You are on page 1of 6

Literature: What is Red?

by Mary O’Neill

Below are some popular questions:


1. Suggest two things that are red from the poem.
2. What feeling does red express?
3. What happens when one is angry?
4. What happens when you cut your hand?
5. Why is red a ‘show-off’?
6. Name one red thing that is not mentioned in the poem.
7. Do you think colours should be celebrated ? Why?
8. In your opinion, what can one do to minimise negativity in life?
9. State two messages you get from the poem.
10. What will happen if we only live in a world with black and white as colours?

11. Suggest two things that are red from the poem.

Please choose an appropriate answers;

It shows bravery.
Your face turn red.
strawberry.
It bleeds.
Yes, because they represent important things in our lives.
sunburn and brick
because it is a bright colour.
Life is colourful.
It will be boring.
Colours are fun.
Stay positive and seek for help when needed.
Literature: What is Red? by Mary O’Neill

1. Suggest two things that are red from the poem.

sunburn and brick


2. What feeling does red express?
It shows bravery.
3. What happens when one is angry?
Your face turn red.
4. What happens when you cut your hand?
It bleeds.
5. Why is red a ‘show-off’?
because it is a bright colour.
6. Name one red thing that is not mentioned in the poem.
strawberry.
7. Do you think colours should be celebrated ? Why?
Yes, because they represent important things in our lives.
8. In your opinion, what can one do to minimise negativity in life?
Stay positive and seek for help when needed.
9. State two messages you get from the poem.
a) Life is colourful.
b) Colours are fun.
10. What will happen if we only live in a world with black and white as colours?
It will be boring.
FORM 2 POEM: WHAT IS
RED (NOTES)
This poem is all about the colour RED

Interpretation:
Line no. Line RED is the colour of…
1 Red is sunset Hot and bright sun

2 Blazing and bright.


3 Red is feeling brave
4 With all your might. Bravery and strength/power
5 Red is a sunburn
Nose that is burnt by the sun (when you are under
6 Spot on your nose. the hot sun for too long)
7 Sometimes red A rose (the flower)

8 Is a red, red, rose.


9 Red squiggles out Blood that comes out of a cut finger/hand
10 When you cut your hand.
Brick that is used to build houses and buildings

11 Red is a brick
Loud and high pitch sound of a musical band

12 And the sound of a band.


13 Red is hotness
The great feeling of embarrassment makes you feel
14 You get inside like hiding from other people
(Some people blush when they are embarrassed –
15 When you’re embarrassed their faces turn red)
16 And want to hide.
17 Fire-cracker, fire-engine Fire crackers, fire brigade
or an unsteady movement of flame like a candle or
flickering light (like a police car/ambulance/fire
brigade)

18 Fire-flicker red –
19 And when you’re angry
Red runs through your
20 head. Your head feels hot with anger (hot temper)
21 Red is an Indian, Reference to the native American tribe
Romantic love

22 A Valentine heart.
23 The trimmings on
24 A circus cart. The bright red decorations on a circus cart
The colour of lipstick that women love to wear

25 Red is a lipstick
Loud call or cry (to show a strong emotion)

26 Red is a shout
27 Red is a signal
A warning of danger (to be on the look-out / to be
28 That says: “Watch out!” alert)
29 Red is a great big A big rubber ball
(small children are always attracted to a red ball)
30 Rubber ball.
31 Red is the giantest Red is the most widely seen colour around us / the
colour that we will notice immediately around us
(‘giant’ already means very big. ‘giantest’ is just to
make it sound extremely big)
32 Colour of all.
33 Red is a show-off, Obviously easy to see/notice/display
(Some people use red simply to attract attention –
maybe for personal reasons)
34 No doubt about it –
35 But can you imagine The question emphasizes the fact that our life
would be dull and boring without red as a colour in
36 Living without it? the world.
Positive and Negative Traits of Red: violent
Positive keywords include: ………………………………………..
 action THEMES:
 energy and speed  Courage
 attention-getting  Red is the warmest of all colours.
 assertive and confident  Positive versus Negative
 energizing  Prosperity
 stimulating  Life and vitality
 exciting MORAL VALUES:
 powerful  Bravery/Courage
 passionate  Determination
 stimulating  Love
 courageous and strong  Positive attitude
 spontaneous  Confidence
 determined MORAL LESSONS:
 adventure  We should have a positive attitude
Negative keywords include: in our daily life
 aggressive  Have self confidence in doing
 domineering everything and anything
 tiring  Be brave/courageous in facing the
 angry challenges in life
 quick-tempered  We must try to control our anger or
 cruel temper
 fearful  We should not be hateful towards
 intolerant others
 rebellious  We must try to change our bad
 hateful behaviour form 2

You might also like