P+C Poetry Flashcards
(158 cards)
1
Q
What is the purpose of the documentary ‘The Not Dead’?
A
To raise awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Based on the experiences of Guardsman Tromans after his service in Iraq.
2
Q
What does the quote ‘on another occasion, we get sent out’ suggest?
A
Creates a conversational tone and indicates shared experience
Hints that the traumatic events were not isolated.
3
Q
What does the phrase ‘three of us opened fire’ imply?
A
Diffuses individual responsibility initially
The direct language contrasts with the violent act being described.
4
Q
What is the significance of the quote ‘I see every round as it rips through his life’?
A
Emphasizes the violence and the speaker’s lasting memory of it
The verb ‘rips’ highlights the destructive force of the bullets.
5
Q
What does the phrase ‘sort of inside out’ convey?
A
A gruesome, detached description of the body
The phrase ‘sort of’ contrasts with the horrific image, suggesting an attempt to distance from trauma.
6
Q
What is the impact of the quote ‘tosses his guts back into his body’?
A
Shows shocking and disrespectful imagery
The verb ‘tosses’ reflects a lack of respect for the dead, highlighting war’s dehumanizing effect.
7
Q
What does the quote ‘then he’s carted off in the back of a lorry’ suggest?
A
Indicates impersonal and dismissive treatment of the body
Emphasizes the brutal reality of war through the lack of dignity in body removal.
8
Q
What is revealed by the quote ‘but I blink’ ‘and he bursts again through the doors of the bank’?
A
Shows the recurring nature of the traumatic memory
The action of blinking triggers a vivid flashback, highlighting the intrusive nature of PTSD.
9
Q
What does the quote ‘the drink and the drugs won’t flush him out’ imply?
A
Reveals attempts to cope with trauma
‘Flush him out’ suggests the memory is a persistent contamination.
10
Q
What does the phrase ‘his bloody life in my bloody hands’ signify?
A
Emphasizes overwhelming guilt and the lasting stain of the event
Indicates the speaker’s feeling of responsibility for the man’s death.
11
Q
Who wrote the poetry that often addressed political issues in London?
A
William Blake
Blake was a poet and artist of the Romantic era, living in London during a time of significant social change.
12
Q
What does the term ‘chartered’ signify in Blake’s poetry?
A
Control by the wealthy over land and resources
The repetition of ‘chartered’ contrasts with the free-flowing Thames, illustrating social inequities.
13
Q
What do the ‘marks of weakness, marks of woe’ emphasize?
A
Widespread suffering in London
The use of ‘marks’ suggests that individuals are branded by their experiences of suffering.
14
Q
What do ‘mind-forged manacles’ symbolize in Blake’s poetry?
A
People are trapped by their thoughts and societal restraints
The phrase emphasizes the extent of suffering experienced by individuals.
15
Q
What does ‘black’ning church’ criticize in Blake’s work?
A
The moral corruption of the church
Blake felt the church was hypocritical and failed to assist the poor, particularly in the context of industrialization.
16
Q
What theme is introduced by the phrase ‘youthful harlot’s curse’?
A
Prostitution and its impact on society
‘Midnight streets’ suggests a hidden, darker side to London, highlighting youth exploitation.
17
Q
What does ‘marriage hearse’ juxtapose in Blake’s poetry?
A
New beginnings with death
This juxtaposition suggests that marriage can be oppressive and connects societal corruption to the next generation.
18
Q
What is the significance of Ted Hughes not fighting in war?
A
His father fought in Gallipoli in WW1 and was traumatized by his experience
Hughes was inspired by Wilfred Owen’s war poetry and the poem questions the point of war.
19
Q
What does the quote ‘Suddenly he awoke and was running - raw’ suggest?
A
The poem starts ‘in medias res’, indicating confusion of battle. ‘Raw’ suggests inexperience and vulnerability
The repetition emphasizes the soldier’s desperation.
20
Q
What imagery is presented in the quote ‘Bullets smacking the belly out of the air’?
A
Violent imagery and personification of nature
‘Smacking’ is aggressive, and ‘belly’ makes the air seem like a victim.
21
Q
What does the simile ‘He lugged a rifle numb as a smashed arm’ indicate?
A
The soldier’s discomfort and unsuitability for war
It highlights the violence and the soldier’s desensitization.
22
Q
What does the phrase ‘The patriotic tear that had brimmed in his eye’ imply?
A
Shows the soldier’s loss of patriotism
The tear ‘sweating like molten iron’ suggests the pain of disillusionment.
23
Q
What significance does the quote ‘King, honour, human dignity, etcetera’ convey?
A
The soldier’s values are abandoned in the face of war
‘Dropped like luxuries’ indicates these ideals become unimportant when survival is the priority.
24
Q
What is introduced by the quote ‘Threw up a yellow hare that rolled like a flame’?
A
The image of the hare, a symbol of innocence and suffering
The violent verb ‘threw up’ contrasts with the image of the hare.
25
What does the quote 'Its mouth wide open silent, its eyes standing out' describe?
The hare's suffering in detail
## Footnote
The personification of the hare connects its suffering to that of the soldiers.
26
Who wrote 'My Last Duchess'?
Robert Browning
## Footnote
Browning spent much of his life in Italy.
27
What historical figure is 'My Last Duchess' based on?
The Duke of Ferrara (Alfonzo II)
## Footnote
His first wife died under suspicious circumstances.
28
What time period is 'My Last Duchess' set in?
Italian Renaissance
29
What Victorian views does 'My Last Duchess' reflect?
Women as subservient and the property of their husbands
30
What significant social change was occurring when 'My Last Duchess' was written?
Industrial Revolution
31
What does the quote 'That's my last Duchess painted on the wall, / Looking as if she were alive' signify?
The possessive pronoun 'my' establishes the Duke's ownership
## Footnote
The phrase hints at the Duchess's death and raises questions about her fate.
32
What does the rhetorical question 'Will't please you sit and look at her?' demonstrate?
The Duke's power and control over who views the Duchess's portrait
33
What does 'Frà Pandolf's hands / Worked busily a day' reveal about the Duke?
His pride in his art collection and the artist
## Footnote
Indicates a lack of emotional connection to his late wife.
34
What does 'That spot of joy' refer to?
The blush on the Duchess's cheek
## Footnote
Indicates the Duke's jealousy and paranoia.
35
Fill in the blank: The Duke criticizes the Duchess for being '_______.
Too easily impressed
36
What does 'My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name' signify?
The importance of the Duke's family status
## Footnote
Reflects the patriarchal society where a woman's status came from her husband.
37
What does the quote 'I choose never to stoop' highlight about the Duke?
His pride and arrogance
38
What does 'I gave commands; / Then all smiles stopped together.' imply?
An ominous euphemism for the Duke's role in the Duchess's death
39
What does the statue of Neptune taming a sea-horse symbolize?
The Duke's desire to control women
## Footnote
Serves as a warning to his future bride about his expectations.
40
What does Kamikaze explore?
A daughter's reflection on her father, a Kamikaze pilot in WWII
## Footnote
Kamikaze pilots flew suicide missions against military targets.
41
What cultural values are emphasized in Kamikaze?
Patriotism, honor, and bravery in Japanese culture at the time
## Footnote
The collection 'The Invention of Fireworks' explores life and death in the natural world.
42
What does the phrase 'her father embarked at sunrise' symbolize?
Connects to the Japanese flag and patriotism
## Footnote
'Sunrise' can symbolize a new beginning, but here it leads to death.
43
What does the word 'embark' suggest in the context of Kamikaaze?
Starting a journey and a new chapter in life
44
What do the provisions 'a flask of water, a samurai sword' represent?
The pilot's practical needs and cultural background
## Footnote
'Flask of water' is practical, while 'samurai sword' represents tradition and honor.
45
What imagery is created by the phrase 'strung out like bunting'?
A peaceful, celebratory image contrasting with the mission's purpose
46
How does the phrase 'a huge flag waved first one way / then the other in a figure of eight' contribute to the poem?
Compares shoals of fish to a flag, showing nature's beauty
## Footnote
'Figure of eight' could symbolize infinity and the eternal nature of nature.
47
What does the imagery of 'the dark shoals of fishes / flashing silver as their bellies / swivelled towards the sun' emphasize?
The beauty and movement of nature
## Footnote
The sibilance creates a sense of grace and peace.
48
What does the line 'my mother never spoke again / in his presence' signify?
The family's rejection of the father
49
What is expressed by the line 'he must have wondered / which had been the better way to die'?
The ambiguity of the father's decision and its consequences
## Footnote
The final word 'die' creates a sense of futility.
50
Where was John Agard born?
Guyana
## Footnote
Guyana gained independence from colonial rule in 1966
51
What type of education did John Agard receive?
British education
## Footnote
This education was a result of Guyana's colonial past.
52
Why did Agard have a Eurocentric view of history?
He was educated under colonial rule
## Footnote
Colonial education focused on European perspectives.
53
What cultural aspect was denied to Agard due to his education?
His own cultural identity
## Footnote
His heritage was not represented in his schooling.
54
What colony was Guyana originally?
Dutch colony
## Footnote
Guyana transitioned to British control later on.
55
What significant historical event occurred during colonial rule in Guyana?
Africans were sold into slavery
## Footnote
This event is part of the broader history of colonial exploitation.
56
What inspired the poem 'Checking Out Me History'?
A school textbook
## Footnote
The textbook presented a limited view of West Indian history.
57
According to the poem, when does West Indian history begin?
With Columbus
## Footnote
This perspective overlooks the rich history prior to Columbus's arrival.
58
From which collection is the poem 'Checking Out Me History' taken?
'Half-caste and other poems'
## Footnote
The collection addresses issues of culture and identity.
59
What themes are prevalent in Agard's poems?
Culture and racial identity
## Footnote
The poems explore the experiences of those under oppression.
60
Who do Agard's poems aim to resonate with?
All people living under oppression
## Footnote
The works also speak to those denied their cultural identity.
61
Who is Wilfred Owen?
Wilfred Owen (1893-1918) originally considered a career in the church
## Footnote
He felt the church was hypocritical for failing to care for its dependents.
62
What significant event happened to Owen in 1918?
He was killed in battle one week before the armistice in 1918.
63
What mental health condition did Owen suffer from?
Shellshock.
64
Who mentored Owen while he was in the hospital?
Siegfried Sassoon.
65
What did a therapist advise Owen to do?
Write about his experiences.
66
What does Owen's poetry express?
The horror of war.
67
What was a unique aspect of war poetry during Owen's time?
War poetry was a new form at the time.
68
Why was war poetry considered new during Owen's era?
There hadn't been a major war in over 100 years.
69
Who inspired Owen's writing?
John Keats and Siegfried Sassoon.
70
When was the poem 'Exposure' written?
In 1917 while Owen was fighting in the trenches.
71
What narrative style does Owen's poem create?
An authentic first-person narrative.
72
How was war viewed in contemporary Britain?
Romanticized.
73
What did most war poetry at the time focus on?
The honor of fighting.
74
What did Owen do to challenge the perception of war?
Dispelling 'the old lie' by exposing the horrific reality of war.
75
What psychological aspect does the poem 'Exposure' explore?
The psychological effect of war.
76
How is nature portrayed in the poem?
Personified as the enemy.
77
What is a key theme in the poem 'Exposure'?
Boredom.
78
What trauma does the poem reveal?
The trauma experienced by soldiers in the trenches.
79
Who was Percy Shelley?
Percy Shelley (1772-1822) was a radical, romantic poet
## Footnote
He was known for his anti-monarchy views, pacifism, and opposition to religion.
80
What were Shelley's views on social justice?
Shelley supported social justice and wanted to end the oppression of ordinary people
## Footnote
His beliefs were heavily influenced by the ideals of the French Revolution.
81
Why was Shelley expelled from Oxford University?
Shelley was expelled for publishing an atheist pamphlet
## Footnote
This act reflected his radical views.
82
What is one characteristic of Romantic poets like Shelley?
Romantic poets focused on the subjective and emotional
## Footnote
This was a contrast to the values of the Enlightenment.
83
What did Romantic writers value?
Romantic writers valued nature and the 'sublime'
## Footnote
The 'sublime' refers to the awe-inspiring power of nature.
84
How did Romantic poets protest contemporary society?
They protested by looking back to the past and repurposing old literary conventions
## Footnote
This technique allowed them to critique present institutions.
85
What historical figure does the poem 'Ozymandias' reference?
The poem references Ramesses II, an Egyptian pharaoh (1279-1239 BC)
## Footnote
He is often associated with the story of Moses' exodus.
86
What was Ramesses II known for?
Ramesses II was known for his tyranny and military exploits
## Footnote
His reign is often viewed critically.
87
Which British monarch influenced Shelley's views?
King George III is also an influence, seen by some as a tyrant
## Footnote
Shelley opposed George III's military actions.
88
What topical event related to Ramesses II occurred around the time of Shelley's writing?
The discovery of Ramesses II's statue was topical at the time of writing
## Footnote
This discovery may have inspired Shelley's poem.
89
What is a major theme of the poem 'Ozymandias'?
The poem explores the idea that human power is temporary, while art and time are more enduring
## Footnote
This theme serves as a warning to institutions of power.
90
What does 'Ozymandias' reflect on regarding rulers?
It reflects on how a ruler's treatment of others will affect their legacy
## Footnote
The portrayal of rulers by artists also influences their remembered legacy.
91
What year was Jane Weir born?
1963
## Footnote
Jane Weir's birth year is significant in understanding her background and influences.
92
Where did Jane Weir live during the Troubles?
Northern Ireland
## Footnote
The Troubles refers to a violent conflict in Northern Ireland during the late 20th century.
93
How many sons does Jane Weir have?
Two
## Footnote
Her experiences as a mother may inform her poetic themes.
94
What influence did having sons have on Jane Weir's poetry?
It influenced her desire to explore why young boys go to war
## Footnote
This theme reflects her personal experiences and societal observations.
95
What was Jane Weir's profession besides being a poet?
Textile designer
## Footnote
Her background in textile design may contribute to her use of imagery in poetry.
96
What collection is the poem 'Poppies' from?
'Exit Wounds'
## Footnote
This collection was commissioned by Carol Ann Duffy, highlighting contemporary themes of conflict.
97
What does the poem 'Poppies' explore?
A mother's grief
## Footnote
The poem delves into the emotional aftermath of conflict on families.
98
Who are the unconventional victims of conflict mentioned in the poem?
Mothers and families
## Footnote
The poem emphasizes the emotional toll on those left behind.
99
What provides solace to the mother in the poem 'Poppies'?
Remembering her son
## Footnote
The act of remembrance serves as a coping mechanism for loss.
100
What recurring theme is present in the poem 'Poppies'?
Remembrance Day
## Footnote
This theme connects personal loss to broader societal commemorations.
101
What do poppies symbolize in the context of war?
Remembrance
## Footnote
Poppies became a symbol of remembrance after World War I.
102
When did poppies become a symbol of remembrance?
1921
## Footnote
The symbol was popularized through the poem 'In Flanders Fields'.
103
What day is Armistice Sunday associated with?
World War Two
## Footnote
Armistice Sunday is observed to honor those who died in both World Wars.
104
How does Weir use poppies in her poem?
To establish the poem as an act of remembrance
## Footnote
The imagery of poppies ties the poem to themes of memory and loss.
105
Who was Seamus Heaney?
An Irish poet (1939-2013) who focused on rural life and landscape.
## Footnote
Heaney was a Catholic living in Northern Ireland and identified as a republican.
106
What is the title of the collection that features 'Storm on the Island'?
'Death of a Naturalist' (1966)
## Footnote
This collection includes themes relevant to Heaney's background and experiences.
107
Where is the setting of 'Storm on the Island'?
On an island, thought to be based on the Aran Islands.
## Footnote
The Aran Islands are known for their harsh weather.
108
What is the community in 'Storm on the Island' preparing for?
A storm
## Footnote
The poem reflects the tension between nature and the islanders.
109
What is notable about the land in 'Storm on the Island'?
It is barren of crops and trees.
## Footnote
This imagery contributes to the poem's themes of vulnerability.
110
In what year was 'Storm on the Island' published?
1966
## Footnote
This year marks the beginning of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
111
What do some critics interpret the storm in the poem as?
A metaphor for the political conflict in Northern Ireland.
## Footnote
This interpretation connects the natural imagery with historical events.
112
What themes does 'Storm on the Island' explore?
* The power of nature
* The battle between nature and man
* The vulnerability and fear of the islanders
* The resilience of the community
## Footnote
These themes reflect both personal and communal experiences in Heaney's work.
113
Who was Alfred Lord Tennyson?
Alfred Lord Tennyson (1850-1892) had an unhappy childhood due to his abusive father.
## Footnote
He received a good education despite his difficult upbringing.
114
What position did Tennyson hold later in life?
He became Poet Laureate.
## Footnote
As Poet Laureate, he was expected to glorify war to the British public.
115
What was the initial conflict of the Crimean War?
The Crimean War was initially a conflict between Russia and the Ottoman Empire.
## Footnote
This conflict later involved France and Britain.
116
Why did France and Britain join the Crimean War?
To prevent Russian expansion.
## Footnote
Their involvement was crucial in the broader context of European power dynamics.
117
How was the Crimean War perceived by the British public?
The war was unpopular with the British public, who saw it as unnecessary.
## Footnote
This sentiment was compounded by the war's documentation and reporting.
118
What was notable about the Light Brigade?
The Light Brigade was made up of lower-class men, lightly armored and on horseback.
## Footnote
Their social status and equipment played a role in the perception of the charge.
119
What themes does 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' poem explore?
The poem explores traditional ideas of patriotism and honor.
## Footnote
It reflects Tennyson's role as Poet Laureate and the expectations of his writing.
120
What is the main event depicted in the poem?
The poem is about a large brigade of soldiers ordered to charge to their deaths.
## Footnote
This tragic event highlights the futility of war.
121
What was the outcome of the charge described in the poem?
The soldiers charged heroically but suffered heavy losses.
## Footnote
This illustrates the theme of sacrifice in the face of misguided orders.
122
How is The Emigree linked to contemporary issues?
It can be linked to the modern-day refugee crisis.
## Footnote
The poem addresses themes of displacement and loss.
123
What is the narrative perspective in The Emigree?
The narrator had to leave their country as a child to be safe.
## Footnote
The narrator looks back fondly at their memories and experiences discrimination in their new country.
124
What does the lack of progression in the narrative of The Emigree signify?
It shows that the narrator is stuck in the past.
125
What themes are explored in The Emigree?
The poem explores the power of memory and the idealization of the past.
## Footnote
It deals with the conflict between memory and reality and highlights the importance of language and identity.
126
What aspect of the narrator's memories does The Emigree overlook?
The bad aspects of the war-torn country are overlooked.
127
Who was William Wordsworth?
William Wordsworth (1770-1850) was a Romantic poet.
## Footnote
Wordsworth is known for his influence on the Romantic movement and his focus on nature and personal emotion.
128
What significant events occurred in Wordsworth's early life?
Both of his parents died when he was young. He had a bad relationship with his relatives.
## Footnote
These early experiences shaped his view of the world and influenced his poetry.
129
Where did Wordsworth spend a lot of time?
He spent a lot of time outside, particularly in the Lake District.
## Footnote
The Lake District greatly inspired Wordsworth's poetry and connection to nature.
130
What did Wordsworth oppose?
He opposed industrial changes, monarchies, and institutions.
## Footnote
Wordsworth was critical of the effects of industrialization on nature and society.
131
What did Wordsworth look to for inspiration?
He looked to the beauty and simplicity of nature and often looked to the past.
## Footnote
This perspective is a hallmark of Romantic literature.
132
What is 'The Prelude'?
'The Prelude' is an epic poem of fourteen books.
## Footnote
It is considered one of Wordsworth's major works, reflecting his thoughts on poetry and nature.
133
What is the focus of the first book of 'The Prelude'?
The extract is from the first book, 'Introduction and school-time.'
## Footnote
This section introduces Wordsworth's childhood experiences.
134
What childhood memory is depicted in 'The Prelude'?
The memory is of stealing a boat and rowing it on a lake.
## Footnote
This incident highlights the themes of freedom and nature in Wordsworth's work.
135
What does Wordsworth's poetry reveal about nature?
Wordsworth saw the beauty and simplicity of nature and presented it as immense and monumental.
## Footnote
Nature is often depicted as a powerful force that shapes human experience.
136
How does the speaker's experience with nature affect him?
The speaker's experience with nature changes his perspective.
## Footnote
This reflects the transformative power of nature in Romantic literature.
137
What are key characteristics of Romantic poets?
Romantic poets often focused on nature, valued individual experience and emotion, and sometimes looked to the past for inspiration.
## Footnote
These characteristics distinguish Romanticism from earlier literary movements.
138
Imtiaz Dharker was born in _______
Pakistan
## Footnote
Imtiaz Dharker's birthplace informs her perspective in her poetry.
139
Where did Imtiaz Dharker grow up?
Glasgow
## Footnote
Dharker's upbringing in Glasgow contributes to her multicultural identity.
140
Dharker describes herself as _______.
Scottish, Pakistani, Muslim, Calvinist
## Footnote
This self-description highlights her diverse cultural and religious background.
141
The poem 'Tissue' uses _______ as an extended metaphor for life.
tissue paper
## Footnote
Tissue paper symbolizes fragility and human experiences.
142
What does the poem 'Tissue' explore regarding humans?
Fragility
## Footnote
The theme of fragility is central to understanding human existence.
143
The poem also examines human power to _______.
change things
## Footnote
This reflects on the potential impact of human actions.
144
Dharker criticizes the increasing _______ she sees in society.
materialism
## Footnote
The critique of materialism suggests a longing for deeper values.
145
What does the poem 'Tissue' question about humans?
What humans consider to be truly important
## Footnote
This inquiry encourages reflection on values and priorities.
146
The poem explores the themes of _______ and strength.
fragility
## Footnote
These themes are intertwined to depict the human condition.
147
The poem reflects on the importance of _______.
identity
## Footnote
Identity is a recurring theme in Dharker's work.
148
The poem is critical of human constructs like _______ and money.
borders
## Footnote
Critique of borders suggests a desire for unity and connection.
149
The poem 'Tissue' reflects on the power of _______.
nature
## Footnote
Nature's power contrasts with human-made structures.
150
What famous photograph is alluded to in the poem 'War Photographer'?
The photograph of a girl running from a napalm attack during the Vietnam War
## Footnote
This photograph became a symbol of the horrors of war and fueled protests against the conflict.
151
What perspective does the poem 'War Photographer' explore?
The perspective of a war photographer
## Footnote
It delves into the photographer's role in documenting suffering and the ethical dilemmas they face.
152
What sense does the photographer in 'War Photographer' feel regarding their work?
A sense of duty to show the public the reality of war
153
What contrast is highlighted in the poem 'War Photographer'?
The contrast between the safety of England and the violence of war zones
154
What does Duffy criticize in relation to the public in 'War Photographer'?
The indifference of the public to the suffering depicted in war photographs
155
What impact do war photographs have on the reader, according to the poem?
Only a temporary impact
156
What literary structure is used in 'War Photographer' to illustrate the temporary impact of photographs?
Cyclic structure
157
What themes are explored in the poem 'War Photographer'?
Conflict and suffering
## Footnote
It deals with the impact of war on individuals and reflects on the role of the media in portraying war.
158
What societal issues does the poem 'War Photographer' criticize?
The apathy and complacency of society
