Ode on a Grayson Perry Urn by Tim Turnbull Flashcards
What is this poem about?
an urn that depicts lives and ideas ‘frozen’ in time
but updated to a modern version of society
What poem is this poem inspired by?
“Ode on a Grecian Urn” by John Keats
Who is Grayson Perry?
What does he create?
a Turner Prize winning artist known for his ceramic vases
depict modern scenes that are juxtaposed with classical nature of the vase
STRUCTURE
How many stanzas and of how many lines?
5 stanzas
10 lines
STRUCTURE
How does the structure affect create a link to the past?
through the use of the same structure as Keats’ poem
STRUCTURE
How might some readers view the structure as juxtaposing old and new ideas?
through the ‘traditional’ rigid stanza structure
yet the contemporary content
STRUCTURE
What is the rhyme scheme?
all at the start - ABAB
1,2,3 end in CDEDCE
4,5 end in CDECDE
STRUCTURE
Is the rhyme scheme similar to the Keats poem?
Yes, however Keats uses a more illogical structure and Turnbull uses a simple one
Keats 1st and 5th stanzas end the same, his 2nd one different, and his 3rd and 4th different
STRUCTURE
How might this rhyme scheme link affect readers who are aware of it and readers who are not?
readers who are aware - interpret as a representation of the changes in society over time
readers who are not aware - complex rhyme scheme showed complexity and diversity of modern society
STRUCTURE
What adds an inconsistent element to the otherwise predictable structure? What 2 things does this add to the poem?
enjambment
end stopped lines
- greater sense of diversity and freedom
- makes poem feels as if it is progressing faster (reflecting perceived faster pace of life in modern society and speed of communciation between people)
POETIC TECHNIQUES
How does the opening make set the tone?
the friendly opening of the poem sets the tone as less serious
POETIC TECHNIQUES
What is the main semantic field of the poem? What is this juxtaposed against?
stereotypical inner city and urban culture
juxtaposed against more traditional words
POETIC TECHNIQUES
What does this use of juxtaposition show?
a sense of transition
a satirical view on the lack of understanding between generations
POETIC TECHNIQUES
What is a secondary semantic field used? What does this create a sense of?
ideas of “pensioners and parents”
inter-generational and inter-class contrast
POETIC TECHNIQUES
What contrasting tones are explored throughout?
switching from the word “kids” to children” - protectiveness
last stanza - considerate
