Material Flashcards
Summary of poem
-poet’s experience growing up, hasn’t just lost mother but entire generation
-wants a less consumerism driven society
-her children will never have the same experiences she did
Themes
Identity, family, change, society
Structure
-6 stanzas, 8 lines in each
-each stanza ends with a full stop = makes a statement of separate self-contained reflection of memory
-occasion half rhyme to emphasise doubt
-iambic pentameter = sense of pacing + chaotic and occasional lack of order
Significance of title
Connects speaker with mother + material for hanky
“When hanky meant a thing of cloth, not paper tissues bought in packs.”
Evolution of society where there are changing norms
“,always,”
Caesura = mother was a constant support in her life = reinforces importance
“Cardi”
-colloquialism = shows age + difference in society + nostalgic and happy memory
“She had a farm up there”
Personification = humorous effect, her mother supported everyone
“She bought her own; I never did”
Caesura = contrast shows the difference between them = separation
“Got male ones : serious and grey and larger, like they had more snot”
Simile + stereotypical gender roles
“You’d never find today in malls”
Society has changed to only be practical + increase in consumerism
“Step-together, step together, step together”
Anaphora/repetition = emphasises close community
“Scratchy and disposable”
Criticism of modern society
What does the caesura at the end of the poem suggest?
Uncertainty, the speaker is not sure what to say
