Question 11
Examine the rural setting of Birches.
Observation
A good number of candidates attempted this question but could not grasp the demands of the question.
Candidates were expected to discuss the following points:
- The theme of resilience in human endeavours as exemplified by the birches.
- Explanation/ Definition of setting: rural/ pastoral/countryside.
- Birches are so resilient that even when weighed down by ice, they are found ‘trailing their leaves on the ground.
- Their resilience attracts the poet, especially in times of crises.
- Their ability to swing up and down inspires the poet to feel that he too can do away with his problems through a form of escapism, but not for long.
Candidates’ performance was fair.