Exercise 3: Poem Detective!Directions: Read the poem "To My Native Land" by Trinidad L. Tarrosa-Subido. Locate the maxims, universal truths, andphilosophies presented in the poem. Write your answer on a long bond paper."To My Native Land"by Trinidad L. Tarrosa-SubidoBeloved Land, let me explain to theeWhy the thought of nearing death provokes pain:Tis not that I again shall never seeThese orient isles of kindly sun and rain;Not that the visionary spirit mustForego the wonders she had fondly schemed;Not that the flesh must soon succumb to dust,With Love's avowals only half redeemed.O my beloved Land, whose air I breathe,Whose bounty is my daily sustenance,How sad to leave with nothing to bequeath,Thy weal to serve, thy glory to enhance;How shameful, finally, to dare to restMy thankless dust upon thy noble breast!Guide Questions:1.What is the poem all about? Explain briefly.2. What is the mood of the poem? Why?3. Identify the rhyming words by highlighting them.Beside it, write the rhyme scheme pattern of thepoem.4.What is the central idea of the poem? Explain briefly.5.What questions does the poem raise about humannature, existence, or morality?6. How does the poet's portrayal of their native landreflect universal truths about identity and belonging?7.List all the maxims, universal truths, and philosophiesthat you found inside the text. Give its meaning as tohow you understand the line.
Answer (1)
Poem Detective: "To My Native Land" by Trinidad L. Tarrosa-Subido1. What is the poem all about? Explain briefly. - The poem expresses the speaker's deep emotional connection to their homeland as they face the prospect of death. It reflects on the sorrow of leaving behind the beloved land, the unfulfilled dreams, and the inability to contribute further to its well-being.2. What is the mood of the poem? Why? - The mood of the poem is melancholic and reflective. This is evident in the speaker's lament over leaving their homeland and their concern about not being able to fulfill their promises or contribute to its future.3. Identify the rhyming words by highlighting them. Beside it, write the rhyme scheme pattern of the poem.Beloved Land, let me explain to thee (A)Why the thought of nearing death provokes pain: (B)Tis not that I again shall never see (A)These orient isles of kindly sun and rain; (B)Not that the visionary spirit must (C)Forego the wonders she had fondly schemed; (D)Not that the flesh must soon succumb to dust, (C)With Love's avowals only half redeemed. (D)O my beloved Land, whose air I breathe, (E)Whose bounty is my daily sustenance, (F)How sad to leave with nothing to bequeath, (E)Thy weal to serve, thy glory to enhance; (F)How shameful, finally, to dare to rest (G)My thankless dust upon thy noble breast! (G) - Rhyme Scheme Pattern: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG4. What is the central idea of the poem? Explain briefly.The central idea of the poem is the speaker's deep emotional attachment to their homeland and their regret over leaving it with unfulfilled dreams and unredeemed promises. The poem conveys a sense of sorrow and guilt about not being able to contribute more to the land that has been a source of sustenance and inspiration.5. What questions does the poem raise about human nature, existence, or morality?The poem raises questions about the human condition related to mortality, the desire to leave a meaningful legacy, and the sense of duty toward one’s homeland. It questions how individuals reconcile their personal achievements and shortcomings with their responsibilities and connections to their native land.6. How does the poet's portrayal of their native land reflect universal truths about identity and belonging?The poet’s portrayal of the native land reflects universal truths about the deep connection between people and their homeland. It highlights how identity and belonging are intertwined with one’s environment and how leaving one's homeland can evoke profound feelings of loss and regret. The sense of responsibility and desire to contribute to one’s homeland reflect broader themes of identity, legacy, and the human need for connection.7. List all the maxims, universal truths, and philosophies that you found inside the text. Give its meaning as to how you understand the line. - "The thought of nearing death provokes pain": This line suggests the universal truth that the prospect of death is often accompanied by a deep sense of sorrow and fear, particularly when one faces the idea of leaving behind loved ones and unfulfilled dreams. - "Forego the wonders she had fondly schemed": This reflects the idea that individuals often have dreams and aspirations that may remain unrealized, and facing the end of life without having achieved them can be a source of regret. - "With Love's avowals only half redeemed": This implies that promises or commitments made in love or devotion might not be fully realized, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy or disappointment. - "How sad to leave with nothing to bequeath": This line conveys the philosophy that it is disheartening to leave behind no tangible legacy or contribution, emphasizing the human desire to make a meaningful impact. - "How shameful, finally, to dare to rest": This suggests a personal sense of shame or guilt about not having done enough for one’s homeland, reflecting the moral value of contributing to the greater good.In summary, the poem explores themes of mortality, legacy, and the deep connection between individuals and their homeland, raising questions about how these elements shape human experience and identity.
