AFL1501 – Foundations in English Literary Studies■Assignment 2 – Semester 1, 2025■Due Date: 18 Apri
Instructions
Instructions:
1. Answer all questions.
2. Write clearly and support your arguments with references where necessary.
3. Total Marks: 50
Question 1
Question 1: Poetry Analysis [15 Marks]
Read the following stanza and answer the questions below:
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –
By Emily Dickinson
(a) Identify and explain two literary devices used in the stanza. (6)
(b) What is the central theme of the poem? (3)
(c) In your own words, explain what “hope” is being compared to and why. (6)
Answer 1
Answer 1:
(a)
1. Metaphor – Hope is compared to a bird ("the thing with feathers") without using "like" or "as".
2. Personification – Hope is given human-like actions such as perching and singing.
(b)
The central theme is the enduring and uplifting nature of hope, even in difficult times.
(c)
Hope is compared to a bird that lives in the soul, always singing. This suggests that hope is persistent, comforting, and alwa
Instructions
Instructions:
1. Answer all questions.
2. Write clearly and support your arguments with references where necessary.
3. Total Marks: 50
Question 1
Question 1: Poetry Analysis [15 Marks]
Read the following stanza and answer the questions below:
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –
By Emily Dickinson
(a) Identify and explain two literary devices used in the stanza. (6)
(b) What is the central theme of the poem? (3)
(c) In your own words, explain what “hope” is being compared to and why. (6)
Answer 1
Answer 1:
(a)
1. Metaphor – Hope is compared to a bird ("the thing with feathers") without using "like" or "as".
2. Personification – Hope is given human-like actions such as perching and singing.
(b)
The central theme is the enduring and uplifting nature of hope, even in difficult times.
(c)
Hope is compared to a bird that lives in the soul, always singing. This suggests that hope is persistent, comforting, and alwa
