2. Quote the lines that (i) describe stones being thrown into a well (ii) describe a stringed instrument being played (iii) describe the sound of a bell chiming, and say whether you found these descriptions unusual and/or interesting.
3. Explain the following line in your own words: ‘Each mortal thing does one thing and the same.’
4. What line in the octet illustrates that this poem is about inscape? Explain your answer.
5. In the sestet, how does Hopkins think a man or a woman should live in order to be pleasing to God? Explain your answer.
6. In the sestet, where does Hopkins say Christ can be found? Explain your answer.
7. What clues are there in this poem that Hopkins wrote it be spoken aloud? Refer to the poem to support your answer.
8. Which line from this poem is your favourite, and why? 9. In your opinion, what is the main theme of this poem?
CREATING
1. John Donne once wrote that ‘No man is an island’, meaning that we are all connected, and so, when you hear a funeral bell: ‘never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee.’ Write a speech for a public speaking competition inspired by these words and about how the loss of any human being diminishes us all.
2. Teenagers can struggle with being unique or different. Write an A to Z guide for teenagers about celebrating individuality and diversity.
3. Write a descriptive essay about a time when you were awed by nature. Your essay should create vivid images of the setting for the reader.