Meeting at night
Task C - Sound Symbolism
Below we provide a version of the poem with some stretches highlighted.
These are the parts we think contain sound symbolism within them.
For each marked section, (i) work out what is being
symbolised and by what words and (ii) what appropriate pronunciation features
are involved in the sound symbolism. Then click on the highlighted
stretch to get our commentary.
The grey sea and the long black land;
And the yellow half-moon large
and low;
And the startled little waves that leap
In fiery ringlets from their sleep,
As I gain the cove with pushing prow,
And quench its speed i' the slushy sand.
Then a mile of warm sea-scented beaches;
Three fields to cross till a farm appears;
A tap at the pane, a quick sharp scratch
And the blue spurt of a lighted match,
And a voice less loud, thro'
its joys and fears,
Then the two hearts beating each to each!
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