Or 4 How does Constantine powerfully convey the desire to see dolphins in Watching for Dolphins? Watching for Dolphins In the summer months on every crossing to Piraeus One noticed that certain passengers soon rose From seats in the packed saloon and with serious Looks and no acknowledgement of a common purpose Passed forward through the small door into the bows To watch for dolphins. One saw them lose 5 Every other wish. Even the lovers Turned their desires on the sea, and a fat man Hung with equipment to photograph the occasion Stared like a saint, through sad bi-focals; others, Hopeless themselves, looked to the children for they 10 Would see dolphins if anyone would. Day after day Or on their last opportunity all gazed Undecided whether a flat calm were favourable Or a sea the sun and the wind between them raised To a likeness of dolphins. Were gulls a sign, that fell 15 Screeching from the sky or over an unremarkable place Sat in a silent school? Every face After its character implored the sea. All, unaccustomed, wanted epiphany, Praying the sky would clang and the abused Aegean 20 Reverberate with cymbal, gong and drum. We could not imagine more prayer, and had they then On the waves, on the climax of our longing come Smiling, snub-nosed, domed like satyrs, oh We should have laughed and lifted the children up 25 Stranger to stranger, pointing how with a leap They left their element, three or four times, centred On grace, and heavily and warm re-entered, Looping the keel. We should have felt them go 30 Further and further into the deep parts. But soon We were among the great tankers, under their chains In black water. We had not seen the dolphins But woke, blinking. Eyes cast down With no admission of disappointment the company 35 Dispersed and prepared to land in the city. (David Constantine)
- How does Constantine powerfully convey the desire to see dolphins in Watching for Dolphins?[25]
Mark scheme
Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- Marking for this paper is based on generic level descriptors, not specific point-based criteria. Questions are assessed holistically across a mark range (0-25). The following criteria describe a top-level (Level 8) response:
- [25] demonstrates knowledge by incorporating well-selected reference to the text skilfully and with flair (AO1).
- [25] sustains a critical understanding of the text showing individuality and insight (AO2).
- [25] responds sensitively and in considerable detail to the way the writer achieves her/his effects (AO3).
- [25] sustains personal and evaluative engagement with task and text (AO4).
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