Read the poem below and answer the questions that follow. 

I LOVE THEE

I love thee,as I love the calm
Of sweet,star-lighted hours
I love thee,as I love the balm
Of early jasmine flowers
I love thee,as I love thee last
Rich smile of fading day
Which lingereth,like the look we cast
On rapture passed away
I love thee as I love as I love the tone
Of some soft breathing flute
Whose soul is woken for me alone
When all beside is mute
I love thee as I love the first
Young violet of the spring
Or the pale lily,April nursed
To scented blossoming.
(By Eliza Acton)…………………………………….

QUESTIONS

  • a) Identify the persona in the poem. (2 marks)
  • b) What is the poem talking about? (4marks)
  • c) List four pairs of rhyming words from the above poem. (4 marks)
  • d) Who is the poet of the above poem? (2marks)
  • e) Identify any instance of repetition. (2 marks)
  • f) Who is referred to as “thee” in the poem? Explain your answer (3marks)

ANSWERS

  • (a)The persona is a lover(1mark).Addressing his/her love.(1mark)
  • (b)The poem is talking about love. The speaker compares his/her love for his love with various things(4marks)e.g star lighted hours, jasmine flowers, etc
  • (c)-calm-balm, last-cast,tone-lone,hours-flowers,first-nursed,spring blossoming(any four pairs-4marks)
  • (d)Eliza Acton(2marks)
  • (e)I love thee,as I love…..(2marks)
  • (f)The persona’s love interest(2marks) Explanation: because that is the subject matter(1mk) total 3mks