I.

During the Prohibition period in Canada (1916-1924), the sale and production of alcohol was
banned nationwide. Despite the ban, the traffic of alcohol continued illegally and was dominated by
organized crime. Bootlegging became a widespread activity, as people sought to obtain alcohol from
illegal sources, leading to an increase in crime and corruption. The government's efforts to enforce the
ban were largely ineffective, and many continued to drink in secret. The Prohibition era ultimately ended
when the ban was lifted, with the introduction of more regulated sale and consumption of alcohol.

II. In Canada, poppies are often worn in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day (November
11th) to commemorate the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers in times of war. The poppy is a symbol
of remembrance and has become a traditional way for Canadians to pay their respects to those who have
served their country.
The red poppy became associated with remembrance of fallen soldiers following the publication
of the poem "In Flanders Fields" by Canadian physician and Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae during
World War I. The poem describes the poppies growing in the war-torn fields of Flanders, Belgium and
has since become an iconic symbol of the sacrifice made by soldiers in times of war.

III. "Hostile Nations" by Margaret Atwood is a poem that explores the theme of conflict
between nations and the destructive consequences of hostility. The title "Hostile Nations" immediately
sets the tone for the poem and highlights the central theme of hostility between nations.
In the text, Atwood uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the destructive nature of
conflict. The lines "nations, like dogs / snarling at each other across a fence" present the hostility between
nations as analogous to the aggression between dogs.
Overall, the poem presents a powerful commentary on the destructive consequences of conflict
and the need for nations to overcome their hostility and work towards peace.
The title of the poem "They Are Hostile Nations" is likely referring to the idea that nations are in
conflict with each other. The word "hostile" suggests a relationship of opposition or animosity, implying
that these nations are at odds with each other and possibly in a state of war. The title could be interpreted
as a reference to the idea that nations are defined by their boundaries and distinct cultures, but also by
their conflicts with one another. The title might also symbolize the idea that despite our differences, we
are all ultimately connected as part of the human race.
Overall, "Hostile Nations" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that serves as a reminder of
the destructive consequences of conflict and the importance of peace and understanding between nations.
In Margaret Atwood's poem, "They are Hostile Nations," the pronoun "they" refers to different
nations or countries that are in conflict with one another. This can be inferred from the poem's use of
language and imagery, which suggest a world divided by conflict and hostility.
For example, the poem refers to "nations sharpening their knives" and "neighbors with hate in
their eyes," suggesting that nations are actively preparing for and engaging in conflict with one another.
The use of militaristic imagery, such as the "march of soldiers," reinforces this theme of hostility and
aggression between nations. The tone is one of despair and hopelessness in the face of ongoing conflict
between nations. The poem suggests that nations are unable to put aside their differences and work
together, and this hostility has serious and far-reaching consequences for the world.
The line "borders drawn in blood" suggests that nations are willing to engage in violence and
warfare in order to assert their power and control over territory. It also highlights the human cost of
conflict, speaking of the "wounded and the dead" and the "families torn apart." This sheds light on the
fact that the actions of nations have devastating consequences for individuals and communities and that
the impact of conflict extends far beyond the nations themselves.
In this way, "They are Hostile Nations" can be seen as a comment on the ongoing cycles of
conflict and aggression in the world, and the failure of nations to work together for the common good.
The poem suggests that this ongoing hostility is not just a matter of policy or politics, but is rooted in
deeper and more fundamental issues of human nature and the nature of nation-states.
In other words, the poem's use of the pronoun "they" implies a generalization about nations,
indicating that conflict and hostility are widespread and not limited to a specific group of countries. This
reinforces the idea that the poem is speaking about the broader context of international relations and the
ways in which nations interact with one another.
Overall, the pronoun "they" in "They are Hostile Nations" refers to different nations or countries
in conflict with one another. Through its use of language and imagery, the poem highlights the destructive
and divisive nature of international conflict and the need for greater understanding and cooperation
between nations in order to find a way to break the cycles of conflict and aggression that continue to
shape the world.

IV. The national anthems of Canada and the United States are "O Canada" and "The
Star-Spangled Banner," respectively.

"O Canada" is the national anthem of Canada and was first officially recognized as such
in 1980. The lyrics, written in French and English, express love and loyalty to the country, and
call for peace and prosperity for all Canadians. The melody of "O Canada" is based on a folk
song, and the song is often performed at patriotic and public events.
"The Star-Spangled Banner" is the national anthem of the United States and was
officially recognized as such in 1931. The lyrics were written by Francis Scott Key during the
War of 1812 and commemorate the American victory over the British at the Battle of Baltimore.
The song is usually played at public events and is especially popular at sporting events and
patriotic ceremonies.
Both "O Canada" and "The Star-Spangled Banner" are important symbols of national
identity and pride for their respective countries, and are widely recognized and respected by
citizens of both nations.
The national anthem of the United Kingdom is "God Save the Queen." The song is often
simply referred to as "The National Anthem" and is the royal anthem of the United Kingdom and
many of its former colonies. The lyrics express loyalty to the monarch and call for God to protect
and bless the ruler. The melody of "God Save the Queen" is over 300 years old and has been
used for several other songs, but it is most famously associated with the national anthem of the
United Kingdom.
"God Save the Queen" is widely recognized and respected by the citizens of the United
Kingdom and is typically performed at patriotic and public events, including state ceremonies
and the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. The song is also commonly played at
international sporting events, where the United Kingdom is represented.

V. The length of anthems varies due to various reasons including cultural, historical,
musical, and compositional factors. For example, the "O Canada" and "God Save the Queen"
anthems were written in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, while "The Star-Spangled
Banner" was written in the early 19th century. The composers and lyricists of each anthem had
different goals and intentions, which influenced the length and style of the anthems.
Additionally, the length of an anthem may reflect the historical and cultural context in which it
was created, such as the political and social climate, musical traditions, and the purpose of the
anthem.

VI. Leonard Cohen was a Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist known for his
deeply introspective lyrics and rich baritone voice. He was one of the most influential and
innovative musicians of his generation, and his work continues to be widely regarded as some of
the greatest in modern popular music. In Canada, he is considered a national treasure and his
impact on Canadian music and culture is immeasurable. Cohen's songs and poetry have become
part of the Canadian cultural fabric and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of
musicians and artists.
Leonard Cohen's poetry is characterized by its depth, complexity, and introspective
nature. He wrote about love, religion, politics, and the human experience with a unique voice
that was both melancholic and hopeful. His work often explores themes of spirituality, desire,
loss, and the search for meaning in a world that can be harsh and unpredictable. Cohen's poems
are known for their poetic language, rich imagery, and haunting melodies. They are widely
considered to be some of the greatest examples of modern poetry, and their influence can be seen
in the work of many contemporary poets and songwriters. Overall, Leonard Cohen's poetry is a
powerful and timeless reflection on the human condition and continues to be a source of
inspiration and insight for readers and listeners around the world.
"Anthem" - This is a powerful poem about the human condition and the need for hope
and redemption in a world full of suffering and injustice. It is characterized by its haunting
melody and inspiring message of resilience and perseverance.
 "Suzanne" - This is one of Cohen's most famous poems and was later adapted into a song.
It is a meditation on love and the search for meaning in a world that can be cruel and
unforgiving.