Originally - Stanza one Flashcards
“We came from our own country in a red room”
The word choice of “we” and “our” gives a sense of belonging and collectiveness. The word “own” suggests possessiveness and reveals a sense of pride to come from a place she identifies with. She is also upset with the move. We associate the colour “red” with anger and being upset. The image “red room” is interesting as “room” reminds us of home.
“Which fell through the fields, our mother singing our fathers name to the turn of the wheels”
There is enjambment. When we think of “fell” we think of accidents and no control, suggesting that the speed of the move was sudden and it’s emotionally painful. The word choice of “singing” implies the mother is pleased and trying to reassure her children.
“My brother’s cried, one of them bawling”
The word choice of “bawling” has connotations of howling in sadness, emphasising how distressed he is. The harsh “b” sound echoes the crying.
“Home, Home”
The repetition, italics and enjambment suggests the problem. The word “Home” has connotations of identity, security and sense of belonging. This suggests they feel sad as they’re loosing the sense of belonging.
“Miles rushed back”
This emphasises the distance they travelled and the image suggests the change occurred suddenly and it is a blur.
“The city, the street, the house, the vacant rooms”
This list emphasises the scale and variety of what they have lost. Their home is gone and empty of possessions and memories.
“Where we didn’t live anymore”
This quote implies that she can’t bring herself to say home anymore so she just refers to it as the place she doesn’t live anymore. This tells us that she is struggling to accept the loss.
“I stared at the eyes of a blind toy”
If you “stare” this suggests an intense emotion and that she is struggling. We associate “toys” with innocence and fun and yet calling it “blind” makes the reader uncomfortable. The word choice of “blind” suggests the toy doesn’t know what’s going on and even in her imagination it can’t even give her comfort.
“Holding, it’s paw”
For comfort, usually a child will holds it’s parents hand but she is seeking comfort from the toy but isn’t getting any. This conveys that she is craving comfort suggesting her vulnerability.
