Explain how the poet uses language to present the speaker’s relationship with the farmer in lines 11–14.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme. The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Award 1 mark for identification of language/feature and 1 mark for explanation of how it presents the relationship.
2. For example: The imagery of ‘his body steaming’ implies closeness/intimacy/vulnerability and highlights the speaker’s keen observation.
3. For example: The phrase ‘he let me follow him’ suggests the farmer’s acceptance/trust and the speaker’s desire to learn/observe.
4. For example: The detail about the farmer ‘pulling his coat collar high’ suggests a defensive/reserved nature but he still permits the speaker's presence, indicating a developing connection.