Podcast
Questions and Answers
What primary theme is explored in ‘As it Should Be’?
What primary theme is explored in ‘As it Should Be’?
What literary form does Mahon use in ‘As it Should Be’?
What literary form does Mahon use in ‘As it Should Be’?
How does Mahon create a sense of pace in the poem?
How does Mahon create a sense of pace in the poem?
What imagery is predominant in the opening of ‘As it Should Be’?
What imagery is predominant in the opening of ‘As it Should Be’?
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What role does the speaker assume in the poem?
What role does the speaker assume in the poem?
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Which historical context is relevant to ‘As it Should Be’?
Which historical context is relevant to ‘As it Should Be’?
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What contrasting imagery is used in the line describing 'ten sleeping lorries'?
What contrasting imagery is used in the line describing 'ten sleeping lorries'?
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What is the speaker's attitude towards the victim depicted in the poem?
What is the speaker's attitude towards the victim depicted in the poem?
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How does the mention of the 'electricity generator' contribute to the poem's meaning?
How does the mention of the 'electricity generator' contribute to the poem's meaning?
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What literary device is used by Mahon to increase the pace in the poem?
What literary device is used by Mahon to increase the pace in the poem?
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What unsettling contrast is presented in the penultimate stanza?
What unsettling contrast is presented in the penultimate stanza?
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What effect does Mahon create by removing the capital letter at the start of the last line?
What effect does Mahon create by removing the capital letter at the start of the last line?
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How does the speaker justify the act of violence to himself?
How does the speaker justify the act of violence to himself?
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What does the phrase 'a world with method in it' suggest about the speaker's beliefs?
What does the phrase 'a world with method in it' suggest about the speaker's beliefs?
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What theme does the poem suggest regarding the justification of violence?
What theme does the poem suggest regarding the justification of violence?
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What emotional response does the speaker anticipate from the children regarding his actions?
What emotional response does the speaker anticipate from the children regarding his actions?
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Study Notes
Overview of 'As it Should Be'
- The poem is narrated from the perspective of a man who has committed murder, exploring themes of violence and justice.
- It questions the morality of taking the law into one's own hands, considering different societal perspectives on vigilantism.
- The speaker insists that society is safer following the act of violence.
Key Themes
- Violence: Central to the poem, illustrating the brutality and justifications surrounding violent acts.
- Villain and Outsider: Examines the perspective of both the perpetrator and society's view of the outsiders.
- Morality and Decision-Making: Challenges the notion of moral correctness in violent retribution.
- The Troubles: Reflects on violence in Northern Ireland, enriching the context with historical significance.
- Human Suffering: Acknowledges the emotional and physical consequences of violent acts on individuals and society.
Stylistic Elements
- Sonnet Form: Non-traditional sonnet structure with varied tercet arrangements, enhancing complexity.
- Villainous Voice: The speaker embodies a morally ambiguous figure, presenting a chilling rationale for his actions.
- Enjambment: Creates urgency and reflects the speaker's frenzied mindset during the violent act.
- Violent Imagery: Evocative language paints a graphic picture of the murder scene.
- Personification: The “blind yard” symbolises a site unwilling to witness violence, amplifying the unsettling mood.
- Allusion: References to Denis Johnston's play 'Moon in the Yellow River' deepen thematic connections to Irish violence.
- Capital Letter Removal: Intentionally alters conventions for a softer impact, suggesting a subversion of normalcy in the narrative.
Analytical Insights
- Opening lines depict the hunting and murdering of the victim, establishing a dark tone through visceral details of the Irish landscape.
- The speaker employs derogatory language towards the victim, reinforcing a dehumanising attitude.
- The reference to the play and the drowning poet alludes to romantic ideals, dismissed by the speaker in favor of a violent solution.
- The juxtaposition of the violence with children's peace raises unsettling questions about justification and consequences.
- The concluding assertion presents a conviction of order through violence, challenging the reader to question the implications of such beliefs.
Final Thoughts
- The poem ultimately poses critical questions about justice, morality, and the societal impact of violence.
- The speaker’s firm belief in his moral stance complicates notions of right and wrong, prompting deep reflection on the nature of humanity and the chaos of violent actions.
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Description
Explore the nuanced themes within the poem 'As it Should Be,' which delves into the mind of a man reflecting on his act of murder. This quiz examines the moral complexities of violence and justice, particularly in the context of societal perspectives on vigilantism and its historical ties to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
