Moment 6 - Church Yard Flashcards
“sweety boy” “sweety gums” “fool”
Belittling names reflect Ruth’s opinion of Tommy as a naïve, young child.
“sweety” is subverted. Normally affectionate term, however she uses to mock and humiliate Tommy.
“You’ve got to understand…”
Ruth acting as if she needs to simplify conversation to Tommy as one might to a child. Cruel and demeaning tone. Ruth exhibits false superiority.
“Sulkily” “questioningly” “child-like” - Tommy reactions
Kathy conveys the immaturity of Tommy. Siding with Ruth - reinforced by “You’ve got to understand”. Tommy shown as innocent and meek, whereas he still faces cruelty.
“as long as…you’re doing those little creatures as a kind of joke”
“little” mocks his art. Recurring idea of art showing soul - by belittling art, she treats Tommy as child-like, inferior - low-value.
“I should have found something to say….I could have challenged Ruth”
“should” and “could” - possibilities demonstrate her remorse. Kathy views actions as particularly cruel as still debating actions and feeling regret today.
Recognizes that she missed an opportunity to speak up and share her thoughts.
“should”- sense of obligation or duty to have spoken up in that situation.
The phrase “I could have challenged Ruth”
had the ability to question Ruth but didn’t
“I had no idea…how far-reaching the repercussions would be”
Regret. So “far-reaching” can still feel effects today.
The phrase “far-reaching repercussions” emphasizes the severity and scope of the consequences. The consequences of her past choices have extended beyond her initial expectations, and this realization has likely contributed to Kathy’s sense of regret and sadness.
“my first instinct was to deny it… But there was a real authority about the way Ruth had spoken “
“I wanted to come to his defence”
The phrase “to its defense” emphasizes Kathy’s protective feelings towards the artwork and Tommy. It suggests that she sees Tommy and his work as being unfairly attacked or misunderstood, and she feels compelled to speak up in its defense. This statement also reveals Kathy’s loyalty and support for her friend Tommy, who created the artwork.
Perhaps despite attempted justification and convincing of good intentions, automatically humiliates Tommy, revealing critical opinion of Tommy. Juxtaposing what she believed her intentions were vs her real intentions.
“something dark and troubling gathering behind his eyes”
Cruelty so harmful, deprives Tommy of light and vigor behind his eyes.
The use of the word “dark” suggests that the emotions are negative or disturbing, while the word “troubling” emphasizes the severity of these emotions.
The phrase “gathering behind his eyes” suggests that the emotions are building up within the character and are becoming visible through his eyes. The use of the word “gathering” implies that these emotions are growing stronger, perhaps to the point of being overwhelming or uncontrollable.
“Kathy and I have a good laugh about you” “Kathy here finds your animals a complete hoot”
Kathy is thrown into firing line. Ruth attributes her own hatred onto Kathy, meaning Tommy’s pain is directed towards her as well.
“complete” intensifier, every aspect is non-sensical and ridiculous. Critical of Tommy and cruel to Kathy who is made to bear Ruth’s emotions
