Poetry Context & Essay Questions and Answers
1) Provided Question and Answers
1) “The howling dog by the door of the house,
The bat that lies in bed at noon,
All love to be out by the light of the moon.”
a) What kind of noise is ‘howling’? (1 mark)
- The word ‘howling’ refers to a long, loud, mournful cry typically made by dogs or wolves. It
indicates loneliness or a call to other animals.
b) Who are the nocturnal animals mentioned in the extract? (2 marks)
- The nocturnal animals mentioned in the extract are the dog and the bat.
c) How is the moon portrayed in these lines and what is the theme highlighted here? (3
marks)
- The moon is portrayed as a source of attraction and activity for nocturnal animals. It is
depicted as a guiding light that draws the creatures out at night. The theme highlighted here
is the contrast between day and night and how different creatures are drawn to different
times of the day.
d) Identify a poetic device and briefly explain the effect it has on the reader. (4 marks)
- Poetic device: Alliteration (e.g., “howling dog” and “bat that lies in bed”).
Effect: The repetition of consonant sounds creates a musical rhythm and helps emphasize
the imagery of the night scene.
2) What is the role of the moon depicted in the poem? Support your answer with evidence
from the poem. (20 marks)
- The moon is depicted as a guiding presence and a source of light that influences nocturnal
behavior. It symbolizes a time of awakening for night creatures like the bat and the dog,
who are active by its light. The moon also represents tranquility and calmness in the night.
It allows these animals to perform their usual activities under its subtle light, unlike the
harsh sunlight of day.
2) Sample Question and Answers
1) “The wind whispered through the trees,
The stars twinkled in the sky above.
All seemed still, except the moving leaves.”
a) What kind of sound does the word ‘whispered’ refer to? (1 mark)
- The word ‘whispered’ refers to a soft and gentle sound made when speaking in low tones,
implying a calm atmosphere.
b) Identify two poetic devices used in the extract. (2 marks)
- The two poetic devices are personification ('wind whispered') and alliteration ('moving
leaves').
c) What mood is created in these lines? (3 marks)
- The mood created is one of calmness and tranquility, as if nature is at peace.
d) What is the effect of using personification in these lines? (4 marks)
- Personification gives life to the wind, making it seem like it has a gentle, whispering voice.
This effect makes the scene feel more vivid and serene.
