1. What connotations does the word ‘mob’ have for you? 2. Do you think the class system still exists in Ireland today?
3. In times of political and social unrest, should we still ensure that valuable items, such as paintings and sculptures, are preserved?
COMPREHENDING AND RESPONDING
1. How does Rich convey to us that the ‘mob’ are intending to cause some sort of trouble? Support your answer with reference to stanza one.
2. What line in stanza two tells us that the uncle is not taking this threat seriously?
3. What seems to be the uncle’s main priority? Refer to stanza two in support of your answer.
4. In stanza three the uncle refers to something that happened to his grandfather. What was that event and do you agree with the uncle that it was quite a shocking experience for his grandfather?
5. When the uncle refers to a ‘calmer age’ in stanza four, what period of history do you think he might be referring to? Support your answer with reference to the poem.
6. What duty does the uncle intend carrying out, according to this poem?
7. What overall impression of the uncle do you form having read this poem? Use at least three adjectives in your answer.
8. What words does Rich use as markers of wealth in this poem? Support your answer with reference to the text.
9. What theme or themes can you find in this poem? Refer to the poem in support of your answer.
CREATING
1. Write the script of the conversation a very rich person might have with a very poor person. Your script can be serious, humorous or both.
2. Albert Einstein once said that ‘Three great forces rule the world: stupidity, fear and greed.’ Write a speech for a public speaking competition in response to this quotation.
3. Write a personal essay about the things in life that mean the most to you.
