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This is a particularly challenging poem and questions like this are typical for entrance exams from the 13 Plus and up.
Section B
Q1.
‘From my wings’ portrays the cloud as an angelic figure. This deification of the cloud implies it is sent from heaven perhaps to imply it is beneficent and beautiful. Beneficent because from its wings are ‘shaken the dews’ which replenish the earth and beautiful because angels are associated with beauty.
The personification of the cloud as laughing (‘and laugh) imply it is playful and also evokes the sound of thunder rumbling in bursts.
The idea that the cloud is the ‘daughter of Earth and Water’ implies that it is one of the most primaeval elements. The Greeks believed in Gods which represented the basic elements such as earth. These Gods were the earliest and among the most powerful. This description then implies that the clouds are one of the most powerful and influential natural forces, giving rise to many other elements on earth.
The description has a riddling tone which creates a sense of mystery about the cloud. The phrase ‘I cannot die’ implies that the cloud is eternal, and the use of the negative ‘cannot’ presents it as impervious to death. It will ‘change’ or reform but always ‘arise’ again.
Guidance
Just like last week, I’ve written out my answers in bullet point format. One bullet for each quotation. This isn’t just to make it easier for you to read. This is how I would recommend students structure their answer to this questions so they can easily double check they have one to two specific comments about each phrase.
The key to success is to make comments as specific as possible. For each line, consider whether you can comment on an idea, image or emotion.
Q2.
'I bring fresh showers for the thirsting flowers'. The phrase 'thirsting flowers' suggests that the flowers on earth depend and eagerly wait for the rain to pour from the cloud. 'Fresh showers' implies that the cloud is raining heavily to renew and maintain the life of the flowers.
'I wield the flail of the lashing hail'. The image of the cloud 'lashing hail' combined with the description of the cloud whipping the earth presents it as powerful. The verb 'wield' has connotations of power and suggests that the cloud uses the hail as a weapon to show its dominance and power.
‘Like a ghost from the tomb’ presents the cloud as capable of resurrecting itself. It emphasises its eternal and enduring nature.
‘I arise and unbuild it again.’ The verb ‘arise’ evokes the feeling of the cloud rising triumphantly from the dead, and the phrase ‘unbuild it again’ suggests the cloud is going to once again reform and pour from the heavens. It also evokes an audacious tone as it suggests the cloud will undo the hard work done by the sun and the winds.
Guidance
Again, use bullet points and show the examiner you’re carefully considering each bit of description in turn.
Choose lines you feel you understand well and which are emotive, allowing you to comment on the tone or personality of the cloud like I model.
Q3.
The cloud is changeable. Sometimes it is showing its power and dominance (‘I wield the flail of the lashing hail’) and freezing the fields (‘whiten the green plains under’), and at other times it is restoring or bringing new life (‘from my wings are shaken the dews that waken’) to the earth. The cloud is presented as both life giving and destructive, generous and malicious.
Generous as when it releases its waters. The language used suggests the cloud is like an angel, ‘from my wings’, a benevolent being, and then generous as implied in the phrase ‘dews that waken’. ‘Waken’ implies the cloud restores or revives the earth. It also brings ‘fresh showers for the thirsting flowers’. The phrase ‘fresh showers’ suggests the rain is revitalising and the description of the flowers as ‘thirsting’ implies the flowers depend upon and eagerly await the cloud’s rainfall.
Then in contrast, it is described as destructive as when it is personified as wielding a whip. The verb ‘wield’ carries connotations of power and subjugation, which suggests that the cloud bears down ‘the lashing hail’ in an oppressive and domineering way. It also ‘whiten[s] the green plains under’ and the image evoked is one of green pastures smothered, frozen in snow.
But then after the cloud says, ‘I dissolve it (the snow) again’ emphasising its ever fluctuating temperament. It freezes but then unfreezes.
Guidance
For this question, I would recommend writing in paragraphs but think carefully about the overall structure of your response.
My first paragraph serves as an introduction, the next focusses on the cloud’s benevolent nature and the third on its destructive nature. Finally, there is a conclusion.
It is suggested to use a minimum of 5 to 6 quotations. It’s better if these are short and to the point supporting your opinions of the cloud’s personality.
It is also a good idea to remind yourself that the question is about the cloud’s personality. Use words like ‘personality’, ‘temperament’ and ‘character’ as well as the phrase ‘The cloud is presented as’; this will ensure you are making specific comments which directly address the question.
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