Analyzing Text Response Log: Tone and Language in Szymborska's Poem
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Questions and Answers

What does the grass symbolize in the poem?

  • Regeneration (correct)
  • Horror
  • End of war
  • Ideal person

What does the speaker mean by describing the 'someone' as 'stretched out / blade of grass in his mouth / gazing at the clouds'?

  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Suffering from hunger
  • Being peaceful (correct)
  • Being victorious

In lines 37-42, what is the contrast between 'those who knew' and 'those who know 'as little as nothing'?

  • 'Those who knew' are ignorant while 'those who know as little as nothing' are knowledgeable.
  • 'Those who knew' are optimistic while 'those who know as little as nothing' are pessimistic.
  • 'Those who knew' have experienced horror while 'those who know as little as nothing' have not. (correct)
  • 'Those who knew' have forgotten while 'those who know as little as nothing' remember.

What theme might the author be suggesting about the cyclic, repetitive nature of human events?

<p>History always repeats itself (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the poem's title, with 'End' coming before 'Beginning', reverse the usual order of events?

<p>To challenge conventional thinking about events (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the camera (media) do by the time the war ends?

<p>It moves on to another subject (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the repetition of the word 'someone' have in the poem?

<p>It conveys a sense of anonymity and universality in the suffering caused by war. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, what is the significance of the speaker's statement that the aftermath of war is not 'photogenic'?

<p>It suggests that war leaves scars and destruction that are not visually appealing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the poet use the word 'clean up' in line 2 to convey a specific message about war?

<p>To underscore the importance of rebuilding after devastation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker's attitude shifting to a more hopeful tone beginning with line 30 suggest about their perspective on resilience?

<p>It reflects a recognition of human strength in rebuilding after destruction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Szymborska choose to use informal language in the poem?

<p>To establish a personal and relatable connection with the reader. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do Szymborska's word choices contribute to creating a specific tone throughout the poem?

<p>By using vivid imagery to depict both destruction and resilience. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Grass symbolism in poem

Regeneration, or the ability to recover from destruction.

'Someone's' description (stretched out etc.)

Represents a peaceful state after suffering.

Contrast of 'Those Who Knew'/'Those Who Know'

'Those who knew' experienced horror; 'those who know' didn't.

Cyclic nature of human events theme

History repeats itself.

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'End' before 'Beginning' title effect

Challenges conventional thinking about events, suggesting a cyclical or repeating pattern.

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Effect of media on war's end

Moves on to another subject.

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Effect of repeating 'someone'

Shows anonymity/universality in wartime suffering, highlighting the widespread impact.

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Significance of 'not photogenic' aftermath

War leaves scars and destruction that are not visually appealing.

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'Clean up' in line 2's meaning

Highlights the importance of rebuilding after devastation.

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Hopeful tone after line 30 (resilience)

Shows human strength in rebuilding, implying resilience after destruction.

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Informal language in poem

Creates a personal and relatable connection with the reader.

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Effect of word choices on poem's tone

Uses vivid imagery to depict both destruction and resilience.

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Study Notes

Poem Analysis

  • The speaker uses informal language throughout the poem.
  • The tone of the poem is initially somber, reflecting on the destruction caused by war, but shifts to a more hopeful tone around line 30.

Key Imagery and Symbolism

  • The poem highlights the devastating effects of war through words like "clean up" (line 2) and "conflict" (implied).
  • The phrase "photosenic" (line 18) emphasizes the harsh reality of war, contrasting with the idea that war is often romanticized.
  • The image of "someone" with a "blade of grass in his mouth / gazing at the clouds" (lines 45-46) symbolizes regeneration and hope.

Themes and Tone

  • The poem explores the cyclical nature of human events, with war and destruction followed by reconstruction and hope.
  • The contrast between "those who knew" and "those who know as little as nothing" (lines 37-42) highlights the difference between those who experience war firsthand and those who do not.

Poem Structure and Message

  • The poem's title, "End and Beginning," reverses the typical order of events, suggesting that endings can lead to new beginnings.
  • The poem implies that people tend to forget the horrors of war, allowing cycles of violence to repeat themselves.
  • The author may be suggesting that humans are prone to repeating the mistakes of the past, but that there is always hope for renewal and growth.

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Description

Explore the strategies used by Szymborska to create the tone of the poem by answering questions about formal or informal language, word choice, speaker's attitude, and tone evolution. Support your responses with evidence from the text.

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