My Rival's House Flashcards
“cushions so stiff you can’t sink in”
speaker is visiting the home of her partner’s mother, but feels unwelcome/uncomfortable
“I am all edges, a surface, a shell”
speaker is visiting the home of her partners mother but feels uncomfortable/unwelcome
“capped tooth, polished nail”
Mother is well-groomed and house is immaculate but appearances are deceptive
“won’t let the surface colour fade”
Mother is well-groomed and house is immaculate, but appearances are deceptive.
“Deferential, daughterly, I sip/ and thank her nicely for each bitter cup”
speaker hides her feelings about the mother
“Lady of the house./Queen bee.”
mother is in control; the rest of the family is passive
“this family that furnishes my rival’s place”
mother is in control; the rest of the family is passive
“she glosses over him and me.”
speaker feels that the mother does not approve of relationship
“will fight, fight foul for her survival”
speaker feels that the mother has the advantage in competing for her son’s affections, and is determined not to lose him.
“She won’t/ give up.”
speaker feels that the mother has the advantage in competing for her son’s affections, and is determined not to lose him.
