Question 1: Identify two techniques used by Hughes to depict the soldier's physical state.

Answer: Imagery of sweat and the rifle as a 'smashed arm' to emphasise exhaustion and injury.

Question 2: Explain how the poet links the soldier’s experience to mythological themes.

Answer: By describing the battlefield as a 'mythic battleground' and referencing gods and monsters, Hughes elevates the soldier's struggle to a mythic level.

Question 3: What is the significance of the phrase ' molten iron' in the context of the poem?

Answer: It signifies intense emotion and pain, comparing the soldier's tears to molten metal, emphasising suffering.

Question 4: Discuss how Hughes uses imagery to depict the chaos of war and its connection to myth.

Answer: See full answer key

Question 5: Identify and explain one poetic technique Hughes employs to create a sense of urgency in the poem.

Answer: Use of short, abrupt sentences, e.g., 'Suddenly he awoke and was running', creates a sense of immediacy and chaos.

Question 6: Creative Task: Imagine you are a mythological hero preparing for battle. Write a short myth-inspired speech (about 20 lines) to rally your companions. Use imagery and themes from the extract to inspire your writing.

Answer: See full answer key

Question 7: In your myth-inspired speech, include at least three references to divine or mythic elements discussed in the extract.

Answer: References to gods, monsters, divine battles, or heroics from mythological stories.

Question 8: How does the tone of the extract contribute to your understanding of the soldier's experience?

Answer: The tense and vivid tone conveys chaos, fear, and the hero’s inner conflict, emphasising the brutality of war.

Question 9: Reflective Question: How does linking war to mythology help us understand the nature of heroism?

Answer: It emphasizes that heroism involves facing chaos and danger, often beyond human control, similar to mythic battles.