Read this extract from Mariana, and then answer the question that follows it: And ever when the moon was low, And the shrill winds were up and away, In the white curtain, to and fro, She saw the gusty shadow sway. But when the moon was very low, And wild winds bound within their cell, The shadow of the poplar fell Upon her bed, across her brow. She only said, 'The night is dreary, He cometh not,' she said; She said, 'I am aweary, aweary, I would that I were dead!' All day within the dreamy house, The doors upon their hinges creak'd; The blue fly sung in the pane; the mouse Behind the mouldering wainscot shriek'd, Or from the crevice peer'd about. Old faces glimmer'd thro' the doors, Old footsteps trod the upper floors, Old voices call'd her from without. She only said, 'My life is dreary, He cometh not,' she said; She said, 'I am aweary, aweary, I would that I were dead!' The sparrow's chirrup on the roof, The slow clock ticking, and the sound Which to the wooing wind aloof The poplar made, did all confound Her sense; but most she loathed the hour When the thick-moted sunbeam lay Athwart the chambers, and the day Was sloping toward his western bower. Then, said she, 'I am very dreary He will not come,' she said; She wept, 'I am aweary, aweary, O God, that I were dead!' How does Tennyson make these lines so sad?
- (a)How does Tennyson make these lines so sad?[25]
Mark scheme
Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2012). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- [AO1] show detailed knowledge of the content of literary texts
- [AO2] understand the meanings of literary texts and their context, and explore texts beyond surface meaning to show deeper awareness of ideas and attitudes
- [AO3] recognise and appreciate ways in which writers use language, structure, and form to create and shape meanings and effects
- [AO4] communicate a sensitive and informed personal response
- [Band 2 - general] Sustains a perceptive, convincing and relevant personal response; shows a clear critical understanding of the text; responds sensitively and in detail to the way the writer achieves her/his effects (sustaining a convincing voice in an empathic task); integrates much well-selected reference to the text.
Write your answer and get it marked
On Oracle Prep you can write or photograph your own answer and have it marked by AI against this mark scheme, with feedback on what you missed.
Sign up free →