6. Full Model Essay on “Autumn” (45 minutes)

Time Allocation: 45 minutes

Question: In “Autumn,” how does the poet present the change of seasons?

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Introduction:
In “Autumn,” Alan Bold presents the transition from summer to autumn as a gentle but inevitable process marked by decline and fading energy. Through vivid imagery, tone, and structural choices, Bold conveys a sense of natural beauty tinged with melancholy.

Body Paragraph 1: Imagery of Decay
Bold uses strong visual imagery to depict the end of summer. Words like “gold, red and brown” create a rich, warm palette that suggests the beauty of dying leaves. The description of leaves “tumbling through crisp air” shows the natural, inevitable movement towards decay, emphasizing the gentle but unstoppable force of seasonal change.

Body Paragraph 2: Sound and Silence
The poet also uses sound imagery to highlight the shift from life to quiet. The line “the birds are silent now” suggests a loss of vitality, while “whispering winds” gives nature a softer, more muted voice. This subtle transition from birdsong to wind mirrors the fading life of summer into the quieter death of autumn.

Body Paragraph 3: Structure and Mood
The structure of the poem itself — short, regular stanzas — mirrors the steady, unstoppable passage of time. The final image of the “tired light” that “lingers only briefly” personifies the sun as weary, reinforcing the poem’s wistful mood and sense of inevitable decline.

Conclusion:
Bold uses imagery, sound, and structure to portray autumn not as a harsh ending but as a quiet, natural transition. The poem captures the beauty and sadness of change, suggesting that endings, though inevitable, have their own dignity.

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🌟 Why This is a Strong Response:

Element	Why It’s Effective
AO1	Thoughtful interpretation of mood and meaning.
AO2	Detailed analysis of imagery, sound, and structure.
Quotes	Embedded and well-explained quotes.
Personal Response	Not just analysis, but how it feels — critical yet emotional engagement.

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