Aunt Julia Flashcards
“I could not answer her - I could not understand her.” STANZA 1
Repetition of the words “ I could not” emphasises the writers fact about how he cannot understand the Gaelic that his aunt speaks. The dash is used to create a pause and emphasise the last line.
“She was buckets and water flouncing into them” STANZA 3
This metaphor describes the character of aunt Julia. She is full of life, a very vibrant character. This also shows the connection that aunt Julia has with nature.
“Aunt Julia spoke Gaelic very loud and very fast” STANZA 1 AND 5
Repeated at the end and the beginning. This is the frame of the poem, the main point of the poem that emphasises his frustration towards the situation.
“and getting angry, getting angry with so many questions unanswered.” STANZA 6
Repetition of “getting angry” This emphasises how the writer feels about the situation. Her death has happened at the worst time, just as he was beginning to know her the relationship was taken away from him. He wishes he knew more about her
“By the time i had learned a little, she lay in the absolute black of a sandy grave at Luskentyre.” STANZA 5
His aunt has passed away. This is upsetting for the writer as he was just beginning to be able to understand her. “silenced” This is a contrast from her normal bright and bubbly character. She was buried at the beach. Another connection to nature.
