Eden Rock Flashcards
What age was Causley when he wrote the poem?
71
What serious condition was Causley facing while writing the poem?
Seriously ill
How old was Causley when his father died?
7 years old
What could the poem represent for Causley?
A way to seek comfort when facing his own mortality
Causley wrote the poem in response to his own _______.
[mortality]
What does the narrator remember about his childhood?
A happy childhood memory during a picnic with his young parents
This memory is described as nostalgic but has deeper significance.
What deeper level of meaning might the picnic memory symbolize?
Reassurance that his parents will be reunited in the next life
This suggests themes of hope and continuity beyond death.
What is the significance of the title ‘Eden’?
It could relate to the Garden of Eden, representing an idyllic place
The name ‘Eden’ evokes themes of paradise and innocence.
List the main themes present in the content.
- Past
- Memory
- Loss
- Death
- Family
These themes reflect the emotional and relational aspects explored in the narrative.
What is the form of the poem?
The poem contains 5 stanzas, 4 regular quatrains followed by a split 5th stanza.
What type of metre/rhythm does the poem have?
The poem has a regular metre/rhythm.
What type of rhyme is used throughout the poem?
The poem uses half-rhymes throughout.
What effect does the regular rhythm evoke?
The regular rhythm should evoke a calmness.
What does the half-rhyme imply about the scene?
The half-rhyme creates an underlying sense of disharmony, implying that something is not right about this idyllic scene.
What does the split 5th stanza create for the reader?
The split 5th stanza creates a physical gap for the reader to bridge.
What might the physical gap in the split 5th stanza reflect?
It could reflect the gap between the narrator and his parents or the fact that he has now metaphorically joined his parents.
What do the first three stanzas reflect?
The first three stanzas reflect how he feels about his parents and the fondness for the memory he holds.
What do the final two stanzas switch to?
The final two stanzas switch to his parents turning their attention to him.
What do the parents encourage the narrator to do in the final two stanzas?
They encourage him to join them, reassuring him that it’ll all be okay.
What is juxtaposed with the ambiguity of the stream in the memory?
The detail of the memory
List some vivid details recounted in the memory.
- straw hat
- sprigged dress
- white cloth
- H.P. Sauce bottle
What do the references to light throughout the text imply?
A kind of heavenly setting
What does ‘Crossing’ potentially symbolize?
Death
What effect does the detail in the memory have on the narrator’s feelings about his parents?
It emphasizes how important this memory is to him
What phrase is used to describe the setting in the memory?
‘lit by three suns’
Fill in the blank: ‘Crossing’ could be a _______ for death.
euphemism
What is the overall tone created by the vivid details and references to light?
Calmness
What tense is used to make the scene more vivid?
Present tense
The use of present tense adds immediacy and impact to the narrative.
What does the biblical reference to paradise suggest?
His parents are waiting in a perfect and peaceful place
The phrase ‘somewhere beyond’ implies a solid place, possibly the afterlife.
What is the significance of vivid detail in the memory?
It adds to the significance of the memory and portrays warmth and closeness in their relationships.
How old is the father depicted in the memory?
Twenty-five
He is described wearing the same suit of Genuine Irish Tweed.
What does the description of the mother’s hair symbolize?
An angelic image
The color of her hair, compared to wheat, enhances the ethereal quality.
Fill in the blank: The mother is pouring tea from a _______.
Thermos
This detail adds to the domestic and nostalgic feel of the memory.
What does the phrase ‘they are waiting for me somewhere beyond Eden Rock’ imply?
A sense of longing and connection with his parents
It suggests a spiritual or emotional bond that transcends physical presence.
What items does the mother set out during the memory?
Three plates and tin cups painted blue
The use of specific items enhances the vividness of the scene.
What effect does the use of present tense have on the memory?
Adds impact
It brings the past experience into a more immediate and relatable context.
What age is the mother in the memory?
Twenty-three
She is described wearing a sprigged dress and a ribbon in her straw hat.
True or False: The memory is portrayed as a cold and distant recollection.
False
The memory is warm, filled with vivid details that evoke closeness.
What is the significance of the phrase ‘Holy Trinity’ in the context of the poem?
Perhaps a reunion of their family
The term suggests a spiritual or familial connection, hinting at themes of unity and divine presence.
What imagery is used to describe the setting in the poem?
The sky whitens as if lit by three suns
This imagery creates a serene and heavenly atmosphere, enhancing the themes of peace and transcendence.
What action does the father perform in the poem?
Spins a stone along the water
This action may symbolize leisure and contemplation, possibly representing the transition into death.
What do the parents offer to the narrator from the other bank?
Comfort and encouragement
Their beckoning suggests a guiding presence, emphasizing support during the transition.
What does the narrator hear from the parents?
‘See where the stream-path is! Crossing is not as hard as you might think.’
This statement conveys reassurance and a sense of ease regarding the concept of death.
How does the poem describe the narrator’s initial thoughts about crossing?
I had not thought that it would be like this
This reflects the narrator’s surprise and perhaps a realization about the nature of death.
What literary device is used to slow the pace of the poem?
Caesurae
The use of caesurae contributes to a feeling of tranquility and contemplation.
What effect does enjambment have in the poem?
Connects the peace of the parents to that of the narrator
This technique creates a flow that enhances the theme of unity and shared experience.
What emotion is conveyed through the reunion of the narrator with the parents?
Enthused to be reunited again?
This suggests a longing for connection and acceptance in the face of death.
What does the metaphor of ‘crossing into death’ suggest?
A transition or journey into the afterlife
This metaphor highlights the themes of mortality and the unknown nature of death.
Fill in the blank: The poem uses _______ to create a sense of peace.
Caesurae
This technique emphasizes pauses that enhance the reflective quality of the poem.
True or False: The poem portrays death as a difficult experience.
False
The poem suggests that crossing into death may not be as hard as one might think, indicating a more peaceful perspective.
What is a common stanza form used in poetry?
Quatrains
Quatrains are stanzas consisting of four lines, often with a specific rhyme scheme.
What type of rhythm is typically employed in the poem?
Regular rhythm
Regular rhythm contributes to the musicality and flow of the poem.
What rhyme scheme is mentioned in the analysis?
Half-rhyme scheme
Half-rhyme involves a partial rhyme, adding complexity to the sound structure.
What kind of imagery is prominently used in the poem?
Vivid description
Vivid descriptions create strong mental images and engage the reader’s senses.
What is a notable theme in the poem related to emotions?
Nostalgia
Nostalgia evokes a sentimental longing for the past, often reflected in the poem’s tone.
Which vocabulary term describes a feeling of peace and serenity?
Calmness
Calmness contributes to the overall tranquil atmosphere in the poem.
What word describes the emotional state of longing for reunion?
Reassurance
Reassurance in the context of the poem reflects a desire for connection and comfort.
What term refers to the state of being separated or in conflict?
Discord
Discord highlights tension or disagreement, contrasting with themes of harmony.
What is a key aspect of the poem’s reflective quality?
Memory
Memory serves as a lens through which the past is revisited and examined.
What kind of imagery is used to convey spiritual themes?
Religious imagery
Religious imagery can evoke themes of faith, hope, and the afterlife.
What is an example of a poem that explores vivid childhood memories?
‘Before You Were Mine’
This poem captures nostalgia and the complexities of memory related to childhood.
What poem presents the theme of parent/child bonds?
‘Follower’
‘Follower’ explores the dynamics of relationships between parents and children.
Fill in the blank: The poem evokes a sense of _______.
Tranquility
Tranquility is an essential theme, creating a peaceful reading experience.
What term describes feelings that are deeply moving and touching?
Poignant
Poignant moments in poetry often resonate with the reader’s emotions.
What does the term ‘idyllic’ refer to in the context of the poem?
Idealized or peaceful
Idyllic imagery often depicts a perfect or serene setting.
What is juxtaposition in poetry?
Contrasting elements
Juxtaposition highlights differences, often to emphasize a particular theme or emotion.
