Havisham: Character Flashcards
beloved sweetheart bastard”
the contrast of the word “beloved” and “bastard” brings to attention the fact that Havisham is a disconcerted individual who cannot understand her own feelings. The alliteration and plosive “b” sound in “beloved” and “bastard” creates the impression that her words are being spat out which accentuates the expletive.
What does that suggest
This constructs the distinctive voice of the character Havisham as being bitter and distorted.
How does Duffy continue to explore the character
Duffy continue to show the complexity of the character of Havisham by showing the rage she feels towards her ex-lover and her murderous fantasies relating to him. Havisham has prayed earnestly for his death, with her eyes tightly shut and hands tightly grasped.
“dark green pebbles for eyes”.
Duffy uses this metaphor to show the reader her desperation as her eyes are now hard and cold. The symbolic use of the colour “green” shows the jealousy she has for those living the life she longs to have and the use of the word “dark “emphasises the sick and twisted thoughts Havisham has.
“ropes on the back of my hands”
“Ropes”
to show that her veins have popped out and much more prominent, this creates the impression of time and how long she has spent yearning for revenge.
I “could strangle with”
portrays Havisham as a very violent character and there are no doubts that she would commit acts of violence towards her ex-lover if she had the chance.
Evaluative comment stanza 1
At this point in the poem the character of Havisham is seen as a complex psychopath, this enhances my appreciation for the poem as it creates a sudden form of distress due to It not being clear who Havisham is; A misunderstood griever or a malicious maniac.
Stanza 2 opening point
The character of Havisham is explored further in stanza two where we see a much more saddened and lonely side of Havisham. Duffy does this by describing the result of Havisham’s experiences with the judgement of her inflicted by society.
“spinster”.
he one-word sentence effectively emphasises the harshness of the word making it seem like its being used as an expletive or as profanity which highlights the self-disgust and isolation Havisham feels.
whole days in bed cawing noooo at the wall”.
use of onomatopoeia when the poet writes “cawing” is used to give Havisham animalistic qualities. “nooo” Is drawn out which reveals her denial and desperation and illustrates her raw and primitive emotions. This emphasizes the fact Havisham is a severely mentally ill and obsessive character.
What does this suggest
The bird imagery acts to reinforce
the fragility of Havisham. The character of Havisham is now seen as fragile.
Stanza 2 evaluative comments
This sudden change from violent to vulnerable enhances my appreciation of the poem as it leaves us sympathising and feeling sorry for her instead of fearing her.
Stanza 3 opening point
Duffy shows the perplexing character of Havisham at the beginning of the third stanza by showing the reader the lack of control Havisham has over herself and emotions when thinking about her ex-lover.
“puce curses are sounds not words”.
The word “puce” has connotations to blood and disease, this symbolises her anger as it spreads throughout her mind. The assonance in “curses” makes the reader picture Havisham spitting her words out which creates a sinister mood.
“Sounds not words, opening point
The lack of control Havisham has for herself has left her almost mute, unable to articulate her emotions through language, leaving her only to vocalise her emotions through “sounds not words”.
“Sounds not words
This gives the impression of the angry side of Havisham however, as the reader we begin to sympathise with her as she is unable to keep herself together. it unveils that she has more layers to her other than the unpredictable murderous women we were introduced to in stanza one.
“Fluent tongue opening point
there’s an abrupt change in direction where Havisham’s soft side is revealed. This is done when Havisham is asleep dreaming about her ex-lover. “fluent tongue”,
Fluent tongue
when in her unconscious state of mind Havisham is seen to still be in love with her ex-lover. She loses control of her hatred and allows herself to fantasise over what she almost had.
“lost body over me”
shows Havisham imagining being with her ex-lover. We see Havisham being unable to get over the pain of losing them as “lost body” suggests that it has been a very long time since their relationship ended.
“Bite awake” opening point
However, as soon Havisham awakens the aggression returns.
Bite awake
this suggests that the minute she is conscious she begins hating him once again. This shows us that there is a fine line between Havisham’s love and hate for the person who broke her heart.
Stanza 3 evaluative comment
his shows us that Havisham is a complex and confused character, yet we begin to understand why she comes across as so hatful. This enhances my appreciation for the poem as it feels as though you are on a personal level with the character.
