Effects by Alan Jenkins Flashcards
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What is the reader;s initial impression when they first see the poem? Why?
intimidation
overwhelmed
long single stanza
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How may the reader interpret this long single stanza?
representation of the huge range of ‘Effects’ that occur and need to be considered
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What forms of punctuation are used in the poem?
caesura in form of commas full stops hyphens brackets inverted commas
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What might this mix of punctuation make the reader consider?
how it is arguably more ‘story-like’ and descriptive than a typical poem
there’s a natural sense of speech and opinion communicated
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What does text in inverted commas indicate?
different tone in voices
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What do hyphens do?
with their extended pause, they help to place emphasis on items
e.g. “the scotch”
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What are the two full stops effective at doing?
building on existing ‘overwhelming’ feeling
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Why might the reader feel confusion?
due to wide range of descriptions
emphasised by lack of consistent rhyme scheme
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What could the inconsistent rhyme scheme represent?
the confused mental state of the mother
the confusion that can come with grief
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What is the significance of the rhyme scheme becoming more consistent towards the end?
portrays the greater sense of clarity the narrator is achieving
STRUCTURE
What does the first line of the poem have the effect of?
“I held her hand”
releases a flood of memories
recreates life that has just ended
STRUCTURE
What does each sentence show?
the influential lives (of which they are 2) that he has lost, and this affects himgreatly
represents how life is a constant. it will end suddenly but all the memories are there
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What can be considered the turning point? Why?
“-it was gone”
the narrator starts to notice that things are missing
it is as if his father’s death has finally sunk in
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What pattern does the rhyme scheme start off as? What does it end as?
starts off as alternate line rhyme
ends in couplets
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What does the change in rhyme scheme show?
how the narrator is left in a state of uncertainty
as poem goes on, he regains some of his ‘old self’ back and comes to terms with the deaths
irregularity mirrors the distance between him and his parents
STRUCTURE
What complex sentence structure does the poem use? What does this represent?
mix of clauses and sub clauses
each new details triggers further memories
POETIC TECHNIQUES
What role does repetition play? What particular form of repetition is used?
adds extra emphasis to specific descriptions
hopelessness and despondence
a diacope ( repetition of a word is broken by another word) e.g. "drink after drink", "night after night"
POETIC TECHNIQUES
How does Jenkins use negative connotations?
to connect to the reader
it makes it more memorable and effective
POETIC TECHNIQUES
What role do adjectives and verbs play in the poem?
further emphasise the descriptive and story-like nature of the poem
by:
- improve ability of reader to accurately imagine
- subtle extensions of understanding due to the connotations (“cheap cut”, “faded snapshots”)
POETIC TECHNIQUES
What does the 1st person perspective achieve in the ending of the poem?
the ending is more emotional because the reader is able to apply the sense of loss to a specific individual
rather than a more abstract group or entity
POETIC TECHNIQUES
What does the first person description add to the poem?
a more personal connection
What are the themes presented?
- Family
- Childhood
- Identity
How is the theme of family presented?
directly explores the current relationship between ill mother and their child
references mother’s husband
How is theme of childhood presented?
references to childhood experiences and reminiscing
How is theme of identity presented?
mother’s identity is summarised through physical and emotional impact that she had on others
POETIC TECHNIQUES
Where is colloquialism used? What is its effect?
“fumble at my sleeve”
more informal and relatable
POETIC TECHNIQUES
Where is symbolism used? What is its effect?
“to whatever “funny stuff” young people seemed to eat these days”
symbolism of materials shows the difference between the two generations and how things change with time
how a lack of understanding creates a distance as well as learn opportunities about the other person
