SQ English
1) What is the significance of the setting in "A Warning to the Curious"?
The setting in Seaburgh plays an important role in making the supernatural events feel more
realistic and unsettling. The town is described in great detail, giving the reader a clear picture of
important locations, such as the burial site of the crown. This realistic setting contrasts with
the supernatural elements, making them even more disturbing when they appear. The story also
has a feeling of nostalgia and melancholy, as the narrator recalls the town from his childhood.
The detailed description makes the ghostly presence of William Ager more believable and
adds to the horror. As the text states, “Seaburgh is described in a clear and detailed way... When
supernatural elements start to intrude, they become all the more unsettling.”【15】 This shows
how the setting builds tension and supports the story’s theme that some things should remain
undisturbed.
2) What is an important symbol in "Stability" by Philip K. Dick?
The glass globe in Stability is an important symbol representing the fragility of stability and the
consequences of change. The globe contains a cursed city that was sealed away because of its
wickedness. When Benton breaks the globe, he unknowingly unleashes chaos and destroys
Stability, proving that even small disruptions can have disastrous effects. The legend of the
city emphasizes that some things are meant to remain untouched, and disturbing them can
lead to destruction. The story states, “The Controller recounts a legend of a city so wicked that
God imprisoned it inside a glass globe forever.”【8】 This symbolizes how stability is often an
illusion—if disrupted, it cannot be restored.
3) What is the main conflict in "The Tower"?
The main conflict in The Tower is Caroline’s struggle against an unseen force pushing her
toward death. As soon as she arrives at the tower, she feels an unnatural compulsion to climb
it, even though she is afraid. When she reaches the top, she feels a sudden urge to jump, as if
something is controlling her actions. This creates suspense and mystery, making the reader
wonder if the tower itself holds a dark power or if Caroline is experiencing a psychological
struggle. The text describes her strange behavior, stating, “Without quite understanding why, she
feels compelled to climb up.”【8】 This moment suggests that Caroline is not entirely in control
of her actions, making the story’s ending even more unsettling.
4) How does "The Axe" show the theme of guilt?
In The Axe, the theme of guilt is shown through the narrator’s growing sense of unease after
firing W.S. Singlebury. Although the narrator was simply following orders, he begins to
feel increasingly disturbed as a terrible smell spreads through the office, symbolizing his guilt.
His unease turns into paranoia, and he becomes convinced that something is haunting him.
The story never explicitly states whether the haunting is real or a result of his guilt, but it is clear
that he cannot escape the consequences of his actions. The text states, “The problem of damp
smells becomes markedly worse.”【8】 This suggests that his guilt is manifesting physically,
showing how ignoring one’s conscience can have lasting psychological effects.
5) How does the form of "Song" by Lady Mary Wroth relate to its theme?
The form of Song by Lady Mary Wroth helps reinforce its theme of love’s deceptive nature.
The poem follows a rhyming couplet structure, making love sound smooth and beautiful, even
though the words warn against it. This contrast reflects how love appears charming at first
but can lead to pain and regret. The structured rhythm mirrors how love follows a predictable
cycle—attractive at first but ultimately disappointing. The poet writes, “His desires have no
measure; / Endless folly is his treasure.”【9】 This suggests that love is endless in its foolishness
and never truly satisfying, reinforcing the idea that love can be dangerous and misleading.
6) How does "The Poplar-Field" show longing for the past?
In The Poplar-Field, the speaker expresses sadness over the loss of nature and youth. The
poem reflects on a place that was once full of tall poplar trees, but they have now been cut
down. This symbolizes the passage of time and the speaker’s aging, as he realizes that his own
youth is fading just like the trees. The connection between nature and human life emphasizes
how nothing lasts forever. The speaker mourns this loss, stating, “Twelve years have elapsed
since I first took a view / Of my favorite field.”【9】 This highlights the theme of nostalgia, as the
speaker realizes that both nature and happiness are temporary
7) How are men depicted in "If Thou Must Love Me" by Elizabeth Barrett
Browning?
In If Thou Must Love Me, men are portrayed as conditional lovers, meaning they often love
women for shallow and temporary reasons. The poet criticizes how men fall in love based
on physical appearance or personality traits, which can change over time. Instead, she argues
that love should be based on something deeper and lasting. She does not want to be loved for
her looks or behavior but rather for love itself. The poet warns, “Do not say ‘I love her for her
smile … her look … her way.’”【9】 This suggests that true love should not be based on
fleeting qualities, but on something unchanging and unconditional.
How does Distant Fields/ANZAC Parade show the legacy of war?
Distant Fields/ANZAC Parade shows that war does not truly end, as its effects stay with
soldiers and society. The poem describes an ANZAC Day parade, where old soldiers march to
remember their fallen friends. But instead of showing war as something brave or heroic, the
poem focuses on how it still affects the soldiers' minds. The line, “the war / still going on
inside their heads”, shows that even though the fighting is over, the memories of war never
leave them. Many soldiers suffer from trauma and painful memories. The poem also
compares the quiet suburban street to the battlefields of war, showing how much their past
experiences still affect them today. This makes the reader understand that war leaves deep
scars, not just on battlefields, but in the hearts and minds of those who lived through it.
