my littlest(in terms of seniority in the family, not physical size) sister woke me up from my nap just now just to ask me go online and see her essay being posted as the sample answer.

much as i was very tired and seriously irritated to be awoken, i pretended to be interested.
haha, just kidding baobei.
i have to give u some attention la u deprived youngest sis.

now everyone, here is an excerpt from her anglican high's portal:

Here is response done by Foo Kai Kai of 4C, which I feel shows a good engagement with the poem. Well done, Kai Kai!

In ‘When in Disgrace with Fortune and Men’s Eyes’, what has impressed me is the way the poet discusses the significance of love through a sonnet. He first presents the problem followed by the solution, and the stark contrast in the persona’s thoughts and feelings after he “thinks on (the woman he is in love with)” is significant. When he is “in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes/(he) all alone beweeps (his) outcast state.” The term “alone” suggests his despondency and feelings of alienation, and he is forced to “trouble deaf heaven” with his “bootless cries”. However, because of the woman he is in love with, he feels like the “lark at the break of day arising from sullen earth” and sings “hymns at heaven’s gate.” The word “heaven” here is used in a vastly different way from earlier. Previously, he thinks “heaven” is “deaf” to his “cries”, and the tone used seems to suggest self-pity. However, due to the realization that he has a woman that he loves, he begins to be thankful of what he has and “sings hymns at heaven’s gate.” The power of love in being able to change his mindset in a positive way has impressed me greatly.

Secondly, what has impressed me is the way love is portrayed so beautifully. In the first part of the sonnet, the persona wishes to be “one more rich in hope” and desires “this man’s art, and that man’s scope.” This elicits my disgust as he seems to yearn for superficial possessions. However, my feelings towards him change when he says that the “sweet love” of the woman “brings” much “wealth” and he “scorns to change (his) state with kings.” This suggests that love is so great that it turns a superficial man into a sentimental one, thus impressing me. (Miss Ng’s comment: “I don’t think poverty and being in a financial crisis are things to be scoffed at. Perhaps Kai Kai could comment that love has the power to make a person see the positive side of life despite the situation he may be in.)

I am impressed by the way is described as something special and beautiful. It is the “lark” and “break of day” in the midst of a person’s “outcast state”. It brings a person from “sullen earth” to “heaven’s gate.” It is a state where one feels wealthier than “kings”. All these seem to paint a powerful picture of love and the ability of the poet to do this has impressed me.

Lastly, what has impressed me is the way the poet seems to convey subtly to me the idea that love is the most important thing on earth. He starts by claiming that he has no talent, “wealth”, “scope” and “future.” Even “heaven” is “deaf” to his “cries” of help. Yet, he “scorns” to change his state with “kings”. This shows that love triumphs over everything. It elicits my envy towards him – despite his having no material gains, he has a love that takes him to “heaven’s gate”. Therefore he is wealthier than “kings”, and those who despise him.


Haha. the comments by the teacher is quite funny.
anyway i am super proud of u la baobei.
surprise for u when i'm back this weekend k?
all de best for the rest of your exams!