Answers: "Autumn at Luggate pub"
- Sight – adjective - twilight swallows
Sound – Imperative verb
Listen - Alliteration – lyrical libretto and others
Rhyme – swallows/sparrows
Rhythm – the final sentence - Sound:
Imperative verbs – commands the reader to bring this sense into action, which allows the sounds to be described and accepted. Also act to move the extract into a new section of description
Alliteration – gives sound to the descriptions which brings the sound sense into the concepts being presented
Rhyme – links with alliteration to pattern the sounds – through patterning, the scene has better cohesion, better completeness of the sounds being linked together
Rhythm – the structure of the final sentence – although not strictly patterned, the sentence settles into an iambic pattern which suggests a calmness and routine to the scene and life
Sight:
Adjective use – sets the time and helps create the visual atmosphere - The senses are a means of giving access and experience to the reader. Each sense is linked to the descriptions of other senses. While the individual descriptions are important, the way the links are made between nature and man, birds and people, the specific details in the visual and olfactory descriptions enhance the developing sense of calm and peacefulness after a period of labour, stress and productivity for man and nature.
The setting/nature of the pub as a place of refuge and rest is enhanced by the description of its location, its exterior, and the interior with its evidence of the history of its occupants
Exterior and interior elements are linked further by the sun being described as a ‘ruby chandelier’ – both colour and richness being echoes of earlier descriptions in the poem - This question is about ‘behaviour’ not merely actions. The atmosphere is a powerful accumulation of sensual experiences, of the rich colours, textures, and sounds of the scene at twilight as the sun sets and darkness envelopes the peaceful setting
The people are weary and tired from labour; the season has tired from the activities of spring and summer. People find rest (‘asylum’) in the pub. Even the sun sinks calmly and gracefully into the rest of darkness.
The writer emphasises the richness of the scene – the colours, the embellishments, the traceries, the sense of time enriching the pub interior. As time passes the mood settles from ‘almost all is quiet’ to ‘peacefully.’
Imperative verb, Alliteration, Rhyme, Rhythm, Adjective use
The features listed above are clearly important aspects, but need linking to specific atmosphere.
Imagery: both literal and figurative, is central to the painterly descriptions of the extract – metaphors, personification, simile and sound devices. These stress the five senses giving vitality to the description and access for the reader
Structure: both of the scene and the order in which the description is organised : Para 1 links the season and the village, with silver evening light. Para 2 sets the landscape background. Then the passage works towards the pub, and its surroundings. Para 6-8 expand on the details inside and outside the pub, but suggests a hazy ‘almost’ impression. Para 8 ‘open your eyes, restores the reader’s awareness of the broader scene and draws back to the village again. So the extract begins and ends with the village as an object.
The movements of light and the references to time passing also create the sense of gradual but definite changes of atmosphere.
Interaction with the reader. The writer guides the reader into perceiving those aspects most crucial to experiencing the atmosphere by the use of imperatives: 'Listen / Look / close your eyes / Breathe'. Further, the use of direct address – 'you' (Para 6)' your' (Para 8) – controls the reader in how and when to experience the sensation of the description.
Vocabulary selection: In addition to the imagery, individual word selection enhances the atmosphere.
The use of clusters of adjectives acts almost as layers of oil paint, not just one quality but the combination of two or more adjectives form a new individual quality.
The sense of fragility is suggested by the use of modifiers – especially ‘almost.’ These also break the absolute generalised descriptions to allow a sense of individuality.
Emotive vocabulary is repeatedly important – ‘nestled’ brings a human comforting touch to the description.
Synonyms, or near synonyms, enhance the embellished impact of the light ad colours on the landscape features – 'decorated / embellished / adorn / encrusted / stencil / adorned'. These provide a sense of the special moment being created, the individualised elements being added in the moment. - There are contrasts which stress fragility and strength. Each aspect needs to the other to holds its place. Para 1 include 'delicate folds' and 'copper', 'Autumn's charms' adorn the small village like a bracelet against the heaviness of 'carpeting'