Key Quotes and Analysis Of The Way My Mother Speaks Flashcards
What are the themes?
Identity, childhood, transition, change, Relationship and Memories.
What is the technique and evaluation of “ I say her phrases to myself/ in my head “?
T- word choice
E- The use of the word “ I “ immediately establishes the personal, reflective nature of the poem.
E- The fact the speaker thinks of her mother, suggests a close bond which brings comfort to the speaker. Indicating the influence her mother had on her (she is a part of her).
E- The possessive ‘her’ suggests the words belong to her mother but they are part of her.
What is the technique and evaluation of “ under the shallows of my breath restful shapes moving “?
T- word choice, paradox
E- Duffy repeats the words quietly to herself.
E- Her “shallow” breathing suggests her anxiety and need for reassurance or comfort. This suggests that repeating her mother’s words is comforting and implies that her mothers sayings are integral to her very existence.
E- The words “moving” and “restful” contradict one another, creating a paradox linking to the idea that when you are on a train you seem to be still whilst the rest of the world races past you.
E- The paradox suggests that the train makes moving seem restful. This confusion shows the confusion of the persona.
E- The word “moving” can also be seen in another sense, suggesting the poet’s feelings - the phrases and journey are emotionally moving for her.
What is the technique and evaluation of “ The day and ever. The day and ever “?
T- repetition, word choice rhythm
E- The use of the italics stress the importance of the phrase to the speaker.
E- The word choice/repetition of “ever” symbolises the significance of this journey which will last her lifetime, and this connection with her mother will always be there.
E- Just as the speaker has linked her mother’s word with what she sees through the window, now she uses a repeating phrase to suggest the sound of the train.
E- The repetition mimics the rhythm of the travelling train. It also suggests the poet reseating the words to herself, calming herself.
What does stanza 2 deal with?
Stanza 2 deals with the idea of transition. The seemingly endless, long train journey, symbolises her change
What is the technique and evaluation of “The train this slow evening goes down England”?
T- word choice, assonance
E- The speaker describes the train journey in more detail and sets the time.
E- The use of the word choice “slow” has connotations of sluggish leisurely and long-winded, suggesting that the speaker feels as though the train journey is long, unhurried and drawn-out.
E- The long journey gives the speaker time to reflect.
E- Assonance which slows the pace of the poem down mimicking her journey.
What is the technique and evaluation of “browsing for the right sky, too blue swapped for a cool grey.”?
T- word choice, Contrast
E- The word choice “browsing” has connotations of to search, look or pursue symbolising the speaker’s search for a place that is right for her (she is not yet sure of her destination). Could also symbolise that the speaker believes the journey has an unrushed, leisurely feel to it.
E- The speaker uses the contrast between the colours “too blue” and “cool grey”. The colour “too blue” has connotations of calm, clear skies like the ones we would see during summer and warmth. The colour “cool grey” could perhaps symbolise a lack of hope or happiness suggesting an uncertainty about the future suggesting her life is becoming darker.
What is the technique and evaluation of “For miles I have been saying“?
T- word choice, italics.
E- “for miles” emphasise the distance travelled. Perhaps hints at her depression to be rid of it.
E- Italics once again highlights the vivid memories of her mother’s voice. Repeated at the end of the stanza. Mimics the sound of the train.
What is the technique and evaluation of “what like is it“?
Duffy introduces another of her mother’s phrases. Emphasising the effect her mother had on her, as well as their close bond.
What is the technique and evaluation of “The way I say things when I think“?
T- Contrast
E- Contrast - the way the speaker thinks and acts is different. Links to the idea of identity/roots/background.
E- Her mother’s words come to her when she ‘thinks’, which suggests that her inner voice is closely linked to her mother’s. This shows just how much of an effect her mother had on her development: she is still in her thought process.
What is the technique and evaluation of “Nothing is silent. Nothing is not silent“?
T- repetition, word choice.
E- Here the repetition of “nothing” connects the two short sentences. The double negative in the second implies that, what doesn’t exist in the here and now (your memories, your past) still has a voice in your head . It still has an influence.
E- The word choice “nothing” has connotations of negative feelings, loss, hesitancy and confusion. Sense the speaker realises that they do not need to be abandon roots/reluctant to forget her mother and their past.
What is the technique and evaluation of “Only tonight“?
T- Word choice
E- “only“suggests this is a singular experience. Idea that this transition/Journey is a once in a life time experience.
What is the technique and evaluation of “I am happy and sad like a child who stood at the end of summer“?
T- Simile, Contrast, symbolism.
E- Simile- Compare the speaker to a child. She compares her feelings to those of a child transitioning from childhood to adulthood to the change of seasons. It is the “end of summer” which links back to her switching the “to blue” sky for “cool grey”.
E- Theme of transition and childhood is explored here as the delight and innocence of childhood is ending.
E- Contrast – conflicting/uncertain in emotions. On the one hand she is sad to be leaving her mother behind, perhaps a sense of loss of childhood. However, there is a sense of positivity about what her future may hold.
E- Symbolism – change in seasons signals the beginning of one life and end of another.
What is the technique and evaluation of “and dipped a net in a green, erotic pond.“?
T- Classic image, juxtaposition, nostalgia and possible metaphor, erotic.
E- Classic image of a child by the frog pond, but this time it is a “ green, erotic pond”. There is a slight contradiction here as “green” has connotations of naivety while “erotic” connotes a more adult theme.
E- Juxtaposition could reflect the innocent child coming face to face with the wider world.
E- Nostalgia for the world of childhood but new world of adulthood offers unexplored possibilities.
E- Could perhaps be a metaphor for her searching through her memories from childhood but only remembering little snatches and fragments similar to casting and net and catching only small fish or insects.
E- Word choice erotic suggests the growing awareness of sensuality and sexuality.
What is the technique and evaluation of “The day and ever. The day and ever.“?
T- Repetition, italics
E- Further use of italics highlight the mother’s voice once again.
E- The repetition of the phrase immediately after the suggestion of her growing sexual awareness suggests she repeats them as some sort of comfort, like a bolstering or encouraging mantra.
E- Her mother’s phrases give her strength as she embarks upon the journey into the unknown.
