Cozy Apologia Flashcards
who wrote Cozy apologia?
Rita Dove
why did Rita Dove write Cozy Apologia?
dedicated to ‘fred’ her husband
-about hurricane Floyd in 1999 that hit america
-autobiographical personal tone
context and meaning of Cozy Apologia?
Apologia- indicates that the poet is personally defending her own opinions. - its not an apology
-writer subverts this form to defend something domestic and simple rather than impassioned and political.
how does Rita Dove use comparisons and in what quote?
uses a cliche ironically by referring to “chain-mail glinting”- implies that her husband is like a knight in shining armour who will rescue her from the “blues”
-then, simile being “as thin as liquorice” emphasises how insubstantial and ridiculous these other boyfriends were
how does Rita Dove use subverted pathetic fallacy and in what quotes?
the impending “storm” of “BIg Bad Floyd” and the disruption and aggression of the word “cussing” contrasts with the peace and happiness of her relationship
how does Rita Dove use shifting rhyme scheme?
-rhyme scheme breaks down over the course of the poem. The scheme shifts from a sequence of rhyming couplets to a more irregular pattern
-mimics how the hurricane will remove order and disrupt life
finish the quote, “i could pick anything and…
think of you”
analyse the quote, “I could pick anything and think of you”
-Dove’s use of the first person emphasises the autobiographical tone of the poem
-the idea that she can relate any object to her husband exaggerates their loves and implies how deeply she loves him
finish the quote, “chain-mail..
glinting’
analyse the quote, “chain-mail glinting”
-creates the image of elegant love.
-the narrator presents her husband as a knight in shining armour to save her. it is also a slightly humorous image as she describes him with his “legs braced…. far apart”- making him seem slightly ridiculous
-Dove seems almost afraid to be too sincere
finish the quote, “fall short of the..
divine”
analyse the quote “fall short of the divine”
dove recognises that their love is mundane and normal, rather than an elevated grand passion.- she is trying to be honest rather than exaggerate her love
finish the quote, “do-it-now-and…
-take-no-risks
analyse the quote, “do-it-now-and-take-no-risks”
Dove uses hyphenated words. The hyphens create speed to mimic the fast pace of daily life. There’s almost no time to reflect
finish the quote, “I fill this stolen..
time with you”
analyse the quote, “I fill this stolen time with you”
due to the hectic pace of modern life, Dove is glad for the “stolen time” that the hurricane provides- nature frees her from day-to-day life and creates a space to explore her memories and reflect on life
-“you”- deliberate use for the final emphasis is on her partner
