and connection, the poem itself reflects the speaker's deep fear of being forgotten. The irony lies in the fact that her request to be remembered is juxtaposed with the acknowledgment that forgetting may be kinder for her beloved. This contradiction emphasizes the complexities of love, loss, and memory.