Just for a time Flashcards
Loss
Angelou highlights the importance of…
living the moment and staying present, so not to relive the adversities and hardships of the past
2 Big - ish Ideas
- wallowing in nostalgia or self-pity can be unhealthy
- There is a fine silver lining between remembering the past and dweeling upon it
Key terms
- Nostalgia
- Reminisces
- Perspectives
- Poignant exploration upon the finality of life / relationships
- Complex relationships
- Passage of time
- Denial
- Sadness
“Oh, how you used to walk”
The imagery conveys the speaker´s nostalgia as she remembers the charm of a loved one.
The interjection of, “Oh”, highlights…
the warmth and fondness the speaker has towards this memory
The past tense verb, “used”, instantly suggests to readers that the poem is about…
loss
“Pleased me for a while”
(+ context)
Highlights the speaker´s realisation that their relationship wasn´t going to last forever.
Angelou constantly moving places. Or, her numerous relationships
“Pleased me”
(+ D.I.)
May indicate the differences between them. “Me”, suggests that there wasn´t enough unity between the speaker and the lover - they both had different preferences.
DEEPER IMPLICATION
Highlights the different necessities and desires we have as individuals
“for a while”
(+ D.I.)
Encapsulates the temporary nature of satisfaction and enjoyment.
DEEPER IMPLICATION
Human desires and emotions are ever-changing. They have finite durations
The end stop in : “Pleased me for a while.”
Portrays how the relationship has been brought to an end; lack of continuation.
Melancholy tone as the speaker acknowledges that she must depart
“New as a day breaking in Spring”
Metaphor + imagery = optimism
The adjective, “New”, suggests how…
the unfamiliarity and sense of novelty enticed the speaker into having a relationship with the lover.
“…day breaking”
Transition from darkness to light -> Symbolises the new opportunities and potential they had together. Positive connotations
“Spring” usually obtains…
(+ D.I.)
connotations of life and rejuvenation.
D.I. : Being in a relationship may feel as if you are starting from the beginning again, you are cleansed from all your sins
“You were the image of / Everything”
The metaphor conveys the speaker´s acknowledgement for her admiration and gratitude towards the lover
(REPHRASE)
“Everything” + “were”
The abstract noun is placed in a single line, which is highly emphatic as it draws attention to the importance the lover´s presence had in her life.
However, the past tense seen in the lexical choice, “Were”, implies that her no longer holds the same value in her life as he used to.
” / Everything”
Alternatively, the visual representation of “everything” being separated and isolated from the rest of the poem may serve as a reflection of the speaker´s relationship.
The speaker draws awareness to the little substance and potential they had as the structure juxtaposes the meaning of the abstract noun. (IRONIC)
Their relationship lacked strength
The anaphora, “I don´t”, portrays the speaker´s attempts in…
convincing herself that she isn´t weak.
Defiant tone produced
“I”
(from “I don´t”)
The first person pronoun creates a shift in the poem as Angelou no longer centres the poem solely about the lover.
This may suggest that the lover has moved on and is no longer constricted to the limitations of their relationship.
“Nostalgia is not my forté”
The speaker seems reluctant to delve into her past. This may be because some of her memories are simply too painful to bare.
Although some may be pleasant, she knows she can´t experience them now, which is a reason for her heartache. She chooses to ignore them and disregard the sorrow they may bring her.
This is further emphasised in the half rhyme, “tears” and “years”
“tears” and “years” (diphthong and half rhyme)
Convey her pain. Although, she tries not to let her emotions gain control over her.
“But honesty makes me say,”
Intimate and personal
The noun, “Honesty”,
portrays the speaker´s vulnerability
The intransitive verb, “makes”…
(+ D.I.)
Perhaps the speaker is forced.
Doesn´t want to admit that her “Precious pearl” is gone”
DEEPER IMPLICATION
In acknowledging this, the speaker may find peace and bring closure and finality to her suffering
“You were the perfect girl.”
“You were a precious pearl”
Identity of the speaker remains ambiguous
The anaphora, “You were”
Reinforces the girl´s unique attributes
Plosive alliteration in : “You were the perfect girl.”
“You were a precious pearl”
Comes across as harsh and violent
“Girl”
(context)
1978 - Patriarchal society
Women were seen as needing constant support from a man. Lack of independence
Universal message for:
“You were the perfect girl.”
“You were a precious pearl”
Sounds relatable for most
Angelou may be mocking the speaker´s lack of originality. Tries to expose the lover´s superficial emotions.
Angelou tries to subvert conventional norms by encouraging readers to not be defined by the labels other people place on us. She encourages us to have self confidence and strength.
“And you were mine. / For a time. / For a time. / Just for a time.”
Repeat of the title.
All relationships end in the same way.
“For a time. / For a time. / Just for a time.”
Feels like a mantra -> Soft and delicate. The speaker is treasuring the memories they had together.
Possessive pronoun, “mine”, portrays…
the speaker´s pride and gratitude.
1st 2 stanzas are quintets which mirror…
the speaker´s memories
The final stanza is long and portrays…
the speaker´s attitudes
Enjambment
Mirrors the speaker´s long trail of thoughts
