Question

Read the following lines from the poem Twice a week the Winter Thorough and write an appreciation focusing on the theme, imagery and other poetic devices.

Twice a week the winter thorough Here stood I to keep the goal ; Football then was fighting sorrow For the young man'* soul.

Now in May time to the wicket Out I march with bat and pad: See the son of grief at cricket Trying to be glad.

Try I will; no harm in trying: Wonder 'tis how little mirth Keeps the bones of man from lying On the bed of earth.

Answer 1

Twice a Week the Winter Thorough’ is a poem by Alfred Edward Housman. The poem describes that success and ** are the two sides of the same coin. One must accept both triumph and defeat in a true sportsman spirit. The poet talks of his youthful days when he used to his sorrow and sadness by playing football. It was a common belief that playing games helps * sadness and frustration. The poet feels that trying to keep sadness away will help a lot. The poem is a beautiful depiction of his feelings when he was young and his efforts to overcome the sadness.

The poet has made use of alliteration at many places like week-winter, football-fighting and see-son. The rhyme scheme of the poem is abab throughout the poem.