Poetry Anthology Power And Conflict Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is the main theme of ‘Ozymandias’ by Percy Bysshe Shelley?
Power, time, pride, decay
The poem explores the transient nature of power and the inevitable decay of human achievements.
What does the line ‘Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!’ signify in ‘Ozymandias’?
Ironic; pride contrasts with ruin
It highlights the futility of human pride in the face of time.
What does the phrase ‘Nothing beside remains’ emphasize in ‘Ozymandias’?
Futility of human power
It reflects on how all human accomplishments eventually fade away.
What is the significance of the line ‘The lone and level sands stretch far away’ in ‘Ozymandias’?
Nature’s vastness outlasts human legacy
It illustrates the dominance of nature over human endeavors.
What is symbolized by ‘A shattered visage lies’ in ‘Ozymandias’?
Broken power and forgotten rulers
It represents the remnants of a once-great ruler now reduced to ruins.
What are the main themes of ‘Poppies’ by Jane Weir?
War, memory, grief, maternal love
The poem captures the emotional impact of war on a mother.
What does the line ‘I pinned one onto your lapel, crimped petals, spasms of paper red…’ symbolize in ‘Poppies’?
Symbolism of remembrance and pain
It illustrates the mother’s grief and longing.
What does ‘I was brave, as I walked with you, to the front door…’ convey in ‘Poppies’?
Emotional strength of a mother letting go
It highlights the courage required to send a loved one to war.
What does the metaphor ‘Released a song bird from its cage’ signify in ‘Poppies’?
Letting her son go, possibly to death
It captures the theme of loss and freedom.
What is the main theme of ‘Storm on the Island’ by Seamus Heaney?
Nature’s power, fear, conflict
The poem depicts the struggle between humanity and nature.
What does ‘We are prepared: we build our houses squat…’ suggest in ‘Storm on the Island’?
False sense of security; ironic
It indicates how humans try to defend against nature’s might.
What does ‘It is a huge nothing that we fear’ imply in ‘Storm on the Island’?
Invisible threat of nature; psychological power
It reflects the anxiety that comes from uncertainty.
What does the simile ‘Spits like a tame cat turned savage’ illustrate in ‘Storm on the Island’?
Unpredictable violence of nature
It conveys the suddenness and ferocity of natural events.
What is the main theme of ‘Kamikaze’ by Beatrice Garland?
Patriotism, memory, guilt, identity
The poem explores the conflict between duty and personal choice.
What does ‘A shaven head full of powerful incantations…’ suggest in ‘Kamikaze’?
Brainwashing, ritual, and duty
It reflects the pressures of societal expectations on the individual.
What does the line ‘And though he came back my mother never spoke again…’ highlight in ‘Kamikaze’?
Societal rejection and emotional cost
It underscores the personal tragedy resulting from his choice.
What does the phrase ‘Which had been the better way to die’ convey in ‘Kamikaze’?
Ambiguity; emotional vs physical death
It raises questions about the nature of sacrifice and survival.
What are the main themes of ‘The Prelude (Extract)’ by William Wordsworth?
Nature, power, awe, fear
The poem reflects on the profound impact of nature on the human psyche.
What does ‘A huge peak, black and huge…’ convey in ‘The Prelude’?
Repetition and imagery convey the overwhelming force of nature
It emphasizes nature’s grandeur and power.
What does ‘Troubled pleasure’ signify in ‘The Prelude’?
Oxymoron showing conflicting feelings
It illustrates the complex emotions associated with nature.
What does ‘There hung a darkness, call it solitude…’ imply in ‘The Prelude’?
Psychological effect of the experience
It suggests an introspective and somber response to nature.
What does ‘With trembling oars I turned…’ indicate in ‘The Prelude’?
Nature humbles the speaker, instilling fear and respect
It reflects a moment of vulnerability in the face of nature’s might.
What are the main themes of ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’ by Alfred Lord Tennyson?
War, bravery, futility, patriotism
The poem commemorates a tragic military charge.
What does ‘Into the valley of Death rode the six hundred.’ signify in ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’?
Biblical allusion; inevitable doom
It evokes a sense of foreboding and sacrifice.
