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Spring – Gerard Manley Hopkins Nothing is so beautiful as Spring – When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush; Thrush's eggs look little low heavens, and thrush Through the echoing timber does so rinse and wring The ear, it strikes like lightning to hear him sing; The glassy pear tree leaves and blooms, they brush The descending blue; that blue is all in a rush With richness; the racing lambs too have fair their fling - NSC English HL - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 2
Question 6
Spring – Gerard Manley Hopkins Nothing is so beautiful as Spring – When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush; Thrush's eggs look little low heavens, and... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Spring – Gerard Manley Hopkins Nothing is so beautiful as Spring – When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush; Thrush's eggs look little low heavens, and thrush Through the echoing timber does so rinse and wring The ear, it strikes like lightning to hear him sing; The glassy pear tree leaves and blooms, they brush The descending blue; that blue is all in a rush With richness; the racing lambs too have fair their fling - NSC English HL - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 2
Step 1
What features make up the structure of the poem?
Answer
The poem consists of 14 lines, structured in two distinct parts: the first eight lines form an octave and the last six lines constitute a sestet. This division is typical of a Petrarchan sonnet, emphasizing a shift in thought or perspective.
Step 2
Identify and discuss two themes in the poem.
Answer
One theme is the beauty of nature, as illustrated by the lushness of spring, symbolized through vibrant imagery such as 'weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush' and 'the glassy pear tree leaves and blooms'. Another theme is the idea of rebirth and innocence, especially through lines depicting 'Innocent mind and Mayday in girl and boy', which highlights the purity and joy associated with youth and spring.
Step 3
What is the significance of the phrase 'thy choice and worthy the winning'?
Answer
This phrase underlines the notion of agency and the importance of choice in relation to innocence and purity. It suggests that the speaker believes that making the right choice, as 'maid's child', leads to joy and fulfillment. This conveys an underlying connection to Christian values, hinting at the importance of moral choices in life.