Moving through the silent crowd Flashcards
(13 cards)
Who is Stephen Spender?
English poet, novelist, and essayist
Spender lived from 1909 to 1995 and was known for his contributions to poetry, drama, and essays.
What themes are prevalent in Stephen Spender’s work?
Social injustice and class struggle
His work reflects the impact of major historical events like the Great Depression and the World Wars.
What influenced Stephen Spender’s writing?
The Great Depression, The Spanish Civil War, WW1 and WW2
These events shaped his perspectives on social issues.
What was Spender’s family background?
Father was a politician and journalist; mother was a German painter and poet
He was raised by his grandmother after the early deaths of his parents.
What is the structure of the poem ‘Moving Through the Silent Crowd’?
Four stanzas with four lines each (quatrains)
Stanza 3 has an ABAB rhyme scheme.
What is the primary setting of the poem?
A crowded street
The poem depicts the daily lives of people, both employed and unemployed.
What mood does the poem convey?
Ominous or gloomy, poignant, melancholy
These emotions reflect the struggles of the working class during a recession.
What does the phrase ‘hungry eyes’ signify in the poem?
Desire for opportunities and basic needs
It highlights the desperation of those without work.
Fill in the blank: The poem reflects on the struggles of _______ men during a recession in the 1930s.
working-class
True or False: The speaker of the poem judges the poor without understanding their circumstances.
False
The poem reveals a deeper sympathy for those suffering in a capitalist system.
What does the term ‘cynical gestures of the poor’ refer to?
Empty pockets and idle behavior
It illustrates the despair and resignation of the unemployed.
What literary devices are used in ‘Moving Through the Silent Crowd’?
Metaphor, alliteration, anaphora
These devices enhance the emotional impact of the poem.
What does the silence of the crowd suggest in the poem?
Contradiction and ominous presence
It implies a lack of movement and engagement among the people.
