Hide and Seek

Question 1

Main structure?

Answer 1

1. Narrative lyric poem - lyricsm - speakers internal voice - narrative arc - excitement to isolation
2. Free verse - lack of formal constraint mirrors uncertain experience of the child
3. Irregular line length mirrors childs changing emotional pace

Question 2

Use of parataxis?

Answer 2

1. Parataxis captures the fragmented, reactive thoughts of a young mind
2. Excited to play contrasted to the let down and isolation
3. Lack of subordinating logic reflects - child doesn’t fully process what’s happening - abandonment dawns slowly/painfully

Question 3

Lack of stanzaic division?

Answer 3

Sense of entrapment - boy remains static as the world moves on - passage of real time

Question 4

Shift in tone?

Answer 4

1. Lexical field of discomfort and decay - stark contrast to initial sensory excitement
2. From playful anticipation to forlorn realisation

Question 5

Ambiguous ending?

Answer 5

1. Mirrors childs confusion with abandonment
2. No resolution for the reader - loss of innocence