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UNSEEN POETRY (COMPULSORY) QUESTION 5: CONTEXTUAL QUESTION Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 5
UNSEEN POETRY (COMPULSORY) QUESTION 5: CONTEXTUAL QUESTION Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow. BURNING THE FIRE BREAK – Ingrid Andersen... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:UNSEEN POETRY (COMPULSORY) QUESTION 5: CONTEXTUAL QUESTION Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow - NSC English HL - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
5.1 The speaker views the fire as an enemy/intruder
Answer
In the poem, the speaker perceives the fire as a threatening force, an intruder that disrupts her tranquil environment. The fire represents not just a physical danger, but also an emotional one as it provokes feelings of fear and anxiety as she feels the need to protect her property.
Step 2
5.2 A mood of panic and fear is evident in these lines
Answer
The mood is characterized by the 'whipped' wind, which suggests chaos and urgency as the fire spreads uncontrollably. The use of the word 'threatens' emphasizes the speaker's escalating anxiety. The phrase 'all hands are needed' highlights the urgency of the situation, creating a sense of alarm that permeates the scene.
Step 3
5.3 The fire is personified as a fierce monster
Answer
The fire is depicted almost as a living entity that turns against the land, portrayed through imagery like 'spits and roars' which symbolize its unpredictable and violent nature. This personification serves to magnify the feeling of helplessness, suggesting that the fire is a formidable foe that poses an insurmountable challenge to those trying to stop it.
Step 4
5.4 Initially, the speaker's attitude is one of irritation
Answer
At first, the speaker feels frustration at the need to abandon her peaceful surroundings to confront the fire. The term 'called' suggests an unwillingness to leave her idyllic space, highlighting her internal conflict. As she grapples with the destruction, there is a noticeable shift in her attitude as the threat of the fire becomes more apparent, leading her to recognize the severity of the situation.