Page 34 - Real English 2024 Book 8

REAL ENGLISH 8

Mary Jane Oliver (1935–2019) was an American poet whose work is inspired by nature,
rather than the human world. Her love for Mother Nature stems from her lifelong passion
for solitary walks in the wild. Mary began writing poems at the age of 14. She won the
Pulitzer Prize in 1984 and the National Book Award in 1992.

A Reflect

A1 Based on your reading of the poem, think carefully about the points given below and form your
own views.
1. Have you ever watched the sunset among the majestic mountains or grassy hills or on
a beautiful beach? In fact, we can enjoy the beauty of a sunset or a sunrise even in a
cityscape, can’t we?
 Have you marvelled at the sheer beauty of that sight?
 Can you think of any other sight more magnificent than this?

2. The poem says the sun slides again out of the blackness every morning on the other side
of the world.
 Are you an early riser? How wonderful it is to watch the enchanting sight of the
gorgeous sun rising in the east to dispel darkness with its rays piercing through the
moving clouds!

3. Have you ever stood among the mighty mountains and gazed at the towering rocks all
around you? Have you ever got a chance to stand on a pearly white sandy beach and look
towards the vast sea spread in front of you and the distant horizon bordering it?

 Imagine as you stand there in awe of the beauty of Nature, what kind of thoughts
may pass through your mind? Could you be thinking how diminutive we humans are
compared to the immensity of Nature?

B Understand

B1 Choose the most appropriate answers.

1. The poem leads the reader to
a) appreciate nature. c) follow the movement of the sun.
b) reflect on the sun. d) feel the heat of the sun.

2. A description of the glorious sun has been given in the
a) first stanza. c) third stanza.
b) second stanza. d) last line.

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