Preludes

Question 1

What is the quote for insight 1?

Answer 1

“At four and five and six o’clock”
Polysyndeton, time motif

Question 2

What is the effect of the quote for insight 1?

Answer 2

The polysyndeton lengthens the sentence, as well as forms a cycle, emphasising the cyclical and monotonous nature of time in the modern world. The repeated sequences of times further build a sense of cycle, establishing a time motif throughout the poem, reflecting the tedious nature of time.

Question 3

What is the quote and techniques for insight 2?

Answer 3

“The winter evening settles down”
And the title “preludes”
Symbolism, allusion, juxtaposition

Question 4

What is the effect of the technique for insight 2?

Answer 4

The title “preludes” means the beginning of a musical piece, suggesting the poem is only the beginning of something new,
Which juxtaposes to the “winter evening” that the poem begins with.
This is an allusion to “Winter” often being used as a symbol of the end of a cycle and start of another, however it is described as “settling down”, meaning that there will be no new cycle in the Modern world and therefore the title meaning a “start of something new” is delusional.