Cinders Flashcards
The theme of innocence and childhood
this is beautifully captured through the imagery of the child clutching their magic wand, as the speaker notes, “You clutch it tightly, your magic wand.” This symbolizes the purity and wonder of youth, and the speaker’s desire to hold onto this innocence is palpable, fearing the child will grow up too quickly.
The theme of running out of time
this is powerfully expressed through the Cinderella metaphor. The line “Knowing that I will never see you dressed for the Ball” evokes the idea that once childhood is over, those magical moments cannot be reclaimed. The speaker’s longing for “more time” emphasizes the urgency to cherish these experiences before they slip away, reminding us that, like Cinderella’s magical night, childhood is both enchanting and transient.
The theme of love
love is a central theme that weaves through the poem, evident in the speaker’s protective embrace and their tender concern for the child’s well-being. The line “ hold you tighter still” reflects this nurturing love, acknowledging the inevitability of change and the passage of time, which makes each moment spent together all the more precious.
Imagery
The poem uses vivid imagery to create a sense of coldness and darkness, contrasting with the warmth of the relationship between the speaker and the child. Lines like “coldest night of the year” and “black leather, cracking in the wind” evoke a stark environment, while the “star” and “magic wand” symbolize childhood wonder.
What’s the tone of this poem?
The tone is reflective and tender, mixed with a hint of melancholy. The speaker expresses both love and concern, highlighting the fleeting nature of childhood.
What’s the structure of this poem?
The poem is structured in free verse, which allows for a natural flow of thoughts and emotions. The lack of a strict rhyme scheme mirrors the unpredictability of parenting.
What does Metaphor do?
The “magic wand” represents the child’s imagination and innocence. This whole poem is a metaphor for the story of Cinderella as it characterises the struggle of running out of time.
What does personification do?
The car is described as “changing”suggesting the transformation of the child and the speaker’s feelings. The car is also a metaphor for cinderella’s carriage, shown in the line “smells sweet of ripening seed”. This captivates the poets sense of urgency.
What does alliteration do?
Phrases like “waiting in the wings” create a rhythmic quality. The alliterative “h” in the line “Hunched against the wind and hobbling” enhances the imagery of struggle and the physical discomfort of the poet as he navigates the cold night with the child.
What does repetition do?
“We must go. Must go” and “if only there were more. time. More time” emphasize the personas sense of urgency, and his feeling of despair as he fears he is running out of time to protect his daughter, or to “be on hand to warn you against prince Charmings”
-“I clutch you tightly for fear you blow away” and the repetition of the word “fear” in the following line demonstrates how the poet is terrified to not be there for his daughter and, and the fear of missing out in her big moments in life.
“for fear you grow up too soon”
Highlights the speakers anxiety about the passage of time
“If only there were more time”
Expresses a universal desire to hold onto cherished moments
“My coat, black leather cracking in the wind”
Sets the scene of the poem, also reflects the harsh reality of life and the passing of time
“I could be mistaken for your grandfather”
The poet feels shame for his age, displays the cruel reality of being an older father
“I clutch you tightly for fear you blow away”
Displays the fathers protectiveness
