Hello,
I am practicing personal responses to text, the poem I'm responding is called "When I was one-and twenty" by A.E.Housen. The question I must discuss is : " How does the text suggest that are choices affect the person we become?"
I know some of the tutors here are retired English teachers so I'd really appreciate the feedback :-D
Thank you!!
Good Duke, there is no need to spend this much money!” The Baroness exclaims as I proceed to but the Baroness another brooch exported from Asia.
“My dear Baroness, money is hardly a problem! No amount of money is too much for you,” I reply, hoping the Baroness is impressed by the amount of wealth I possess.
“Mmm….but surely you don’t expect me to take all of this back to London! My brother will scold me for taking advantage of his dearest friend.”
“How is buying trifles taking advantage of me? I am too quick to be outsmarted by anyone in Britain! Look how lovely that brooch looks on you! Now please be kind as to accept this brooch as a token of my affections.”
“You are too kind, my dear Duke,” the Baroness replied and gestured to the servant next to her to take the brooch away from me, I hear the Baroness mumble to me,” I heard from the ladies in London that this town has the best pearl necklaces in all of Britain.”
“Of course, my dear lady, this fair town has some of the best jewellers in the duchy. I think it would be foolish of me to send you back home without one of these famous necklaces.” I declare to her, “ Wait for me here, my good lady, and I’ll fetch one for you from the best jeweller in town!”
As I approach the jeweller’s shop, I notice an old man wobbling next to me. He wore the rags of the many beggars in this town.In a dismissive tone, I say to the beggar, “ Leave, I have nothing for you.”
The beggar’s response was so surprising that I stop in my tracks. With a laugh, I turn around and ask the old man, “ And what do YOU have to offer, old man?”
“Advice.” The old man replied.Looking back I realized that his face was worn with wisdom. A fool I was back then.
“Why would I take advice from someone like you?” I retort, as I start to turn away.
“You’re making a mistake, boy, by giving that lady your affections and your crowns and pounds.” Once again, his response startled me that I stopped to listen
The man continued “ You’ll find yourself paid back with sighs of regret!”
I scoff at him and as I walk into the store, I call out, “ Don’t expect that your prophecies are going to get any money from me!”
The man’s “prophecy” did come turn out to be true. After the Baroness left, I tried to contact her and her family, but it was a vain effort. Looking back, I feel anger at how the Baroness took advantage of me and left me a bitter man , unable to trust anyone. Had I taken the wise man’s advice, I may have been a more happier and a better person.
If this violates the site's policy in any way, please give me a warning and delete it :O
First, the poet is A. E. Houseman. Get his name right. The poem is untitled and known more formally as XIII from A SHROPSHIRE LAD (1896). If your assignment was to create a story based on the poem's theme, you did so. I'm not sure what your "response" was to be. You need to clean up your language. Just for example, "The man's 'prophecy' did come turn out to be true." ...did turn out to be true... or did come to be true...NOT come turn out. Look for other redundancies or awkward phrasing. Also make sure you use one tense throughout. "The man continued...(past)" "I scoff at him...(present)"
thanks
Hello!
Analyzing how a text suggests that choices impact the person we become is an essential aspect of literary analysis. To discuss how A.E. Housen's poem "When I was one-and twenty" conveys this idea, you can follow a few steps:
1. Begin by providing a brief overview of the poem. Summarize the key points and the overall theme of the poem.
For example, you can mention that the poem explores the speaker's reflection on the choices made at the age of twenty-one and the consequences those choices had on their life.
2. Highlight specific lines or stanzas that showcase the speaker's regret or realization about the impact of their choices. These lines will help support your analysis.
For instance, one particular line in the poem states, "And I am two-and-twenty, And oh, 'tis true, 'tis true." This line suggests that the speaker has gained wisdom and understanding about the consequences of their choices.
3. Analyze how the speaker's choices affected their personal growth and development. Look for clues in the text that illustrate the outcomes of these choices.
Using quotes from the poem, you can explain how the speaker's choices may have led to missed opportunities or how they now feel wiser about the value of youth and the importance of decision-making.
4. Discuss the emotions conveyed by the speaker and their attitude towards their past choices. Analyze the tone and language used in the poem to support your analysis.
You can explore whether the speaker feels regretful, nostalgic, or resigned. Consider how the speaker's emotions strengthen the overall theme of the impact of choices.
5. Connect the speaker's experience to the universal human experience. Consider how the poem resonates with readers and the lessons it offers about the consequences of choices.
Discuss whether the poem encourages readers to reflect on their own choices and how they might impact their future selves.
Remember to back up your analysis with specific evidence from the poem and provide your interpretation while considering the context and themes of the work. Good luck with your response, and I hope this guidance helps you in crafting a thoughtful analysis of the poem!