1. Who was Milton? (2)
John Milton was an English poet, who Wordsworth characterises as the
perfect example of what an English person should be like.
2. Identify the figure of speech the poet uses when addressing Milton. (2)
This is an example of the apostrophe, as Wordsworth directly addresses
Milton, even though he is not present.
3. Identify and discuss the figure of speech used to describe England in “[England]
is a fen / Of stagnant waters” (lines 2-3). (3)
Metaphor: Shows Wordsworth’s believe that England has become dirtied,
decayed and lifeless.
4. Describe in your own words what is wrong with England according to the poet. (2)
Wordsworth believes that England no longer takes pride in any of its
institutions, and that its people have become selfish and debased.
5. Explain the symbolism used in lines 3-4. (5)
Everything in these lines represents some aspect of English society.
Altar: the church; Sword: the army; Pen: English literature; Fireside: the
English household.
6. Identify the image the poet has painted of England through the use of these
symbols. (2)
England is shown as a country that once had many things it could be proud
of, but can no longer be proud of anything due to the way in which English
society has decayed.
7. Comment on why the poet wants Milton to “return”. (3)
Wordsworth wishes for Milton to return because he believes that Milton,
with all of his excellent qualities, can return England to its former glory.
Should Milton return, it will once again be a society one can be proud of,
peopled with good and decent people.
8. Identify and explain the figures of speech the poet uses to describe Milton in
lines 9-11. (3)
John Milton was an English poet, who Wordsworth characterises as the
perfect example of what an English person should be like.
2. Identify the figure of speech the poet uses when addressing Milton. (2)
This is an example of the apostrophe, as Wordsworth directly addresses
Milton, even though he is not present.
3. Identify and discuss the figure of speech used to describe England in “[England]
is a fen / Of stagnant waters” (lines 2-3). (3)
Metaphor: Shows Wordsworth’s believe that England has become dirtied,
decayed and lifeless.
4. Describe in your own words what is wrong with England according to the poet. (2)
Wordsworth believes that England no longer takes pride in any of its
institutions, and that its people have become selfish and debased.
5. Explain the symbolism used in lines 3-4. (5)
Everything in these lines represents some aspect of English society.
Altar: the church; Sword: the army; Pen: English literature; Fireside: the
English household.
6. Identify the image the poet has painted of England through the use of these
symbols. (2)
England is shown as a country that once had many things it could be proud
of, but can no longer be proud of anything due to the way in which English
society has decayed.
7. Comment on why the poet wants Milton to “return”. (3)
Wordsworth wishes for Milton to return because he believes that Milton,
with all of his excellent qualities, can return England to its former glory.
Should Milton return, it will once again be a society one can be proud of,
peopled with good and decent people.
8. Identify and explain the figures of speech the poet uses to describe Milton in
lines 9-11. (3)
