4. Do you know what the word ‘languish’ means? If not, look it up in your dictionary or online. 5. Why might landmarks and attractions be negatively affected by mobile phone use?
6. Does the poet’s listing of the sorts of landmarks and attractions that might be closed highlight the difference between their importance and the importance of mobile phone conversations?
7. In the third stanza, what does the poet believe will happen to literature as a result of mobile phone use? Do you know what the word ‘rebuke’ means? If not, look it up in the dictionary or online.
8. Why might the books rebuke those who use mobile phones? 9. In the fourth stanza, what effect does the poet believe mobile phones have on conversation?
10. In the fi fth stanza, the phrase ‘we shall stare at mobile phones’ takes up most of the fi rst and third line. Why do you think the poet chose to do this?
11. In the fi nal stanza, the poet says that we should hope our mobile phones are buried with us. Do you think he is being serious here? Why/why not?
OVER TO YOU...
1. Based on your reading of the above poem, outline the impact the poet claims mobile phones have on our lives today. Support your answer with reference to the poem. (10)
2. Do you like or dislike the above poem? Explain your answer with reference to the poem.
