What is the function of the motif of fallen leaves in "Spring and Fall"?
A.
It promises renewal of the speaker's hopes.
B.
It points out the child's misunderstanding.
C.
It sets the autumn scene.
D.
It conveys a theme of loss and death.
And you think the answer is ... ?
Is this the poem?
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/173665
To determine the function of the motif of fallen leaves in the poem "Spring and Fall," we need to analyze the text.
In "Spring and Fall" by Gerard Manley Hopkins, the speaker is addressing a young girl named Margaret and reflecting on her reaction to the falling leaves in autumn. The speaker observes Margaret's sadness and acknowledges that as she grows older, she will come to understand that the falling leaves represent the cycle of life and death.
The correct answer in this case is option D. The motif of fallen leaves in the poem conveys a theme of loss and death. By using the imagery of fallen leaves, Hopkins symbolizes the mortality and the transience of life. The leaves falling in autumn signify the passing of time and the inevitability of death.
To arrive at this answer, it is important to read and analyze the poem carefully, paying attention to the repeated mention of fallen leaves and the speaker's observations about Margaret's reaction to them. Understanding the context and symbolism within the poem helps uncover the deeper meaning and function of the motif.