Blackberry picking S.H

Question 1

“heavy rain and sun”

Answer 1

Immediate contrast of the weather, the weather is confusing which foreshadows later conflict.

Question 2

“a glossy purple clot”

Answer 2

Metaphor of berry and blood, contrasts the sweet fruit with something violent. The rhyme scheme of ‘knot’ in following line emphasises the harshness.

Question 3

“our palms sticky as Blackbeard’s”

Answer 3

Refers to Charles Perrault children’s story (B kills all of his wives), alluding to something taboo or forbidden. Links to something violent and dangerous, childhood being uncomfortable and having to uncover truths.

Question 4

“rat-grey fungus” “glutting”

Answer 4

Disgusting intensity, linked to vermin and predator, imagery of the mould eating and feasting on the fruit, something nice being taken away. Vermin connoting disgust and hatred.

Question 5

“fruit fermented” “lovely canfulls left to rot”

Answer 5

The berries were once lovely but are now rotting and decaying. Links to the idea that nothing lasts forever, much like nature and childhood.

Question 6

Volta/bipartite structure

Answer 6

Contrast of the first to the second stanza, echoing the change and disparity of childhood to adulthood, mentality changes.