Catrin- by Gillian Clarke

Question 1

Catrin:
Who is this poem by?

Answer 1

Gillian Clarke

Question 2

Catrin:
What metre is this poem in.

Answer 2

Free Verse

Question 3

Catrin:
What is the meaning of this poem?

Answer 3

-the pain and emotions of childbirth and how this pain and conflict is foreshadow and is reflected in the distancing relationship with her daughter.
-How a parent’s concern for their child never ends.
-Struggles for identity.
-reminisces on childbirth.

Question 4

Catrin:
“Red rope of love”
What is some analysis of this quote?

Answer 4

-Metaphor
-noun “rope” has restrictive connotations. The phrase “red rope of love” is metaphorical for the umbilical cord, implying this is a maternal relationship, but it a connection that is eventually cut.

Question 5

Catrin:
“I can remember you, child,”
What is some analysis of this quote.

Answer 5

-The poem immediately begins by addressing an unnamed child, who we assume is the Catrin referenced in the title. By keeping the child without a name, Clarke may be trying to imply the distance between the mother and child as a result of the conflict the poem centres around.1

Question 6

Catrin:
“Trailing love and conflict,”
What is some analysis of this quote.

Answer 6

-Antithesis/ Juxtaposition- reiterates the difficulty/confusion in the relationship.

Question 7

Catrin:
What is the context of this poem?

Answer 7

-She has three children, a girl and two boys, and therefore the topic of motherhood will be a theme she has a lot of experience with.
-Conflict with her distancing teenager to struggle of birth itself