English Literature - Unit 2 - Give

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Give - What is the poem about?
The poem is about a homeless person who sleeps in people's doorways every night. The narrator offers to entertain the reader for money, including dancing and magic tricks. At the end of the poem, the narrator breaks down and begs the reader for help.
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Give - Form
The poem is written as a dramatic monologue, using caesura to mirror natural speech. The first four lines have a repeated structure and the poem begins and ends with rhyming couplets. This could suggest that the narrator desires control.
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Give - Structure
The narrator's tone is calm and controlled at the beginning of the poem. The tone then changes to sarcasm and desperation. The changes in tone show the breakdown of the narrator's pride.
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Give - Sarcasm
The narrator's sarcastic tone suggests bitterness at the insufficient help they receive.
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Give - Entertainment Imagery
The language of an entertainer or magician contrasts with the reality of life on the streets and shows that the narrator will do anything, however dangerous or degrading, for money.
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Give - Images of Wealth
Lack of money is emphasised as the narrator frequently mentions valuable things.
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Give - Feelings and Attitudes
Pride - Initially the narrator seems quite proud and doesn't want to ask for help directly...Desperation...and Bitterness - The narrator seems angry at the insufficient help they receive. The sarcastic tone emphasises the homeless person's anger.
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Give - Do you think the title of the poem is effective? Why?
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Give - Why do you think the narrator mentions frankincense and myrrh?
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Give - Who do you think the narrator's anger is directed at in the poem?
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Give - Do you think there is any humour in the poem?
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Give - What is the effect of "dear"?
Sounds romantic and intimate but the speaker is being sarcastic.
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Give - What is the effect of "under the stars"?
Implies freedom and romance - contrasts with harsh reality of life of the streets.
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Give - What is the effect of "coppers", "silver" and "gold"?
Repeated reference to money shows it's important.
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Give - What is the effect of "change"?
Ambiguous - could mean money or change in circumstance.
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Give - What is the effect of "tea"?
Giving a cup of tea seems insignificant compared to gifts or Jesus.
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Give - What can you compare this poem to?
The poem explores what it's like to be homeless...The narrator's poverty is similar to the hunchback's situation in 'The Hunchback in the Park'. Both are described as sleeping rough and are outcasts who are mocked or rejected by society.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Give - Form

Back

The poem is written as a dramatic monologue, using caesura to mirror natural speech. The first four lines have a repeated structure and the poem begins and ends with rhyming couplets. This could suggest that the narrator desires control.

Card 3

Front

Give - Structure

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Give - Sarcasm

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Give - Entertainment Imagery

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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