Question

Read the given extract and answer the following questions.

But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice.

i. Fill the blank with one word.    (1)

When the speaker says that ice could also bring about the end of the world, he refers to _______ as the means for destruction.

ii. What does the speaker's alignment with those who favour ice suggest?    (1)

iii. Which of the following best describes the speaker's attitude towards destruction caused by ice?

1. Indifferent
2. Fearful
3. Dismissive
4. Respectful

iv. Comment on the poet’s use of language in these lines.    (2)

Answer 1

i. When the speaker says that ice could also bring about the end of the world, he refers to hatred as the means for destruction.

ii. The speaker's alignment with those who favour ice suggests that they have seen the destructive consequences of a lack of empathy and emotional connection.

iii. Respectful

iv. The language used in these lines is simple and straightforward. The words and phrases are easy to understand and the poem is written in a conversational tone. Despite its simplicity, however, the poem carries a profound message about the destructive power of both fire and ice, and the inevitability of destruction. The use of simple language in this context makes the message more accessible to a wider audience and adds to the poem's overall impact.