1. described as ‘epics’? List as many as possible.
2. Why did you categorise the texts you listed in Question 1 as epics?
3. Do you think the time we are living in now could be described as an important time? Why/why not?
COMPREHENDING AND RESPONDING
1. Do you think Kavanagh is being humorous, serious or both in the opening lines of this sonnet: ‘I have lived in important places, times/ When great events were decided’?
2. What are the Duffys and the McCabes arguing about? Do you think this issue is worth arguing over? Refer to the poem in support of your answer.
3. ‘That was the year of the Munich bother’. Do you think the poet is being dismissive and/or disrespectful here? Explain your opinion with reference to the poem.
4. Which event did the speaker ultimately conclude was more important? Do you agree with him?
5. Which image stood out to you the most in this poem? Explain your choice.
6. Having read this sonnet, why do you think Kavanagh chose the title ‘Epic’? Refer to the poem in support of your answer.
7. How would you describe the tone of this poem? Support your answer with reference to the poem.
8. your answer.
CREATING
1. Write a review describe as ‘epic’.
2. ‘We are living at a turning point in history. Decisions made today will decide the fate of humanity.’ Write a speech on this topic for a national public speaking competition.
3. Write a newspaper report on the incident that occurs in this poem.