Carol Ann Duffy explores the theme of childhood. Discuss in reference to at least two poems.
Carol Ann Duffy explores the theme of childhood. Discuss in reference to at least two poems. A common theme in many of Carol Ann Duffy's poems is childhood. Most of her poems include some element of childhood. The perspective of her poems are rarely in that of a child's, as she often explores the themes of childhood by referring to the characters childhood memories. However in some of her poems she explores the theme of childhood through the characters. Duffy has written about her own personal experiences but has inverted the poems to address the audience as many readers from the same decade would have experienced the same scenarios as Duffy explores in her poems This is particularly true in the poem "In Mrs Tilscher's Class". In "In Mrs Tilscher's Class Duffy presents childhood as an innocent stage of a person's life where they are engrossed in this metaphorical "perfect" world within the classroom, away from the dangerous outside world. This 'perfect' world portrayed by Duffy shows and emphasises childrens innocence at this time in their lives. The child in this poem says "this was better than home" and "the classroom glowed like a sweet shop" portraying the image of perfection within the childs mind. Innocence is one of the ways in which Duffy explores childhood in her poems. "Litany" also explores the theme of childhood and like many of Duffy's other poeoms uses the
"Four Women Poets" Choose three or four poems from this anthology that you would describe as "Protest poetry" and discuss their effectiveness.
"FOUR WOMEN POETS" CHOOSE THREE OR FOUR POEMS FROM THIS ANTHOLOGY THAT YOU WOULD DESCRIBE AS "PROTEST POETY" AND DISCUSS THEIR EFFECTIVENESS. The title "Four Women Poets" suggests the poets are feminist writers and that their work is only about the hardships of women, but this is a misconception of the term "women poets". As Carol Ann Duffy said "I am a poet before I was a woman poet". The poets are only deemed "women poets" because of their gender but they have much more to say than merely on roles of women in society, and have strong opinions on politics, money, education and on relationships. This anthology is a collection of "protest poems" which deals with everyday issues from education to money. "Making Money" is a poem written by Carol Ann Duffy and she is essentially protesting about people's obsessive nature towards money and the things they would do to obtain it. Duffy's choice of language and words enhances and reinforces the poems ability to convey her point to the reader. She uses vulgar terms such as: "suck you", "lick you" and "sifting shit" to help put her point across effectively. Also within the poem there is use of slang terms: "Cash. Loot. Dough. Income. Stash." "Megabucks. Wages. Interest. Wealth" At the beginning of most of her stanzas Duffy has listed words that we relate to money. By doing this she cleverly illustrates how, as a society, we
"Bruce Ismay's Soliloquy" by Derek Mahon and "Shore Woman" by Seamus Heaney are both alike in their experiences. Each poem relates a frightening experience at sea however although they contain many similarities, they each contain numerous differences.
Poetry Assignment Two "Bruce Ismay's Soliloquy" by Derek Mahon and "Shore Woman" by Seamus Heany are both alike in their experiences. Each poem relates a frightening experience at sea however although they contain many similarities, they each contain numerous differences. One central difference is the portrayal of the experiences and the reaction evoked by the language used. "Bruce Ismay's Soliloquy" is the re-telling of when the Titanic sank and evokes little sympathy from the reader, whereas "Shore Woman" is about a woman being traumatized by porpoises attacking her boat at sea and her husbands insensitive, poor treatment of her. Both poems have no established form or rhyme scheme and are written in free verse. "Bruce Ismay's Soliloquy" comprises of a single stanza of free verse with long and short lines alternating. The use of run on lines and varying rhyme creates the impression of a natural speaking voice. The poem reads like a direct address from Ismay - a soliloquy. It can be described as a lyric, describing a person's life or a reflection on a single event. "Bruce Ismay's Soliloquy" is reflecting on the significance of the sinking of the Titanic and how it has affected him. "Shore Woman" is also in free verse, although it gives a detailed account of the woman's experience and her feelings through the aftermath. This poem uses verse paragraphs to elaborate and
"Comprehensive" By Carol Ann Duffy - review
"Comprehensive" By Carol Ann Duffy The poem Comprehensive consists of seven stanzas and each stanza has a different voice. Carol Ann Duffy uses the idea of conflict and differences in race and culture in 1985. Comprehensive is written in seven stanzas of six or seven lines. All verses are similar in structure to emphasis the fact that whatever the culture or origin everyone is equal. There is no rhyme or rhythm because this would not be suited to the subject matter, which is serious and emphasises the disparity of the speakers and their disjointed society in which they live in. By using rhyme and rhythm Carol Ann Duffy would also inhibit the ability to allow her speakers to use their own dialogue and express themselves. The first stanza sets the scene of the speaker's thoughts. The character compares Africa to England, by describing the memories of the speaker's life in Africa to the reader. Carol Ann Duffy uses comparisons making it easier for the reader to see the characters thoughts and feelings and the sadness of the speaker is shown, especially through the bittersweet way in which she (the speaker) refers to her family. This suggests that the she feels isolated and cannot adjust to her environment. This also applies to the speaker's sister, because the change in her language causes confusion between the siblings. The speaker seems to feels that everything has
'A Contrasting Pair' - The two poems 'Not My Business' and 'This Room' are both from the different cultures topic.
Virginia Edmond-Kent- 'A Contrasting Pair' The two poems 'Not My Business' and 'This Room' are both from the different cultures topic. However, they both explore very different ideas and issues. 'Not My Business' concentrates on apathy and oppression and 'This Room' focuses on liberation and revolution. The themes in both poems contrast each other. In 'Not My Business' the main theme is oppression and the one in 'This Room' is the complete opposite, it is about breaking free, with lots of energy and action. You can see that in the other poem the person is unable to act, or do anything about what is going on around him. He can see unfair acts going on but cannot do anything about them because it will result in the oppressor coming for him and maybe his family or the people around him. All that he can worry about is the bear minimum to stay alive, food. This is shown in the text "So long they don't take the yam from my savouring mouth". You get the idea that the oppressor is someone in an authoritive position, maybe the government, because the things happening are so unjust that anyone else is likely to be stopped. ' The government' is symbolised by a jeep when this vehicle arrives so does the injustice. The poem also shows fear; the people are clearly scared of 'the jeep'. It brings violence, unhappiness and splits up families. When the jeep finally comes for the writer he
Carol Ann Duffy - In Mrs Tilscher’s Class.
In Mrs Tilscher's Class In her poem 'In Mrs Tilscher's Class', Carol Ann Duffy effectively uses many language techniques to convey the changes that occur in a schoolchild's outlook and maturity as they grow older. The atmosphere of the poem changes as a result of this. The poem is about a young child and how she views school and learning in different ways as she grows older. We are shown the uncertainties children have about adolescence and starting High School. Stanzas 1 and 2 are set in the orderly but relaxed atmosphere of the primary school classroom, where the children in Mrs Tilscher's class seem to be interested in their work and are enjoying themselves. One of the most noticeable features the poet has used here is the use of senses, which is fitting because it is through the senses that young children learn many things. They can see the map and touch it, "travelling up the Blue Nile with their fingers" whilst hearing Mrs Tilscher chanting the scenery. The children can use their imaginations and picture themselves travelling in their minds, and the chanting is also a positive thing. We can tell the class is concentrated and happy to take part in the lesson, and a contented, happy atmosphere is created. Carol Ann Duffy tells of memories that she associates with primary school, "the laugh of a bell," a "running child," a "skittle of milk" and "a window opened with a
Discuss the development of the twins in The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. How does
Discuss the development of the twins in The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. How does Roy use language to make a clear distinction between the twins before and after the death of Velutha? In The God of Small Things the twin's mother, Ammu, breaks the laws that lay down 'who should be loved, and how and how much' when she has an affair with Velutha (an Untouchable). A relationship with an Untouchable is inconceivable in India, even today, as a woman would be expelled from her Caste if she were to carry out such an undignified act. Before this occurs Ammu is already frowned upon for being a divorced woman, a common view in Indian society, and returns home with her children. She is therefore thought of as a hindrance. Estha and Rahel, the twins, manage to accept that they have no 'Baba' but are greatly affected when their mother's affair is revealed and the heroic Untouchable is killed. Roy uses differentiated vocabulary and grammar to inform the reader of the obvious change to the twin's relationship and alteration of their individual personalities before and after the death of Velutha. It is very important to note the structural complexity of The God of Small Things. The events do not appear in chronological order except when the twins are described after Velutha's death. Roy decides to use a linear structure for the twins after the death of Velutha, perhaps to indicate
Before You Were Mine
Before You Were Mine * This poem is quite difficult to follow for two reasons. First, it moves very freely between the present and different times in the past, which is frequently referred to in the present tense. Second, because the title suggests romantic love but the poem is about mother and daughter. The poem is written as if spoken by Carol Ann Duffy to her mother, whose name is Marilyn. The poem comes from Mean Time (1993). On first reading, you might think that the "I" in the poem is a lover, but various details in the third and fourth stanzas identify the speaker as the poet. Younger readers (which include most GCSE students) may be puzzled by the way in which, once her child is born, the mother no longer goes out dancing with her friends. In 1950s Glasgow this would not have been remotely possible. Even if she could have afforded it (which is doubtful) a woman with children was expected to stay at home and look after them. Going out would be a rare luxury, no longer a regular occurrence. Motherhood was seen as a serious duty, especially among Roman Catholics. * "I'm ten years away" is confusing (does "away" mean before this or yet to come?) but the second stanza's "I'm not here yet" shows us that the scene at the start of the poem comes before the birth of the poet. Duffy imagines a scene she can only know from her mother's or other people's accounts of it.
Carol Ann Duffy is only interested in warped, dysfunctional relationships, people and memories. Discuss.
Carol Ann Duffy is only interested in warped, dysfunctional relationships, people and memories. Discuss. In her contemporary collection of poetry 'Mean Time, Carol Ann Duffy's focuses on the three main themes of dysfunctional and warped relationships, people and memories. She uses many techniques to portray the different aspects of these themes, and uses modern references to crease a feeling of recognition between herself and the reader, one of the reasons why she has been called 'the representative poet of the present day'. Duffy commonly uses the subject of memories in her poems, with a strong focus within this being the idea of feeling regret or dissatisfaction of life. One poem which has a clear feeling of this dissatisfaction is 'The Captain of the 1964 Top of the Form Team'. In this poem Duffy portrays a man who has long since reached the peak of his life - that being when he was 'Captain of the 1964 Top of the Form Team'. Duffy uses language here to expose the man's hidden feelings about his childhood and his life now. Phrases such as 'fizzing hope' and 'so brainy' turn into negative expressions at the end of the poem, as he refers to his 'stale wife' and 'thick kids'. 'Fizzing' and 'brainy' represents his hopes and desires; at this stage he is enthusiastic about his future. However, things did not turn out as planned and using the words 'stale' and 'thick' show his
Analyse three poems - "Havisham", "Hitcher" & "The man he killed".
I am going to analyse three poems these being "Havisham", "Hitcher" & "The man he killed". The authors, which are, Carol Ann Duffy, Simon Armitage and pre 1914 poetry. The first poem Havisham is about a lady who is left at the alter on her wedding day and she is cursing her fiancé. The woman is called Ms Havisham from the novel "great expectations", she shows hate towards him, and (she is a feminist). The beginning of the poem starts with "beloved sweetheart bastard" the "beloved sweetheart" is a positive comment and "bastard" is a negative comment, which shows an oxymoron that love is hate and hate is love. The line "spinster I stink and remember" she's saying she still is wearing her wedding dress from the day of her wedding and she hasn't taken it off. This shows she is emotionally hurt and she is not letting go of the past. The last line of the poem "don't think it's only the heart that b-b-b-breaks" the last word shows onomatopoeia. It lets the reader here the desperate sounds. This poem is overall about a lady from a book called great expectations who was held up at the Alter and can't let go of her past. The second poem I am going to analyse is "hitcher" it is about a man who goes to work and feels isolated and alone as well as depressed. On his way to work he picks up a "hitch-hiker" and feels envious towards him, because the hitch hiker is free and doesn't need
