NAME: Shannen Narace Form: 5-4

Wednesday 3rd March, 2021.

English B- Test

GOD’S GRANDEUR

1. What is the central idea or theme of the poem? Explain in

detail. (5 marks)
The central idea or theme of the poem is about God, nature,
man, and industrialisation. The poem starts by simply implying
that “The world is charged with the grandeur of God,”
suggesting that God is present in nature like electrical current,
he is responsible for bringing life and replenishing damaged
nature which is caused by man. The main contrast to the
opening indicates that generations are responsible for all that
is, “…seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil…” which
firmly indicates that the continuous growth of industrialisation
which continues to destroy nature and life that was once
implanted on earth.

2. What is the main figurative / literary device used in the poem.

(1 mark)
The main figurative device used in ‘God’s Grandeur’ is
Alliteration.

3. Give three examples of your answer in Question 2. (3 marks)

Three examples that can be found in the poem are
‘grandeur of God,’ ‘gathers to greatness’ and ‘…smudge and
shares man’s smell’.
 4. Why according to the poet can man not feel God’s
greatness? (4 marks)
Due to everyday prioritization of a growing economy, man
would not be able to feel God’s greatness because the
destruction of nature allows economic growth and
development of urbanisation. They do not take time to
embrace nature and ‘…the dearest freshness…’ it brings in the
sense of peace, the leading cause to spiritual alienation.

5. How does the poet compare God’s grandeur with nature? (4

marks)
The poet compares God’s grandeur with nature as His power is
considered as a ‘charge’ which is ‘… like the ooze of oil.’ This
implies that He is the electrical force that gives birth to life. God
is reflected through His works, resulting in the beauty and
freshness of nature and the continuous rebirth of ruined land
despite the consistent destruction caused by man.

6. What do the words ‘seared, bleared, smeared’ suggest? (3

marks)
The words ‘seared, bleared, smeared’ suggest the severity of
the destruction of nature caused by the defiance of God’s
authority by man especially where it is His divine work.