Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The provided lines, "as if long deep / burial had made them hasty," present a striking image of something emerging from a prolonged period of concealment. The phrase evokes a sense of time’s passage and the transformative effects of being hidden away. The core of the question lies in deciphering the identity of ‘them’ and understanding why their emergence is characterized by ‘haste’. This requires a careful consideration of the metaphorical implications of ‘burial’ and its connection to the subsequent ‘hasty’ action. The lines suggest a paradoxical situation – a long period of dormancy leading to a sudden, almost frantic, activity.
Identifying 'Them'
The identity of ‘them’ is deliberately ambiguous, a common characteristic of poetry that invites multiple interpretations. However, considering the imagery of ‘burial’, several possibilities emerge. ‘Them’ could refer to:
- Memories: Long-suppressed memories, buried deep within the subconscious, can resurface with a sudden and overwhelming force, feeling ‘hasty’ in their eruption.
- Emotions: Similarly, deeply buried emotions – grief, anger, or joy – can be triggered by an event, leading to an immediate and perhaps uncontrolled emotional response.
- Secrets: Hidden truths or secrets, concealed for a long time, when revealed, can create a sense of urgency and frantic activity as consequences unfold.
- Ideas/Beliefs: Dormant ideologies or beliefs, suppressed by societal norms or personal experiences, can re-emerge with renewed vigor, driving individuals to act quickly.
- Physical Remains: While less metaphorical, ‘them’ could literally refer to unearthed remains – bones, artifacts – which, upon discovery, prompt immediate investigation and analysis.
The Significance of 'Long Deep Burial'
The phrase ‘long deep burial’ is crucial to understanding the context. ‘Long’ emphasizes the extended period of concealment, suggesting a significant amount of time has passed. ‘Deep’ implies a thorough and complete hiding, perhaps intentional or forced. This burial isn’t merely physical; it’s also psychological and emotional. The depth suggests a profound level of suppression or forgetting.
Why 'Hasty'?
The use of ‘hasty’ is paradoxical. One would expect something emerging after a long burial to be slow, cautious, or fragile. However, ‘hasty’ suggests a sense of urgency, impulsiveness, and even desperation. This haste can be interpreted in several ways:
- Pent-up Energy: The long period of suppression has created a build-up of energy, which is released with sudden force upon emergence.
- Fear of Re-burial: There’s a sense that ‘they’ are afraid of being hidden again, prompting a quick and decisive action to secure their freedom or visibility.
- Time Sensitivity: The situation surrounding ‘them’ might be time-sensitive, requiring immediate attention or action.
- Disorientation: Emerging from a long period of darkness or obscurity can be disorienting, leading to impulsive and ill-considered actions.
The ‘haste’ isn’t necessarily a positive quality; it could indicate a lack of planning or control, a frantic attempt to adapt to a new reality after a prolonged absence. The contrast between the prolonged burial and the sudden haste creates a powerful and unsettling effect.
Possible Poetic Context
Without knowing the poem's full context, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact meaning. However, the lines resonate with themes of memory, trauma, and the resurfacing of the past. They could be part of a poem exploring the psychological effects of repression or the consequences of uncovering hidden truths. The imagery is evocative and lends itself to a variety of interpretations, making it a compelling fragment of poetry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘them’ likely refers to something – memories, emotions, secrets, or ideas – that has been deeply suppressed for a considerable time. The ‘haste’ with which they appear stems from a combination of pent-up energy, fear of re-suppression, and the urgency of the situation. The lines are a powerful exploration of the paradoxical relationship between time, concealment, and the sudden, often chaotic, emergence of that which has been long buried. The ambiguity of the poem allows for a rich and nuanced interpretation, highlighting the power of poetic language to evoke complex emotions and ideas.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.