Relationships in cozy apologia Flashcards
Thesis Statement
Rita Dove uses her poem Cozy Apologia*as a vehicle to celebrate the quiet depth of lasting love and the significance of ordinary moments. Drawing on her relationship with her husband, Fred, she reflects on the beauty of their simple connection, while her time during Hurricane Floyd deepens her appreciation for life’s subtleties.
Topic statement - Para 1
The poem begins with an idealised depiction of Dove’s relationship with Fred, presenting him as a source of strength, inspiration and comfort.
Quote 1 - “I could pick anything..”
“I could pick anything and think of you. This lamp, the wind-still rain”
-Opening lines depict Fred’s constant presence in Dove’s thoughts, suggesting their relationship pervades her everyday life
- ordinary objects symbolise the depth of their bond
Second quote - “i could choose any
“i could choose any hero, any cause or age”
- Comparing Fred to a hero emphasises his idealised role in Dove’s life, imagery of shooting arrows conveys intensity of their connection
“there you’ll be with furrowed brow, chain mail glinting to set me free”
Knightly imagery casts Fred as a chivalrous figure, highlighting his protective and steadfast qualities . Elevated imagery establishes a romanticised tone, reflecting admiration
thesis statement 2
In the middle of the poem, dove contrasts her enduring love with Fred against the shallow and chaotic nature of past relationships, using shutout and self-awareness to critique her teenage infatuations.
quote - 4 “Big Bad Floyd”
“big bad floyd, who brings a host of day dreams: awkward reminiscences”
- caesura mirrors how the hurricane disrupts the narrator’s thoughts
-hurricane floyd symbolises chaos paralleling the instability of past relationships
Quote 5 - “of teenage crushes on worthless boys”
“of teenage crushes on worthless boys, whose only talent was to kiss you senseless”
The dismissive tone highlights the lack of emotional depth in her past infatuations, sharply contrasting them with her mature relationship with Fred.
“They all had sissy names
“—Marcel, Percy, Dewey; / Were thin as licorice and as chewy, The simile comparing these boys to licorice emphasizes their superficiality, suggesting that their charm was fleeting and lacked substance.
topic statement 3
The poem concludes with a grounded and sincere appreciation for the quiet, enduring nature of Dove’s love for Fred, celebrating their happiness despite its ordinariness.
Quote 7
“We’re content, but fall short of the Divine.”Acknowledging imperfection, Dove frames contentment as a realistic and fulfilling form of love, countering grandiose ideals.
quote 8 who’s satisfied. simply with what’s good for us
Who’s satisfied simply with what’s good for us?”The rhetorical question critiques societal expectations for extraordinary love, emphasizing the value of their humble, authentic connection.
I fill this stolen time with you.”
The “stolen time” caused by Hurricane Floyd underscores the joy Dove finds in Fred’s presence, portraying their relationship as a source of solace amidst life’s challenges.
