Paul Durcan - The Difficulty that is Marraige Flashcards
Who is the poem a message to
His ex-wife Nessa while they were still together
Quote showing ups and downs of their marriage
We disagree to disagree, we divide, we differ
We disagree to disagree quote, talk about it
Alliteration of d, runs smoothly unlike their marriage
Cannot stop arguing, can’t see each others views
Although they fight their relationship is ultimately positive, having ups an downs like all relationships
Despite their differences he loves her
Questions married life
What sacrifice is he willing to make for her? Q
But I should rather live with you for ever / than exchange my troubles for a changeless kingdom
Explain the difference between earth and heaven for durcan
Earth is constantly changing, he’s faced with troubles such as his mental health issues
In heaven, nothing ch ages and he is free of worries
Explain the deal of this sacrifice to durcan
He sacrifice a life free of worries for her - TENDER
The world is a place of change and trouble but love makes the thought of leaving unbearable
He would swap an eternity of unchanging bliss for an eternity in this troubled world provided he could spend it with his wife
Durcan is suicidal yet will live forever with her even in constant mental health pain
What’s the problem with his sacrifice and eternal love
Perhaps unhealthy, he sees her having no faults, he maybe relies on her for life
How does the poem display marriage?
A realistic unflinching look at marriage that is ultimately positive
How does the poem display durcans religion?
He critiques his own religion and religion in general yet here shows a belief in heaven, the ‘changeless kingdom’
