1. What suggestions does the title ‘The War Horse’ have for you? 2.
3. Horses have often played a role in military campaigns, particularly in the past. Can we conclude from this that horses are aggressive, violent creatures?
COMPREHENDING AND RESPONDING
1. Do you agree with Boland that there is ‘nothing unusual’ about the sound of the horse’s footsteps on her suburban street? Explain your answer.
2. Why do you think Boland uses such dramatic language in lines three and four? What point do you think she is trying to make?
3. The poet watches from the window, rather than going outside. Why do you think she does this?
4. Do you think this horse is deliberately causing damage? Give reasons for your answer.
5. comparisons effective? Explain your answer with reference to the poem.
6. Explain the question asked in lines 17–20 in your own words.
7. leaves her street? Support your answer with reference to the poem.
8. The smashed rose in lines 27–30 reminds Boland of Ireland’s past. Why do you think this is? Do you agree with her connecting these two things?
9. Having read this poem, do you agree or disagree that ‘The War Horse’ is a suitable title? Give reasons for your answer.
10. your answer.
CREATING
1. Black Beauty and War Horse are examples of books where the narrators are animals. Write a short story based on a well-known historical event, told through the eyes of an animal narrator.
2. ‘The most violent element in society is ignorance.’ Write a speech for a public speaking competition inspired by this quotation by political activist and writer Emma Goldman.
3. Animal welfare is a continuing problem in Ireland today. Write a letter to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in which you explain your concerns about this and offer solutions to help improve animal welfare.