Exam (elaborations) ENG 1501
Summary ENG1501 NOTES ALL
POEMS 2021
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How do you approach writing an exam?
You are strongly encouraged to read The Catcher in the Rye, The Road to Mecca, and When Rain Clouds
Gather again. There is simply no better way of preparing for the exam other than to know the texts very well. Bear in
mind that you will have to be able to answer a question on any of these texts as there will not be any choices in this
semester’s exam. In terms of the poems, remember to download the list of poems you have to prepare for the exam
(as given in Tutorial Letter 103). Prepare by analysing each of these poems before the exam, as you could be given
any poem from the list in an exam question.
How should you use the available time? My advice would be to plan ahead. Make sure that you allocate a certain
amount of time to each question and to then stick to your own schedule. Make use of rough work paper and roughly
jot down your main focus points before answering the question. Leave time in your schedule to edit all your answers
before handing in your script.
What do you think markers look for when they mark your paper? Always remember to focus your response on
what the question is really asking of you. Don't fall into the trap of writing everything and anything that you know about
the text. Rather keep your answers short and to the point than writing long-winded answers with a lot of repetition. The
marker will not be fooled by long answers that say nothing.
What is the difference between retelling the plot and answering the question? The marker takes it for granted
that you know the plot, and will not be impressed by your knowledge of only the events in the text. What the marker is
looking for, is a real insight into the characters and themes of the text. Of course you should always refer back to the
original text when answering the question, but don't go into details. E.g: "As illustrated by the incident where Holden
meets up with the three older women in the club, he has many misconceptions about himself. He tries to impress them
and flirt with them, but they giggle at his attempts. This is an example of how out of touch Holden is about himself."
How do you determine what exactly a question requires? Make a point of underlining keywords in the questions
on your exam paper. Plan your answer according to these keywords, and make sure that you address the issues they
are referring to. Another tip is to reformulate the question in your own words. What is the essence of the question?
Is language and spelling important? The usage of proper language and spelling is arguably more important in the
study of English Literature than any other field. Sloppy grammar and spelling will create the impression that you are
careless. Make sure that you know how the spell the names of characters and places in the novels in particular.
Always write in full sentences; pay attention to the correct grammar and make use of the proper academic register
(tone).
How do you structure an essay? Planning the structure of your essay will go a long way in preventing you from
falling into the trap of retelling the plot and repeating the same thing over and over. Your introduction should briefly
rephrase the question and introduce your main argument. The body of the answer will focus on the development of
the answer and the conclusion should be a short synopsis of what you have written.
How should you refer to authors and poets? Always introduce the name of the author or poet in full the first time
(e.g. JD Salinger) and thereafter refer to the poet or author only by his/her surname (e.g. Salinger).
1) "On His Blindness" by John Milton
Just bear in mind the following:
1.) Always back up your statements by referring back to the poem; and
2.) Make sure that you address what the question asking and remain focused in your answer.
My suggested answers are below:
To begin with, it seems quite clear that the speaker is in a crisis or difficult situation. Answer the following
questions to help you explore this problem.
What crisis is he facing?
The speaker is losing his eyesight. This is already indicated by the title of the poem.
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Why is it so difficult for him to accept the predicament he finds himself in?
While losing one's eyesight is obviously a life crisis for anybody, the speaker finds it especially hard because he would
not be able to use his talent (writing and producing poetry) when he cannot see. His talent would then become
"useless". At the same time he is determined to keep on using his talent in the service of God ("though my soul more
bent / To serve therewith my Maker").
What do you think the word “talent” means in the context of the poem?
In the context of the poem the word "talent" is referring to the speaker's special ability or skill to write poetry.
Do you think the meaning of the word “talent” is the same in modern times? Give reasons.
In Biblical times the word "talent" referred to coins. In the parable in the Bible the master gives his servants talents
(coins) to work with and to multiply. In modern times the meaning of this word changed to mean special gifts or talents.
Milton is therefore using the word in its modern sense as it is clear that he is talking about the ability to write, and not
coins.
Describe the kind of talent that Milton has been given by God and what he feels about his talent.
Milton has been given the talent to write and produce poetry. This is clear from the fact that he has written this poem.
He regards this as a tool to serve God ("To serve therewith my Maker").
What do you think is the significance of the parable of the talents in the poem?
The parable is significant firstly because it appears in the Bible, and in the context of the rest of the poem it is clear
that Milton is a devout Christian. Secondly the parable is to Milton an example or warning of what happens to those
who do not use their talents. In the parable the slave who buries his talents instead of multiplying them is chased away
by his master. Milton is concerned about the dilemma he is facing. His blindness is going to take away his ability to
produce poems. Will God still expect this of him? ("Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?")
At this point, the speaker uses various images to illustrate God’s will. List the images and explain what they
mean.
"Mild yoke" - A yoke is an implement used on the necks of oxen to drive them forward. The oxen subject their will to
the will of man, as man then decide where the oxen should go. In the same way man subjects himself to God, so that
God's will determines the way of man. The word "mild" indicates that this is done in love, and not cruelty.
"His state Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed / And post o’er land and ocean without rest;" - Here God is
described as a king with thousands who continue to serve him day and night all over the world.
Identify the poet’s use of puns in the poem and explain how they work.
There is a pun on the words "light" and “spent”. Light, understood literally, means the light of day. Milton has used all
his days to write poetry, it was his labour. On another level he no longer has "light", because he is going blind and
everything is going dark. He is therefore losing his "light", or his eyesight. The word "spent" refers to how his time was
spent, and what he used to do with his time (to write). But now it is all finished and depleted ("spent"). The significance
is that Milton questions how he can serve God without light – both daylight to see by and eyesight itself.
List words or expressions in English which can be described as oxymorons (you can draw on your own
general knowledge of English to answer this question.
There are various examples. "open secret", "seriously funny", etc.
Do you find John Milton’s argument (in the above poem) convincing? Give reasons from your own life
experience.
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Summary ENG1501 NOTES ALL
POEMS 2021
written by
smartGRADUATE
www.stuvia.com
Downloaded by: smartGRADUATE |
Distribution of this document is illegal
, Stuvia.com - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material
How do you approach writing an exam?
You are strongly encouraged to read The Catcher in the Rye, The Road to Mecca, and When Rain Clouds
Gather again. There is simply no better way of preparing for the exam other than to know the texts very well. Bear in
mind that you will have to be able to answer a question on any of these texts as there will not be any choices in this
semester’s exam. In terms of the poems, remember to download the list of poems you have to prepare for the exam
(as given in Tutorial Letter 103). Prepare by analysing each of these poems before the exam, as you could be given
any poem from the list in an exam question.
How should you use the available time? My advice would be to plan ahead. Make sure that you allocate a certain
amount of time to each question and to then stick to your own schedule. Make use of rough work paper and roughly
jot down your main focus points before answering the question. Leave time in your schedule to edit all your answers
before handing in your script.
What do you think markers look for when they mark your paper? Always remember to focus your response on
what the question is really asking of you. Don't fall into the trap of writing everything and anything that you know about
the text. Rather keep your answers short and to the point than writing long-winded answers with a lot of repetition. The
marker will not be fooled by long answers that say nothing.
What is the difference between retelling the plot and answering the question? The marker takes it for granted
that you know the plot, and will not be impressed by your knowledge of only the events in the text. What the marker is
looking for, is a real insight into the characters and themes of the text. Of course you should always refer back to the
original text when answering the question, but don't go into details. E.g: "As illustrated by the incident where Holden
meets up with the three older women in the club, he has many misconceptions about himself. He tries to impress them
and flirt with them, but they giggle at his attempts. This is an example of how out of touch Holden is about himself."
How do you determine what exactly a question requires? Make a point of underlining keywords in the questions
on your exam paper. Plan your answer according to these keywords, and make sure that you address the issues they
are referring to. Another tip is to reformulate the question in your own words. What is the essence of the question?
Is language and spelling important? The usage of proper language and spelling is arguably more important in the
study of English Literature than any other field. Sloppy grammar and spelling will create the impression that you are
careless. Make sure that you know how the spell the names of characters and places in the novels in particular.
Always write in full sentences; pay attention to the correct grammar and make use of the proper academic register
(tone).
How do you structure an essay? Planning the structure of your essay will go a long way in preventing you from
falling into the trap of retelling the plot and repeating the same thing over and over. Your introduction should briefly
rephrase the question and introduce your main argument. The body of the answer will focus on the development of
the answer and the conclusion should be a short synopsis of what you have written.
How should you refer to authors and poets? Always introduce the name of the author or poet in full the first time
(e.g. JD Salinger) and thereafter refer to the poet or author only by his/her surname (e.g. Salinger).
1) "On His Blindness" by John Milton
Just bear in mind the following:
1.) Always back up your statements by referring back to the poem; and
2.) Make sure that you address what the question asking and remain focused in your answer.
My suggested answers are below:
To begin with, it seems quite clear that the speaker is in a crisis or difficult situation. Answer the following
questions to help you explore this problem.
What crisis is he facing?
The speaker is losing his eyesight. This is already indicated by the title of the poem.
Downloaded by: smartGRADUATE |
Distribution of this document is illegal
, Stuvia.com - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material
Why is it so difficult for him to accept the predicament he finds himself in?
While losing one's eyesight is obviously a life crisis for anybody, the speaker finds it especially hard because he would
not be able to use his talent (writing and producing poetry) when he cannot see. His talent would then become
"useless". At the same time he is determined to keep on using his talent in the service of God ("though my soul more
bent / To serve therewith my Maker").
What do you think the word “talent” means in the context of the poem?
In the context of the poem the word "talent" is referring to the speaker's special ability or skill to write poetry.
Do you think the meaning of the word “talent” is the same in modern times? Give reasons.
In Biblical times the word "talent" referred to coins. In the parable in the Bible the master gives his servants talents
(coins) to work with and to multiply. In modern times the meaning of this word changed to mean special gifts or talents.
Milton is therefore using the word in its modern sense as it is clear that he is talking about the ability to write, and not
coins.
Describe the kind of talent that Milton has been given by God and what he feels about his talent.
Milton has been given the talent to write and produce poetry. This is clear from the fact that he has written this poem.
He regards this as a tool to serve God ("To serve therewith my Maker").
What do you think is the significance of the parable of the talents in the poem?
The parable is significant firstly because it appears in the Bible, and in the context of the rest of the poem it is clear
that Milton is a devout Christian. Secondly the parable is to Milton an example or warning of what happens to those
who do not use their talents. In the parable the slave who buries his talents instead of multiplying them is chased away
by his master. Milton is concerned about the dilemma he is facing. His blindness is going to take away his ability to
produce poems. Will God still expect this of him? ("Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?")
At this point, the speaker uses various images to illustrate God’s will. List the images and explain what they
mean.
"Mild yoke" - A yoke is an implement used on the necks of oxen to drive them forward. The oxen subject their will to
the will of man, as man then decide where the oxen should go. In the same way man subjects himself to God, so that
God's will determines the way of man. The word "mild" indicates that this is done in love, and not cruelty.
"His state Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed / And post o’er land and ocean without rest;" - Here God is
described as a king with thousands who continue to serve him day and night all over the world.
Identify the poet’s use of puns in the poem and explain how they work.
There is a pun on the words "light" and “spent”. Light, understood literally, means the light of day. Milton has used all
his days to write poetry, it was his labour. On another level he no longer has "light", because he is going blind and
everything is going dark. He is therefore losing his "light", or his eyesight. The word "spent" refers to how his time was
spent, and what he used to do with his time (to write). But now it is all finished and depleted ("spent"). The significance
is that Milton questions how he can serve God without light – both daylight to see by and eyesight itself.
List words or expressions in English which can be described as oxymorons (you can draw on your own
general knowledge of English to answer this question.
There are various examples. "open secret", "seriously funny", etc.
Do you find John Milton’s argument (in the above poem) convincing? Give reasons from your own life
experience.
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