How the Poem Tells Its Story
Sound, image, and the moment everything turns

A storytelling poem like this works through sound and image. Use the highlighter to find its devices, then work through the appreciation questions.
Tap a device above to highlight every example in the passage.
(i) Give two examples of alliteration. (ii) Give three examples of visual imagery. (iii) Give one example of auditory imagery. (iv) How does the use of imagery make the poem more appealing? (v) How does the poet's tone change from beginning to end?
(i) What does 'pulled up on their heels' mean? (ii) Would you consider the runners' choice a turning point? Why? (iii) What does the transformation of the dash into a walk symbolise? (iv) Why were all nine given gold medals?
In an ordinary race, the eight runners who stopped would be called losers — they gave up the gold. The poem calls them winners, with nine gold medals. Which definition of 'winning' is right? Can BOTH be true at the same time?
Take a moment to form your answer before reading further.
Q1.'The pistol exploded' is an example of which device?

A storytelling poem like this works through sound and image. Use the highlighter to find its devices, then work through the appreciation questions.
Tap a device above to highlight every example in the passage.
(i) Give two examples of alliteration. (ii) Give three examples of visual imagery. (iii) Give one example of auditory imagery. (iv) How does the use of imagery make the poem more appealing? (v) How does the poet's tone change from beginning to end?
(i) What does 'pulled up on their heels' mean? (ii) Would you consider the runners' choice a turning point? Why? (iii) What does the transformation of the dash into a walk symbolise? (iv) Why were all nine given gold medals?
In an ordinary race, the eight runners who stopped would be called losers — they gave up the gold. The poem calls them winners, with nine gold medals. Which definition of 'winning' is right? Can BOTH be true at the same time?
Take a moment to form your answer before reading further.
Q1.'The pistol exploded' is an example of which device?