Cozy Apologia (rita Dove) Flashcards
“I could pick up anything and think of you -” B
hyperbole, universal association of her partner with ‘anyhting’ suggests deep, omnipresent love. all encompassing nature of love
Direct address combined w dash mimics sense she is writing in stream of consciousness, conversational & colloquial, informal & relaxed, emphasises bond
Simplicity of ‘think do you’ conveys warm familiarity
Pervasiveness of love, idealised yet realistic relationship, security and familiarity
“This lamp, the wind-still rain, the glossy blue My pen exudes, drying matte.” B
formulation of ideas in asyndetic listing - highlights the beauty in the mundane
how everyday life is imbued with thoughts of her partner
Juxtaposition ‘glossy’ ‘matte’ - contrast between excitement and routine of love
while inks starts shiny, it settles into smth more subdued yet still valuable, like relationships over time
assonance u in blue & exudes sound as comforting as their love itself
Ordinary objects - love woven into everyday details of life
patience in watching ink dry, symbolises patience & endurance of love
“I could choose any hero, any cause or age” B
hero & cause - allusion, implies longing for grandeur & purpose, speaker romanticised love in her youth, expecting it be a grand adventure
repetition (Anaphora) of any - such choices seem distant or unimportant now, contentment in ordinary
Modification (pre) - sense of drama, juxtaposition previous lines, conveys sense of action & adventure, maybe yearning for smth out of the ordinary
“Oddly male: Big Bad Floyd, who brings a host of daydreams.” M
personification - oddly male - unexpected almost humorous, contrast between traditional masculinity (aggression & destructive nature ) and her partner, who embodies stability & comfort
Alliteration - comical fairytale quality, hinting at childhood fantasies as dramatic whirlwind romance is ultimately realistic
The storm - like these ideals is destructive rather than fulfilling
“teenage crushes on worthless boys whose only talent was to kiss you senseless” M
worthless boys - intentionally dismissive, derogatory tone to undermine significance of past relationships
relieve clause ‘whose only talent’ - sarcastically belittle their importance, suggesting youthful infatuations were shallow & purely physical
Consonance (s) - represent seductive nature of men/boys
Stark contrast between these boys and current partner, theme of mature love vs immature infatuation
they lacked depth or emotional fulfilment
Were thin as licorice and as chewy, sweet with a dark and hollow center. M
extended metaphor of licorice - past relationships were deceptively appealing but ultimately unsatisfying
simile ‘thin as licroice ‘ - conveys fragility, relationships lacked substance
adjective ‘chewy’ - difficulty, that although these experiences were exciting, they required effort & didn’t provide genuine nourishment
Oxymoron - ‘sweet.. center’ - encapsulates the idea of false promise, superficially enjoyable but empty
like candy, infatuation offers only momentary pleasure but no lasting satisfaction
True love not just about excitement but about depth and security/comfort
“You’re bunkered in your Aerie, I’m perched in mine” (e)
Military metaphor “bunkered” - emotional protection - they are shielded from external chaos, showing love as a safe haven.
“Aerie” (a high nest) symbolises a private, elevated space - their relationship gives them perspective and distance from the world’s noise.
repetition of “your… mine” - equality and mutual support—each has their own space, but they are emotionally connected.
Juxtaposition of “bunkered” and “perched” blends strength and delicacy—highlighting the balance in their bond.
“We’re content, but fall short of the Divine. / Still, it’s embarrassing, this happiness—” (e)
Religious allusion to the “Divine” sets up an impossible standard—true love is presented as human, not heavenly.
Juxtaposition between contentment and perfection suggests mature love accepts flaws.
Dash after “happiness” mimics a sudden pause—emphasises her self-awareness and vulnerability in expressing joy.
Word “embarrassing” reveals a reluctance to be openly emotional—suggests love is so deep it feels exposed.
Challenges romantic clichés by embracing the ordinary beauty of real partnership.
“I fill this stolen time with you.” (e)
Metaphor “stolen time” - their moments together are rare and valuable—creates a sense of emotional treasure.
“Fill” - contentment and intention—she chooses to spend time with him, which conveys deep affection.
Contrast between external demands and their private connection—love exists in quiet, meaningful pauses.
Simple diction enhances sincerity—no need for grand gestures, just presence and devotion.
Ends the poem with calm intimacy—love is a conscious act, not an accidental feeling.
What does the title Cozy Apologia mean?
– “Cozy” – warmth, intimacy, domestic security
– “Apologia” – formal defence (Greek root)
– juxtaposition – soft comfort vs intellectual defence
– irony – love doesn’t need defence, but society may expect it
– (title mirrors poem’s theme: justifying quiet, secure love)
Structure and Form
– free verse – reflects natural thought flow
– irregular stanza lengths – mirror shifting tone + external disruption
– movement – present reflection → storm → past lovers → resolution
– enjambment – fluidity, emotional stream
– tone shifts – light humour → critique → vulnerability
– (form supports emotional authenticity)
Context
– written by Rita Dove about husband Fred Viebahn
– set during Hurricane Floyd (1999) – literal & metaphorical storm
– autobiographical – blends personal with social reflection
– critiques clichés of romance + embraces grounded love
– (celebrates emotional comfort over grand passion)
Possible Exam Themes
– Romantic love (real vs ideal)
– Past relationships / memory
– Gender roles + expectations
– Domestic life vs modern chaos
– Emotional resilience
– Security + comfort
– Self-reflection + vulnerability
