How does the poet show the helplessness of the old woman? Support your answer with evidence from the poem.
The poet shows the helplessness of the old woman through various descriptions throughout the poem.
She is 'bent with the chill of the Winter's day', showing physical weakness. Her feet are 'aged and slow', indicating difficulty in walking.
She 'stood at the crossing and waited long', showing her inability to cross alone. She is 'alone, uncared for, amid the throng', highlighting her isolation in the midst of the busy crowd.
Finally, she is 'so meek, so timid, afraid to stir', revealing her fear and vulnerability in the dangerous situation.
Explanation
The poet uses multiple descriptions throughout the poem to emphasise the woman's helplessness—her physical frailty, her isolation in the crowd, her fear of the traffic, and her inability to help herself. These details create sympathy in the reader.
Solution Steps
The phrase 'bent with the chill of the Winter's day' shows physical weakness
Her 'aged and slow' feet indicate difficulty in walking
She 'stood at the crossing and waited long' showing inability to cross alone
Being 'alone, uncared for, amid the throng' highlights her isolation
Being 'so meek, so timid, afraid to stir' reveals fear and vulnerability