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  1. The theme of this poem is escapism. Reading serves as an act of escapism for the poet from real life as a child and young adult. The disillusionment he faced on account of the same in a later part of his life can also be taken as a theme of the same. A Study of Reading Habits Summary

    The theme of this poem is escapism. Reading serves as an act of escapism for the poet from real life as a child and young adult. The disillusionment he faced on account of the same in a later part of his life can also be taken as a theme of the same.

    A Study of Reading Habits Summary

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  1. The central idea of the poem, as the title suggests, is reading habits. How this follows through the life of the poet and the impact he has on account of the same is reflected in the poem. A Study of Reading Habits Summary

    The central idea of the poem, as the title suggests, is reading habits. How this follows through the life of the poet and the impact he has on account of the same is reflected in the poem.

    A Study of Reading Habits Summary

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  1.   This poem has a myriad of poetic devices, some of which are as follows: Alliteration: A couple of examples would be “dirty dogs” and “short of school”. Metaphor: The phrase “inch-thick specs” serves as a metaphor for his continuing act of reading. Irony: The irony of the poem is that the veryRead more

     

    This poem has a myriad of poetic devices, some of which are as follows:

    1. Alliteration: A couple of examples would be “dirty dogs” and “short of school”.
    2. Metaphor: The phrase “inch-thick specs” serves as a metaphor for his continuing act of reading.
    3. Irony: The irony of the poem is that the very books he states were “worth ruining my eye” became “a load of crap” for him as an adult.

    A Study of Reading Habits Summary

     

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    Enjambment: Definition: The continuation of a sentence or clause over a line break without a pause or punctuation. Example: "Loud noons of cities, giving back / None of the glances they absorb." Imagery: Definition: The use of vivid and descriptive language to create sensory experiences in the readeRead more

    1. Enjambment: Definition: The continuation of a sentence or clause over a line break without a pause or punctuation. Example: “Loud noons of cities, giving back / None of the glances they absorb.”
    2. Imagery: Definition: The use of vivid and descriptive language to create sensory experiences in the reader’s mind. Example: “A wild white face that overtops / Red stretcher-blankets momently.”
    3. Metaphor: Definition: A figure of speech that compares two unrelated things, implying a similarity between them. Example: “Closed like confessionals.”
    4. Simile: Definition: A figure of speech that compares two different things using “like” or “as.” Example: “Light glossy grey, arms on a plaque.”
    5. Personification: Definition: A figure of speech in which human characteristics are attributed to non-human things. Example: “The fastened doors recede. Poor soul, / They whisper at their own distress.”
    6. Alliteration: Definition: The repetition of initial consonant sounds in a sequence of words. Example: “They come to rest at any kerb.”
    7. Assonance: Definition: The repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words. Example: “May go the sudden shut of loss.”
    8. Repetition: Definition: The repeated use of words or phrases for emphasis or effect. Example: “And for a second get it whole, / So permanent and blank and true.”
    9. Symbolism: Definition: The use of symbols to represent abstract ideas or concepts. Example: “Ambulances,” which symbolize the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of mortality.
    10. Irony: Definition: A rhetorical device or situation where there is a contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs. Example: The “ambulances” symbolize the urgency of life, but they also represent the reality of death and the fragility of existence.

    Ambulance Summary

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  1. This answer was edited.

    Larkin's poem "Ambulance" emphasizes the abruptness of life-altering events, as witnessed in the ambulance's presence and intrusion into normal life. The poem emphasizes the transience of life and the significance of death since these things might cause disruptions in our plans due to illness, accidRead more

    Larkin’s poem “Ambulance” emphasizes the abruptness of life-altering events, as witnessed in the ambulance’s presence and intrusion into normal life. The poem emphasizes the transience of life and the significance of death since these things might cause disruptions in our plans due to illness, accidents, or unexpected circumstances. The poem also examines how these events affect people emotionally and how they affect society. Bystanders pause and reflect on the importance of life and the fragility of it when an ambulance passes by. Inspiring readers to recognise the value of life and accept its uncertainty, Larkin’s poem is a potent reflection on how temporary and unpredictable life is. The poem inspires reflection on the briefness of life and the need of making the most of our time. Ambulance Summary

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  1. This answer was edited.

    'Ambulances' examines the pervasive sensation of mortality that exists in restricted societies; in cities, in particular, death is ever-present due to the varying ages of the people, the inherent risk of city life, and other things. Even if death is far less prevalent today than it was, say, in theRead more

    ‘Ambulances’ examines the pervasive sensation of mortality that exists in restricted societies; in cities, in particular, death is ever-present due to the varying ages of the people, the inherent risk of city life, and other things. Even if death is far less prevalent today than it was, say, in the Middle Ages, there is still stigma and terror associated with the subject, which may be what inspired Larkin to examine death in his poems. ‘Ambulances’ follows the journey and meaning of an ambulance as it travels through the city during rush hour. Ambulance Summary

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  1. The third ship drove towards the North, Over the sea, the darkening sea, But no breath of wind came forth, And the decks shone frostily. The poet observed the third ship sailing over the dark sea in a northerly direction. The decks glistened frostily since there was no breeze.

    The third ship drove towards the North, Over the sea, the darkening sea, But no breath of wind came forth, And the decks shone frostily. The poet observed the third ship sailing over the dark sea in a northerly direction. The decks glistened frostily since there was no breeze.

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