A Poem of Return

Why does the speaker not want flowers upon his return?

• He does not like the smell of flowers.

• He prefers chocolates over flowers.

• He is allergic to flowers.

• He feels guilty about fleeing his country while others stayed behind to fight.

What does the speaker want instead of flowers? Why?

• Tears, hunger, and mourning to remember the reason for his exile.

• Food and drinks to enjoy the party.

• Books and music to entertain himself.

• Money and gifts to celebrate his return.

Comment on the description of the speaker’s 'host country' as the 'land of exile and silence'.

• It symbolizes a nation of progress and development.

• It represents a land of peace and tranquility.

• It indicates a country full of celebrations and noise.

• It signifies a place where the speaker felt isolated and unheard.

Identify and comment on the effectiveness of the figure of speech in 'tears of dawns'.

• Personification - portraying dawn as a weeping witness to tragedies.

• Simile - comparing dawn to tears falling from the sky.

• Metaphor - describing dawn as a bright light in the sky.

• Hyperbole - exaggerating the sadness of dawn.

Why are the mothers 'bereft of sons' (line 8)?

• Their sons were imprisoned or killed, leaving them deprived.

• Their sons were studying abroad, making them proud.

• Their sons were successful in business, making them happy.

• Their sons were traveling the world, making them worried.

Interpret the metaphor of the 'land of exile and silence' in the context of the speaker's experiences.

• It represents a place of peace and solitude for the speaker.

• It symbolizes the isolation and lack of voice the speaker felt in the host country.

• It signifies the speaker's love for the quiet environment of the host country.

• It indicates the speaker's desire to stay in the host country forever.

Why does the speaker feel guilty about receiving flowers upon his return?

• He believes flowers are a waste of money.

• He thinks flowers are too extravagant for him.

• He feels undeserving of gifts after leaving his country in turmoil.

• He is allergic to certain types of flowers.