Material by Ros Barber Flashcards
STRUCTURE
What is this poem about?
It is fundamentally about the poets childhood with her mother; she notes how present her mother was by the symbolism of the hanky.
She notes how the role of the mother has changed as society had got more materialistic
she wishes she was more present in her own children’s lives.
long term possessions seem significant in a world of materialism today
STRUCTURE
What is the basic structure of the stanzas?
8 lines
regular strong structure
STRUCTURE
Why is the 6th stanza an exception to the rest of the poem? What is the significance of this?
it has 9 lines instead of 8
it also has enjambment across the lines
significance:
marks tonal shift
more sadness-tinged nostalgia
STRUCTURE
What does each stanza end with? What can this be interpreted to mean?
an end-stopped line
could represent:
traditional structure of society/world in times gone by
e.g. the break in this could show a trasnition
STRUCTURE
How else does the structure shift the tone? What tone does the poem shift to?
the final 3 stanzas begin with 1 line sentences (with end stop)
consideration and reflective tone
STRUCTURE
How does Barber use the visual form of the poem? How is this an effective technique?
she used italics to show names and phrases said by others
effective technique:
acts as a visual reference for the reader
remember message of poem more successfully
STRUCTURE
What rhyme scheme is used? What does this represent?
half rhymes
e.g. cloths and shops
represents:
- uncertainty
- informality of poetry in the modern day
STRUCTURE
However, what rhyme scheme does the 2nd stanza have? What does this represent?
strict alternate line rhyme
e.g. lace, face and there, squares
although some things have changed, there are still some similarities
STRUCTURE
Where is repetition used? What does it stand for?
“step-together, step-together, step-together”
Stanza 6
stands for:
this structure shows the formality in the old days
POETIC TECHNIQUES
Where is symbolism used? What can it be interpreted to mean?
the handkerchief
can mean:
the many ideas and features of a past time in the poet’s childhood with their mother
POETIC TECHNIQUES
What effect does the use of symbolism have on the reader?
the reader can associate their own experiences
makes it, on the whole, much more memorable
POETIC TECHNIQUES
What does the contraction of words bring to the poem? What effect does this have?
brings a sentimental tone
e.g. “cardi”
effect:
brings more natural speech and rhythm
so sounds more story-like, and personal
POETIC TECHNIQUES
What does the heavy use of pronouns emphasise?
personal connections and ideas
POETIC TECHNIQUES
What type of references does Barber use? What effect does this have?
descriptive references
makes the reader feel like they almost are that person
e.g. through empathy
POETIC TECHNIQUES
What is Barber’s aim?
to show how consumable the world has become
