Poem at thirty nine Flashcards
Q: What is the main theme of Poem at Thirty-Nine?
A: The poem explores themes of nostalgia, parental relationships, loss, love, and personal growth, focusing on the poet’s memories of her father.
Q: How does the poet use structure to convey emotions?
A: The poem is written in free verse, reflecting the natural flow of memory and emotion, with short stanzas emphasizing key moments and thoughts.
Q: How does Walker express regret in the poem?
A: The line “How I miss my father” conveys a sense of deep longing and sadness, showing the poet’s wish for more time with him.
Q: How does the phrase “I wish he had not been so tired when I was born” affect the reader?
A: It suggests a sense of guilt and regret, as the speaker acknowledges her father’s struggles and exhaustion, which may have affected their relationship.
Q: How does the poet describe her father’s teachings?
A: She recalls both his discipline and wisdom, stating, “He taught me how”, indicating his lasting influence on her life.
Q: What is the significance of financial imagery in the poem?
A: The father’s lessons on money management, seen in “he taught me how to deposit checks and write checks I had to sign”, symbolize his practical and responsible nature.
Q: How does Walker shift from regret to appreciation?
A: The poem transitions from mourning his absence to celebrating his influence, as seen in “He cooked like a person dancing”, showing warmth and admiration.
Q: How does the imagery of cooking function in the poem?
A: The metaphor “He cooked like a person dancing” presents the father as joyful and creative, highlighting the positive aspects of their relationship.
Q: How does Walker portray personal growth in the poem?
A: She acknowledges how her father’s lessons have shaped her, stating, “Now I look and cook just like him”, showing his lasting impact on her identity.
Q: What role does memory play in the poem?
A: The poem is structured as a reflection, showing how past experiences with her father continue to influence the speaker’s present life.
Q: How does Poem at Thirty-Nine compare to Piano?
A: Both explore childhood memories and parental relationships, but Piano focuses on nostalgia and longing, while Poem at Thirty-Nine balances regret with appreciation.
