"A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson is a [nostalgic ] and [poignant ] poem that [delves into ] the themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time. The poem begins with the speaker looking at an old photograph featuring her mother as a young girl, alongside her two cousins....
A Photograph - Hornbill - Class 11 - CBSE English
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Quiz - A Photograph | Hornbill | Class 11 Literature | CBSE English
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Vocabulary - Flashcards - A Photograph | Hornbill | Class 11 Literature | CBSE English
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Back Questions - A Photograph | Hornbill | Class 11 Literature | CBSE English
What does the word ‘cardboard’ denote in the poem? Why has this word been used?
In the poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson, the word 'cardboard' refers to the material on which the photograph is mounted or printed. The use of the word 'cardboard' not only sets the stage for the poem but also conveys a sense of the photograph's age and physicality.
The choice of the word 'cardboard' is significant for several reasons:
- It emphasizes the tangible nature of the photograph, providing a physical link to the past and the memories it represents.
- The use of 'cardboard' suggests that the photograph is old, as older photographs were often mounted on cardboard for support and preservation. This detail helps establish the passage of time, a central theme in the poem and further accentuates the distance between the past and the present.
- The word 'cardboard' also conveys a sense of simplicity and modesty, reflecting the poem's focus on a seemingly ordinary moment captured in the photograph. The choice of this word helps emphasize the power of a simple photograph in evoking complex emotions and memories.
Overall, the word 'cardboard' in the poem establishes the context, reinforces the themes of memory and the passage of time, and emphasises the power of a simple object in connecting the speaker to her mother's experiences.
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What has the camera captured?
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What has not changed over the years? Does this suggest something to you?
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The poet’s mother laughed at the snapshot. What did this laugh indicate?
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What is the meaning of the line “Both wry with the laboured ease of loss.”
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What does “this circumstance” refer to?
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The three stanzas depict three different phases. What are they?
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Extra Questions - A Photograph | Hornbill | Class 11 Literature | CBSE English
The cardboard shows me how it was
When the two girl cousins went paddling,
Each one holding one of my mother’s hands,
And she the big girl — some twelve years or so.
When the two girl cousins went paddling,
Each one holding one of my mother’s hands,
And she the big girl — some twelve years or so.
a. Who is the speaker? What is he doing at the moment?
b. Who is shown there? What are they doing?
c. Why are the two girls holding the hand of the big girl?
d. How old are the girls shown in the photograph?
e. What is the relationship of the poet with the girls?
f. Give the meaning of 'paddling'.
a. The speaker is the poet Shirley Toulson. At the moment, she is looking at an old photograph mounted on cardboard and reflecting on the scene it captures.
b. The photograph shows the poet's mother as a young girl, along with her two younger girl cousins. They are at the beach, standing in the shallow water, and smiling at the camera.
c. The two girls are holding the hand of the big girl (the poet's mother), possibly as they have entrusted themselves in the safer custody of their elder cousin. , guidance, or simply as an expression of their close bond and family togetherness.
d. The girls' ages are not explicitly mentioned in the poem, but the mother is described as "the big girl — some twelve years or so," suggesting that she is around twelve years old. The two younger cousins are likely a few years younger than her.
e. The poet, Shirley Toulson, is the daughter of the mother shown in the photograph. The two younger girl cousins are the poet's aunts.
f. The meaning of 'paddling' in this context refers to the act of walking or wading through shallow water, typically at the edge of a beach or river. In the poem, the girls are paddling in the water at the beach, enjoying a leisurely and carefree moment.
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All three stood still to smile through their hair
At the uncle with the camera. A sweet face,
My mother’s, that was before I was born.
And the sea, which appears to have changed less,
Washed their terribly transient feet.
a. What do 'all three' stand for here?
b. What does 'I' stand for here?
c. Who is the uncle in these lines?
d. What does the sea appear to do to them?
e. Explain 'smile through their hair'.
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About the Author - A Photograph | Hornbill | Class 11 Literature | CBSE English
Shirley Toulson is a British poet known for her evocative and poignant poems that often explore themes such as memory, loss, and the passage of time . Although there is limited information available about her personal life and background, her works have made a lasting impact on readers and poetry enthusiasts alike.
Toulson's poetry is characterized by its vivid imagery , strong emotional resonance , and the skillful use of poetic devices and symbolism . Her poems often delve into personal experiences and emotions, connecting with readers through shared human experiences and universal themes.
One of her most well-known poems, "A Photograph," is a prime example of her ability to capture complex emotions and themes through the exploration of a single moment in time. In this poem, Toulson demonstrates her mastery of language and her ability to convey the depth of human emotion through the examination of a seemingly ordinary photograph. The poem's exploration of memory, loss, and the passage of time resonates with readers and establishes Shirley Toulson as a significant voice in contemporary poetry.
Summary - A Photograph | Hornbill | Class 11 Literature | CBSE English
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Themes - A Photograph | Hornbill | Class 11 Literature | CBSE English
Memory and the past:
The poem delves into the theme of memory and the past as the speaker examines an old photograph of her mother as a young girl. The photograph serves as a tangible connection to the past, allowing the speaker to explore her mother's experiences ....
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Symbols - A Photograph | Hornbill | Class 11 Literature | CBSE English
In "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson, several symbols are used to convey deeper meanings and reinforce the poem's themes. Some of the key symbols include:
- The photograph: The photograph serves as a symbol of memory, capturing a moment in time and preserving it. It represents the past, connecting the speaker to her mother's experiences and allowing her to reflect on the transient nature of life.
- The sea: The sea is a symbol of constancy and eternity, as it remains unchanged over time. In contrast to the fleeting nature....
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Poetic Devices - A Photograph | Hornbill | Class 11 Literature | CBSE English
- Shirley Toulson employs a variety of poetic devices in "A Photograph" to enhance the themes and emotions expressed in the poem. Some of the prominent devices include:
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Vocabulary - A Photograph | Hornbill | Class 11 Literature | CBSE English
Transient - lasting only for a short time; temporary
The Transient nature of our vacation made it difficult to fully relax and enjoy ourselves.
Laboured - requiring much effort and time; difficult
Their Laboured attempt to solve the complex math problem was unsuccessful.
Circumstance - a fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action
Despite the challenging..................
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