Dobson Flashcards
Young Girl At A Window Topic Sentence:
An ekphrastic poem that amplifies the simple scene of a girl looking out a window, into deeper ideas of a woman entrapped in a patriarchal society.
Over The Hill Topic Sentence:
Exerts intercepting ideas of adulthood, responsibility and a sense of contentment with the inevitability of ageing.
Summer’s End Topic Sentence:
A poem with a cyclical approach that encompasses the overwhelming emotions that come from the conclusion of the season.
The Conversation Topic Sentence:
Depicts a mute older man & a young persona observing exploring the human experiences of wisdom, gained through conversation and age.
Cock Crow Topic Sentence:
Highlights the constant paradox of motherhood, an obligation to fulfil responsibilities, but also wanting to be free from any obligations.
Amy Caroline Topic Sentence:
An anecdotal poem written in first person, that highlights the human experience of sacrifice, kindness and compassion.
Canberra Morning Topic Sentence:
Demonstrates Dobson as first-person persona that captures her outlook upon the trivial occurrences in Canberra and her approach on ageing.
Young Girl At A Window Quote, Analysis, C/I:
- “Time was killed… or time was lost” = Time is anthropomorphised, gaining human attributes. Conjunction of time demonstrates different perspectives of the same moment. C
- “Mortal swords are crossed” = Metaphor for cause of ongoing inner conflict. I
CONTRASTS TOO - “Over the gently turning hills” Positive connotation of gently, isn’t experiencing inner conflict anymore. I
- “Lift your hand to the window latch” Window is a liminal space, leaving it symbolises freedom = cusp of change. C.
Over The Hill Quote, Analysis, C/I:
- Title = idiom that represents a metaphorical journey. I and C.
- “This workmen dredge’s home”= Negative connotations of judgement. Represents Perspective some may have of him. C
- “He could move mountains” = Symbolism of mountains= obstacles faced. I
- “If he cared” = is content, doesn’t feel the need to ‘move’ them. I
Summer’s End Quote, Analysis, C/I:
After the summer season
- “Screaming at the water’s edge”= verb screaming due to change. I
- “Sand is like knives to her feet” = simile, not wanting change in season. I
Picnic
- “Tongues of flame like slander” = Simile - internal burn of inevitable change. I
- “Took down my fingerprints” = finger symbolises new beginnings. They fade over time. I
The Conversation Quote, Analysis, C/I:
- “His old fist like a knotted branch” = simile suggests the symbolic connection to the tree, full of wisdom. C
- “Observing by his gesture” Visual imagery, actions speak louder than words, doesn’t have to be verbal to gain wisdom. C
- “Children and fools may try” Positive connotations children = innocence, fools = lack knowledge. C
- “Wordless, wise and I” = Alliteration, wisdom can be verbal / non-verbal. C
Cock Crow Quote, Analysis, C/I:
- “three times…Three times the dark trees closed me round” Anaphora = protection in nature as the personified trees = safety. C
- “The night freed me of my bonds” Metaphorical bonds restricting her from seeking freedom. Division. C
- “Walked the way I’d come”= Inconsistency, changes her mind. I
Amy Caroline Quote, Analysis, C/I:
- “She was sorry” = emotive language and apologetic tone - reflect on their identity when sorry. C
- “At dinner, used to set an extra place for strangers” loving and compassionate tone, reflects the kindness. C
- “Eight children, little money, many griefs” = Contrast, preferred to give to others. I
Canberra Morning Quote, Analysis, C/I:
- “Flock of starling’s: School-children” = starlings symbolic of energy, noise, childish behaviours. C
- Entire poem = high structuring, no enjambment between stanzas, only within them. Demonstrates the different activities the p observes. I
- “Life gets better as I grow older” The colloquial language highlights shift between superficial to meaningful as persona reflects. I and C
