IMAGERY

Question 1

Aunt Julia

Answer 1

‘I still hear her welcoming me with a seagulls voice’

This metaphor compares Aunt Julia to a seagull and shows her connection with nature. Just as a seagulls voice is loud and can be heard clearly, so too Aunt Julia’s voice is loud and clear in his memories. This creates the effect of connecting Aunt Julia with the natural world and illustrates the theme of loss as it emphasises the poet desire to keep her memory alive.

Question 2

Aunt Julia

Answer 2

‘She was winds pouring wetly round house ends’

This metaphor compares Aunt Julia to natural forces of wind and rain, emphasising her character with lots of energy and vigour. This metaphor connects Aunt Julia with nature which was a huge part of her life. This illustrates the theme of connections with nature and shows the culture.

Question 3

Visiting Hour

Answer 3

‘Withered hand trembles on its stalk’

This metaphor compares the person to a dying flower. This dehumanising effect emphasises how close to death she is, highlighting how ill and wasted her body has become. This illustrates the theme of isolation and loss.

Question 4

Visiting hour

Answer 4

‘White cave of forgetfullness’

Just as a cave is somewhere dark/scary and isolated, so too the hospital room is dark and isolated from the outside world, as it contains no joy, hope or memories. This emphasises the isolation of the woman from society, and the isolation felt by the poet as he feels that the woman is already gone through a lack of memory.