
12. Read the following poem and then answer the questions that follow:
If we must die let it not be like hogs. Hunted
and penned in an inglorious spot, While round
us bark the mad and hungry dogs, Making their
mock at our accursed lot,
If we must die oh let us nobly die.
So that our precious blood may not be shed in vain:
Then even the monsters we defy
Shall be constrained to honour us though dead!
Oh kinsmen! We must meet the common foe;
Though far out numbered, let us show our bravery
And for their thousand blows one death blow!
What though before us lies the open grave? Like
men we’ll face the murderous cowardly pack,
Pressed to the wall but fighting back!
Questions
(a) What type of poem is this? Why?
(b) What is the tone of the poem?
(c) What is the poem generally about?
(d) Comment on the language used in the poem.
(e) What Poetic features have been used in the poem?
(f) Mention three themes found in this poem.
(g) Is the poem relevant to your society? Justify your answer.
(h) What type of death does the poet hope to undergo? Why?
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