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O-LevelLiterature in EnglishPoetry2010/12 · Oct/Nov 2016 · Q625 Marks

How does Wordsworth vividly communicate feelings of joy in 'She Was a Phantom of Delight'? 'She Was a Phantom of Delight' She was a Phantom of delight When first she gleamed upon my sight; A lovely Apparition, sent To be a moment's ornament; Her eyes as stars of Twilight fair; Like Twilight's, too, her dusky hair; But all things else about her drawn From May-time and the chearful Dawn; A dancing Shape, an Image gay, To haunt, to startle, and way-lay. I saw her upon nearer view, A Spirit, yet a Woman too! Her household motions light and free, And steps of virgin liberty; A countenance in which did meet Sweet records, promises as sweet; A Creature not too bright or good For human nature's daily food; For transient sorrows, simple wiles, Praise, blame, love, kisses, tears, and smiles. And now I see with eye serene The very pulse of the machine; A Being breathing thoughtful breath; A Traveller betwixt life and death; The reason firm, the temperate will, Endurance, foresight, strength and skill; A perfect Woman; nobly planned, To warn, to comfort, and command; And yet a Spirit still, and bright With something of an angel light. (William Wordsworth)

  1. (a)How does Wordsworth vividly communicate feelings of joy in 'She Was a Phantom of Delight'?[25]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2016). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [25-23] Sustains personal engagement with task and text; sustains a critical understanding of the text showing individuality and insight; responds sensitively and in detail to the way the writer achieves effects; incorporates well-selected reference to the text skilfully and with flair.

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About this question

Topic
Poetry, O-Level Literature in English (syllabus 2010). Structured question, 25 marks.
Source
O-Level Literature in English, Oct/Nov 2016 Paper 1 Variant 2, question 6.

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