Grade VIII Poem 1- The Rock and the Sea
I. Poetic devices
1. Personification
Both the Rock and the Sea are given human qualities—they speak, feel, and express emotions.
Example: “I am the Rock,” “I am the Sea!”
2. Metaphor
The Rock and the Sea metaphorically represent two opposing forces—stability vs. change.
Example: The Sea is not just water, but a symbol of time, transformation, and power.
3. Alliteration
Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of nearby words.
Example: “pat my cheek,” “sift to sand.”
4. Imagery
Vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses.
Example: “lap my feet in diamond sands,” “children play in what were the rocks of yesterday.”
5. Repetition
The phrase “I am...” is repeated at the beginning of stanzas to emphasize identity and contrast.
Example: “I am the Rock!”, “I am the Sea!”
6. Enjambment
Sentences or phrases that run over from one line to the next without punctuation.
Example:
“And beach-grass bloweth and children play
In what were the rocks of yesterday;”
II.ERC
VIII A
1. I AM the Rock, presumptuous Sea! I am set to encounter thee.
a. Why do you think the Rock needs to assert its power over the Sea?
The Rock needs to assert its power to show its resistance and determination to stand firm against the powerful,
ever-moving Sea.
b. Why does the Rock call the Sea ‘presumptuous’?
The Rock sees the Sea as presumptuous because it is overconfident and bold in trying to wear down the land
and cross its boundaries.
c. What does ‘encounter thee’ mean? Does ‘encounter’ mean something more than just ‘meet’ here?
'Encounter thee' means to confront or oppose. Yes, it means more than just 'meet'—it implies a struggle or battle
of endurance between the Rock and the Sea.
2. Thou mayst pat my cheek with baby hands, / And lap my feet in diamond sands
a. What do the actions of the Sea suggest it is doing?
The Sea’s actions suggest it is gently touching or caressing the Rock, showing a softer, more playful side.
b. How has the Rock characterised the Sea? Which word from this stanza makes it absolutely clear?
The Rock characterises the Sea as 'beguiling'—meaning charming, attractive, and possibly deceitful. The word
"beguiling" makes this characterization clear.
c. How has the tone of the Rock changed from the first stanza to the second?
In the first stanza, the tone is aggressive and assertive. In the second, it softens as the Rock acknowledges the
Sea’s beauty and gentleness, though it remains cautious.
3. As one holds an apple in his hand. / Hold it fast with sleepless eyes
a. Why do you think the Sea is described as holding the land like one holds an apple in one’s hand?
This imagery shows that the Sea feels it has complete control over the land, holding it easily and firmly, as one
would an apple.
b. Why are the eyes been described as ‘sleepless’?
The Sea is always watching and never rests, indicating its constant movement and eternal vigilance.
c. What kind of relationship do you think the land and the sea share?
The land and the sea share a dynamic and opposing relationship—both challenge each other, but also help
maintain a balance in nature.
VIII B and C
1. "The iron cliffs that edge the land
I grind to pebbles and sift to sand,
And beach-grass bloweth and children play
In what were the rocks of yesterday;
It is but a moment of sport to me—
I am the Sea!"
Questions and Answers:
1. What does this extract reveal about the Sea’s power?
It reveals that the Sea is immensely powerful and capable of slowly but surely eroding even the hardest cliffs
over time.
2. Explain the meaning of the line "In what were the rocks of yesterday."
This line shows that what once stood as strong rocks have now been reduced to sand, showing the Sea’s ability
to bring about gradual change.
3. How does the Sea portray its actions as effortless in this stanza?
By stating "It is but a moment of sport to me," the Sea implies that eroding the land is a light and effortless task,
almost like a game.
2. "I AM the Rock, presumptuous Sea!
I am set to encounter thee.
Angry and loud, or gentle and still,
I am set here to limit thy power, and I will—
I am the Rock!"
Questions and Answers:
1. Why does the Rock refer to the Sea as "presumptuous"?
The Rock calls the Sea presumptuous because it believes the Sea is overly confident and tries to overstep its
boundaries by encroaching upon the land.
2. What does the Rock mean by "limit thy power"?
The Rock means it is determined to stop or resist the Sea’s forceful advance and control its influence on the
land.
3. Identify and explain the tone of the Rock in this extract.
The tone of the Rock is bold, defiant, and assertive. It shows determination to stand firm against the Sea.
Short Answers:
VIII A,VIII B and C
1. What does the Rock symbolize in the poem?
The Rock symbolizes stability, strength, and resistance in nature.
2. How does the Sea describe its power over the land?
The Sea says it can grind cliffs to pebbles and turn rocks into sand, showing its power to erode and change the
land.
3. What is the central idea of the poem?
The poem highlights the balance and conflict between two forces of nature—the unyielding Rock and the ever-
changing Sea.
Detailed Answer:
How are the Rock and the Sea portrayed as opposing forces in the poem?
Answer:
The Rock and the Sea are personified as two powerful forces of nature with contrasting traits. The Rock is firm,
immovable, and determined to resist the Sea’s force, symbolizing permanence and strength. It refers to the Sea
as "presumptuous" and "beguiling," suggesting the Sea's overconfidence and deceptive charm. On the other
hand, the Sea is dynamic, persistent, and powerful. It boasts about its ability to grind cliffs into pebbles and
reduce rocks to sand, symbolizing change and erosion. While the Rock represents resistance, the Sea embodies
transformation. Their conversation reflects the eternal balance and struggle between stability and change in
nature.
