[POEM] The Captain Of The 1964 Top Of The Form Team Flashcards
How is the audience positioned to respond to Nostalgia as an idea in this poem?
What can we compare this to?
The Audience is positioned to wince at the “Captain”’s recounts of such glorified, self-indulgent days that he now wishes he could get back, rather than sympathize. The repetition of the possessive pronoun “my” foregrounds the idea of a self-centered life with little external interests, alluding to societal conventions of narcissism.
We can compare to “Nostalgia”, in that nostalgia here is portrayed similarly for the following: a character construct of Duffy’s (Captain/Mercenary) wishes to regain the past, and indulge in it. But differs in that the audience in “Nostalgia” are positioned to sympathies, and take emotionally what’s experienced by the Mercenaries in the poem.
Spot the possessive pronouns in the poem and count them.
Then develop a point saying why they’re significant
In TCOT1964TOTFT, the narcissistic side of nostalgia is prominent. It’s foregrounded through the repetition of the possessive pronoun “my”. Duffy’s commentary implies that the Captain is only interested in events that concern himself, and the ideas that are embedded concern romantics - “My name was in red in Lucille Green’s jotter” and patriotism “My country” X2.
What does the poem entail?
When does it turn BAD for the captain (what stanza)?
The Captain recalls the glory years of his youth in the 60s. He recalls his life like a quiz. The Captain has all the answers and his life is exciting: he feels entitled and dominant.
Later in life, he seems disappointed (4th stanza) by those around him - and seems oblivious to sinister traces of an oppressive decade.
What themes are most prominent?
Homosexuality/Mysogyny, Romantics, Power, Nostalgia, Patriotism, Pop Culture, 1960s Politics.
Where is misogyny and homosexuality (homophobic commentary) present in the poem?
What’s the effect of this language?
Subtle misogyny conveyed through representations “Dyke Hill” - an unpleasant slur for Gay people ; “Convent girls” - creepy: someone brought up strictly - ideas of exploitation of their innocence?!?!!`. These references form in rapid succession, , like a montage of cultural/personal memories and give the poem its breathtaking speed.
How are dynamic verbs utilised?
What’s the effect of them?
Dynamic verbs: pattern of them - used to describe the pace of his childhood- in which he “sped, whooped, saluting, mounted and stamped” - All forceful and powerful actions conveying how dynamic and lively he was as a young man.
Fast paced - could imply the enjoyable aspect of his childhood that led to it going past so quickly? He didn’t savor the moments.
How are dynamic verbs utilised?
What’s the effect of them?
Dynamic verbs: pattern of them - used to describe the pace of his childhood- in which he “sped, whooped, saluting, mounted and stamped” - All forceful and powerful actions conveying how dynamic and lively he was as a young man.
Fast paced - could imply the enjoyable aspect of his childhood that led to it going past so quickly? He didn’t savor the moments.
