poetry

• What war is the context for "The Charge of the Light Brigade"?

  The Crimean War
• Who were the members of the Light Brigade?

  They were lower-class people and powerful individuals.
• What does the phrase "Into the valley of death" suggest in the poem?

  It suggests a dangerous and deadly situation.
• How does the poem reference Psalm 23?

  It contrasts despair with faith in God.
• What literary device is used in "theirs not to make reply"?

  It uses a metaphor.
• What does the change in rhythm signify in the poem?

  It signifies a sense of inevitability and mission.
• How does the poem reflect the government's power over the lower class?

  It shows how the government avoided accountability for the soldiers' deaths.
• What does the phrase "Storm'd at with shot and shell" imply?

  It implies being attacked with bullets and artillery.
• How does the imagery of "sabre" and "guns" contrast in the poem?

  It shows the hopelessness of the soldiers against modern weaponry.
• What does the repetition of "valley of death" signify?

  It emphasizes the horrific conditions and futility of the mission.
• What is the context of "Storm on the Island"?

  It is an allegory for the Irish troubles.
• What does the title "Stormont" hint at in the poem?

  It hints at a political center in Belfast.
• How does the phrase "we are prepared; we build our houses square" reflect the islanders' attitude?

  It indicates their readiness and unity against the storm.
• What does the use of caesura in the poem suggest?

  It suggests a pause for reflection and readiness.
• How does the word "Blast" function in the poem?

  It suggests sudden violence and mirrors the impact of bullets.
• What does "tragic crows" reference in the poem?

  It references Greek tragedy and the haunting sound of the wind.
• How does the poem depict the impact of the Troubles on the Irish community?

  It shows that violence affected every Irish person.
• What does the personification of the storm indicate?

  It indicates that the storm represents violence and destruction.
• What does the phrase "the sea isn't peaceful" imply?

  It implies that the sea can also be violent and destructive.
• How does the repetition of stanzas contribute to the poem's theme?

  It emphasizes the ongoing nature of violence and fear.
• What does the phrase "space is a solid" suggest in the poem?

  It suggests that the space is filled with constant threats and attacks.
• Who was William Wordsworth?

  He was a Romantic poet from the Lake District.
• What does Wordsworth explore in his poetry?

  He explores how nature shapes identity and experience.
• What does the phrase "led by her" suggest in the poem?

  It suggests the maternal power of nature guiding mankind.
• How does Wordsworth's confidence turn into arrogance?

  He believes he can control nature but is ultimately humbled by it.
• What does the repetition of "huge" emphasize in the poem?

  It emphasizes disbelief and the overwhelming power of nature.
• What does the phrase "grim shape" refer to in the poem?

  It refers to the mountain that traps the speaker.
• How does the poem depict the speaker's panic?

  It shows the speaker's fear and helplessness against nature.
• What does the phrase "darkness" symbolize in the poem?

  It symbolizes confusion and a lack of direction.
• How does the poem contrast tranquility with chaos?

  It shows a shift from a peaceful experience to a threatening one.
• Who wrote the poem "Ozymandias" and in what year?

  Percy Bysshe Shelley, 1817
• What does the poem "Ozymandias" comment on?

  It comments on monarchies and the oppressive power of rulers.
• Who is Ozymandias identified as in the poem?

  Rameses II, an Egyptian Pharaoh.
• What does the phrase "half sunk, a shattered visage" suggest about Ozymandias's statue?

  It suggests the destruction of his image and the inevitable decay of power.
• What irony is presented in the line about Ozymandias's superiority?

  The irony is that despite his belief in his superiority, the statue is destroyed, showing nature's power over humans.
• What does the word "sunk" convey in the context of the poem?

  It creates an uncomfortable image of being trapped by one's own ego.
• What does "wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command" reveal about Ozymandias's character?

  It reveals his disgust for his subjects and lack of empathy.
• How does the alliteration in "cold command" contribute to the poem's tone?

  It creates a short, harsh sound that mirrors Shelley’s anti-monarchy view.
• What does the juxtaposition in "hand that mocked them and heart that fed" signify?

  It signifies the contrast between Ozymandias's cruel nature and his desire to be remembered as a great ruler.
• What does the phrase "king of kings" imply about Ozymandias's perception of power?

  It implies he believed his power was unmatched and eternal.