POEMS OLD AND NEW
2. How does this poem illustrate Stevenson's love of
open-air life and wide spaces ?
Drake's Drum.
1. What information can you gather about Drake from
this poem alone ?
2. Point out expressions that are specially appropriate
in the mouth of a sailor.
3. Write a short note on (a) the use of dialect, (b) the
refrain, (c) the metre.
4. Mention other poems on Drake and the Armada.
5. Write a parody of the poem.
The Hawk.
1. This poem shows "Nature, red in tooth and claw."
Compare this view of Nature with Wordsworth's. How
far is each true ?
2. Write a short appreciation of the poet's description of
(a) the atmosphere of the moors, (b) the terror of the bird.
The Lake Isle of Innisfree.
1. Write a paragraph bringing out the contrast of the
city and the country stated in this poem.
2. Comment on the poet's use of words expressing, (a)
sound, (b) colour. How does he suggest (a} the beauty of
water, (b} peace ? How far are his effects assisted by the
use of repetition, onomatopoeia, and alliteration ?
3. Compare this as a poem of the simple life with
Wotton's " Character of a Happy Life " (p. 99) and Rogers's
poem " A Wish " (Golden Treasury).
4. There is a legend that this poem was composed by the
poet while he was standing on an island in Charing Cross while
attempting to cross the street blocked with traffic. Comment.
The Scholars.
!. Is this a fair estimate of the scholar's life and work ?
2. Read Southey's poem, " The Scholar," and Browning's
" The Grammarian's Funeral," and contrast the views of
these two poets with the view of Yeats.
3. Write a paragraph expressing your own view of the
scholar's life.
Jack.
i. How is Jack's character reflected in the attitude
towards him of (a) his wife, (b) the village children, (c) the
doctor, (d) the parson, (e) the schoolmaster, (/) the head-
keeper ?
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