Poetry: Power and Conflict: The Emigrée Flashcards
What is the thesis statement for Carol Rumens’ poem “The Emigrée”?
In her first person account poem, Rumens uses “The Emigreé” to explore the idea that a place can have power over us.
What does the quotation “I am branded” in Rumens’ “The Emigrée” signify?
Metaphor; reinforces the idea that her view is unchangeable, she’s marked by it, and the memory is fixed in her brain.
How is the phrase “mutter death” used in Rumens’ “The Emigrée”?
Link to “Marriage hearse” from London
Sense of threat amplified; indicates the new city will destroy (or has destroyed) the old city and its way of life.
What is the significance of the quotation “sunlight-clear” in Rumens’ “The Emigrée”?
Metaphor; contrasts with “November”, representing dark and gloomy times. Creates a sense of foreboding but repetition throughout the poem of “sunlight” suggests the place was happy and bright.
What does the quotation “my shadow falls as evidence of sunlight” in Rumens’ “The Emigrée” suggest?
Juxtaposition; even the darkness of her shadow reminds her of the light in her hometown, indicating she will never give up her memories.
What is notable about the narrative structure in Rumens’ “The Emigrée”?
There is no progression in the narrative, demonstrating that the narrator is stuck in the past.
What are some contextual points about Carol Rumens’ life relevant to her poem “The Emigrée”?
Born in London, lived in Belfast and Wales, traveled widely in Russia and Eastern Europe, wrote mostly about foreign customs, cultures, and languages. The poem is from the 1993 collection “Thinking of Skins,” centered on political consciousness in Russia and East Europe.
