Tam O’Shanter is a mock-epic. What does this mean?
It appears to mock real epic events and acts of heroism because there is no point in behaving heroically
It appears to describe great deeds of heroism but this is undermined by the insignificant nature of the subject
It mocks the epic genre as poetry should be about validating the deeds of ordinary people
Tam is a mock-hero. What does this mean?
He is not really heroic at all
He mocks heroism and has no time for that sort of nonsense
He is heroic no matter who mocks him for it
What picture does Nursing her wrath to keep it warm create of Tam’s wife Kate?
Nursing her wrath to keep it warm
A woman who keeps their home warm and cosy for Tam’s return
A woman who is ready to punish Tam when he comes home late
A woman who is loving and warm towards all their children
What atmosphere is created in the description of the tavern?
Cosy and sleepy
Aggressive and hostile
Friendly and jolly
During the description of the journey home, Burns makes effective use of rhythm and repetition. What effect does he achieve?
It builds up a sense of drama and momentum
It builds up a sense of Tam’s growing courage
It builds up a sense that Tam is lost as he repeats parts of the journey
What contrast is shown between Tam and Meg as they approach Kirk Alloway?
She is brave, he is scared
She is sensible, he is foolish
She is exhausted, he is energetic
What does They reel’d , they set, they cross’d, they cleekit suggest about the witches’ dancing?
They reel’d , they set, they cross’d, they cleekit
They are fast but manage to dance the different steps correctly
They keep changing dances because the music keeps changing
They are too wild to keep to the dance steps and do what they please
What does Nanny seem to be like as a character?
Angry and grumpy
Energetic and enthusiastic
Delicate and passive
Why is And in an instant all was dark such a dramatic moment?
And in an instant all was dark
It emphasises Tam’s control over the situation. It was his shout that caused the change
It is a comical exaggeration of all was dark as the pub is still brightly lit
all was dark
It is a sudden contrast with the lively dancing and Tam’s comic enthusiasm
Which comment best describes the moral at the end of the poem?
A serious moral showing that Tam’s actions have consequences
A moral that is undermined because Nanny, a witch, is actually a kind person
A moral that is undermined because Tam is not really punished