Last Supper Flashcards
“renounce his sweet flesh”
Biblical language used to show she is turning her back on the man. “flesh” could be used to mean a sexual relationship. “sweet” suggests she is reluctant to do so.
“not just for lent. (for
ever)”
Biblical theme continued by mentioning lent, she is not just giving him for 40 days(lent) but forever, as we are told in the parenthesis.
“But meanwhile she is assembling…,the proper feast”
Their last meal together is referred to as their “last treat”. The last supper was Jesus’ last meal before his crucifixion. Symbolic- the women is having her last meal with the man. Biblical reference- the man does not get away with what he has done just like Judas.
“(after all didn’t they always eat together rather more rather well?)”
Parenthesis and question used for an aside, showing us how well he was treated, yet her still betrayed her. “Rather more rather well” suggests that the couple had sex but it was never great.
“tearing foliage, scrambling
the salad, maybe lighting candles even, anyway
stepping back”
Violent verbs “tearing” and “scrambling” describe her food preparation, she is conveyed as being angry and preparing the meal with little care. Word choice of “anyway” suggests she does not care for the preparation. She no longer cares about the meal or the man.
“the table she’s made (and oh yes now
will have to lie on)”
Parenthesis and pun “now will have to lie on it “ coming from making your bed and lying on it or living with your choices. Adds humour to the poem.
“the silverware”
Biblical reference- silver, this links to that Judas stole silver at the Last Supper.
“the nicely al-
dente vegetables”
Enjambment allows “al-dente” to be split; perhaps now the lovers teeth are now the vegetable dish.
“the cooked goose”
Another example of a pun, meaning that he has been caught our for whatever indiscretion
“betrayal with a kiss”
Biblical reference to Judas’ kiss (you may say someone has a Judas kiss i.e they’re talking about you/betraying you)
“leftover hash”
Making something from leftover remnants of the relationship.
“very good soup
she could render from the bones”
The idea continuing the punishment after the meal is conveyed through the soup she makes from his bones. “render” squeezing every last scrap of nutrition.
“something substantial, something extra
tasty if not elegant”
The idea of moving on and finding a more “substantial” relationship.
“Yes, there they’d be cackling around the cauldron”
Alliteration of ‘c’. Harsh, witch like nature of voices.
“spitting out the gristlier bits
of his giblet”
His flaws are going to be gone through with a fine tooth comb by the women. Using plosive sounds -spitting out the gristlier bits of his giblets, this suggests violence/real anger and force.
