Question 9
Comment on the poet’s use of pun on ‘home’ in A Government Driver on his Retirement
Observation
This was a popular question as the figure of speech seems to be a familiar one. However, most candidates were unable to relate the usage of this figure of speech to the theme of the poem.
Candidates were expected to discuss the following:
- Identification of the theme of moderation
- Definition/Explanation of pun and ‘home’ – connotatively and denotatively.
- ‘Home’ as a ‘house where one lives’: In stanza 1, ‘home’ is seen as the place where the government driver sets out for work for 35 years.
- ‘Home’ as ‘retirement’: In stanza 2, ‘home’ is used in reference to the government driver’s retiring from service.
- ‘Home’ as ‘death’
Candidates’ efforts were commendable.
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