poem quotes

Question 1

(Poem: Key) “stands transfixed watching water trickle past her toes”

Answer 1

(Technique: Metaphor)
- Persona’s sense of helplessness/inability to control “storm” symbolizes lack of personal agency experienced by Indigenous peoples since colonialism, highlighting struggle for control over their own destiny

Question 2

(Poem: Key) “a girl and her grandmother sit in contrast”

Answer 2

(Technique: Article switch) -
- Transformation of “the” girl into “a” girl signifies shift from personal to communal experiences, highlighting trauma caused by Stolen Generations

Question 3

(Poem: Oombulgarri) “The town is empty now, as empty as the promises, that once held it together”

Answer 3

(Technique: Repetition, motif)
- Repetition of “empty” strengthens theme.
- Metaphor highlights emptiness of village, contrasting it with promises made to locals due to deceptive government initiatives

Question 4

(Poem: Oombulgarri) “broken, even the creak of the gate is silent”

Answer 4

(Technique: Aural imagery, Contrast)
- Town’s silence/aural imagery suggests desertion, its inhabitants/cultural connection being eroded

Question 5

(Poem: Eyes) “The eyes of terror she has thrown away, the eyes of submission are blinded now, she avoids the eyes of shame”

Answer 5

(Technique: Repetition, emotive language)
- Character’s experiences with abuse/trauma are portrayed through use of “eyes” & expressive language, reminiscent of brutality and intentional erasure of Australia’s Aboriginal population by colonialism.
- Emotional connection allows for strong understanding of struggles faced by character & her cultural group

Question 6

(Poem: Eyes) Entire poem

Answer 6

(Technique: Poetic voice)
- Eckermann’s literary work explores complex identity of Aboriginal people, highlighting ongoing trauma they endure & negative impact it has on their identity, challenging conventional notions of Aboriginality & highlighting ongoing struggle for identity

Question 7

(Poems: Leaves) Entire poem

Answer 7

(Technique: Extended metaphor)
- Indigenous cultures have evolved due to forced removal of children through the Stolen Generations, causing cultural disruption.
- References to nature’s changing state also relate to persona’s changing identity due to multiple family losses

Question 8

(Poems: Leaves) Tree and Leaves

Answer 8

(Technique: Symbolism)
- “Leaves” features a family tree with interwoven leaves, symbolizing interconnected families & deep historical roots.
- Tree & leaves symbolize a strong bond with nature, integral to Indigenous people’s identities & traditions.
- Word “leaves” could refer to act of “leaving,” related to Stolen Generations, where forced removal from homes & families caused Indigenous people to lose connection to language, identity, & culture.