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8.1 Solitude Answers To Slides

The document analyzes Ella Wheeler Wilcox's poem 'Solitude,' focusing on themes such as the personification of the world in relation to happiness, the nature of echoes in response to joy, and the concept of solitude versus loneliness. It discusses the implications of success and giving, the solitary experience of pain, and the effectiveness of the poem's title. The document also debates whether 'Loneliness' would have been a more appropriate title, highlighting the differences between solitude as a choice and loneliness as an involuntary state.

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51 views1 page

8.1 Solitude Answers To Slides

The document analyzes Ella Wheeler Wilcox's poem 'Solitude,' focusing on themes such as the personification of the world in relation to happiness, the nature of echoes in response to joy, and the concept of solitude versus loneliness. It discusses the implications of success and giving, the solitary experience of pain, and the effectiveness of the poem's title. The document also debates whether 'Loneliness' would have been a more appropriate title, highlighting the differences between solitude as a choice and loneliness as an involuntary state.

Uploaded by

fanisa.moagi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Solitude Ella Wheeler Wilcox

1. Comment on the personification in stanza 1. (3)


(the world ‘laughs’ – when you are happy the world around you is happy. The
earth also “borrows” mirth – joy/humour – there are enough sadnesses/problems.
The hills “answer” your happiness – literally an echo and figuratively like the earth
“laughing” with you. NOT AT YOU! The echoes “shrink” back from
issues/problems/worries.)

2. Describe the reaction of the ‘echoes’ (line 7) to the prompts given. (2)
(In reaction to the ‘joyful sound’ the echoes will repeat the sound eagerly.
However, there will be no reaction is the sound is not happy – expression of
‘care’, concern or worry.)

3. What does “shrink” mean as used in line 8? (2)


(pull back – the world will not share your problems/issues/cares.)

4. Suggest a possible example of “life’s gall”. (2)


(sadness, poverty, loneliness – all things that make us bitter.)

5. Why does the speaker suggest that “pain” is travelled through “narrow
aisles”? (2)
(Narrow aisles are confined – not enough space for more than one person at
a time. When we suffer, we do so alone. We must learn to create our own
happiness.)

6. Paraphrase and explain the line: “Succeed and give, and it helps you live.” (3)
(A person who succeeds in life and then shares his good fortune with others,
will derive must joy from the act of giving. They will have a more rewarding life.
Their life will be better.)

7. Discuss the effectiveness of the title of the poem in relation to its contents. (3)
(Although solitude can mean loneliness, it is not always a bad thing. However,
as made clear in this poem, people will only be with you if you are happy. We
are alone in our sorrows and misfortunes. We also die alone – solitary/ in
solitude. An appropriate title. Solitude is a choice. Unhappiness/loneliness is
not a choice.)

8. Is the speaker in this overly cynical? Discuss your opinion. (3)


(I believe so – not all people are as ‘mean’ and uncaring as she states. Think
of your own best friend – there for you in good times and bad??)

9. Would “Loneliness” have been a better title for the poem? Discuss your
answer and make reference to the connotations/denotations of both words
(solitude and loneliness) in your answer. (3)
(Perhaps a better choice. Loneliness is not a choice, just like to person would
CHOOSE to be left alone in their worst times. Solitude is a chosen state. Not
necessarily a bad thing.)

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