Up-Hill - CHRISTINA ROSSETTI

Summary: The poem 'Up-Hill' is a dialogue between a traveler and a guide, symbolizing the journey of life and the hope for eternal rest after death. The traveler asks whether the road is uphill all the guide confirms that life's journey is full of challenges until the very end. Despite the difficulties, there is a promise of rest - an inn that represents heaven or peace after life's struggles. The traveler is reassured that others who have gone before will welcome them and that there will be comfort and rest for everyone who seeks it. The poem conveys a message of faith, perseverance, and hope in eternal reward after life's hardships. 

Exercises

A. Questions

1. The poem takes the form of a conversation. How many speakers are there?

Answer: There are two speakers in the poem - the traveller and a guide (or helper) who answers the traveller's questions.

2. How long will the journey take?

Answer: The journey will take the whole long day, from morning till night.

3. What will happen at night?

Answer: At night, the traveller will find a resting place or an inn where they can rest after the day's journey.

4. What does the-traveller worry that she or he might not see in the dark?

Answer: The traveller worries that he or she might not see the inn in the dark.

5. Who might the traveller meet on the way?

Answer: The traveller might meet other wayfarers (travellers) who have gone before.

6. Which words in the first line and in the fourth stanza indicate that the journey might not be easy?

Answer: The words 'wind up-hill' in the first line and 'travel-sore and weak' in the fourth stanza indicate that the journey might not be easy.


B. Reference to context

They will not keep you standing at that door.

1. Which sentence is most similar in meaning to this line from the poem?

a. The people in the inn will let the traveller in straightway.

b. The innkeepers will be standing at the door.

c. You must wait at the door to the inn.

Answer: a. The people in the inn will let the traveller in straightway.

2. In a pair, read the poem. One of you must ask all of the questions and the other should answer each one confidently.

Answer: Activity based


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