Analysing 'A Wife in London' | Exit Quiz | Oak National Academy

Which methods come under the term 'figurative language?

• simile

• repetition

• metaphor

• personification

Answer explanation

Simile, metaphor and personification are all example of figurative language which help describe something to the reader but are not literally true in what they say.

What is the effect of pathetic fallacy in 'A Wife in London' by Hardy?

• creates a foreboding atmosphere

• creates the impression the wife is isolated

• created the impression the wife is sad

Answer explanation

The use of the pathetic fallacy in "tawny vapours" and "the fog hangs thicker" creates a foreboding and ominous atmosphere and could show how alone and cut off the wife feels.

Which quotation from 'A Wife in London' suggests a false hope and emphasises the waste of life lost in war?

• "The postman nears and goes:"

• "In the summer weather"

• "The street-lamp glimmers cold."

Answer explanation

The image of the “summer weather”, taken from the soldier's letter, could reflect the soldier’s hopes for a bright future with his wife, once he returns from war.

What could the regular and predictable rhyme scheme used in 'A Wife in London' show?

• the wife's shock at the news of her loss

• the inevitability of loss in war

• the poem's universality

Answer explanation

The poem’s consistent and therefore predictable rhyme scheme reflects the inevitability of loss in war.

Using third person gives 'A Wife in London' a feeling of ...

Answer explanation

The use of third person perspective creates a detached tone and gives the poem universality.

What might the use of punctuation in this line from 'A Wife in London' show: "He - has fallen - in the far South Land …"?

• the robotic nature of the delivery of the news

• the wife’s shock as she struggles to process the devastating news

• the wife’s isolation and loneliness

Answer explanation

The poet’s use of punctuation could represent the wife reading the telegram, dreading the next word to come. It could also reflect the robotic nature of the delivery of the news - via telegram. The ellipsis may represent her shock at the news