2. Handcuffs Handcuffs have steel fangs whose bite is more painful battalion: armies than a whole battalion' ready for battle of fleas. Though the itch in my heart grows deeper and deeper I cannot scratch. How can I? 10 my wrists are manacled $$ { }^{2} $$. $$ { }^{2} $$ manocledt chained My mind is caged. My soul is is shackled?: $$ { }^{3} $$ shackled chained I can only grimace $$ { }^{4} $$ at the ethereal $$ { }^{5} $$ cloud, a banner billowing in the sky, emblazoned $$ { }^{6} $$ 'Have hope, brother, despair is for the defeated: 4 grimace: an ugly twisted expression of pain 'sthereal from the sky, extremely delicate and fraglle - emblaraner writter so that it is dearly visible Questions 1. The poet compares wearing handcuffs to the suffering caused by fleas. List three aspects of fleas that the poem describes. 2. What do you think the handcuffs symbolise? (3) (1) 3. Quote lines from the poem that tell us that the poet's suffering is not just physical. (2) 4. What words would you use to describe the feelings expressed in this poem? Choose from the following possibilities: - accepting, angry, hopeful, frustrated, determined, defeated (3) 5. Do you think that the poet was justified in expressing such emotion? Consider the time that the poem was written and what effect this would have had on the poet. (3)

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Let's analyze the poem "Handcuffs" and answer the questions step by step.

### 1. The poet compares wearing handcuffs to the suffering caused by fleas. List three aspects of fleas that the poem describes.
- **Painful Bite**: The poem mentions that the "bite" of the handcuffs is more painful than a battalion of fleas, indicating that fleas cause significant discomfort.
- **Numerous Presence**: The reference to a "battalion" suggests that fleas are numerous and can overwhelm a person, similar to how the poet feels overwhelmed by the handcuffs.
- **Itchiness**: The "itch in my heart" implies that the suffering caused by fleas is persistent and nagging, much like the emotional pain the poet experiences.

### 2. What do you think the handcuffs symbolize?
The handcuffs symbolize **oppression and confinement**. They represent not only physical restraint but also emotional and mental imprisonment. The poet feels trapped, unable to express or escape their pain, which reflects a broader theme of struggle against external forces that limit freedom.

### 3. Quote lines from the poem that tell us that the poet's suffering is not just physical.
- "Though the itch in my heart grows deeper and deeper I cannot scratch."
- "My mind is caged."
- "My soul is shackled."

These lines indicate that the poet's suffering extends beyond physical pain to emotional and mental anguish.

### 4. What words would you use to describe the feelings expressed in this poem? Choose from the following possibilities:
- **Frustrated**: The poet expresses a sense of helplessness and frustration at their situation.
- **Defeated**: There is a feeling of despair and defeat, especially in the context of being shackled and unable to escape.
- **Angry**: The imagery of pain and confinement suggests underlying anger at the circumstances that have led to this suffering.

### 5. Do you think that the poet was justified in expressing such emotion? Consider the time that the poem was written and what effect this would have had on the poet.
Yes, the poet was justified in expressing such emotion. The poem likely reflects a time of significant social or political turmoil, where individuals faced oppression and loss of freedom. The emotional weight of such experiences would naturally lead to feelings of frustration, anger, and despair. The poet's expression serves as a powerful commentary on the human condition and the struggle for liberation, making their emotions not only justified but also essential for conveying the depth of their experience.
1. **Aspects of Fleas Described:** - Painful bite - Numerous presence (compared to a battalion) - Itchiness 2. **Symbolism of Handcuffs:** - Oppression and confinement 3. **Lines Indicating Non-Physical Suffering:** - "Though the itch in my heart grows deeper and deeper I cannot scratch." - "My mind is caged." - "My soul is shackled." 4. **Feelings Expressed:** - Frustrated - Defeated - Angry 5. **Justification of Emotion:** - The poet's emotions are justified as they reflect the struggles and oppression faced during a tumultuous time, serving as a powerful expression of the human condition and the fight for freedom.

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