1
SECTION D: POETRY
In this section, questions have been set on the following poems:


‘Sonnet 116’, by William Shakespeare
‘On his blindness’, by John Milton
Answer questions on ANY TWO of the prescribed poems set. Read each poem carefully
and then answer the questions which follow. The number of marks allocated to each
question serves as a guide to the expected length of your answer.
QUESTION 13
Read the following poem and answer the set questions
Sonnet 116 – William Shakespeare
Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove.
O, no, it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wand’ring bark,
Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken.
Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle’s compass come;
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.
13.1
5
10
Apart from the fact that this poem has 14 lines, suggest two reasons why
it is classified as a Shakespearean Sonnet.
(2)
“ Impediments ” in line 2 mean:
A Wrongdoings
B Compassion
C Mistakes
D Obstacles
(1)
13.3
Explain very briefly the main idea or message of the poem.
(3)
13.4
What are the “tempests” / storms to which Shakespeare refers in line 6 of
the poem? Mention TWO examples.
(2)
Comment on the effectiveness of the use of the metaphor in line 7.
(2)
13.2
13.5
2
13.6
13.7
13.8
13.9
13.6.1 Explain why Time has been written with a capital letter in line 9?
(2)
13.6.2 Identify the figure of speech that was used in this line?
(1)
In your own words, explain how “rosy lips and cheeks” change with
Time.
(2)
Quote 5 consecutive words from the poem to prove that Shakespeare
thinks nothing can change the nature of love.
(2)
Sum up, IN ONE WORD, what true love is.
OR
(½)
[17½ ]
3
QUESTION 14
Read the following poem and answer the set questions
On his blindness – John Milton
When I consider how my light is spent,
Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide,
Lodged with me useless, though my Soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide,
‘Doth God exact day- labour, light denied?’
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, ‘God doth not need
Either man’s work or his own gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His State
Is Kingly: thousands at his bidding speed
And post o’er Land and Ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait.’
14.1
5
10
This poem is an example of an Italian / Petrarchan Sonnet. Mention TWO
features of this type of poem.
(2)
14.2
Provide a synonym for “light” as it is used in line 1.
(1)
14.3
In the first two lines the speaker tells us that he is going blind. Quote TWO
consecutive words he uses to convey this message to us.
(2)
14.4
What is the “one Talent” he is referring to in line 3?
(1)
14.5
What does he believe one should do with one’s talents?
(1)
14.6
In line 7 the speaker asks a question. Rewrite this question in clear
modern English.
(2)
What does the word “fondly” suggest about the manner in which the
speaker asks this question?
(2)
“Patience” in line 8, gives the speaker his answer. What do we call this
figure of speech when something abstract has been given human
qualities?
(1)
14.7
14.8
14.9
State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE and quote FOUR
CONSECUTIVE WORDS to prove your answer.
In the last part of the poem (lines 9 - 14)the speaker has realised that
God controls the whole universe.
(3)
4
14.10
14.11
What message, do you think, does this poem have for a person who is
handicapped?
(2)
Choose the correct answer from the list below. Write only the letter of
the correct answer.
The tone of this poem is one of:
A Anger
B Acceptance
C Stress
D Disbelief
(½)
[17½ ]
OR