Mahon: After The Titanic Flashcards
5 key quotes
“I sank as far that night as any hero”
“Life go thundering down in a pandemonium of prams, pianos, sideboards, winches, boilers bursting and shredded ragtime”
“In a lonely house behind the sea”
“Where the tide leaves broken toys and hatboxes silently at my door”
“Include me in your lamentations”
Analysis of i sank as far that night as any hero
Metaphorical expression of guilt, shame and emotional collapse. He sank into the depths of despair but also shows his self pity and lack of perspective
Analysis of “Life go thundering down in a pandemonium of prams, pianos, sideboards, winches, boilers bursting and shredded ragtime”
Alliteration: 1. explosive P echoes ferociousness of sinking ship.
Sibilance: echo the sounds of steam, water, and tearing metal, intensifying the auditory imagery
Juxtaposition: adds emotional weight, the music meant to calm or comfort is now being destroyed, just like the illusion of safety.
Enjmabment reflect chaos
Analysis of “in a lonely house behind the sea”
The sea is shielding him from the world whilst haunting him. Powerful image of removal, regret, and the psychological cost of survival.
Analysis of “Where the tide leaves broken toys and hatboxes silently at my door”
Tide is relentless and cyclical: delivering remnants of the past, sinister and ominous.
Symbol for vulnerable children and upper class women, innocent victims, constant reminder, no escaping. Their broken state reflects the destruction of lives
Analysis of “Include me in your lamentations”
Biblical reference: he feels no less traumatised or destroyed than those who died, survival does not mean escape from tragedy. Craving for compassion and redemption.
What are the main themes
Survivors guilt
Isolation and exile
Judgement and shame
Memory and trauma
What ar key stylistic features
Imagery (aural)
Symbolism
Tone
Sibilance/ sound
Enjambmant
