Letters from Yorkshire – Maura Dooley:

Question 1

Context:

Answer 1

She lived in Yorkshire for a few years.

Question 2

Summary:

Answer 2

The narrator reflects on their different ways she and the man lead their lives, and wonders if his is more fulfilling because he’s closer to nature. She feels as though he lives in a different world, but through writing to him she feels connected to him and his way of life.

Question 3

Form:

Answer 3

The poem is written in free verse – making it flow like natural speech or a letter. Enjambment allows lines and stanzas to flow – reflecting the way seasons are constantly changing. The use of three line stanzas makes the poem look disjointed – mirroring how the narrator feels disconnected with the man

Question 4

Structure:

Answer 4

The first three stanzas show how she and the man lead different lives whereas despite this, they are shown to have a deep connection in the final two.

Question 5

Physical verbs:

Answer 5

Active verbs show the man’s work – they are ordinary but satisfying and connect him to nature.

Question 6

Contrasts:

Answer 6

He sees her life as ordinary, but she romanticises it and sees her own life as ordinary. Alliteration shows how her life ‘headlines’ is more artificial to his, with ‘seeing the seasons.’

Question 7

Language about Communication:

Answer 7

It bridges the distance between them and emphasises the things they have in common. Figurative language suggests that their connection is almost spiritual.

Question 8

Themes:

Answer 8

Appreciation – She values his closeness to nature and how he experiences things she doesn’t in her everyday life.

Connection – They are close – he writes to her about the little things that happen in his life that are important.

Longing – She sees his lifestyle as romantic and fulfilling

Question 9

Compare to:

Answer 9

Compare to: Follower, Sonnet 29 and Eden Rock.