Part B: Appreciating Poetry

Metaphor, Simile & Imagery:

Metaphor:
A metaphor is a figure of speech where one thing is described as being another, even though it's not literally true. It helps create a comparison by saying one thing is something else, highlighting a deeper meaning. Metaphors don't use "like" or "as."

Example:

• "Life is a river flowing fast" – This metaphor compares life to a river, implying that life moves continuously and sometimes unpredictably, just like a fast-moving river.

Simile:
A simile is a comparison between two things using the words "like" or "as". It’s used to make descriptions more vivid by comparing one thing to another in a way that the reader can easily visualize.

Example:

• "As smooth as the morning breeze" – This simile compares the flow of life to the smoothness of the morning breeze, suggesting calmness and ease.
• "Like a sunset fading from the sky" – This simile compares death to the quiet fading of a sunset, highlighting its peacefulness and inevitability.

Imagery:
Imagery refers to the use of descriptive language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell). It helps create vivid pictures in the reader's mind, allowing them to feel, see, or hear what the author is describing.

Example:

• "A soft star shining in the night" – This imagery evokes a peaceful, calming image of a star, often representing hope or light even in dark times.
• "Death is a shadow at the end of the day" – This image helps the reader visualize death as something calm and ever-present, quietly waiting at the end of life.

Together, these literary devices enrich a poem or text by deepening meaning, enhancing mood, and creating a more vivid and emotional experience for the reader.

a) Answer the following Questions:              2×5=10

i. What does the poem compare life to?

• Answer: The poem compares life to a fast-flowing river, symbolizing the swift and continuous passage of time from birth to death.

ii. How is death described in the poem?

• Answer: Death is described as a shadow at the end of the day and as something that comes quietly and without a cry, suggesting that it is peaceful and inevitable.

iii. What imagery is used to depict the arrival of death?

• Answer: The poem uses the imagery of "a sunset fading from the sky" and "a shadow at the end of the day" to depict the quiet and natural arrival of death.

iv. What positive aspect of death is mentioned in the poem?

• Answer: The positive aspect of death mentioned in the poem is the presence of light, as described in "a soft star shining in the night", symbolizing hope or peace after death.

v. How does the poem suggest that life and death are connected?

• Answer: The poem suggests that life and death are connected by stating that they are "hand in hand", implying that they are both essential parts of the natural cycle and balance of life.

b) Read the poem again, and identify 3 metaphors and 2 similes used in the poem. Then explain the purpose of their uses.                       2×5=10

Answer: 

Here are 3 metaphors and 2 similes from the poem "The Cycle of Life" by J. Keppler:

Metaphors:

1. "Life is a river flowing fast"
   This metaphor compares life to a fast-moving river. It suggests that life moves quickly, continuously, and can be unpredictable, just like a river that never stops flowing.

2. "Death is a shadow at the end of the day"
   In this metaphor, death is compared to a shadow that appears as the day ends. It implies that death is a natural part of the cycle of life, quietly waiting as the end of life approaches.

3. "A soft star shining in the night"
   This metaphor compares death or the afterlife to a soft star shining in the night. It suggests that even in the darkness of death, there is a gentle light, symbolizing hope or peace.

Similes:

1. "As smooth as the morning breeze"
   This simile compares the movement of life to the smoothness of the morning breeze. It gives a sense of calmness and ease in the flow of life, suggesting that it can be gentle and peaceful.

2. "Like a sunset fading from the sky"
   This simile compares death to a sunset fading from the sky. It portrays death as something quiet and inevitable, happening naturally and beautifully, much like a sunset.

c) Read the poem again and express your feelings.

Answer: 

After reading the poem "The Cycle of Life", I feel calm and at peace. The poem compares life to a fast-flowing river, which reminds me that life moves quickly, and we don’t always notice how fast time goes by.

The way death is described as a shadow or a sunset makes it feel less scary and more like a natural part of life. It shows that death is quiet and peaceful, just like the end of the day.

The image of a soft star shining at night gives me hope, showing that even after death, there is still light. The poem helps me see that life and death are connected and are both important parts of the world. Overall, it makes me feel more relaxed about the idea of life and death.

5. You know that energy supply is crucial for daily life and economic development. Load shedding, or the intentional reduction of electrical power supply, can have significant impacts on various aspects of life. Reflect on the issue of load shedding in your locality or country and write a paragraph discussing 'The Impacts of Load Shedding'.     10

By paying attention to the following features, you can write the paragraph which will be clear, well-organized, and effective in conveying your ideas:

• Your paragraph should start with the topic sentence.
• The paragraph should focus on a single idea or theme.
• The paragraph should flow logically from one idea to the next.
• Include specific details rather than vague or general statements.

Answer: 

The Impacts of Load Shedding

Load shedding, the planned interruption of electricity, has significant effects on daily life and the economy. It disrupts households, making essential tasks like cooking, studying, and working difficult, as most devices require electricity. At night, we cannot sleep because of the unbearable heat, as fans and air conditioners stop working. Businesses face production delays and financial losses when machines and computers stop working. In hospitals, the situation is more critical as life-saving equipment needs a constant power supply. While some larger institutions have backup generators, smaller clinics may not, putting patients at risk. Students also struggle, especially at night, without light or internet access, making it hard to study or complete assignments. Additionally, communication networks like mobile towers and internet services are affected, disconnecting people and hampering online work. Overall, load shedding causes widespread inconvenience, slows down economic activities, disrupts education, and can even threaten lives in healthcare settings.