First Day After the War - Mazisi Kunene

GR 12 PAPER 2 – SEPTEMBER 2017 - SUGGESTED ANSWERS

QUESTION 1

First Day After the War - Mazisi Kunene

1.1 / Account for the ‘soft light’ described as ‘coiling around the young blades of grass’ in lines 2 and 3.
The ‘soft light’ creates an image of contained optimism and hope. / Also, the tenderness of the light caressing the grass – softening the hardness. / (2)
1.2 / What does the use of the word ‘ululating’ (line 10) convey about the people?
It conveys that the people are excited, joyous and uninhibited. The excitement and enthusiasm of the people can be experienced through the use of onomatopoeia i.e. ‘ululating’. / (2)
1.3 / Refer to lines 11 and 14.
Discuss the appropriateness of these images in the context of the poem as a whole.
The poem is about Apartheid. These images describe the joy the people felt when the oppression / this era came to an end. The people celebrate the news and want everyone (‘calling people from all circles of the earth’) all over the world to unite in their jubilation. The news is so wonderful that it brings people of all types together (‘held hands with a stranger’). Thus very appropriate. / (3)
1.4 / With reference to the theme of the poem, comment critically on the impact of the poet’s use of free verse. Quote from the poem to substantiate your answer.
Just as there are no rules for free verse, there are no rules (laws) for how people celebrate democracy. They respond to the news spontaneously and impulsively. They cannot contain their excitement and ‘shouted’ their joy ‘across the waterfalls’. Enjambment / run-on lines lead to a poem that is free flowing, much the people’s newfound joy and actions. (no longer restricted) / (3)
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QUESTION 2

The Garden of Love - William Blake

2.1 / Refer to line 7: ‘Thou shalt not.’
Describe the effect of these words in the poem.
These words imply negativity. (1) It also suggests the concept of private property – which is the source of inequality and helplessness in society. (1) It is a command (reminiscent of the ten Commandments) and the full stop indicates a finality. (1) It shows repression from the natural instincts and desires that humans have. (1) In the Old Testament God was regarded as a vengeful/vindictive tyrant. (1) It suggests restraint / restriction / exclusion. (1) [Any TWO ideas] / (2)
2.2 / Refer to line 12: ‘binding with briars’
How effective is this description? Explain your answer.
Briars are a thorny/prickly type of bush that can ensnare and ‘hold on’ to whatever gets stuck in it – any initiative towards freedom is confined in a painful way. The description is very effective in getting this across. OR Also, reference to the crucifixion – the crown of thorns worn by Christ. It’s as if the priests are encouraging us to live a joyless life, as Christ suffered for us, we have to suffer too.
Accept EITHER answer above, or a mixture of both. / (2)
2.3 / Briefly comment on the social institution Blake blames for desecrating this garden.
He blames the church for destroying the garden, by applying rules and laws preventing humans from living in freedom. The Church was wealthy, and “locked out” the poor, instead of looking after them. The Church has perverted the real Christian message, and Blake sees it (the church) as an evil organization instilling the wrong values in people. / (3)
2.4 / In your opinion, where is The Garden of Love? Is it a real place or a metaphorical state of being?
One possibility – the Garden of Eden – where Adam and Eve separated themselves from God, by sin. It could also refer to the innocence of childhood before it is lost to adulthood. When you are young, you do not see the repression and as you grow older society and institutions shape your life and force you to repress natural pleasures and freedom.
[Accept mixed responses. Boys can earn full marks for:

ONE point, very well substantiated.
TWO points, either or both well explained.
THREE different points.]

/ (3)
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QUESTION 3

Felix Randal - Gerard Manley Hopkins

3.1 / Based on the information provided in the poem, describe Felix Randal before he got sick. Mention at least TWO things.
He was well-built / lively / had pleasant features / physically strong. [Any 2] / (1)
3.2 / Discuss the connotations of the word ‘mould’ and its application in this context.
The word ‘mould’ means shape or recognizable form. In this instance, it is used to denote a physical ‘type’ or physique: that of a large, strong man. (1) AND The word also has connotations of influencing or guiding someone’s character. The priest converts (moulds) the parishioner, and moulds his heart. (1) / (2)
3.3 / Refer to line 5: ‘Impatient he cursed at first, but mended…’
In what way was he ‘mended’?
‘Mended’ here refers to the correction of his attitude, when the priest anointed him. (1) From cursing and bewailing his fate and physical difficulty, he learns acceptance and acquires patience and endurance. (1) / (2)
3.4 / Discuss how the form (an Italian sonnet) enhances the impact of the content.
The octave relates the progression of Randal’s diminishing health and his religious growth, but the speaker seems resigned to and accepting of the inevitability of the death. The tone is detached and unaffected. In contrast, the sestet reveals loss and pain of the speaker as the distressed tone conveys: ‘Thy tears that touched my heart.’ (line 11) / (3)
3.5 / Comment on the EFFECTIVENESS of the repetition of ‘pining, pining’ in relation to Felix Randal’s condition.
The repetition emphasizes the slow and painful deterioration of Felix Randal in terms of his strength and health. (1) It is very effective as it provides a stark contrast to the ‘big-boned’ and powerful man he was in order to work as a farrier. / (2)
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QUESTION 4 (ESSAY)

Remember - Christina Rosetti

With close reference to the structure, tone, imagery, diction and poetic devices used in this poem, write a critical analysis of “Remember”.

Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 250-300 words (about ONE page).

Structure:

In the octave, the narrator addresses her beloved and encourages him to remember her after her death
Fear of the unknown – she is coming to terms with the fact that she will die.
Sestet – the narrator addresses her beloved and encourages him rather to forget her. The process of acceptance allows her to let go and move forward.

Tone:

Octave – contemplative and reconciliatory on the topic of death; selfish request
Sestet – tone changes with the word “Yet”. She gives up the need to be remembered. She wishes her beloved happiness, even if that means she is forgotten; unselfish sacrifice.
Fear – she fears that her beloved will not heed her requests: a) not to forget; b) to forget; she fears death and decay.
Change in tone – the poem moves from being sad and depressing to one that ultimately celebrates love and life.

Imagery, diction and poetic devices:

‘silent land’ (metaphor) a symbol of death – heaven
‘hold me by the hand’ a symbol of love
Repetition of the word ‘remember’ throughout the poem to emphasize her fears.
Euphemism – ‘gone away’ / ‘silent land’ – less harsh; reality is harsh
Words like ‘grieve’, ‘darkness’ and ‘corruption’ have a negative connotation; this is in harmony with death, which has a negative connotation.

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QUESTION 5

The Shipwreck - Emily Dickinson

5.1 / What is the speaker celebrating in the first stanza?
That the storm is over and that they / four have survived. / (1)
5.2 / “Into the boiling sand.” Explain what these words tell us about the waves.
The word “boiling” tells us that the ocean is quite rough. The waves are clearly almost violent, as their effect reaches the bottom of the ocean floor as well. / (2)
5.3 / Is the speaker happy or sad in retelling the story of the storm? Justify your answer with evidence from the text.
The speaker is happy / relieved that four people have survived the storm but also wanting to mourn the loss of the other forty people lost in the ocean during the storm. Happy – “GLEE!”, Sad – “silence suffuses the story” / “scant salvation” / “a softness the teller’s eye”, etc. / (3)
5.4 / How does the speaker answer the children’s questions in lines 11 and 12?
After the question, the speaker becomes tearful (‘softens in the eye’) and goes quiet ‘silence suffuses the story.’) / (2)
5.5 / How is emotion conveyed in this poem? Justify your answer with relevant examples from the text.
The speaker portrays a mixture of emotions. The word ‘GLEE!’ shows relief and happiness in knowing that four people have survived. The silence in response to the question about the forty speak volumes about the sense of loss felt for those who didn’t make it. (Also, reference to the bells that must be wrung for those lost.) [Accept other reasonable responses.] / (2)
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SECTION B: NOVEL

QUESTION 6: LIFE OF PI - ESSAY

“Pi Patel’s life in Pondicherry gives him a solid foundation for coping with the hardships he faces as a castaway.”

Discuss the validity of this statement in a well-constructed essay of 400 to 450 words.

Intro:

Something like: despite the fact that he faced many struggles throughout the novel (mostly part 2), he manages to remain optimistic and determined to find a way to escape. In most cases, a person would have just given up under the circumstances he went through, but Pi had faith in getting off the ship and finding land.

Body:

Faith in God - PRAYER

Pi followed 3 religions – he just wanted to love God. His ultimate belief in God is what kept him going throughout his ordeal. Because of his belief in God, he was able to put his suffering into perspective (“My suffering was taking place in a grand setting. I saw that it was finite and insignificant, and I was still.”) Prayer was an integral part of every day at sea (“the blackness would stir and eventually go away, and God would remain, a shining point of light in my heart.”) His conviction remained strong.

Knowledge of animals from ZOO

“I learned the lesson (growing up) that an animal is an animal.”At the zoo he learns much about the workings and training of animals. He learns about territory and this leads to him presenting himself as the Alpha male on the boat. This knowledge helped him to tame Richard Parker.

Having been a strong swimmer

Taught to swim at the age of 7. Unafraid of the ocean as a result. Being able to swim was vital to his survival at sea.

Pi has always had a vivid imagination. He creates another story for his mental capacity to survive. Creating Richard Parker to help him deal with his animal/survival side.
RP serves two purposes. He helps Pi to create a boundary in his mind between himself and his vicious acts of survival. He also says that he needs to stay alive in order to provide RP with food and water.
Studying the survival guide found in life boat.
Pi’s versatility to change from a life-long vegetarian to a meat eater and his creativeness in making the best out of a horrible situation (similar to the time he changed / adapted his name to be rid of the teasing) are key to his survival.
Pi survives mentally after seven months at sea on a lifeboat by keeping his mind busy with the following: completing daily tasks, such as reading, fishing and writing a diary; taming Richard Parker; and practicing religious rituals.
All of these things help Pi to keep his mind active so he doesn't succumb to depression and hopelessness
By chapter 63, he creates a set schedule that he follows each day in order to keep his sanity. Many of his chores include checking ropes, feeding and cleaning up after Richard Parker, fishing, and maintaining the solar stills. Much of Pi's attention is on the tiger, though, because he always needs to watch out for the one thing that could eat him.
His humanity and civilization were affected predominantly by having to kill or be killed (the French cook) and also by having to eat human flesh in order to survive.

Conclusion:

His youth in Pondicherry is what prepares Pi for survival at sea; he tends to become reliant on the prior knowledge he had received in the earlier stages of his life. These lessons, together with the diverse skills he learns while at sea, is what leads to his survival.

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QUESTION 7

Refer to EXTRACT A

7.1 / Place the above extract in context.
Pi’s upbringing at the zoo is both an important part of his life and sets the stage for the events to follow. This extract is from very early in the novel, and gives some background to Pi’s extensive knowledge. / (2)
7.2 / 7.2.1 At whom, do you think, is Pi’s argument directed?
Those who despise zoos because of their small enclosures OR
Those who believe animals cannot experience freedom within a zoo, and pity them. / (1)
7.2.2 Briefly explain the nature of his argument.
Animals are territorial and are not concerned with the concept of freedom OR
Animals are happy as long as their habitat allows them to meet their needs of nourishment and survival. / (1)
7.3 / Is the question posed in line 4 (‘Do you think they would shout and dance for joy?’) rhetorical? Substantiate your answer.
Yes, the writer aims to demonstrate a point instead of requiring an answer. Although he provides the obvious answer, it creates a dramatic effect. / (2)
7.4 / According to Pi’s train of thought, under which circumstances is a bird NOT free?
A bird is not free when it has been kicked out of its habitat.
OR: If it’s wings had been clipped. / (1)
7.5 / Refer to lines 2 to 11. Discuss how Pi, using a comparison, turns conventional wisdom on its head.
Pi uses the conventional comparison ‘free as a bird’. The traditional view is that birds are free because given their ability to fly they are without restrictions or boundaries. Pi argues that birds are not free because like all animals only in familiar territory will they meet their needs of avoiding enemies and finding food and water. / (3)
7.6 / 7.6.1 In lines 2 to 7 Pi relates a human experience to an animal’s. What is this called?
anthropomorphism / (1)
7.6.2 Which human qualities come to mind when reading, “There is no place like home”?
Comfort, peace, belonging, security, nourishment. / (1)
7.7 / “Religion faces the same problem.” Discuss Pi’s statement by explaining the following quote: “Certain illusions about freedom plague them both.”
Religion is viewed as a set of beliefs that must be followed. Acc to Pi, people incorrectly believe that religion restricts one. He believes that having a relationship with God sets him free. Freedom is not the absence of restrictions but learning to live within them.
[Anything to this effect] / (2)
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Refer to EXTRACT B

7.8 / Why is Pi scared of Richard Parker?
RP is a 450 pound Bengal tiger with the ability to kill Pi. / It is the wild, untamed animal – part of his nature. / (1)
7.9 / “It was the gaze of a contented animal looking out from its cage…”
How is Pi able to recognize the look on Richard Parker’s face?
He grew up in (his father owned) a zoo. / (1)
7.10 / Which other animals had been on the lifeboat with Pi and Richard Parker before this?
Hyena, zebra, orangutan [ALL 3 for 1 mark] / (3)
7.11 / How did Richard Parker get his name?
A panther had been killing people near Bangladesh, and a professional hunter was called in to try to capture it. Leaving a goat as bait, the hunter instead attracted two tigers, a mother and her cub. The hunter sedated the mother and picked up the cub, sending them both off to the Pondicherry Zoo. In the accompanying paperwork, the name of the hunter who had picked up the cub, Richard Parker, gets mixed up with the name of the cub, Thirsty. The mix-up so amuses Mr. Patel that he decides to call the tiger cub Richard Parker. / (3)
7.12 / Why would the author, Yann Martel, choose, in his description of Richard Parker looking like a “domestic cat” to add that he is a “450 pound tabby”?
It is a reminder to us that despite Pi’s docile and ‘homely’ description of RP, the tiger is still a wild animal and not to be treated as a friendly household pet. / (2)
7.13 / Explain the irony of Richard Parker – the one who scares Pi witless – being the one who brings him peace and purpose.
The irony is that RP scared Pi – Pi was terrified that RP would kill him. However, RP was the very animal that enabled Pi to keep himself alive. RP allowed Pi to become motivated to survive, when he would otherwise have given up.
OR
RP symbolizes the wild, animal side of Pi’s nature. Controlling and using this side of his nature is what allowed him to survive.
[Or a combination of both.] / (3)
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QUESTION 8: HAMLET (ESSAY QUESTION)

At Elsinore, things are not what they seem. In a well-constructed essay of 400 to 450 words, discuss the theme of appearance and reality in Hamlet, paying particular attention to those characters who pretend to be who they are not.

Possible intro:

Hamlet is melancholy largely because he believes he can see the REALITY of evil behind the APPEARANCE of good at Elsinore. He alone at the court understands the inherently evil nature of humankind.