For Elkana
UNDERSTANDING THE POEM
1. Comment on the subtlety with which the poet captures the
general pattern of communication within a family.
Answer:
2. Poetic effect is achieved in the poem through understatement
and asides. Discuss this with examples.
Answer:
3. How is the idyllic juxtaposed with the pedestrian in the poem?
Answer:
4. Explain the undertones in the statement:
‘Wife and husband in unusual rapport
State one unspoken thought’:
Answer:
5. Comment on the capitalisation of all the words in the line:
‘Children Must be Disciplined’.
Answer:
6. What makes the urgency of the child’s demand seem logical?
TRY THIS OUT
Answer:
1. Paraphrase the poem and notice the change in effect. Comment
on the deft touch with which the poet transforms ordinary events
into evocative poetry
Answer:
