Gcse english literature assignment

In Below the Green Carrie, there is a negative pessimistic tone, creating a feeling of danger, emphasized by the words ‘ bandits’, ‘ thunders’ and ‘ threats’. However, the first word of the second stanza, ‘ but’, is used as a tonal pivot, which changes the mood, creating a contrasting positive tone, of enlightenment and inspiration. The strong contrast between these hyperbolic words show the deeply ingrained impression the highlands leave on him that were at first negative and now give him a clear positive outlook on the area.

Similarly, a shift in tone occurs in the Prelude, signified by the word ‘ when’, which Wordsmith uses, unlike Magical, to delineate a confident tone becoming more pessimistic. Contrastingly, rather than becoming inspired by the peak, he is intimidated by their menacing manner. Both poems use imagery to describe the mountains the poets encounter. Throughout Below the Green Carrie, Magical uses an extended metaphor to liken the mountains to highwaymen, as ‘ the mountains gathered round like bandits’. The use of personification here gives the mountains human characteristics to exaggerate the danger he feels the mountains present.