1. Brainstorm the connotations that the word ‘begin’ has for you. 2. Do you like to make New Year’s resolutions? Why or why not?
3. Life is full of beginnings and endings, big and small. Discuss your feelings towards both beginnings and endings and change in general.
4. What has begun for you today and what has ended?
COMPREHENDING AND RESPONDING 1. Briefly describe the setting of this poem (location, time of day and season).
2. Is the repetition of the title throughout the poem effective in your view? Give reasons for your answer.
3. The phrase ‘arrogant loneliness’ pairs two words in an unusual way. Why do you think Kennelly describes the swans in this way and do you think his description is accurate?
4. What is the purpose of Kennelly’s use of enjambment throughout this poem, in your opinion?
5. Which image from this poem is your favourite and why?
6. In your own words, explain what you think Kennelly means when he writes: ‘something that will not acknowledge conclusion/ insists that we forever begin.’
7. How would you describe the tone of this poem? 8. Do you agree that this is a hopeful poem? Give reasons for your answer.
9. What themes are explored in ‘Begin’, in your opinion? Give reasons for your answer.
CREATING 1. Write a diary entry from the perspective of one of the swans in this poem.
2. Write a short speech for your class in which you persuade them of the importance of having a positive outlook, particularly during fifth and sixth year.
3. Write a personal essay in which you explore how you feel about beginnings and endings in life.
4. Write a short story that takes place over the course of a single day.
