Antarctica- Mahon Flashcards
‘I am just going outside and may be some time’
In medias res immediately grabs our attention
What type of poem is Antarctica?
Villanelle which as 4 tersest and a quatrain. Mahon still manages to perfectly create a very thought provoking poem even with the limitations of this type of poem style simply showcases his true skill
The strict formalities echo the limitations faced by the explorers on Scott’s expedition, where Oates felt he had no option left but to sacrifice himself for the good of the team.
What is mahon always eager to do?
He is always eager to source a different perspective on events in history and chooses to revaluate key character to provoke our thoughts and this time it is Captain Oates. He died of suicide in an act of self sacrifice while on a mission in Antarctica
‘At the heart of the ridiculous the sublime’
Juxtaposition
We need to look at even though the action can be seen as stupid for not talking with other and opposing moral views at the time by killing himself it was sublime in the way humanity shone through and gave hope to the others
‘Need we consider it some sort of crime’
Some will question the morality of his actions
‘This numb self sacrifice of the weakest? No’
Definite answer
Mahon feels actions were noble and heroic
‘Solitary enzyme’
Final Tercet sums up Oates
This is a symbol for even though how Oates is gone that his actions are remebered in history and have influenced other now and forever more.
A recurring conceit of Mahons poetry is that the events of the past echo through time, illuminate light that can dvelop our undertsanding of the world.
‘though the night yield no glimmer there will glow’
Beautiful alliteration. Mah
‘he takes leave of this earthly pantomime quietly, knowing its time to go’
‘Pantomime’ metaphor for life
