Read the given extract and answer the questions
Extract:
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake
(A Thing Of Beauty)
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Question (i)
What is the rhyme scheme of this extract?
- a) ABAB
- b) ABCB
- c) AABA
- d) None of the above
Answer:
Answer written by the student:
(a) ABAB
Step-by-step explanation of the answer:
- A rhyme scheme is the pattern of sounds that repeats at the end of a line or stanza in a poem.
- To identify the rhyme scheme, we can assign a letter to each sound and see how they match or differ.
- For example, in the following extract, the rhyme scheme is ABAB:
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils (A)
With the green world they live in; and clear rills (B)
That for themselves a cooling covert make (A)
‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake (B)
- In this extract from "A Thing Of Beauty", there is a rhyme scheme because some of the sounds at the end of each line match or repeat.
- Therefore, the correct answer is a) ABAB.
Question (ii)
What does the use of the word "simple" suggest?
- a) The speaker is fond and respectful of sheep and daffodils
- b) The speaker is bored and disdainful of sheep and daffodils
- c) The speaker is curious and admiring of sheep and daffodils
- d) The speaker is confused and puzzled by sheep and daffodils
Answer:
Answer written by the student:
(a) The speaker is fond and respectful of sheep and daffodils
Step-by-step explanation of the answer:
- Analysis is the process of examining the meaning and effect of the language used in a text.
- To analyze the use of a word, we can look at its definition, context, and connotations.
- The word "simple" means easy to understand or do; not complex or complicated.
- In the context of the poem, the speaker says that for simple sheep; and such are daffodils. This implies that sheep and daffodils are examples of things that are simple and uncomplicated in their nature and behavior. They are also part of the green world that they live in, which suggests that they are natural and harmonious with their environment.
- The connotations of the word "simple" are positive and respectful. It suggests that the speaker is fond and respectful of sheep and daffodils, not bored and disdainful, curious and admiring, or confused and puzzled by them. It also suggests that they appreciate their simplicity as a source of beauty and joy.
- Therefore, the correct answer is a) The speaker is fond and respectful of sheep and daffodils.
Question (iii)
Select the option that is NOT true about the use of personification in this extract.
- a) It creates a sense of liveliness and movement in the poem
- b) It shows that the speaker is imaginative and creative in their vision
- c) It indicates that the speaker is lonely and isolated from other humans
- d) It reflects the speaker's connection and empathy with nature
Answer:
Answer written by the student:
(c) It indicates that the speaker is lonely and isolated from other humans
Step-by-step explanation of the answer:
- Interpretation is the process of explaining the significance and implications of a text.
- To interpret the use of a literary device, we can look at how it affects the tone, mood, theme, and message of the text.
- Personification is a literary device that gives human qualities or abilities to non-human things or phenomena.
- In this extract from "A Thing Of Beauty", the speaker uses personification in several ways:
- They compare daffodils to sheep, which are living creatures that can move and graze.
- They say that clear rills make a cooling covert for themselves, which implies that they have agency and intelligence to create shelter.
- They use words like "live" and "make", which are verbs that denote human actions or activities.
- The use of personification creates a sense of liveliness and movement in the poem, as it makes non-human things seem more animated and dynamic. This is true.
- The use of personification also shows that the speaker is imaginative and creative in their vision, as they use figurative language to describe nature in new and original ways. This is true.
- The use of personification also reflects the speaker's connection and empathy with nature, as they attribute human qualities or abilities to non-human things, which suggests that they feel close and related to them. This is true.
- The use of personification does not indicate that the speaker is lonely and isolated from other humans, as it does not imply any lack or absence of human companionship or interaction. Rather, it suggests that they find joy and comfort in nature's company. This is false.
- Therefore, the correct answer is c) It indicates that the speaker is lonely and isolated from other humans.
Question (iv)
The speaker says that clear rills make a cooling covert for themselves. What does this imply about the nature and function of rills?
- a) Rills are small and insignificant streams that have no purpose or value
- b) Rills are large and powerful rivers that have a destructive or harmful impact
- c) Rills are calm and gentle brooks that have a soothing or refreshing effect
- d) Rills are fast and noisy rapids that have an exciting or thrilling influence
Answer:
Answer written by the student:
(c) Rills are calm and gentle brooks that have a soothing or refreshing effect
Step-by-step explanation of the answer:
- Evaluation is the process of judging the quality and value of a text.
- To evaluate the implication of a statement, we can look at its logic, evidence, and relevance.
- The speaker says that clear rills make a cooling covert for themselves, which means that rills create a shady or hidden place for themselves to cool down.
- This statement implies that rills are calm and gentle brooks, as they are clear and not muddy or polluted. They also have a soothing or refreshing effect, as they cool down themselves and their surroundings. Rills are not small and insignificant streams, as they have a purpose and value in nature. Rills are not large and powerful rivers, as they do not cause damage or harm to anything. Rills are not fast and noisy rapids, as they do not create excitement or thrill for anyone.
- Therefore, the correct answer is c) Rills are calm and gentle brooks that have a soothing or refreshing effect.
Question (v)
Which word in the extract is closest in meaning to "covert"?
- a) Cover
- b) Convert
- c) Covert
- d) Comfort
Answer:
Answer written by the student:
(a) Cover
Step-by-step explanation of the answer:
- Vocabulary is the set of words that a person knows and uses.
- To find the word that is closest in meaning to another word, we can look at their definitions, synonyms, and antonyms.
- The word "covert" means not openly acknowledged or displayed; secret or hidden.
- In the context of the poem, the speaker says that clear rills make a cooling covert for themselves. This means that rills create a shady or hidden place for themselves to cool down.
- The word that is closest in meaning to "covert" is "cover", as it also implies something that protects or conceals something else, especially from view or danger.
- The word "convert" is different in meaning from "covert", as it implies something that changes or transforms something else, especially from one form or state to another.
- The word "covert" is the same in meaning as "covert", as it is the same word with a different spelling.
- The word "comfort" is different in meaning from "covert", as it implies something that provides physical or emotional relief or support to someone or something, especially in times of distress or difficulty.
- Therefore, the correct answer is a) Cover.
Question (vi)
The speaker says that they make a flowery band to bind them to the earth. What does this suggest about their attitude towards nature?
- a) They are respectful and appreciative of nature
- b) They are curious and adventurous about nature
- c) They are fearful and cautious of nature
- d) They are dependent and attached to nature
Answer:
Answer written by the student:
d) They are dependent and attached to nature
Step-by-step explanation of the answer:
- Inference is the process of drawing conclusions from evidence and reasoning.
- To infer the attitude of the speaker, we can look at what they say and do in the poem, and how they relate to nature and its beauty.
- The speaker says that they make a flowery band to bind them to the earth, which means that they try to find some beauty and joy in life by creating a wreath of flowers to connect them to nature and reality.
- This statement suggests that their attitude towards nature is dependent and attached, as they rely on nature for their happiness and meaning. T hey also feel bound by nature, with no hope or possibility of escape or change. They are not respectful or appreciative of nature, as they do not value or praise its beauty. They are not curious or adventurous about nature, as they do not seek or explore its diversity or wonders. They are not fearful or cautious of nature, as they do not avoid or protect themselves from its dangers or challenges.
- Therefore, the correct answer is d) They are dependent and attached to nature.
