From the West Clouds come hurrying with the wind Turning Sharply Here and there Like a plague of locusts Whirling Tossing up things on its tail Like a madman chasing nothing Pregnant clouds Ride stately on its back Gathering to perch on hills Like dark sinister wings: The wind whistles by And trees bend to let it pass In the village Screams of delighted children Toss and turn In the dim of whirling wind Women- Babies clinging to their backs- Dart about In and out Madly The wind whistles by Whilst trees bend to let it pass. (From 'An African Thunderstorm' by David Rubadiri) The poet varies the lengths of the lines skillfully

Question 36 of 327

From the West
Clouds come hurrying with the wind
Turning
Sharply
Here and there
Like a plague of locusts
Whirling
Tossing up things on its tail
Like a madman chasing nothing

Pregnant clouds
Ride stately on its back
Gathering to perch on hills
Like dark sinister wings:
The wind whistles by
And trees bend to let it pass

In the village
Screams of delighted children
Toss and turn
In the dim of whirling wind
Women-
Babies clinging to their backs-
Dart about
In and out
Madly
The wind whistles by
Whilst trees bend to let it pass.
(From 'An African Thunderstorm' by David Rubadiri)
The poet varies the lengths of the lines skillfully

A. to show the speed,power and destructiveness of the storm
B. to create pleasant sounds
C. to conform to normal poetic practice
D. to create a mood of fear

Correct Answer: A

Explanation

Correct Option: A. to show the speed, power and destructiveness of the storm Explanation of the Correct Answer The poet, David Rubadiri, uses varying line lengths in "An African Thunderstorm" to effectively convey the chaotic and powerful nature of the storm. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of why option A is the correct choice:

Imagery of Speed and Power: The poem describes the storm with phrases like "clouds come hurrying" and "whirling," which suggest rapid movement. The short, abrupt lines mimic the quick, unpredictable nature of the wind and storm, enhancing the reader's sense of urgency and chaos. This technique reflects the storm's speed and power, as it creates a visual and auditory experience that feels dynamic and overwhelming.
Destructiveness of the Storm: The imagery of "like a plague of locusts" and "madman chasing nothing" evokes a sense of destruction and disorder. The varied line lengths contribute to this by creating a disjointed rhythm that mirrors the tumultuous environment. The reader can almost feel the intensity of the storm through the erratic pacing of the lines, which emphasizes the potential for destruction that accompanies such natural phenomena.
Emotional Impact: The use of line variation also serves to evoke emotions associated with fear and anxiety. The reader is drawn into the scene, experiencing the chaos alongside the villagers. The line breaks and shifts in length create a sense of instability, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the storm and the fear it instills in the characters within the poem.

Explanation of Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B: to create pleasant sounds: This option is incorrect because the poem's tone and imagery do not evoke pleasantness. Instead, the descriptions of the storm are filled with chaos and urgency. The varied line lengths contribute to a sense of turmoil rather than harmony or pleasant sounds.
Option C: to conform to normal poetic practice: This option is weak because the poem does not adhere to traditional forms or structures typically associated with "normal poetic practice." Instead, Rubadiri's choice to vary line lengths is a deliberate stylistic decision that serves a specific purpose—namely, to convey the storm's ferocity and unpredictability.
Option D: to create a mood of fear: While this option has some merit, it is not as comprehensive as option A. Although the poem does create a mood of fear, the primary function of varying line lengths is to illustrate the speed, power, and destructiveness of the storm. Fear is a byproduct of these elements rather than the main focus of the line variation.

Summary of Key Points

The varied line lengths in "An African Thunderstorm" reflect the storm's speed and power, enhancing the chaotic imagery.
The poem uses vivid descriptions to evoke feelings of destruction and urgency, immersing the reader in the experience of the storm.
The emotional impact of the poem is heightened by the disjointed rhythm created by the line variations, mirroring the unpredictability of the storm.
Other options either misinterpret the purpose of the line variations or fail to capture the primary focus of the poem's imagery and themes.

This thorough understanding of the poem's structure and purpose will aid in recognizing how form and content work together in literature.