Edexcel GCSE English Literature

Neutral Tones

Edexcel GCSE English Literature revision on Neutral Tones. Aligned to the Edexcel GCSE English Literature 1ET0 specification. This bank has 15 practice questions on this topic.

About this topic

We stood by a pond that winter day, And the sun was white, as though chidden of God, And a few leaves lay on the starving sod; —They had fallen from an ash, and were gray. Your eyes on me were as eyes that rove Over tedious riddles of years ago; And some words played between us to and fro On which lost the more by our love. The smile on your mouth was the deadest thing Alive enough to have strength to die; And a grin of bitterness swept thereby Like an ominous bird a-wing.... Since then, keen lessons that love deceives, And wrings with wrong, have shaped to me Your face, and the God-curst sun, and a tree, And a pond edged with grayish leaves.

Sample questions (3 of 15)

  1. Question 1

    Who is the speaker in the line: 'We stood by a pond that winter day'?

    • A) The poet's younger self
    • B) An omniscient narrator
    • C) The beloved
    • D) A cynical observer
    Show answer

    Answer: The poet's younger self

    The poem is written in the first person, reflecting on a specific memory. The speaker is looking back at a moment of emotional disillusionment from his youth.

  2. Question 2

    What literary technique is used in the phrase: 'The smile on your mouth was the deadest thing'?

    • A) Metaphor
    • B) Simile
    • C) Personification
    • D) Hyperbole
    Show answer

    Answer: Metaphor

    Hardy uses a metaphor to suggest the smile is completely devoid of life or genuine affection. It emphasises the decay of their relationship and the bitterness of the memory.

  3. Question 3

    What does the line 'And a pond edged with greyish leaves' reveal about the setting?

    • A) The setting is vibrant and full of spring growth.
    • B) The environment reflects the decay of the relationship.
    • C) The setting is a tropical paradise.
    • D) The setting is a busy city centre.
    Show answer

    Answer: The environment reflects the decay of the relationship.

    The use of pathetic fallacy is evident here. The bleak, colourless landscape mirrors the speaker's emotional state and the lifelessness of his relationship with the woman.

Want to test yourself on the remaining cards for this topic?

12 more questions on Neutral Tones — plus mistakes tracking and spaced repetition across the whole English Literature spec.

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