living space form, structure and language Flashcards
describe the form of the poem
The IRREGULAR FORM using stanzas and lines of DIFFERENT LENGTHS, mirroring the sense of CHAOS and IRREGULARITY in the building the speaker describes. The lack of regular rhyme and rhythm and the ENJAMBMENT across lines and stanzas emphasise the DISORDER of the place. The final two stanzas are ONE LONG SENTENCE — there’s a growing sense of WONDER.
describe the structure of the poem
The poem is split into TWO PARTS. It opens with a DESCRIPTION of an unstable building. In the second and third stanzas, the MOOD SHIFTS slightly and the speaker begins to hint that there is OPTIMISM for the future despite the DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES.
describe the language of disorder in the poem
The building’s CHAOS is shown through words which suggest INSTABILITY. For example, verbs like ‘clutch’ emphasise the DANGER of the structure, but also make it seem ALIVE
describe the use of symbolism in the poem
The EGGS in the poem symbolise FAITH — the decision to place them outside requires the same sort of COURAGE and TRUST as taking a leap of faith. However, the eggs are ‘fragile’, which could suggest that faith can be ‘broken’ too. Eggs are often used to symbolise NEW LIFE, which hints that the inhabitants have faith that the FUTURE (or possibly the lives of their children) might be BETTER.
describe how light and dark is presented throughout the poem
The ‘white’ eggs STAND OUT against the ‘dark edge’ which could represent the DANGEROUS nature of the living conditions. The colour WHITE is often associated with INNOCENCE — neither the EGGS nor the INHABITANTS are to blame for the PRECARIOUS situation they find themselves in.
