In Paris with you

Question 1

Who writes In Paris with you?

Answer 1

James Fenton

Question 2

Two main themes of the poem?

Answer 2

• Recovery from love
• negativity towards love

Question 3

How is the theme of recovery from love displayed throughout the poem?

Answer 3

In the opening 2 stanzas the speaker is seen discussing his past failed love, and now he is in paris with a new partner a ‘ rebound’ of some sort.

Question 4

How is the theme of Negative feelings towards love displayed throughout the poem?

Answer 4

The speaker has been hurt by negative experiences of love, and repeatedly tells his new partner “don’t talk to me of love”

Question 5

Two other poems for comparison?

Answer 5

Love after love
- An arudel tomb

Question 6

Quote 1, Stanza 1, Line 1

Answer 6

“Don’t talk to me of love”

Question 7

“Don’t talk to me of love” - Quote 1, Stanza 1, Line 1

Answer 7

A negative imperative to begin the poem. Getting rid of the idea that this is going to be a normal love poem

Question 8

Quote 2, Stanza 1, Line 4

Answer 8

“I’m a hostage. I’m Maroonded”

Question 9

“I’m a hostage. I’m Maroonded” - Quote 2, Stanza 1, Line 4

Answer 9

• Speaker feels like he is trapped in his past love and is hurt
• Comical wordplay - making up words ( War terminology)

Question 10

Quote 3, Stanza 2, Line 3

Answer 10

” I’m on the rebound”

Question 11

“I’m on the rebound” - Quote 3, Stanza 2, Line 3

Answer 11

COLLOQUIAL LANGUAGE - is used to reflect the everyday modern tone. It is not a forever relationship.

Question 12

Quote 4, Stanza 3 (Some of the famous paris places)

Answer 12

“Louvre, Notre Dame, Champ Elysees”

Question 13

Louvre, Notre Dame, Champ Elysees” - Quote 4, stanza 3

Answer 13

Rejecting the traditional landmarks of love in paris.

Question 14

Quote 5, Stanza 3, Line 9

Answer 14

“Learning what i am”

Question 15

“Learning what I am” - Quote 5, Stanza 3, Line 9

Answer 15

“What” - Leads to self doubting, confidence has been knocked since his last relationship.

Question 16

Quote 6, Stanza 4, Line 3

Answer 16

“Crack across the ceiling”

Question 17

” Crack across the ceiling - Quote 6, Stanza 4, Line 3

Answer 17

Hotel room can reflect his mental state. The hotel room can also suggest that he isn’t looking for something ambitious and beautiful in this relationship.

Question 18

Quote 7, Stanza 5, Line 3

Answer 18

” I’m in Paris with your eyes, your mouth.”

Question 19

” I’m in Paris with your eyes, your mouth.” - Quote 7, Stanza 5, Line 3

Answer 19

Emphasising his partners physical features
A genuine attracting may be forming

Question 20

Quote 8, Stanza 5, Line 4

Answer 20

“Am I embarrassing you?”

Question 21

” Am I embarrassing you?” - Quote 8, Stanza 5, Line 4

Answer 21

Rhetorical question, does he care about his lovers feelings? Becoming less self centered

Question 22

What line is repeated at the end of every stanza but stanza 3?

Answer 22

“I’m in Paris with you”