Aunt Julia Flashcards
“Aunt Julia” - start of Stanza 1
Each verse begins with a reference to her
“Aunt Julia spoke Gaelic”
Traditional
“Very loud and very fast”
Her characteristics: dynamic, energetic, lively
Repetition emphasises her emphatic determined nature.
Warmly drawn affectionate childhood memories.
“I could not answer her-”
“I could not understand her”
Dash/pause places focus on his inability to communicate- emphasises it.
Repetition of “I could not” establishes and emphasises theme of frustration at barriers in communication.
“She” - start of Stanza 2
Reference to Aunt Julia again
“She wore men’s boots.”
She does traditionally male tasks. Wears practical clothes. Poet clearly admires her ability to complete these tasks easily.
“When she wore any”
Usually barefoot - hardy/at one with nature
“I can see her strong foot”
Strong masculine qualities
“Stained with peat”
Reflects her life on the croft. She’s traditional and has a close connection with the land.
“Paddling”
Skilful movement. Like a sea animal gliding through water. Reflects rhythmic movement. Shows admiration for Aunt’s skill..
“I can see her strong foot stained with peat paddling with the treadle of the spinning wheel.”
Very precise and skilful movement.
Long sentence accentuates the lengthiness of the spinning process.
“I can see her” shows that the poet associates his Aunt with the movement and activity.
“While her right hand drew yarn marvellously out of the air.”
Word choice of “marvellously” conveys the magic/illusion about the task. It’s almost entrancing for the young boy - poet.
As if she is some kind of magician. Sense of childhood wonder at the process and her expertise.
Technique used in last three lines of stanza 2
Enjambment
“Hers” - start of stanza 3
Reference to Aunt Julia again
“Only house”
Emphasis by word placement. provides and idea of the special and exciting qualities of the poets visits to her house