‘poem at thirty nine’ – Alice Walker Flashcards
what is the general over view for ‘poem at thirty nine’
A fast paced stream of thought after the death of the poets father
Explores his achievements and best qualities but also the hard times in their relationship
Poem about death but explores tones of warmth and loving
what are the Key themes in ‘poem at thirty nine’
Nostalgia
Themes of loss
what are some language points in the poem ‘poem at thirty nine’
“I wish he had not been so tired when I was born”
Monosyllabic (child like) words use to make the speaker appear innocent and vulnerable.
“bits of paper [were] a way to escape the life he knew”
He taught her financial independence and the importance of it.
“truth…did not always mean a beating”
He used corporal punishment however was a virtuous man.
“How I miss my father!”
Anaphora and exclamatory punctuation used to emphasise shift of tone.
“seasoning my life. Feed whoever”
ambiguous metaphorical meaning that her father was the reason for her success’ and her impact on others lives
What are some form points in the poem ‘poem at thirty nine’
Free verse
Enjambment – accentuate sense of remembrance
First person who reminisces
On her fathers life
Nostalgic tone
What other poems does ‘poem at thirty nine’ link to ?
‘If’ relation between father and child
‘search for my tongue ’ - Forms of identity
‘piano’, ‘do not go gentle’ and ‘remember’
- Emotions related to loved ones who have died
