QUESTIONS ON THE POEMS
2. How does Morris create an open-air feeling in this
>oem ?
3. Comment on the conclusion. Why does it differ in
•hythm and style from the rest of this poem ?
4. Point out any specially expressive words and phrases
n this poem.
The Ballad of Semmerwater.
1. What contrast forms the central subject of this poem ?
2. How does the poet invest the submerged city with an
atmosphere of romance ?
3. What ballad devices are used in the poem ?
4. Comment on the use made of (a) long vowels, (b)
alliteration, (c) repetition.
5. What kind of tune would best suit the poem?
6. Mention any other legends about the regions under
the sea.
Hart-Leap Well.
1. Wordsworth says that his purpose was " to imitate,
and, as far as possible, to adopt the very language of men."
How far has Wordsworth succeeded in this poem in writing
the ordinary speech of men ?
2. " The moving accident is not my trade ;
To freeze the blood I have no ready arts :
'Tis my delight, alone in summer shade,
To pipe a simple song for thinking hearts."
From this, or any other narrative poem of Wordsworth's,
illustrate this statement of his purpose.
3. Wordsworth draws his similes from Nature. Illus-
trate from this poem.
4. What is the moral of this poem ? Compare it with
the moral of " The Rime of the Ancient Mariner."
The Destruction of Sennacherib.
1. Point out details that emphasise (a) the greatness and
wealth of the Assyrians, (b) the sudden and complete de-
struction that overtook them.
2. Comment on use of (a) simile, (b) antithesis.
3. Does the metre suit the subject of the poem ?
The Armada.
1. Discuss the effectiveness of Macaulay's plan for
showing how the alarm spread over England. ^
2. Do you think the use of proper names in this poem
effective ? Compare it with the use made of them by Scott
219