poem anthology Flashcards
“Nothing happens until something does.”
A refrain found in “Song” by George Szirtes. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance and sticking to one’s beliefs, suggesting that significant change requires action and resilience.
“Small hands - monstrous hall.”
A juxtaposition from “Song” by George Szirtes. It illustrates how small actions can have a significant impact, linking to the theme of determination.
“Crushed” and “broken.”
Emotive language in “Song” by George Szirtes. These words highlight the vulnerability of victims of injustice and the importance of resilience.
“…with a toy gun. And a piece of me stopped then.”
A use of caesura in “The Instant of My Death.” The full stop reflects the sudden, impactful moment that stays with the speaker.
“Counted cows and gompas.”
Contrast in “The Instant of My Death.” Represents the monotony of boredom, which shifts as the speaker becomes more alert to the world around them.
“You hand over your passport.”
A direct address in “These Are the Times We Live In.” Places the reader in the situation of facing unequal power dynamics and institutional xenophobia.
“Reading you backwards from the last page.”
A metaphor in “These Are the Times We Live In.” Suggests that incomplete or prejudiced judgments miss the full complexity of a person.
“Yet with orchestras and glances, O, you betray us.”
A contrast in “The Capital.” Highlights the artificial pleasures of the city that mask deeper inequalities and injustices.
“Beckon.”
Emotive language in “The Capital.” Suggests how the city lures individuals into exploitative situations like relentless factory work.
“And tied with a wide ribbon, whose loops and bows were equal.”
Imagery and metaphor in “Plaits” by Elizabeth Smither. Symbolizes unity, diversity, and how differences can come together harmoniously.
“The fence-posts whizzed along wires like days that fly too fast.”
An extended metaphor in “The Road.” Reflects the fleeting nature of time and the speaker’s desire to slow down life’s uncontrollable pace.
“The bus seems to change direction.”
Represents uncertainty and ambiguity in “The Bus.” Reflects life’s unpredictable journey.
“You don’t step inside the old man’s head.”
A metaphor in “The Bus.” Highlights social division and disconnection in Indian society.
“Strangulation, fight, losing and battle.”
A semantic field of conflict in “At the Bus Station.” Emphasizes the stress and struggle of life in a competitive world.
“Peace is apparent still on hearth and field.”
Juxtaposition in “The Enemies.” Contrasts the outward calm with the underlying emotional turmoil in the community.
