History Flashcards
(10 cards)
The poem is is set in the immediate aftermath of which world-changing event?
The terrorist attacks of 9/11
What is the significance about the poem being set in the immediate aftermath of 9/11
The speaker tries to find meaning and contentment in a suddenly changed world
Why does the poem begin (and later repeat) ‘today…’ ?
Conveys the speakers desire to root himself in the specific moment, rather than worrying about an uncertain future
What is the significance about the irregular line and stanza length in the poem
The lack of structure represents the chaos and uncertainty that the speaker feels in the aftermath of 9/11
Why does the speaker twice refer to his young son Lucas?
The young child is intended to be an image of purity and innocence that contrasts the ‘muffled dread’ and adult anxiety that the speaker feels
What is the significance of the line, ‘I knelt down in the sand with Lucas’
This is intended to be an innocent, almost holy, image as the speaker explores the beauty of the natural world with his son.
Why are some stanzas more regular in terms of line and stanza length?
These represent moments of clarity where the speaker understands what it means to be human - eg ‘at times I think what makes us who we are …’
Why does the poem use listing - “sometimes I am dizzy with the fear of losing everything - the sea, the sky, all living creatures, forests…”
The listing is perhaps used to convey how the speaker feels overwhelmed and untethered at the prospect of a rapidly changing world
Why does the speaker use colour imagery - such as referring to the ‘goldfish’ and the ‘transitive gold’ of the carp?
Thsi represents the beauty and preciousness of nature.
The speaker looks to the natural world to find meaning and permenacne at a time of unpredictable change.
What is the significance of the title ‘History’?
It relates both to the historic event of 9/11 and also the personal history of the speaker, who considers what it means to shape a life, and what he will leave behind via his son Lucas.
