Peace and Acceptance Class 9 English 4.3.5 Solution : Tones in Statements

Text B: Peace and Acceptance

But I feel peaceful. Your success in the ring this morning was, to a small degree, my
success. Your future is assured. You will live, secure and safe, Wilbur. Nothing can
harm you now. These autumn days will shorten and grow cold. The leaves will shake
loose from the trees and fall. Christmas will come, and the snows of winter. You will
live to enjoy the beauty of the frozen world, for you mean a great deal to Zuckerman
and he will not harm you, ever. Winter will pass, the days will lengthen, the ice will
melt in the pasture pond. The song sparrow will return and sing, the frogs will awake,
the warm wind will blow again. All these sights and sounds and smells will be yours to
enjoy, Wilbur-this lovely world, these precious days …

[excerpt from Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White]

 

Again, let’s check our understanding of the text by answering the questions!

a What emotions does the speaker convey towards Wilbur in the passage?
b. What do the “frozen world” and “these precious days” mean in the passage?
c. What sense do the imageries of changing seasons, melting ice, returning birds,
and awakening frogs convey to you?
d. Identify specific words or phrases in the text that convey a sense of comfort
and assurance. Explain which tone is contributed.
e. How does the winter and spring imagery enhance the tone of renewal and
anticipation?

 

Answer : 

a. The speaker conveys emotions of peace, reassurance, and acceptance towards Wilbur in the passage. There's a sense of protection and care as the speaker assures Wilbur of his safety and future, expressing that nothing can harm him now.

b. In the passage, the "frozen world" refers to winter, while "these precious days" likely refers to the present moment or the time Wilbur has ahead of him. The frozen world symbolizes the harshness of winter, but also the beauty and stillness it brings. "These precious days" emphasize the value and significance of the present time and experiences.

c. The imageries of changing seasons, melting ice, returning birds, and awakening frogs convey a sense of renewal, hope, and the cyclical nature of life. They suggest the passage of time, the inevitability of change, and the eventual return of warmth and life after the cold and dormant winter season.

d. Specific words and phrases in the text that convey comfort and assurance include "peaceful", "success", "secure and safe", "will not harm you, ever", and "these lovely world, these precious days". These words contribute to a tone of reassurance, safety, and warmth, creating a sense of comfort for Wilbur.

e. The winter and spring imagery enhances the tone of renewal and anticipation by highlighting the contrast between the cold, barren winter and the vibrant, life-affirming spring. The description of the frozen world melting, the return of birds and frogs, and the promise of warmer days ahead evoke a sense of hope, reju