P-4. Amanda ! — ENGLISH STD 10 — Question

You have perhaps concluded that people are not objects to be valued for their qualities or riches rather than for themselves. But elsewhere Yeats asks the question: How can we ..separate the dancer from the dance ? Is it possible to separate ‘the person himself or herself’ from how the person looks, sounds, walks and so on ? Think of how you or a friend or member of your family has changed over the years. Has your relationship also changed ? In what way ?

How does Frost present nature in this poem ? The following questions may help you to think of an answer: Again, what is ‘a hemlock tree’ ? Why doesn’t the poet write about a more ‘beautiful’ tree such as a maple, or an oak, ? or a pine ?

Read stanza three again to know ? how the poet describes the appearance of Custard the dragon.

Objects have qualities which make them desirable to others. Can you think of some objects (a car, a phone, a dress ………….) and’ say what qualities make one object mqjre desirable than another ? Imagine you were trying to sell an object: what qualities would , you emphasize ?

Much of the humour in the poem arises from the way language is used, although the ideas are funny as well. If there are particular lines in the poem that you especially like, share these with the class, speaking briefly about what it is about the ideas or the language that you like or find funny.

What is the fog compared to and why? Which figure of speech is applicable to the poem as a whole?

Why does the poet support those who favour fire to end the world?

Why did Custard cry for a nice safe cage ? Why is the dragon called "cowardly dragon" ?

Can you find out the rhyme scheme of two or three stanzas of the poem ?