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The poet describes his father as the "least happy man" he has known - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2007
Question 1
The poet describes his father as the "least happy man" he has known. How does he show this to be the case in the first two stanzas (lines 1 to 14) of the poem? "Whe... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The poet describes his father as the "least happy man" he has known - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2007
Step 1
How does the poet describe his father as the "least happy man"?
Answer
In the first two stanzas, Montague invokes a stark physical description of his father, emphasizing his pallor and the emotional weight he carries. The use of words such as 'pallor' illustrates the toll of his father's experiences, particularly related to imprisonment and drinking. This hints at a life overshadowed by regret and loss. The reference to 'lost years' and 'shudder the earth' encapsulates his father's discontent. Montague's portrayal serves to reinforce the themes of absence and oblivion in relation to his father's identity.
Step 2
"When he came back..."
Answer
In stanzas four and five, Montague employs imagery to depict the changes in his father's life. The father’s return is marked by a sense of dislocation, as he grapples with his past and the disjunction between his old life and new realities. The details such as the father's reluctance to embrace the familiar settings, and his distance from the joys of daily life, convey a profound shift. Montague notes his father's attempt to reconnect with his former self amidst a backdrop of nostalgia and disillusionment.
Step 3
Which option reveals Montague's attitude towards his father?
Answer
I believe that 'he loved him very much' best reveals Montague's attitude towards his father. This is evident as he reflects deeply on his father's struggles and his emotional turmoil. The poet's use of intimate details about his father’s pain highlights a profound understanding and empathy, suggesting an underlying love that transcends their complicated past. In contrast, "he did not know him very well" suggests a more distant relationship that does not capture the essence of their connection as effectively.