Observation

A good number of candidates attempted this question. References were made to the giant whale and sabre-toothed tiger mostly, as well as other metaphorical languages.

Candidates were expected to discuss the following points:

• Statement of the theme of oppression.
• Definition of “diction” as a device that conveys the intention of the poet.
• Relate the poem’s diction to the theme.
• Giant whale, sabre-toothed tiger, and giant hawk as representative of oppressive leadership.
• ‘Ambush’ as a connotation of surprise and capture.

Candidates performed well in this question.