Good Friday Flashcards
“Three o’clock”
The time Christ is though to have died. You expect religion but instead we meet a drunk man.
“Lurches”
Word choice. Sudden movement, drunk people move in a similar way.
“D’s this go-“
Glaswegian accent. Immediately aware of setting & feel involved.
- = flow of conversation interrupted. Mimics erratic movements of bus and man trying to sit.
“Flops”
Clumsy / Tired
“-Oh tha’s, tha’s all right”
Has he been spoken to? Drunk man remains focus of the poem.
“Kiddies”
Affectionate and informal. The man is kind.
“Wee drink”
Understatement. Ashamed. Sensitive of religion. Does he think he’s had a small drink?
Repetition of “ye see”
He is constantly seeking clarification, he is self conscious.
“I like to celebrate”
Usually done with family.
“When I’m no working”
Out of work? Or always working?
“I don’t say it’s right / I’m no saying it’s right”
He is aware of societies expectations. Emphasises awareness. He knows it isn’t what the holiday is about.
“ye understand - ye understand?”
Repetition. Trying to get an answer.
“I don’t know what today’s in aid of”
Unaware of holiday’s purpose. Lack of education. Wants to know. Knows he is ignorant.
“Whether Christ was - crucified or was he - / rose fae the dead like”
He has a basic understanding. He underestimates himself.
“You’re an educatit man”
Sees himself as lower in the hierarchy. Less important.
“There ye are”
Accepts the answer.
“he jist canny - jist / hasny got it”
Aware of lack of education. Inequality of working class in society. Lost cause.
“He’s jist bliddy ignorant - Christ aye, / bliddy ignorant”
Repetition emphasises annoyance at his circumstances. Christ aye shows his lack of religion as he used blasphemy. Irony as it is a religious holiday.
“Bus brakes violently”
Emphasises harsh movement of bus. Brings conversation to a sudden stop.
“Very
Nearly
Steady
Legs”
Staggered structure mimics the movement of the drunk man.
