ENGLISH PAPER 2 NOTES

POEMS :
1. THE RIDE
2. THE SECOND COMING
3. ANTHEM FOR DOOMED YOUTH
4. WE WEAR THE MASK

NOVEL: THINGS FALL APART

1. CHAPTER 13
2. CHAPTER 24

THE RIDE- JOYCE CHIGIYA

“The Ride” by Joyce Chigiya is a reflective poem that explores the journey of
life, with a particular focus on its challenges, uncertainties, and inevitable
transitions. The poem uses a metaphorical “ride” to symbolize the speaker’s
journey through life, capturing the ups and downs, as well as the lessons
learned along the way.

Poetic Devices in “The Ride”

1. Metaphor:

The central metaphor in the poem is the “ride,” which symbolizes life
itself. The speaker’s experiences and challenges are depicted as a ride
that she cannot control, signifying the unpredictable nature of life.

2. Imagery:

Chigiya uses vivid imagery to depict the emotional landscape of the

speaker’s journey. Words that evoke the senses help the reader
visualize the motion, speed, and feelings associated with this ride.

3. Personification:

Life is given human-like qualities in the poem, making it appear as

though life has a will or plan of its own. This reflects the speaker’s
feeling of helplessness or lack of control over her path.

4. Symbolism:
 The “ride” represents the speaker’s personal growth, hardships, and
achievements. The ups and downs of the journey symbolize the
challenges and triumphs one encounters in life.

5. Tone:

The tone shifts throughout the poem from uncertainty to acceptance.

The speaker begins by feeling overwhelmed but gradually comes to
terms with the inevitability of life’s challenges.

6. Alliteration:

The repetition of consonant sounds helps create a rhythmic flow to the

poem, enhancing the sense of movement and progression in the “ride.”

7. Repetition:

Certain phrases or ideas are repeated to emphasize the ongoing nature

of life’s journey and the speaker’s emotional response to it.

Through these poetic devices, Chigiya creates a powerful and emotional

exploration of life’s unpredictable journey, illustrating how each person must
navigate their own path, often with little control over where it leads.

THE SECOND COMING – W.B. YEATS

“The Second Coming” by W.B. Yeats is a deeply symbolic and apocalyptic
poem, written in 1919 in the aftermath of World War I. It reflects the chaos
and disillusionment of the early 20th century, expressing a belief that the
world is on the brink of a catastrophic change. Yeats taps into his fascination
with mysticism and historical cycles, predicting the fall of the old order and
the rise of something new and terrifying.

Themes

1. Chaos and Disorder:

The poem captures a world descending into chaos, symbolized by the

falcon “turning in the widening gyre” and losing connection with its
falconer. This suggests a breakdown of traditional values, political
stability, and moral order.

2. Apocalyptic Vision:

The poem predicts a coming catastrophe, symbolized by the arrival of

the “rough beast” at the poem’s end. This suggests a sense of dread
about the future, where something dark and unknown will emerge.

3. Cycles of History:

Yeats believed in historical cycles, where civilizations rise and fall. “The
Second Coming” reflects his belief that one cycle of history is ending,
to be replaced by something radically different and perhaps monstrous.

4. Loss of Control:
 The falconer’s inability to control the falcon symbolizes humanity’s
loss of control over the events and forces that govern the world. This is
further reinforced by the phrase, “Things fall apart; the center cannot
hold.”

Poetic Devices

1. Symbolism:

The falcon and falconer symbolize the breakdown of control and order.

The “rough beast” is a symbol of the dark, destructive force that Yeats
envisions emerging as the new order in the wake of chaos.

The gyre (spiral or circular motion) symbolizes the cyclical nature of history
and the inevitable change Yeats believes is coming.

2. Imagery:

The poem is filled with vivid and often unsettling imagery, such as the
“blood-dimmed tide” and the “slouching beast.” These images evoke a sense
of fear, destruction, and impending doom.

The image of the sphinx-like creature in the desert is one of the most
powerful in the poem, symbolizing an ancient, monstrous force returning to
dominate the new era.
 3. Allusion:

The title and central idea of the poem refer to Christian theology, particularly
the second coming of Christ. However, Yeats subverts this idea by suggesting
that the “second coming” is not of Christ, but of a monstrous force that will
bring destruction.

There are also allusions to mythology, especially in the reference to the

sphinx-like beast, which calls to mind ancient Egyptian imagery.

4. Tone:

The tone of the poem is foreboding, ominous, and prophetic. Yeats uses a
detached, visionary voice to suggest that the chaos and destruction he
describes are inevitable, and that humanity is powerless to stop it.

5. Metaphor:

The “widening gyre” serves as a metaphor for the unraveling of societal

structures. It represents the way in which civilization spirals out of control,
becoming increasingly distant from its origins.
 6. Repetition:

The phrase “The Second Coming” is repeated to emphasize the inevitability

of the event, even though it is unclear what this new era will bring.

7. Oxymoron:

The phrase “mere anarchy” is an oxymoron, combining the word “mere,”

which suggests something trivial, with “anarchy,” a word that evokes total
chaos and disorder. This emphasizes the casual, unstoppable nature of the
destruction Yeats foresees.

8. Enjambment:

Yeats uses enjambment to allow ideas to flow from one line to the next
without pause, reflecting the uncontrollable, unrelenting nature of the
changes he predicts.

Through these devices, Yeats paints a picture of a world teetering on the

brink of destruction, driven by forces beyond human understanding or
control. “The Second Coming” remains a powerful exploration of historical
change, chaos, and the fear of what comes next.
ANTHOM FOR DOOMED YOUTH- WILLFRED OWEN
“Anthem for Doomed Youth” by Wilfred Owen is a poignant war poem that
mourns the loss of young soldiers who died during World War I. It contrasts
the traditional, dignified rituals of a funeral with the brutal, impersonal
deaths on the battlefield. The poem critiques the senselessness of war and
conveys the deep sorrow for those who died in vain, highlighting the lack of
proper mourning for their sacrifice.

Themes

1. Futility of War:

The poem underscores the senselessness of the soldiers’ deaths. They

die without proper recognition, their lives wasted in the machinery of
war.

2. Dehumanization:

Soldiers are portrayed as being slaughtered like cattle, emphasizing

how war strips them of their humanity and turns them into mere
numbers in the face of death.

3. Loss and Mourning:

The poem focuses on the fact that the soldiers are not given proper
funerals. Instead of traditional religious ceremonies, they receive only
the sounds of war (gunfire and artillery) as their final send-off.

4. Anger at the War’s Impact:

 5. Owen expresses anger not only at the horror of war but also at how it
robs soldiers of the dignity in death that they deserve. He criticizes the
war for denying these men the respect that society traditionally affords
the dead.

Poetic Devices

1. Form (Sonnet):

The poem is written as a Petrarchan sonnet, traditionally associated with love

and beauty. By using this form to describe the horrors of war, Owen creates a
stark contrast between the poem’s structure and its grim content. The
sonnet’s 14 lines are divided into an octave (first 8 lines) and a sestet (final 6
lines).

2. Simile:

In the opening line, Owen compares the soldiers’ deaths to cattle being
slaughtered: “What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?” This simile
highlights the brutal and impersonal nature of their deaths.

3. Alliteration:
Owen uses alliteration to create rhythm and emphasize certain sounds,
particularly to mimic the harshness of war. For example, in “rifles’ rapid
rattle,” the repetition of the ‘r’ sound imitates the sound of gunfire.

4. Onomatopoeia:

The phrase “stuttering rifles’ rapid rattle” uses onomatopoeia to evoke the
sound of gunfire, helping the reader hear the battlefield and feel the chaos
and violence of war.

5. Personification:

The poem personifies war-related objects, giving them human

characteristics. For instance, “the monstrous anger of the guns” suggests
that the weapons themselves are filled with rage, emphasizing the
uncontrollable violence of the battlefield.

6. Juxtaposition:

Owen contrasts the expected sounds of a traditional funeral, such as “bells”

and “prayers,” with the harsh, mechanical sounds of war: “rifles,” “wailing
shells.” This juxtaposition highlights the disparity between the idealized
notion of death and the grim reality faced by the soldiers.
 7. Tone:

The tone of the poem is somber, mournful, and bitter. Owen expresses deep
sorrow for the soldiers and anger at the way war strips them of their
humanity and dignity.

8. Religious Imagery:

Traditional religious elements, such as bells, prayers, and choirs, are present
but twisted into war-related contexts. For example, “the shrill demented
choirs of wailing shells” replaces a traditional church choir with the noise of
bombs. This reinforces the idea that war perverts sacred rituals and denies
the dead the proper rites.

9. Rhetorical Questions:

Owen opens the poem with a rhetorical question: “What passing-bells for
these who die as cattle?” This question sets a reflective, mournful tone and
invites the reader to consider the lack of proper recognition for the fallen
soldiers.

10. Metaphor:
The poem ends with a metaphor: “And each slow dusk a drawing-down of
blinds.” The “blinds” refer to the custom of drawing curtains after someone’s
death. This suggests the quiet, private mourning at home, contrasted with
the soldiers’ anonymous, mass deaths.

Through these poetic devices, Owen captures the tragedy of war and the
deep sorrow for the lives lost. “Anthem for Doomed Youth” expresses not
only mourning for the dead but also anger at the societal and systemic
failure to honor those lives with the dignity they deserve.

WE WEAR THE MASK- PAUL DUNBAR

“We Wear the Mask” by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a powerful poem that
addresses the theme of hiding one’s true feelings and emotions behind a
façade. Written during the post-Reconstruction era in the United States, it
reflects the experience of African Americans who were forced to present a
false sense of happiness or contentment while enduring oppression and
suffering. Dunbar’s poem speaks to the universal human experience of
concealing pain, but it is especially poignant in the context of racial injustice.

Themes

1. Deception and Concealment:

The central idea is that people wear a metaphorical mask to hide their
true emotions and struggles from the outside world. The mask
represents a false front of smiles and happiness, while underneath,
there is deep pain and suffering.

2. Social Oppression:

The poem can be read as a reflection on the experiences of African

Americans during Dunbar’s time, who were forced to conceal their pain
and frustration in a society that oppressed them. It explores how they
were required to maintain appearances despite ongoing racial
inequality.

3. Internal Conflict and Resilience:

The poem explores the inner conflict between outward appearance and
inner reality. It also speaks to the resilience required to maintain a
façade in the face of adversity and suffering.
 4. Suffering and Isolation:

Dunbar emphasizes the isolation felt by those who must mask their true
selves, and the poem reflects a deep sense of communal suffering that goes
unacknowledged by society.

Poetic Devices

1. Metaphor:

The mask in the poem is a powerful metaphor for the false expressions that
people put on to hide their true feelings. It symbolizes deception and the
concealment of pain. The line, “We wear the mask that grins and lies,”
illustrates how the mask covers up the truth of inner suffering with a false
expression of contentment.

2. Rhyme Scheme:

The poem follows a consistent AABBC rhyme scheme, which lends a sense of
structure and musicality to the poem. The formal rhyme contrasts with the
poem’s theme of hidden turmoil, underscoring the tension between outward
appearances and inner feelings.

3. Alliteration:
Dunbar uses alliteration to create rhythm and emphasis. For example, in “We
wear the mask that grins and lies,” the repeated ‘w’ and ‘l’ sounds draw
attention to the act of wearing and lying, enhancing the emotional weight of
the deception.

4. Repetition:

The phrase “We wear the mask” is repeated throughout the poem,
emphasizing the universality of this experience of hiding emotions. This
repetition reinforces the idea that the mask is a constant and essential part
of life for the speaker and others.

5. Irony:

The poem contains deep irony, as the “grinning” mask that the speaker
describes contrasts with the inner suffering it conceals. While the world sees
a smile, the reality is pain and despair. The false sense of joy the mask
presents is far removed from the truth.

6. Personification:
Dunbar personifies the mask by giving it the ability to “grin” and “lie.” This
personification strengthens the idea that the mask has a life of its own,
forcing those who wear it to hide their pain behind a deceitful exterior.

7. Tone:

The tone of the poem is somber and resigned, reflecting both the sorrow of
the hidden pain and the necessity of enduring it. The speaker seems to
accept that wearing the mask is a form of survival, although it is clearly a
source of deep emotional strain.

8. Religious Imagery:

In the line “O great Christ, our cries / To thee from tortured souls arise,”
Dunbar invokes religious imagery. This plea to Christ suggests that while the
mask may hide emotions from the world, the inner pain is still visible to a
higher power, adding a layer of spiritual suffering and hope for redemption.

9. Contrast:

The poem contrasts the external and internal realities of the speaker.
Externally, there is the “grin” of the mask, while internally, there is “torn and
bleeding hearts.” This contrast highlights the disconnect between how
people appear and how they truly feel.
 10. Diction:

The diction in the poem is formal and elevated, using words like “guile,”
“vile,” and “subtleties,” which reflect the serious nature of the subject
matter. Dunbar’s choice of language enhances the weight of the emotions
being hidden and the gravity of the societal pressures faced.

Summary of Analysis

“We Wear the Mask” is a reflection on the need to conceal true feelings and
pain behind a mask of false contentment. It speaks to the universal human
experience of hiding suffering, but it also carries a strong resonance with the
specific experiences of African Americans who had to mask their pain under
the pressures of racism and oppression. Through metaphor, repetition, and
irony, Paul Laurence Dunbar conveys the emotional weight of living with this
constant deception and the toll it takes on the human spirit. The mask
represents both a survival tool and a burden that traps people in a cycle of
hiding their true selves.
THINGS FALL APART

Chapter 13 Summary and Analysis

In Chapter 13 of Things Fall Apart, a great tragedy strikes. During the funeral
of Ezeudu, a highly respected elder in Umuofia, Okonkwo’s gun accidentally
goes off, killing Ezeudu’s 16-year-old son. This is considered a crime against
the earth goddess, even though it was unintentional. According to Igbo
customs, Okonkwo must be exiled from the clan for seven years as
punishment. He and his family are forced to flee to his mother’s homeland in
Mbanta, and his compound is burned down by his fellow villagers as part of
the ritual cleansing for his crime.

Analysis:

This chapter marks a turning point in Okonkwo’s life. His exile is a major blow
to his ambitions and standing within the community.

The accident, though not his fault, is symbolic of Okonkwo’s tragic flaw—his
inability to escape his fate or the consequences of his actions.

The chapter also highlights the rigidness of Igbo customs and the deep
connection the community has with its traditions and religious beliefs.
Despite Okonkwo’s previous success, he is not immune to the laws of the
clan.
Chapter 24 Summary and Analysis

In Chapter 24, Okonkwo returns to Umuofia after seven years in exile. He is

disheartened to see that his village has changed significantly under British
colonial rule. Christian missionaries have gained influence, and many clan
members have converted to Christianity, weakening the unity of the clan.
Okonkwo’s anger and frustration grow as he sees his people becoming more
passive in the face of colonial oppression. At a meeting to discuss how to
respond to the increasing control of the colonial government, Okonkwo kills a
colonial messenger in an act of defiance.

Analysis:

Okonkwo’s return to Umuofia reveals how much the clan has changed in his
absence. The arrival of the missionaries and the colonizers has disrupted the
traditional Igbo way of life, which Okonkwo values deeply.

Okonkwo’s violent action in killing the messenger is a desperate attempt to

assert his authority and resist colonial domination. However, it is also an
impulsive act that further isolates him from the rest of the clan, who do not
support his approach.

This chapter illustrates the themes of change and resistance, as well as the
clash between traditional African culture and European colonization.
Okonkwo’s refusal to adapt or compromise leads to his ultimate downfall.
These chapters show the gradual unraveling of both Okonkwo’s personal life
and the traditional Igbo society, culminating in his tragic fate.