2004 Paper 2 - Section 3
This is a very fair, open question. You are free to concentrate on the poems by Mahon you like best and on the issues which interest you. Don't forget to give a personal response grounded in the text.
There are lots of issues you may want to explore. Look at the themes and patterns which emerge: solitary, forgotten figures; the ability to adopt different personae and perspectives; past, present and future; violence; forgotten victims of history and violence; Mahon's sense of place.
You may also wish to compare and contrast the different voices which emerge in his poetry.
Don't forget that this is a speech. Your knowledge and understanding of Mahon is most important, but you should connect with your audience, and consider what they might want to hear. This will give focus to your answer.
