IGCSE Literature Questions and Answers
Long Distance by Tony Harrison
Question 1:
How does Tony Harrison explore the theme of grief and loss in 'Long Distance'?
Answer:
In 'Long Distance', Tony Harrison poignantly explores grief and loss by focusing on the
contrasting ways in which his father and he cope with the death of a loved one. His father
refuses to accept the death of his wife, continuing to perform everyday acts for her as if she
were still alive. These acts, such as keeping her slippers warm, symbolize his inability to
confront his grief. On the other hand, the speaker, the son, initially appears to have a more
modern approach to dealing with death, noting the irony in his father’s behavior. However,
in the final stanza, Harrison reveals that he too holds onto the memory of his parents,
showing that grief is a universal experience that affects everyone in complex, often
contradictory ways.
Question 2:
Analyze how structure and language contribute to the poem's emotional impact in 'Long
Distance'.
Answer:
'Long Distance' is composed of four quatrains with a consistent rhyme scheme, which gives
the poem a structured and controlled feel. This contrasts with the deep emotional subject
matter of loss, highlighting the tension between outward composure and inner grief.
Harrison uses simple, everyday language to describe his father’s actions, such as 'You
couldn’t just drop in. You had to phone.' This creates a sense of realism and relatability,
making the father’s grief all the more poignant. The shift in tone in the last stanza, where the
speaker reveals his own grief, adds to the emotional weight of the poem, showing that even
after time passes, the pain of loss remains.
Rain by Edward Thomas
Question 1:
What is the significance of rain in Edward Thomas’s poem 'Rain'?
Answer:
In 'Rain', Edward Thomas uses rain as both a literal and metaphorical element to convey the
speaker’s sense of isolation and despair. The sound of rain falling symbolizes the
indifference of nature to human suffering, emphasizing the speaker’s solitude. Additionally,
rain may represent purification or a cleansing of emotions, as the speaker reflects on death
and loss. The endless rain also mirrors the ongoing turmoil of war, which serves as the
backdrop for much of Thomas’s poetry. Overall, rain becomes a powerful symbol of both
external forces and the speaker's internal emotional state.
Question 2:
How does Edward Thomas create a mood of melancholy in the poem 'Rain'?
Answer:
The mood of melancholy in 'Rain' is established through Thomas's use of imagery, diction,
and tone. The repetition of the word 'rain' throughout the poem creates a rhythmic,
relentless presence, underscoring the speaker’s feelings of hopelessness. Thomas uses
phrases like 'solitary' and 'helpless among all dead' to convey a deep sense of isolation. The
simple, stark language, combined with the natural setting, evokes a quiet sadness that
permeates the poem. Furthermore, the speaker’s contemplation of death and the transient
nature of life adds to the overwhelming sense of melancholy.
The Spirit is Too Blunt an Instrument by Anne Stevenson
Question 1:
In 'The Spirit is Too Blunt an Instrument', how does Anne Stevenson contrast the human
spirit and the body?
Answer:
Anne Stevenson contrasts the human spirit with the body by emphasizing the precision and
complexity of the body, compared to the bluntness of the spirit. The spirit is depicted as 'too
blunt an instrument' to truly appreciate or understand the delicate intricacies of the body’s
creation. Stevenson marvels at the body’s ability to 'make a baby' with such accuracy, while
suggesting that the spirit is clumsy and inadequate in comparison. This contrast suggests a
disconnect between human consciousness and the biological wonders of the physical form,
highlighting the limitations of human understanding.
Question 2:
Discuss the use of imagery in 'The Spirit is Too Blunt an Instrument'.
Answer:
In 'The Spirit is Too Blunt an Instrument', Stevenson uses vivid imagery to emphasize the
delicate and precise nature of the human body. She describes the body’s ability to 'copy out'
the smallest details, such as 'the lines in the hands,' which evokes a sense of wonder at the
body's perfection. The imagery of the spirit as 'blunt' contrasts sharply with these detailed
descriptions, underscoring the poem’s central theme of the spirit’s inadequacy in the face of
the body’s complexity. By focusing on the intricate nature of life, Stevenson conveys a deep
respect for the physical world.
