2.1 GRADE 10 ENGLISH HL LITERATURE ASSIGNMENT 2023

QUESTION 2: PRESCRIBED POETRY - POETRY ESSAY QUESTION

Read the poem below and answer the essay question which follows.

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HOPE IS THE THING WITH FEATHERS - Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)

"Hope" is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

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Refer to lines 1-2: "Hope" is the thing.../...perches in the soul'

How do these lines set the initial mood of the poem? (2)

The lines 'Hope is the thing...'/'...perches in the soul' create an optimistic and comforting mood in Emily Dickinson's poem 'Hope is the thing with feathers'. This metaphorical comparison sets the tone for the poem's exploration of hope as a constant source of support and resilience.

Explanation:

Initial Mood Set by the Lines:

The lines 'Hope is the thing...'/'...perches in the soul' in Emily Dickinson's poem 'Hope is the thing with feathers' establish a sense of optimism and comfort at the beginning of the poem. The imagery of hope being compared to a bird with feathers that resides in the soul evokes a feeling of lightness and resilience.

This metaphor conveys the idea that hope, like a bird, can uplift the spirit and provide solace even during challenging times. It suggests that hope is a constant presence within us, offering support and encouragement no matter the circumstances.

Optimism, Comfort, Resilience

Learn more about Mood setting in poetry here:

https://brainly.com/question/30159853