This Winter Coming- Karen Press

Karen Press was born in

• Cape Town, South Africa.

• Durban, South Africa.

What is the surface level meaning of the poem?

• The surface level meaning of the poem is the historical context in which it was written
• This poem, on its surface level, seems to be about the

  people’s fear about the impending Winter.

• The surface level meaning of the poem is the literal interpretation of the words and images used in the poem, without delving into deeper symbolism or metaphorical meanings.
• The surface level meaning of the poem is the author's personal experiences and emotions

What does the poem serve as a metaphor for?

• This poem is an

  extended metaphor for the current and coming

  violence in the country

• The poem serves as a metaphor for car maintenance.
• The poem serves as a metaphor for computer programming.
• The poem serves as a metaphor for the human experience.

Structure of the poem is?

• The structure of the poem refers to the emotional impact it has on the reader
• This poem consists of 5 stanzas of differing lengths. Each stanza deals with a different aspect of the situation.

  Each section is linked by the refrain: “who is not frightened?” This repetition/anaphora highlights the point that everyone fears what might happen

• The structure of the poem refers to the organization and arrangement of its lines, stanzas, and overall form.
• The structure of the poem refers to the author's biography and personal experiences

Comment on the poet’s choice of the word “thick” in line 1.

• The word 'thick' in line 1 indicates a thin, light rain.
• The word 'thick' in line 1 implies a smooth, gentle rain.
• The word 'thick' in line 1 suggests a heavy, textured rain, like a blanket.
• The word 'thick' in line 1 conveys a dry, arid rain.

How does line 2 create an ominous tone? Refer to the extended metaphor in your answer.

• The extended metaphor creates a hopeful and optimistic tone by suggesting that things will improve soon.
• The extended metaphor creates a humorous and lighthearted tone by comparing the situation to a winter wonderland.
• The extended metaphor creates a peaceful and serene tone by evoking images of a calm and tranquil winter scene.
• The extended metaphor of figurative winter and oppression creates an ominous tone by suggesting that things will only get worse before they get better, with a possible allusion to violence or uprising against the oppression.

Who is the speaker addressing in line 3? What is the effect of this address?

• The government officials. The effect is to create fear and intimidation.
• No one in particular. The effect is to create confusion and ambiguity.
• Only the Resistance members. The effect is to create a sense of exclusivity and elitism.
• All South Africans. The effect is to create a sense of collective responsibility and concern for the Resistance and the violence in response to oppression.

How is a sense of violence portrayed in lines 4-5?

• The sense of violence is portrayed through the description of the sea as calm and peaceful, indicating a serene ocean.
• The sense of violence is portrayed through the description of the sea as 'swollen, churning in still waves,' indicating a calm and tranquil ocean.
• The sense of violence is portrayed through the description of the sea as 'swollen, churning in broken waves,' indicating a destructive and dangerous ocean.
• The sense of violence is portrayed through the description of the sea as 'swollen, churning in gentle waves,' indicating a peaceful and safe ocean.

Comment on the inclusion of the word “shroud” in line 7.

• The word 'shroud' intensifies the feelings of fear, anger, and helplessness in the face of the weather conditions.
• The word 'shroud' symbolizes joy and excitement in the face of the weather conditions.
• The word 'shroud' refers to a type of boat traditionally used in rough weather conditions.
• The word 'shroud' represents a sense of peace and tranquility in the face of the weather conditions.

Suggest a reason why people would fear winter? Refer to the literal meaning of the word.

• People fear winter because it is the time for warm clothing and cozy fires
• People fear winter because it is the season of joy and happiness
• People fear winter because it is the time for outdoor activities and fun
• People living in inadequate housing or without shelter may fear winter because they are exposed to the cold and wet weather, which can lead to illness and even death.